April/May 2026 | maconmagazine.com 99
NewTown Macon is an independent
nonprofit, making Downtown Macon
safe, beautiful, fun, affordable, and
locally led. Their comprehensive
approach to downtown development
has resulted in 83% storefront
occupancy, 89% loft occupancy, and
1M+ annual event attendance.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT
DAY IN MACON.
I have out-of-town friends visiting, and
I get to show off our city. We would go
out to breakfast or brunch downtown
and visit local shops. A late lunch
would be in order and then a visit to the
Ocmulgee Mounds or Amerson Park.
The evening would include live theater
or music and an outing for coffee or
ice cream.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR BEAR'S BOOKS?
I would like to build a stronger online
presence by adding an online store.
Hosting more author events is always
a goal. I want to be consistent with
what we do well and grow in a
sustainable fashion.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D
LIKE TO SAY ABOUT OWNING YOUR
OWN BUSINESS HERE, READING,
ANYTHING AT ALL?
I really just like to express gratitude for
NewTown Macon and the downtown
community in general for being so
supportive of people taking the risk and
pursuing a passion like this, because it
is not easy. I do think local businesses
enrich the community, the diversity and
just the investment in the people, and
that's really what it's all about.
While I know this won't always be the
case, right now, we're in the thick of it.
With that said, I still wouldn't change it,
nor would I necessarily recommend it.
Running two businesses as a couple is
not for the faint of heart.
Want to build up Downtown Macon
yourself? Go to newtownmacon.com to sign
up for business resources today.
