Columbus CVB Blog

So, a little bit of background...Yesterday, I was getting ready for work after a long night of tossing and turning and waking up every 2 hours when I realized I was out of coffee. So I went through a fast food joint on Macon Road for my desperately needed hit of caffeine. Coffee was good, service was good and quick, and my co-workers were saved from the monster I can become without my morning coffee. I never made it to the store last night to buy coffee, so once again this morning, I made my way to a fast food restaurant that shall remain nameless on Macon Road. I pulled up to the window to order and asked for a large coffee. I opened my mouth and began to request cream and sugar and the attendant said, "2 creams and 4 Splenda packets, correct?" I was sort of shocked into silence, wondering if I am so very predictable. When I pulled up to the window, the woman said, "I thought that was you. I recognized your car when you pulled up. Here's your coffee with 2 creams and 4 Splenda packets." Now I this is only my 2nd time EVER going through this drive through for coffee and this women who sees hundreds of breakfast customers a day remembered how I like my coffee. Talk about customer service! THAT is a great way to start your day!

Hey! Welcome to another weekend and believe it or not, this one is chocked full of things to do...that are free!  Got to love that.

First up, imagine a lazy summer day in a small town listening to the world’s best brass band musicians playing patriotic tunes & favorite popular standards on stage. Add some friends, family with a picnic and you have a great day!  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets.  There are two main stages – a lawn setting in Downtown Pine Mountain and the lawn/beach area of Callaway Gardens’ Robins Lake.  And don’t think this is going to be the music of one lone tuba…nope, you’ll hear all different sorts of brass bands from all over playing including one called Mercury Orchestra, known as the ultimate party band…they fuse Middle Eastern, Gypsy, and Germanic music, as well as some disturbingly fun Pop covers! It's all taking place in Downtown Pine Mountain, Ga and Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens on Saturday (May 1) from 10:30am-10:00pm.  Admission is FREE!  9706) 663.8850  www.pinemountainchamber.com 

Don’t put your lawn chairs & blankets away yet because there’s more outside fun on Sunday (3:30-6:30pm) with the 2010 Party on the Lawn at Wynnton Arts Academy (2303 Wynnton Rd)!  This is all about celebrating living, working & playing in Midtown and to celebrate this community.  They’ll have free refreshments, face painting for kids, a retro-style photo booth, get a sneak-peek at the Wynnton Streetscape plan, and here’s the clincher you know this is going to be a party…Peggy Jenkins and The Bizness will be performing and if you’ve never seen Peggy do her thing, you’ve been missing some incredible entertainment…she has a HUGE following in this area! And you guessed it, admission is free for this one, too.  (706) 494.1663  www.midtowncolumbusga.org 

If you want to get out and watch some great tennis action this weekend, head to Cooper Creek Tennis Facility (Milgen Rd) for the Banana Open.  All day Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  By the way, Cooper Creek is the largest (& best!) public, clay court tennis facility in the nation…and it's right here in Columbus!  Take a wild guess how much it costs to get in.  You got it...FREE!  (706) 317.4136  www.corta.org 

Here’s a great way to spend a Friday with the return of the Friday Night Concert Series in Uptown Columbus (7:00-10:00pm)!  This year, they have a new theme…The Miracle Riders Uptown Concert Series…in honor of Scott Ressmeyer’s Ride For Miracles to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at the Medical Center.  If you remember last year, Scott rode the lower 48 states on his Harley & raised a big chunk of change for this organization and this year, he’s taking 10 riders along with him.  This concert will introduce those riders before they hit the road on May 7 and they’ll return just in time for the May 28 concert to welcome them home.  But this Friday, it’s a local favorite on stage, Big Woody & the Splinters! Three guesses on the cost of admission...yep...FREE!!  (706) 596.0111  www.uptowncolumbusga.com 

Now, at this event, you can run, jump, ride and fly…it’s the Lindbergh Boogie Aviation Festival this weekend at the Jimmy Carter Regional Airport in Americus, GA.  They’ll have skydiving…even tandems by appointment or walk-up, so if you’ve ever wanted to try it, here’s your chance!  There will also be plane rides, hot air balloon rides, remote control plane demos, classic car display, paper airplane contests for kids and adults, a downtown “Block Bash” and tons more for kids to enjoy.  You'll have plenty of chances to work this one in your schedule because goes on most of Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is also FREE on this one, but there is a cost for some of the special rides.  (229) 924.2646   www.americus-sumterchamber.com 

And finally, one big kids and little kids will enjoy!  So how does a pig named Wilbur avoid winding up as pork chops on a platter?  With the help of a miraculous little gray spider names Charlotte, of course!  Theatreworks USA presents a really sweet production of the classic story of Charlotte’s Web, based on the book by E.B. White, at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.  The production will be held Friday (April 30) at 7:00pm.  Ok, so there is a SMALL fee for this one...Tickets:  $8-$15.  (706) 256.3612    www.rivercenter.org 

See!  We're definitely not breaking the bank this weekend and we can still have tons of fun.  Don't forget to check the Community Calendar  to find out more about these events and others happening in and around Columbus, GA.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

Ready to get out and have some adventures this weekend?  Well, there's plenty of fun stuff going on so here's a quick rundown of a few of the events taking place.  Don't forget you can find out more about these and other activities going on in and around Columbus on the Community Calendar.  In fact, this is one your should add to your favorites!

This Saturday (April 24) is the 12th Annual Tai Chi and Qigong Day and to celebrate, there’s a big to-do going on at Lakebottom Park!  There will be demonstrations by Columbus area Tai Chi and Qigong instructors and we’re all invited to participate…even if you don’t know anything about either of these disciplines!  Or you can just bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy watching other folks get healthy!!  In case of rain, the event will be held at the St. Francis Wellness Center (2000 16th Ave).  It's all happening near the band shell at the park from 10:00am-12:30pm and there is no admission to attend or participate.  (706) 561.2980

Now, here's a great way to spend a Friday evening...Imagine sitting under the stars on a beach listening to some beautiful live music on a Spring night…this has got date night written all over it!  It’s something called “Symphony on the Sands” at Callaway Gardens and they are welcoming the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra doing a performance called "Marches & Medleys: A Night Under the Stars” right there on Robin Lake Beach!  You can just take your beach towel or chair and find a good spot or really do it up right for date night and pack a picnic to have for dinner! This is a great deal because admission is only $15--and that includes the show--and kids 12 & under are admitted free!  Gates open at 5:00pm and the performance begins at 8:00pm.  (800) CALLAWAY  www.callawaygardens.com 

There’s a free outdoor concert called "Country for a Cause" this Friday night at 7:00pm in the 1100 block of Broadway featuring recording artist “Georgia Clay” and local talent “John J. Hooker Band.”  This is a fundraiser to help provide meals for those who need it. (706) 327.4880

Here’s some more music for you and it’s something really different!  It’s called a “Kaleidoscope Concert” and it’s being held at RiverCenter and it features students and faculty from CSU.  In fact, over 240 musicians all located in different positions throughout the theatre!  They’ll be playing a wide range of musical styles…anything from island-like steel drums, to strings, jazz, and musical theatre.  And there will be large ensembles of musicians as well as chamber-size groups and soloists… playing it anything from alto saxophones to zithers! This is taking place Saturday (April 24) beginning at 7:30pm and get this, admission is only $5...that's an amazing deal!  (706) 649.7225  www.rivercenter.org 

If you’re a lover of all things automobile, you really ought to check out the 2nd Annual Spring Hot Rodz Car Show going on this Saturday on the grounds of the International Marketplace (318 10th Ave).  They’ll have more than 200 vehicles on display…some vintage some modern...plus they’ll have entertainment & plenty of munchies on hand.  Make sure you step inside and take a peek at the International Marketplace because they usually have some classic cars on display there too and you can go through the Lunchbox Museum (you have to see this to believe it) and the Antique Mall.  Admission to the car show is Free!  (706) 566.1503      http://internationalmarketplace.us/ 

That should be enough to at least give you something to look forward to this weekend.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

Did you know that you and your family can cruise the Chattahoochee River on a SpiderLily River Expedition? When planning your next family reunion, keep in mind that you and up to 44 members of your family can customize a river excursion as part of your activities. You can float leisurely for two hours, schedule an educational adventure for the kids or have a casual, relaxing evening cruise for the adults. It's completely customizable and completely up to you.

Click here  to learn more about SpiderLily River Tours or call Carrie Clark at 706.317.2110 for rates and details.

Looks like another perfect Spring weekend coming up so no excuses for not getting outside and enjoying yourself!  How about a quick rundown of some of the things going on...

You know, they do a lot of cool stuff at Port Columbus all year ‘round, but this weekend is the signature event!  It’s RiverBlast 2010, their biggest living history weekend complete with all sorts of demonstrations and reenactments, small arms drills & skirmishes, lots of cannon firings, amphibious landings, boat rides (additional fee) & tons of stuff for kids to do. Saturday, there’s a re-commissioning of the USS Water Witch then on Sunday, there’s a special period-style church service on the deck.  Also on Sunday, some of the reenactors will do a naval landing party drill & demo, showing how the Navy & Marines often came ashore to attack forts or participate in land battles.  Port Columbus is located on Victory Drive at Lumpkin Blvd...you can't miss it with that big ship in the front yard!  Activities will take place Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-4:00pm and it's regular admission--$6.50 for adults, $5.50 for Seniors and active military, and $5 for students.  706.327.9798  www.portcolumbus.org.

You can’t have a weekend in the Spring without a festival to go to and there’s a great one going on in Warm Springs with their Annual Spring Fling!  It’s going on all day Saturday and Sunday and they have a ton of stuff going on for you to enjoy…like horse pulled carriage and wagon rides, pony rides, moonwalk and kiddie train rides, fruit and vegetable stand, hands-on craft booth for kids, live entertainment, car show…even a parade Saturday morning!  If you’ve never been to Warm Springs, it’s just about 30 minutes or so north of Columbus and it’s a pretty little village filled with great shops, so plan to do a little retail-therapy while you’re there!  Admission is free...there is a small fee for some of the rides.  800.337.1927  www.warmspringsga.com.

There’s a lot of BUZZ about what going on at Oxbow Meadows this Saturday with their “How to be a Beekeeper” program.  Learn all about beekeeping equipment, beehive management, honey extraction and more.  For the workshop, lunch and material, it’s $30.  Saturday, April 17 @ 9:00am.  (706) 687.4090

If you’re a fan of Patsy Cline, then it goes without saying you’ll love this performance at the Springer Opera House…“A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.”  If you don’t know that much about Patsy Cline, go anyway because by the time the show is over, you’ll be in love with her too!  This particular show has been on two national tours, has been performed at the Springer before…in fact, it’s the most requested show in the history of the Springer!  The young lady who portrays Patsy, does the most incredible transformation into that persona...it's almost creepy how much she looks and sounds like this music icon.  Patsy was probably the first artist to define the term “crossover hit” because she dominated country, blues, pop, and gospel charts.  You’ll hear “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “I Fall to Pieces” and of course, “Crazy.”  Tickets are $38 and performances will be held April 15-18 & April 22-24, with shows starting at 7:30pm and matinees on Sunday at 2:30pm.  (706) 327.2688   www.springeroperahouse.org 

For all of us strong, independent, do-it-yourself type…women, this is just for us!  It’s a class at CSU’s Continuing Ed called “Everyday Handywoman:  Tools 101.”  I can remember when I moved into my first place, I was putting together a stereo cabinet with a letter opener and a butter knife.  My dad stopped by to say hello and the instant he saw what I was doing, he quietly left and returned about an hour later with a fully-loaded tool box...which I still use to this day!  Trouble is, I’m still not sure exactly how to use some of them, but this class will show us the types and purposes of hand tools and how to use them safely!  They’ll show you all about drills, power screwdrivers, saws and many other tools to make DIY projects a breeze!  Bring your own tool box or they’ll have ones you can use.  They are doing a series of these classes, so if this weekend doesn’t work, check the website for other dates.  The class is $39 or you can take a series of three classes for $99.  (706) 507.8070

In honor of National Poetry Month, the Liberty Theatre is having a program called “The Lab” this Saturday night (8:00pm).  They have a series of poets, specifically D.O.P.E. Poetz, scheduled to appear, but they’ll also have an Open Mic so you can have a chance to get on stage to share your poetry!  Admission:  $10, students, military, Seniors:  $7.  813 8th Ave.  (706) 561.8065  http://conted.colstate.edu 

Remember, this is just a little tease about all the activities going on this weekend.  Make sure you check out the Community Calendar  to find out more about these and other events in and around Columbus, GA.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

It's that time of the year again. The time when flowers are blooming, temperatures are warming up and everyone has a bad case of spring fever. But don't fret... a remedy for that spring fever is just around the corner. On April 30, the FREE Friday Night Outdoor Concerts in Uptown Columbus return with a new theme for 2010, the Miracle Riders Uptown Concert Series, named in honor of Scott Ressmeyer's ride to benefit the Children's Miracle Network at The Medical Center. The Concerts will run from April 30 to May 28, from 7 PM to 10 PM. The schedule is as follows:

April 30th: Big Woody & The Splinters
May 7th: The Pine Beetles
May 14th: Theatrics
May 21st: Peggy Jenkins & the Bizness
May 28th: DNR- Do Not Resuscitate

These concerts are FREE family fun at it's best. For more information, visit www.columbusbid.com  or call 706.596.0111.

Did you know that Columbus, GA has over 45 hotels ranging from economy to luxury? With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect hotel for your next meeting, reunion, or special event. Whether you need a full-service property, a hospitality suite, or a large meeting room or two, Columbus has got you covered. With our first class meeting facilities, wide variety of sleeping rooms, and top notch attractions, you are sure to find exactly what you need for your next event in Columbus, GA.

Click here  to learn more about Columbus, GA and how the Columbus CVB can help in planning your next special event!

There's no doubt that Spring is upon us...literally, because EVERYTHING is covered in that all too familiar yellow dust!  But that just means flowers and blooming and the weather is warming up so it's time to get out and play. (Just make sure you have some Kleenex on hand if you start sneezing!)

If you’re ready for a foot-tappin’ head-bobbin’ good time, then you’re in luck this weekend. The Frogtown Hollow Bluegrass Jam Festival is happening Friday (6:00pm-11:00pm) and Saturday (12:00pm-11:00pm) in Uptown Columbus on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. It will feature national acts and hometown favorites like the Bibb City Ramblers, Whiskey Bent, Marshall Ruffin and Montgomery Gunn. With a fantastic line up of more than 15 bands, Frogtown Hollow is quickly becoming known as one of the best music festivals in the state. With great music, good food, and some beautiful weather, this is a good time you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased at several locations around town and are $10 for a one-day pass or $15 for the two-day pass. (706) 289.7510

Creepy, crawly, slithery…these are just a few words to describe the guest stars at Oxbow Meadows this Saturday (11:00am-3:00pm). Their annual Reptile Fest is back and is better than ever. It’s family fun at it’s most unique.  See snakes, lizards, alligators, turtles and frogs on display. There will be crafts, games, face painting and a 40-foot jump house all available at no extra cost. If you happen to be the owner of a beautiful pet snake, there will be an opportunity for you to show him off in the 2010 Hiss America Pageant. For those who aren’t camera shy, photo opportunities with Google, the 18-foot Burmese Python, and Investi-Gator, the American Alligator, are available. The program will end with the exciting Reptile Encounters Show presented by Jason Clark, Oxbow’s Animal Coordinator and star of Animal Planet’s new series, SnakesKin.  Admission is only $3.  Oxbow Meadows is located on South Lumpkin Road in Columbus.  (706) 687.4090  http://oxbow.colstate.edu 

There are also a couple of opportunities to catch some really great music this weekend.  First up is Blues Fest 2010 at the Columbus Civic Center featuring Blues legends such as Millie Jackson, Mel Waiters, Clarence Carter and Denise LaSalle.  The performance will be held this Saturday (April 10) at 7:30pm and tickets range from $35-$45.  (706) 653.4472  www.columbusciviccenter.org 

Then on Sunday night (6:00-9:00pm), it's the Columbus Jazz Society's monthly Jazz Concert and Jam Session at the Historic Liberty Theatre.  This month's special guest is the Alex Pershounin Jazz Quartet.  Admission is #10.  Hot dogs, hamburgers and sodas will be available for purchase.  (706) 660.9295  www.columbusjazzsociety.com 

Find time to work this one in this weekend...it's CSU's Theatre on the Park's production of Crazy for You.  For those that don’t know the story, Crazy for You is about Bobby Child, a wealthy 1930’s playboy whose dream in life is to dance. His mother and soon to be ex-fiancee will do anything to sabotage his dreams, yet despite their efforts, he succeeds. Crazy for You is a high energy comedy, and with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and music by George Gershwin, you’ll be tapping your feet to several well known tunes including Nice Work if You Can Get It, Someone to Watch Over Me, Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm and many more. There are plot twists, fantastic dance numbers, cases of mistaken identity, and of course, that classic Gershwin music. The show is only playing this weekend, so make sure you don’t miss it!  Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students, military and seniors.  (706) 507.8444

Now, if you just want to get outside and enjoy Springtime, head down to Florence Marina State Park for their annual "Festival by the Lake Craft Day!"  Saturday from 10:00am-4:00m, skilled craftsmen will be presenting talents like black smithing, knife making, woodcarving, story telling, quilting, bee keeping and many more. These are skills you don’t see or hear much about these days. And if you see something you like or can’t live without, vendors will have a variety of crafts for sale. For the kiddies, there will be a fishing booth, face painting, a sling shot game and more. Live entertainment happens throughout the day, so tear the kids away from the video games, pack the family in the car and head south. You are free to bring a picnic lunch or taste some of the delicious food for sale.  There is no admission to the Festival, all you have to pay is the parking pass!  (229) 838.4707  http://gastateparks.org/info/flormarin 

There's always fun stuff to do and if you want to find out more about these events or take a look at all the other stuff going on, make sure you check out the Community Calendar.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

Genealogy is a wonderful addition to activities during your next family reunion. It's a process that can bridge the gap between generations as well as uncover details about your family history that you have never known. Genealogy is becoming increasingly popular, especially as part of family reunions.The Columbus Public Library on Macon Road has a fantastic Genealogy Program. Here, staff will guide you in discovering the fun facts and secrets about your family's history. It's the perfect place to begin the exploration of your heritage and ancestry, especially if you are a newcomer to genealogy. Visit the library's website at www.thecolumbuslibrary.org  for more information.