Columbus CVB Blog

We've got all sorts of summer fun happening this weekend in Columbus, GA.  To make planning your free time a little easier, here's a list of just a few of the things going on.  Don't forget to check the Community Calendar  for lots more ideas on fun stuff to do.

Everybody loves going to the movie, but here’s a way to put a spin on it!  Callaway Gardens  is doing one of their "Movie on the Beach" events this Friday night and they’ll be showing…get the tissue ready…Blind Side,  which is the award-winning story that depicts the life of a homeless youngster from a broken home, taken in by a family who help him fulfill his potential. They’re putting up a big 35-foot wide screen and even surround sound!  All you have to do is bring your beach towel or chair and plop down in the sand at Robin Lake Beach to watch the movie under the stars!  And if you want to head up a little earlier, the FSU Flying High Circus will be putting on a special show at 8:00pm.  The movie is rated PG-13 and should crank up as soon as it gets dark, about 9:15pm.  Admission after 6:00pm is $9 for adults and $4.50 for ages 6-12, ages 5 and under get in free.  (800.CALLAWAY)

If you’re still living in the world where you think comic books are just for kids, wait until you see what they have in store for you at the Columbus Comic Book Show this Sunday (Aug 1) at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center  (701 Front Ave)!  The business of comic books is huge…not long ago I remember reading where the 1938 edition of Action Comics that featured Superman’s debut sold at auction for $1.5 million!  In 1938, it cost 10 cents!  The lobby of the Space Science Center will be packed with vendors selling comics, toys, action figures, games and more…plus there will be characters in costume, all sorts of exhibits, and movies in the Omnisphere Theatre.  Make sure you try out some of the flight simulators and see what it’s like to fly a fighter jet or land the space shuttle.  I try these every time I go there and still manage to crash and burn each time!!  All the action takes place from 11:00am-4:00pm and admission is only $4.  (706.649.1477)

Here’s another way to venture out to the great outdoors for some fun with the kids at Family Day at Butts Mill Farm  in Pine Mountain, GA.  If you’ve never been to Butts Mill Farm, you’re in for a treat because it’s a really unique and fun family park. It’s an 80 acre restored farm in a historic grist mill setting that’s been in existence since the 1830’s but you won’t believe all the stuff you’ll find there…of course there are things like a petting zoo, pony rides, trail rides on horseback, a fishing pond, but there are a few things you probably wouldn’t have seen back in the 1830’s like a go-cart track, a miniature golf course, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and even an inner tube float!  You can plan on it taking at the very least 3-4 hours to see and do everything, so make a day of it!  This is a great day to go and take advantage of the special admission...it's only $10 per person or $35 for the whole family!  (706.653.7400)

It’s no secret that there are tons of talented artists who live in this area and we have a chance to see the evidence at the 51st Annual Columbus Artist Guild  Member Exhibit going on now thru Aug 7.  In fact, this is the only time all year you have a chance to see all of the member’s best work on display and you can expect to see about 100 pieces.  This is also a good chance to take a peek inside CSU’s Illges Galler, which is in the Corn Center for the Performing Arts on the Riverfront Campus of the university (at Dillingham Street and Front Avenue).  It’s a beautiful facility and a great place to showcase all this talent…plus they keep it really cool for all the art!  Most of the works, and there’s lots of different mediums, will be for sale and they will also be up for several awards.  Admission is free.  (706..327.1344)

You can go to play or just to soak up some sun and watch the fun of Co-Ed Sand Volleyball  in Lakebottom Park (south end of the park) Sunday beginning at 1:00pm.  Might want to take some water along with you!  (706.393.8181)

And don’t forget to grab your shopping bag and head to Market Days on Broadway  this Saturday from 9:00am-12:00noon.  They always have a great selection of fresh produce and flowers, fresh baked goods, art and all sorts of handcrafted items.  Make sure you look for my buddy and co-worker Sid who sells homemade boiled peanuts, but get there early because he always sells out!  1000 block of Broadway  (706.596.0111) 

That's enough to get you started thinking about some weekend plans, just remember to hook up with the Community Calendar  to find out even more.

Now, go have some fun!

shelby

Yeah, it's hot, but never too hot to get out and have a little weekend fun!  We've compiled a quick list of just a few of the things going on this weekend in and around Columbus, GA.  Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar  to get a full listing of all the events taking place.

It may not officially be the dog-days of Summer, but that’s what they’re calling it over at The Rock Ranch!  If you aren’t familiar with The Rock Ranch, it’s a 1250-acre working cattle farm owned by Chik-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy and it’s sole purpose is to unite families with the land and each other…and having lots of fun doing it!  Here’s some of the stuff they’ll have going on Saturday (July 24  10:00am-5:00pm) during the Dog Day of Summer:  World Championship Frisbee Dog Team-Georgia Irish Disc Dogs, pet parade and doggy costume contest facilitated by Dolly Goodpuppy, train rides, pony rides, paddle boats, giant jumping pillow, petting zoo, hay rides, slide hill, a cow milking station and more.  Take a picnic with you or enjoy some of their concessions...including a spot where you can build your own sno-cone from 30 different flavors! You can even bring your dog, just make sure to keep him on a leash.  The Rock Ranch is located in The Rock, GA...yes, there's really a town called The Rock and it's located near Thomaston.  Admission is only $8 per person and ages 3 & under get in free.  (706.647.6374)  www.therockranch.com 

So if it’s just too hot for you to get outside and do anything or if have a long weekend coming up at the beach or by the pool, you may want to stock up on some good reading material and here’s the perfect spot to do just that!  It’s the Muscogee County Friends of Libraries Biannual Book Sale at the Columbus Public Library (3000 Macon Road).  They’ll have just about anything you can imagine…children’s books, non-fiction, fiction, biographies…something for everyone.  And not only will you have a great selection of books at killer prices, you’re also helping the Friends of Libraries with their programs, author events, volunteer activities and lots more.  It's going on Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday from 2:00-4:00pm and there's no admission.  (706.243.2674)  http://thecolumbuslibrary.org 

We’ve talked before about some of the cool concerts and jazz jams the Columbus Jazz Society does the 2nd Sunday of each month.  Even though this isn’t the 2nd Sunday, they’ve got a special event happening at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th Ave) Saturday night (7:00pm) called “An Evening with Kathy Roberts.”  This is actually a fund-raiser to help the Jazz Society bring in all the top-notch acts to Columbus.  I haven’t seen Ms. Roberts perform but just mentioning her name to a couple of folks…they got all excited & said she is an incredible talent and puts on an unbelievable show.  She’s originally from Philadelphia & has a background in drama, voice and dance, which when you bundle all that talent together, you know you’re in for an entertaining show!  Just ask a guy she used to perform with…Stevie Wonder!!!  Admission is $20 but don't forget this is a fundraiser!  (706.687.9148)  columbusjazzsociety.com 

Don’t forget—the last couple of performances of the Springer’s production of “Madeline and the Gypsies” take place this weekend! (Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm) If you have kids in the house, they’ll love this. Madeline is one of 12 little girls that live in a house in Paris and she’s the most mischievous of the girls and when they take a trip to the carnival, she and her friend, Pepito, get lost and end up being carried away by gypsies and they become part of the traveling circus! This production of Madeline and the Gypsies is a musical full of songs, dancing, circus acts and sweet silliness. This is the perfect way to spend a hot summer night or afternoon with your family…inside a cool, air-conditioned theatre.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.  (706.327.3688)  www.springeroperahouse.org 

And there's great music down by the river this Saturday night at the Phenix City Amphitheatre as they welcome Chuck Negron, former lead singer of Three Dog Night.  Remember "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog," "One is the Loneliest Number," and "Just an Old Fashioned Love Song?"  He'll be doing all these hits and lots more!  Lawn chairs and blanket are allowed, but coolers are not.  Admission is $10, ages 10 & under get in free.  (334.291.4719)

Just dress cool and drink lots of water when you're out and about this weekend! 

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

Looking for something to get into this weekend?  You came to the right place!  Here's a quick rundown of just a few of the things happening and don't forget to peruse the Community Calendar  to find out even more fun stuff to do.

It’s time again for the Denim, Diamonds, & Black Tie Gala at the Columbus Civic Center on Saturday, July 17 beginning at 8:00pm.  This is an event that benefits Columbus Hospice and Columbus Hospice of Alabama. Country music star Blake Shelton will be headlining this year’s gala and will be joined by “The Rat Pack” of country music, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt and Richie McDonald. Some of Blake Shelton’s hit songs are “Some Beach,” “Austin,” “Ol’ Red” and “Hillbilly Bone.” Between him and “The Rat Pack,” you are in for an evening of some seriously good country music. Tickets are $27.50 and $37.50, but the day of the show only, military can buy upper level tickets for $12.50. It’s the perfect opportunity to have a night out on the town while supporting a great cause.   (706.653.4460)  columbushospice.com 

Here's a great way to escape the heat and even the kids will enjoy this one!  Madeline is one of 12 little girls that live in a house in Paris. Madeline is the most mischievous of the girls and when they take a trip to the carnival, she and her friend, Pepito, get lost and end up being carried away by gypsies. This is when the excitement and adventure begins, as they become part of the traveling circus. This production of Madeline and the Gypsies is a musical full of songs, dancing, circus acts and sweet silliness. The performers are from the company class of the Springer Academy and they are all seniors or have just graduated. These students are very talented and put on a great show! This is the perfect way to spend a hot summer night or afternoon with your family…inside a cool, air-conditioned theatre. Visit the Springer Box Office or call to get tickets.  Performances will be held Friday (July 16) at 7:00pm and Saturday (July 17) at 2:00pm and 7:00pm.  Tickets are $7 for kids and $10 for adults.  (706.327.3688)  www.springeroperahouse.org 

Scheduled for July 16 & 17, it’s an enjoyable time for the whole family at the 2nd Annual Plains Pig Pickin' in Plains, GA. On Friday night, there’s a street dance from 9 PM to midnight and the cooking begins that night too.  Different events will be taking place all day on Saturday.  (229) 942.1711.

Need a little comedy in your life?  Then you might want to head for an event called “Laughter for the Soul” at CSU's Cunningham Center on Friday, July 16.  This comedy/dinner event stars Vyck Cooley and Willie Brown & Woody.  They'll even be serving heavy appetizers and cold beverages. Doors open at 6:30pm for food, show time at 7:30pm. Tickets are only $30 for a night of fun, food, and lots of laughs. Call 706.992.6606 for more information.

This past June, the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission held its 4th Annual Tour of Gardens where artists from the Joseph House Art Gallery were in the gardens for En Plein Air Painting of the gardens, which means the artists were painting the gardens as they sat there in the open air. This Sunday, you will have the opportunity to not only see the finished works of art, but to purchase them as well. From 2:00 to 5:00pm on Sunday, July 18, you are invited to the Joseph House on Broadway to take a look at these fantastic pieces and maybe even take one home to fill that empty space over your mantel. A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will go to the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission for environmental educational outreach programs.  Admission is free.  (706.653.4008)  josephhouseartgallery.com 

Nothing says summer in the South like sitting outside on a blanket under the trees listening to live music…and this Sunday (July 18) is your chance to do just that. The Bob Barr Community Band puts on a lot of shows in our city, and most of them are free...how cool is that!? This Sunday, at the Lakebottom Park Band Shell, the Bob Barr Band is back to offer a free show of marches and concert pieces before taking a summer break from rehearsals. They invite everyone to join them in the park on Sunday at 3:00pm with your blankets, chairs, and coolers and enjoy a wonderful afternoon full of wonderful music. It’s your last chance to hear this fantastic band before they take a little break so mark your calendars now and go find a battery operated fan!  (706.563.4748)  bobbarrband.artshost.com 

Hopefully this info will get you in the weekend mood...like you need help with that...so start making some plans now.  If you need more ideas or want to get additional details on these events, check out www.columbusgacalendar.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

Most people want to get in shape and be healthy but the thought of going to a gym is intimidating or just sounds plain boring. Fitness should be fun and there are so many places and ways to have fun while getting in shape. The Chattahoochee RiverWalk is the perfect place to start riding a bike again. It's a relatively flat surface so it's perfect if you're just starting out but it's over 15 miles long so you can continue to advance as your get more comfortable. Also within 30 miles of Columbus you have some great and beautiful hiking trails in Pine Mountain and Gardens. You can also head south and explore Providence Canyon for a couple of hours. Working out doesn't have to be something you dread, in fact it should be something you look forward to. With all these options and many more right at your fingertips, you'll be having a blast and burning those calories in no time!

This summer has flown by and school will be starting back up again in just a few weeks. If you've been wanting to have some fun with your kids before they go back to school but haven't had time or maybe the pool seemed too enticing to pass up, you still  have a chance to get in some quality time with them. Columbus has so many kid-friendly attractions where they'll have a blast and learn something too. The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus , The Columbus Museum , The National Infantry Museum , Oxbow Meadows  and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center  are all examples of places that have exhibits or programs or activities geared towards kids. So put the kiddos in the car and head out to explore Columbus before that school bell starts ringing.

What's going on this weekend?  Glad you asked because there's a lot to get out and do!  Here are a few ideas to get you started but don't forget to visit the Community Calendar  to get a complete list of events taking place.

Hopefully you had a great 4th of July celebration with family & friends, but hey, the party isn’t over yet!  You have a chance to live it all over again at Callaway Gardens this Friday (July 9) with a night of FREE fun and fireworks!  Now, Callaway always has one of the biggest celebrations in the area for July 4th, but this year they had a technical problem with the electrical system that kept some of the fireworks from launching & that’s not how they do things at Callaway Gardens.  This is a 1st class organization and since this show did not live up to their standards, they want to invite everyone back for another of fun with music on the beach, a circus performance and fireworks.  So grab your beach towel and pack a picnic and head to Callaway to kick off your weekend.  Gates will open for this free event at 5:00pm and the fireworks are scheduled to launch about 9:30pm.  Callaway Gardens is located in Pine Mountain, GA.  (800.CALLAWAY)  www.callawaygardens.com 

Here are a couple of cool things happening at Lakebottom Park you might like to check out…especially if you’re in the mood to get out and play!  First up, Beyond the Game Sport & Social Club is introducing Co-Ed Sand Volleyball starting up this Sunday (1:00pm).  You can enter a team of up to 7 people or you can sign up as an individual (check website for details).  If you’d like something a bit more laid back but still a good workout, you can take FREE T’ai Chi classes at the park on Mondays and Wednesday nights (6;30pm)!  What a great setting for this activity and it’s open to anyone who wants to learn this discipline.  Instructors do ask that parents accompany children and make sure you wear loose-fitting clothing!  If you want more details about volleyball, check out their website at www.btgsports.net  and for more T'ai Chi info, you can call (706) 662.8795.

I ran into a young lady earlier this week who was out doing final errands for her wedding this Saturday and while she’s excited about the actual ceremony, she's really looking forward to getting to her honeymoon destination so she can plop down on the beach and rest from all the preparation for this event!  It’s amazing all the details, big and small, you have take care of to produce the wedding of your dreams, but not to worry, if there’s one in your near future, check out the Wedding Extravaganza at the Trade Center (Front Ave) this Sunday (July 11) beginning at 12:30pm.  There’s a big fashion show planned and tons of exhibits and experts on hand to give you ideas on everything from entertainment to receptions to honeymoons!  Plus there’ll be demos, samples, and chances to win great prizes.  Admission is only $6.  (678.548.9498)  www.weddingsofgeorgia.com 

 If you’re in the mood for some theatre this weekend, you have a chance to take in an encore performance of an original stage play called “Words.”  This was presented once before at the Liberty Theatre to huge crowds so if you couldn’t get in the first time, here’s your opportunity to see it.  The story revolves around a character named Darlene Russell who just isn’t a nice person…everyone calls her DarMEAN!  She gets diagnosed with breast cancer, goes away for a while for treatment, and when she returns back to work at her restaurant, her employees are astounded at how her personality has changed.  “Words” promises to be a buffet of laughs and tears and will make you think about the little things in life that mean so much!  Take some Kleenex just in case...  Performances will be held Thursday and Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 5:00pm and 8:00pm and the last show will be held Sunday (July 11) at 6:00pm.  Admission is $12.  (706.561.8065)

How about a little smooth jazz music to wind down the weekend?  You’re in luck because this Sunday is the monthly Jazz Jam at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th Ave.) brought to you by the Columbus Jazz Society! This month they are welcoming special guest Joe Gransden, who’s released 8 CDs and has been compared vocally to Frank Sinatra!  They’ll also have hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas available for purchase.  Admission:  $10. (706) 660.9295   http://columbusjazzsociety.com 

There's plenty to do, just get out and enjoy!

Now, go have some fun,

shelby

It's time to celebrate our nation's birthday, so get together with your family and friends and check out some of the fun in and around Columbus!

There are lots of things going on this weekend including WTVM’s 12th Annual Thunder on the Hooch. This is a fantastic event, drawing over 30,000 people. There are fun activities for kids, free entertainment, lots and lots of yummy food, craft vendors and of course, the spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks will begin after dark, but everything else starts at 5 PM so get there early to enjoy all of the festivities. There is no admission charge to get into Thunder on the Hooch and it is a family event so no alcohol is permitted on site. It’s a safe and exciting way to spend the 4th of July with your family.  It takes place on both sides of the Chattahoochee River along the Columbus and Phenix City RiverWalks.  (706.494.5400) www.wtvm.com 

Now if you really love the 4th of July and want to celebrate as much as you possibly can, then this event is for you. Florence Marina is holding their annual July 4th Celebration this weekend, ALL WEEKEND. The party starts on Friday, July 2 at 10 AM and doesn’t stop until Sunday, July 4th. There are some down times in there because the festivities will actually be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10 AM to 3 PM each day. There will be games, watermelon-eating contests, and educational boat rides happening throughout each day. Nothing says the 4th of July and summer time more than watermelon, especially if a seed-spitting contest is somehow involved. This is a great way to kick-start your weekend and your 4th of July plans!  Florence Marina State Park is located in Omaha, GA, about 45 minutes south of Columbus.  Admission is $4 per person and there's a $5 parking pass per vehicle.  (229.838.4706) http://gastateparks.org/info/flormarin/ 

Fort Benning always does the 4th of July up right and this year is no exception. The celebration is actually on Saturday, July 3 (4:00-10:00pm), but that just leaves you more time to do other stuff on the 4th. There will be inflatables for the kids, live music, great food, games and a huge fireworks display. They’ve got tons of music planned, with a DJ kicking things off at 4 PM, followed by Neal Lucas at 5 PM, Pipers Down at 6 PM, Peggy Jenkins at 7:30 PM and Whiskey Bent at 8:45 PM. In between acts, at 7 PM, the Silver Wings, Fort Benning’s Parachute Exhibition Team, will make an appearance. And of course, the fireworks will light up the sky after Whiskey Bent. Everything takes place on Stewart Watson Field on Fort Benning, is open to the public and is free to get in! (706.545.3328) www.benningmwr.com 

You don't have to endure hours in the car to get to the beach when you can spend the 4th of July at Callaway Garden's Robin Lake Beach. Enjoy thrilling circus performances, beach games, mini golf, picnicking and swimming.  Tap your feet as their beach becomes a dance floor.  Grab your beach blanket and take an upward view as they light up the sky with our fabulous fireworks extravaganza on July 4th. 1.800.CALLAWAY  www.callawaygardens.com 

This may have nothing to do with the 4th of July, but sounds like a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy dressing in costumes!  FDR State Park is going back in time this weekend, first with the FDR Car Show on Saturday from 4 PM to 6 PM. It's hosted by Friends of FDR State Park and will benefit the park. Registration is $20 for the first car and $15 for each additional car. Cars will be parked in the field across from Liberty Bell Pool. After the show, get ready to shake your groove thing and maybe throw your back out at the Back to the 50’s Dance. Make your way to the park office amphitheater for a 50’s costume contest, limbo and trivia games.  So start digging deep in your closet or attic to find your old poodle skirt, bobby socks and hula hoops! Admission is only $2 for the dance is there is a $5 parking pass required for the state park for each vehicle.   (706.663.4858)  www.gastateparks.org/info/fdr/ 

And don't forget, if you've having the gang over for a backyard barbecue over the weekend, head to Market Days on Broadway this Saturday morning from 9:00am-12:00pm and you'll find some of the freshest vegetables and fruits that would be perfect to throw on the grill or make a fabulous dessert!  You can also find lots of fresh flowers, baked goods and lots of other yummy stuff, as well as handmade works of art.  It all takes place in the 1000 block of Broadway and there's no admission.  (706.596.0111)

Enjoy the long holiday weekend...just make it a safe one!

Now go have some fun,

shelby