Columbus CVB Blog

You've got to love a big holiday weekend full of family and fun stuff to do! Maybe you have a little extra time off this weekend or have extended family coming for an Easter visit...not to worry...there are a lot of activities going on!

It’s one of the best kid’s stories of all times and it has to do with a little boy who wants to get to New York City, a bunch of unusual insects and a huge peach!  Yep, it’s “James & The Giant Peach” and this children's production is going on at the Springer Opera House's Foley Hall. It’s based on the book by Roald Dahl (same guy who wrote Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and The Fabulous Mr. Fox). So, before James can get to New York, he has to escape England and his two mean, greedy, nasty, cruel, aunts.  He meets a mystery man who gives him a bag full of green crystals and on his way home, he stumbles, spills the crystals near a withered, old tree and it produces this unbelievably giant peach!  Here’s where the adventure starts!  Kids of all ages, including us big kids, will love this one.  You can catch a production this Friday (April 2) at 7:00pm and Saturday (April 3) at 2:00 and 7:00pm.  Admission is $8-$10.  (706) 327.2688  www.springeroperahouse.org 

Here comes Peter Cottontail, so that means it’s time for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Florence Marina State Park this Saturday from 1:00-2:00pm!  Not only will the Easter Bunny be on hand for this occasion, but he’ll be working hard with the staff at Florence Marina to hide tons of Easter eggs.  So grab the kid's Easter baskets, fill up a picnic basket and make it a day!  The hunts are separated by age groups…3-5, 6-8, and 9-10.  There is no cost to join the Easter egg hunt, but there is a $5 parking pass.  (229) 838.4706  www.georgiastateparks.org 

Hopefully the skies will be clear Saturday night because the crew at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is having one of their Astronomy Night programs at Providence Canyon.  Stargazing starts at 8:30pm and you can take your own telescope or view the heavens through one of their powerful telescopes.  This one is free!  (706) 649.1478  www.ccssc.org 

Here’s something cool going on at the Columbus Civic Center called “Spring Fling.”  This is such a great time of year to enjoy some outside fun and this sounds like something the whole family will enjoy.  Of course they’ll have some carnival rides, lots of delicious festival food, a stilt-walker, and even a couple of unusual offerings like a Sea Lion Show and you can even take a tour of Columbus…from a helicopter courtesy of Dragonfly Copters!  This event takes place on Friday (April 2) from 6:00pm-1:00am, Saturday (April 3) from 11:00am-1:00am, and Sunday (April 4) from 1:00-10:00pm.  Admission is $5 per person and you can also purchase an Unlimited Rides Pass for $20.  (706) 5653.4482   www.columbusciviccenter.org 

If you haven’t had a chance to catch the latest dinner theatre production from Sherlock's Mystery Dinner Theatre called “Therapy Can Be Murder,” make plans because the last couple of performances are coming up this weekend! The plot centers around a famous billionaire self-help guru, who has returned to his hometown of Columbus to host his well-known seminar "Unleashing the Hero Within You." All is well until he decides his life is hollow and he needs to change his act. . .except someone has other plans and knocks him off first! This will take you on a hilarious trip through the world of interactive comedy and unleash the hero or detective within yourself!  Remember, you have to make reservations for this one!!!  You can catch this one Friday and Saturday nights, but you have to be there no later than 6:45pm.  Cost is $45 and that includes a 3-course dinner, beverage and a great show.  (706) 718.7494   www.sherlockscolumbus.com 

And finally...we love our Cottonmouths!  To show your support of this great hockey team, plan to attend the playoff game against the top-seeded Mississippi Surge this Saturday at 5:00pm...the winner of this series advances to the SPHL finals!  (706) 571.0086   www.cottonmouths.com 

Believe it or not, that's just a quick sample of some of the events going on this weekend!  You can find out more on these events and others at the Columbus Community Calendar.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

You name it and I bet you'll be able to find it this weekend...at least where fun stuff is concerned!  Even your dog is going to love getting out and enjoying life.  Because finally there's an event that is just for best 4-legged friends!  It’s the 2nd Annual Relay for Dogs this Saturday  (March 27) from 9:00am-2:00pm at the CSU Women's Soccer Facility (Main Campus).  It’s a fun-filled doggie day in the park that includes food, a pet photographer, games, activities, demonstrations, exercise and it all benefits a great cause…the American Cancer Society.  If you are planning to go and have already registered, remember you MUST have written proof of your dog’s current rabies vaccination, otherwise they won’t let you in.  This is just for the health of all the pups that attend.  Registration fee, which is $15 in advance and $20 on gets your dog a bandana and a cool goodie bag.  Non-canines are admitted free!   (706) 888.4857  www.relayfordogs.com 

Could there be a better combination than shopping for really cool stuff in springtime?  The Springer Opera has hit a home-run with this event called “Spring Market” because it’s all about shopping…and helping out the Springer and it’s productions, theatre academy and the preservation of this National Historic Landmark.  They’ll have lots of vendors set up in the Grand Lobby of the Springer with items like jewelry from Silpada Designs, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Broadway Jewelry & Beads, soaps, candles, monogrammed ware, baskets and more.  This is a great thing to do on your lunch hour Friday because they’ll even have box lunches available for purchase.  It all takes place Friday (March 26) from 11:00am-2:00pm and 4:00-7:00pm.  (706) 327.3688  www.springeroperahouse.org 

Here's something kids in the family will enjoy...it's the 2nd Annual Children's Open House with CSU's Schwob School of Music.  They'll have everything from an instrument petting zoo, musical games to live musical performances.  It all happens at RiverCenter's Legacy Hall on Saturday and admission is free.  (706) 649.7225

This one has fun written all over it!  It’s Columbus’ first ever food & wine event called “Toast of the Town!”  It’s a symphony of food and wine that includes tasting of a variety of fine wines paired with foods ranging from excellent cheeses to decadent chocolates…and this all benefits the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.  They’re bringing in vintners from across the country as well as regional chefs, restaurants and vendors and a silent auction that’ll have everything from a wide variety of wines, trips and treasures related to food and wine.  And there will be a MarketPlace where you can purchase food and wine specialty items.  Admission is $75, but remember...it's a fundraiser!  (706) 256.3640  www.csoga.org 

If you’ve got a bad case of spring fever and need to get out and take a bike ride, this one’s for you!  It’s the annual Wheels O’Fire Century Cycle Tour & Mountain Bike Trail that winds through Harris County this Saturday and Sunday.  What’s great about this is you can be a complete beginner or an advanced cyclist because they offer rides starting at 26 miles, then moving up to 45, 68 or 101 miles!  The courses vary from rolling hills to strenuous terrain, so pick which one works best for you.  And something new this year is the 15 or 30 Mile Mountain Bike Trail.  A portion of the proceeds from registration benefits the Harris County Volunteer Fire Fighters.  Rain or shine event!  Everything kicks off at Harris County Carver Middle School, with registration from 7:30-8:30am and the courses open at 8:45am.  Cost to participate is $40 for adults, $30 for Military, and $20 for ages 17 & under and that includes a T-shirt, breakfast, lunch, and more!  (888) 478.0010  www.harriscountychamber.org 

Since you're getting your bike back on the road, you might want to check out this Bike First Aid Course at Ride on Bikes this Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm.  They’ll be showing you all you need to know to keep your bike in stellar shape with some basic bike maintenance.  Class will be held in the median of the 1000 block of Broadway.  Cost to attend is $19. 

Remember, this is just a sampling of what's going on this weekend, so make sure you explore the Community Calendar  to find out more!

Now...go have some fun,

shelby

It really is a plane! If you see some different types of aircraft flying around the sky this weekend, don't be alarmed It's just the 13th Annual Thunder in the Valley Airshow. Going on Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, at the Columbus Airport, it's an event you don't want to miss. Demonstrations, helicopter and plane rides, a kids carnival, yummy food vendors and more will all be onsite for your entertainment and enjoyment. Tickets are $10 and parking at the airport is $10, parking at Wal-mart is $5 and you can park for FREE at the old Sears building on Macon Road and take the FREE shuttle to the event. The weather is going to be BEAUTIFUL this Saturday so use this as your excuse to skip the housework and play outdoors, since this event benefits youth organizations in the Chattahoochee Valley area.

Spring officially starts this Saturday, so let the outdoor fun begin!  Here are a few things going on this weekend that might tempt you to have a little fun...

One of the largest events in the entire region happens in Columbus this weekend!  It’s the 13th Annual Thunder in the Valley Air Show at the Columbus Airport.  If it has ever flown or is flying today, chances are good that you’ll see it in action or on display…anything from a B-25, an F-18, Cobra and Sea Dragon Helicopters and maybe even an Osprey.  There will be all sorts of aerial performances, airplane and helicopter rides, military ground displays, kid’s carnival and great food.  This is a major fundraiser that helps youth organizations in the Chattahoochee Valley.  It all takes place this Saturday & Sunday (March 20 & 21) from 10:00am-5:00pm.  Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the gate, and it's free for ages 6 & under.  Here's the skinny on parking:  you can park at the airport for $10, across the street at WalMart for $5 or you can take a free shuttle that will be picking up at the old Sears parking lot at the corner of Macon and Rigdon Roads.  www.thunderinthvalleyairshow.com

Ok, we'll tread lightly here because this is a sensitive subject for some of us.  Let’s face it…we’re all getting older and for the females among us and the men who are a part of our lives, we get to experience this wonder called menopause!  It’s pretty much a fact of life so why not make the most of it and celebrate it…at least between hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges!  That’s what this show’s all about…it’s “Menopause the Musical” at the RiverCenter.  Set in a department store, 4 women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale and the rest you just have to see and experience at the production.  And guys, don’t be afraid of this…it is hilarious (more than 11 million people worldwide have seen this production) & you just might learn something! There are only going to be 2 performances (Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm), so if you want tickets, you need to call pronto to get yours before it sells out.  Admission is $37.50, $42.50, and $47.50.  www.rivercenter.org 

There’s some “cool” stuff going on at Port Columbus this weekend with another in their series of “Cool History”…this one’s all about Marines of the South.  It’s a living history program so you’ll see guys all decked out in Civil War uniforms and they’ll be demonstrating what life was like for them and what sort of tactics these Marines used.  They’ll do cannon firings, drill and small arms demonstrations, amphibious landings and re-creations of events from the Civil War involving Southern Marine units.  The main bunch of reenactors coming to town for this one are all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio and other “sailors & marines” from Georgia and Florida will be part of the events as well.  It's all day Saturday and Sunday (10:00am-5:00pm) and it's regular admission to get in: $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for Seniors and Military and $5 for students...that's a great deal!  www.portcolumbus.org 

Here's something a little different.  Put on your sweats or yoga pants, bring your towel or mat and hit the front lawn of the Columbus Library this Saturday for the largest yoga class Columbus has ever seen!  So if you been wanting to try yoga to see if this is a good workout fit for you, this is a good way to check it out. They’ll also have a couple of local doctors on hand doing seminars on nutrition, fitness, the importance of sleep and rescuing your children from addictive behaviors such as texting, playing video games and more!  Participants even get a free, healthy lunch!!  It's taking place from 10:30am-1:00pm and there's no cost to join in the fun.  www.thecolumbuslibrary.com 

Or how about some classic Broadway Friday night?  Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2010 and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts joins in the festivities with a brilliantly updated production featuring a cast of 30 with a live orchestra.  Only one performance for this one...Friday, 7:30pm   Admission:  $10, $49, $56  www.rivercenter.org 

Remember, this is just a sample of what's going on this weekend and you can find out more by exploring the Community Calendar.

Now, go have some fun!

shelby

Admit it...the warmer it gets, the more we want to get outside and play!  Sounds like an early case of Spring Fever to me, so here are a few things you might want to check out.

If you don’t already know this little bit of trivia, Columbus was the last battle of the Civil War and Charles A. Misulia has written his debut novel on this subject, entitled Columbus, GA 1865: The Last True Battle of the Civil War. This incredibly deeply researched book tells the story of James H. Wilson’s cavalry campaign through Alabama and Georgia, leading to the capture of Columbus, GA. Friday night (5-8pm) at Port Columbus, you can meet the author and hear a presentation on the book and the research involved, in the shadow of the CSS Jackson remains, burned by Wilson’s troops after the battle. This event is free and open to the public.  Port Columbus is located at the corner of Victory Drive and Lumpkin Blvd...you can't miss it...just look for the USS Water Witch!  (706.327.9798 or www.portcolumbus.org.)

On Saturday you and your dog can get some exercise while supporting a good cause. It’s the Open Door Community House’s 23rd Annual Open Door Walk Classic, with a 4-mile walk that heads south from Open Door, catches parts of the RiverWalk and circles back. People are encouraged to bring their dogs as dog bowls are situated along the route and food and live music are provided at the end of the walk. A new twist to this year’s event is the PAW contest, in this case PAW stands for Precious, Adorable, and Well-behaved. Dogs will be divided into 2 categories and will be judged on how well they interact with other dogs and humans. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning!  The event will be held from 8:30-11:30am and is only $5 for the PAWS Contest.  For more information, call (706) 323.5518.

On Mon, Mar 15 the Irish Guards and the Pipes, Drums, and Dancers of The Royal Regiment of Scotland will march into RiverCenter as part of the group’s debut tour of the United States. The Band of the Irish Guards was formed in 1900 on the wishes of Queen Victoria and there is tradition in the British Army of bands providing musical support to troops in active service. Musicians are also trained to support the Army Medical Services. You don’t want to miss the pomp and circumstance of this fantastic performance! Tickets for this run from $18-$39 and you can find out more at www.rivercenter.org.

Don't forget to make it a habit to check out the Community Calendar to find out about more events going on in and around Columbus.

Now, go have some fun!

shelby

We all know there's nothing more important than family. Especially in this day and age where families are spread out across the country, unlike days past, where family stayed close by each other. This makes it harder for families to stay connected and stay in touch, which is why reunions are so vital. Because we know how critical family reunions are and how stressful planning one can be, the Columbus CVB hosted a Family Reunion Workshop at the Columbus Public Library on Saturday, March 6. It was a complete success, with over 15 eager to learn planners in attendance. The CVB walked them through the resources and talent we can offer as well as the resources available throughout the city. Many questions were asked and you heard the phrase, "Wow! I didn't know that!" uttered frequently.

If you or someone you know is planning a family reunion, please let them know that the Columbus CVB is ready and willing to help make their reunion the best it can be. Give us a call at 706.322.1613 and find out how we can help!

The Chattahoochee RiverWalk is outdoor 15-mile linear park that hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River. It has become a recreational mecca for cyclists, runners, and those that just want to enjoy the natural beauty of the river. The relationship between the river and Columbus is a long and interesting one and the RiverWalk helps to tell that story. If you have never taken the time for a leisurely stroll along the RiverWalk, I urge you to do so. If you would like a sneak peek of the RiverWalk, click here to see a short video...but it in no way does justice to experiencing the serenity and beauty of this Columbus treasure firsthand.

There's definitely a hint of Spring fever in the air and it actually looks like a good weekend to get out and do stuff...fun stuff, that is!  So here's a quick rundown of just a couple of things you should put on your to-do list.

I don’t know about you, but life seems to be moving pretty fast.  Hard to believe we’re in March already…so maybe we all need to slow down just a bit and do something fun and all it entails is you, a kite, and a nice breeze in the air!  It’s time for the Annual Kite Rally at Florence Marina State Park, which just happens to be one of the prettiest places around to unwind.  What’s so great about this event is it’s something you can do on your own or pile up a bunch of friends & family, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in the sunshine.  You can bring your own kite or they’ll have all the fixin’s there for you to make one and it will just cost you $2.  They’ll also be giving out prizes for the best kite and highest flyer.  Florence Marina is about a half-hour south of Columbus in Omaha, GA.  (229)838.4706.

If you’re in the mood for a little art, antiquing, plant shopping, or cooking this weekend, you can do it all at the 6th Annual Art & Antique Show and Sale to benefit Columbus Museum.  This is one of the premier antique, decorative and fine art events in the country, and it features over 30 nationally acclaimed antique dealers & regional artists.  There’ll also be special lectures by an interior decorator & gardening and cooking experts…also some incredible raffle prizes (check out the Museum’s website and take a look at one of the prizes—a platinum & diamond ring valued at almost $6500!) This is the major fundraiser for the Cols Museum & helps make many exhibitions and educational programs possible.  It'll all be held at the RiverMill Event Center (3715 First Ave) Friday and Saturday from 10:00am-6:00pm and Sunday from 12:00-5:00pm.  Admission is $10 and is good for all three days.  (706.748.2562 or www.columbusmuseum.com.

Ooo, La La!  Check out the Columbus Symphony Orchestra this Saturday night at RiverCenter for their "French Impressions" performance.  They'll give you a sampling of French music with works from composers like Debussy and Ravel, plus they're welcoming special guests, the Hamann Sisters.  The performance starts at 7:30pm and tickets are $36.  (706) 256.3612 or www.csoga.org.

“The wind will be sweeping down the plains” at the Springer Opera House this weekend with the opening of their next performance…”Oklahoma!”  This was the first collaboration between the legendary team of Rogers & Hammerstein and some say it’s their best!  Set in the western Indian Territory at the turn of the century, it’s all about the rivalry between farmers and cowboys…and of course a lovely young lass for them to fight over!  This is another one of those plays that may never have had the chance to see on stage, but you know some of the classic songs… Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, and of course the show-stopper…Oklahoma! You can catch this through March 20 and tickets are $38.  (706) 327.3688 or www.springeroperahouse.org.

If any act embodies the place country music has evolved to in the new century, it is Rascal Flatts. Since they formed a decade ago, the trio has helped change the face of popular music!  They are on their “Unstoppable Tour” and Columbus is lucky enough to be one of the stops on this tour.  Not only do we get to enjoy this incredible band, but they’ll also be welcoming special guest, Darius Rucker.  He’s best known as the lead singer for Hootie & The Blowfish but he’s also had a solo career in R&B and in 2008 he embarked on a solo career in the world of Country music, which intrigued a lot of folks because of his rock & pop music roots, but looks like he’s right at home because  this past November he won the Country Music Association New Artist of the Year award! One show only Friday, March 5 at 8:00pm and tickets are $59.75.  (706) 653.4460 or wwwcolumbusciviccenter.org.

Don't forget to visit www.columbusgacalendar.com  to find out more events going on in and around the area!

Now, go have some fun...

shelby