Mel R.
Yelp
Genre : Museum meets This Old House. This was a pretty fascinating tour that literally changed my view of Macon and its history.
Feel : Since not all of the seven levels are available for tour year-round, we were actually only taken through the basement, first, and second floors. The basement did have more of a museum feel - there were some renovations being done, and there were information boards on the wall; plus, this is where gifts were sold - but the first floor felt very much like a house that is just not occupied year-round, but still lived in. The second floor felt much more old and less well-preserved. Indeed, there was peeling paint and missing tiles. Hardly a put-off, though, it actually made the house much more interesting & left something to the imagination. You get the feeling that the rest of the floors are equally or even less "home-y".
Tour : The tour guide was very knowledgable and actually pretty funny. In fact, he was super-kind, offering us a shorter, private version of the tour since we'd come in without knowing that they start on the hour. Just so you know, they start on the hour. There are so many interesting things to see and tidbits of information to glean. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you try to go on a sunny afternoon so you can fully experience those beautiful stained-glass windows. Regardless, this was one of the most technologically advanced houses of its time; if you appreciate history at all, you'll enjoy taking the walk through this house.
Price : I read the review that said this wasn't worth the price, and it nearly made jump out of my seat and yell at my computer. This tour is variably priced (children 6 and under are free) and under $10. There is honestly little room for disappointment.
Kids : There's plenty to look at. If your child under the age of 6 is anything less than a wallo-bouncer, you should be fine. There's plenty to look at, and chances are that they won't break anything.
Bottom Line : Go. The tour is interesting, and once you're done, you realize that you're in a pretty interesting part of the city. Personally, it prompted me to take a drive around and enjoy the other old buildings in the area; not to mention that Mercer University Law School is right across the street. Information is here : http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/hayhouse/ : including a number to call for reservations on the 'Behind The Scenes' tour, where you'll see the entire house (I know I'd like to). Enjoy!