Check your watch…it's time for some weekend kind of fun! Here's a list of just a few of the things you can get into and don't forget to peruse the Community Calendar to find out more.
So what are your vacation plans this Summer? Looks like a lot of folks are planning to stay a little closer to home this year, but thankfully we live in a state that has it all…from mountains, to big cities, to seashore, and everything in between. So if you’re looking for some Georgia-based vacation ideas, check out the Georgia on my Mind Day at the Georgia Welcome Center (Exit 12 off I-185) because they’ll have attractions represented from all over the state with information, and ideas on things to explore in our own backyard! Plus, they’ll have hot dogs, popcorn, tea and more to snack on…and they’ll have free maps, travel guides and the oh-so-important coupons! It's taking place on Friday (June 11) from 10:00am-2:00pm and admission is free. (706) 649.7455
There’s something about this time of year that makes you want to turn your (ok…my) weed-ridden, dust bowl of a yard into a garden showcase. I’m working on mine because I got really inspired with last year’s Tour of Gardens, so this year, we can check out some beautiful yards and gardens in the Original Historic District and maybe get some good ideas. This tour is taking place this Saturday and Sunday (June 12- 9:00am-2:00pm & June 13-1:00-5:00pm) and you’ll get to go through seven private gardens and five public gardens. It’s really interesting that all of these houses in the Historic District are so different and so are the gardens. Make sure you bring you dress for the weather and bring your camera! Advanced tickets are $20 and they will be available the day of the tour for $25 and each garden will have tickets available. (706) 653.4008 www.columbusga.org/keepcolsbeautiful
If the Garden Tour isn’t enough nature for you, then check out the Nature Walk at Oxbow Meadows this Saturday (June 12) morning that starts up at 8:00am. Guides will take you around the trails of the facility and you’ll see all sorts of plants, birds and other wildlife. Recommended for ages 8 & older. FREE! 3535 South Lumpkin Road. (706) 687.4090 http://oxbow.colstate.edu
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! (In fact, they do this the second Sunday of each month). This month they are welcoming special guests…The Mace Hibbard Quartet. Mace Hibbard is well known in the world of jazz music as an outstanding saxophone player and the rest of the guys in his band have been playing forever and have toured with some really heavy-hitters. They’ll also have hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas available for purchase. The concert begins at 6:00pm and the Jazz Jam at 8:00pm. Admission is $10 and if you're a Jazz Society member, admission is free. (706) 660.9295 http://columbusjazzsociety.com
Want to do some stargazing this weekend? You’ve got a couple of chances to hang out with the crew from the Coca-Cola Space Science Center because they’re having an Astronomy Night at Providence Canyon State Park on Saturday night (June 12), and then on Monday June 14), they kick off their summer-long series of Astronomy Nights at Callaway Gardens' Over Pavilion . Both events begin at 9:00pm. Take your telescope or gaze at the heavens through one of their telescopes. Make sure you dress for the weather and take some insect repellent! Free!!! (706) 649.1470 www.ccssc.org
And there's Friday night football at the Columbus Civic Center with the Columbus Lions taking on the Greenville Force! Game starts at 7:30pm and tickets range from $10-$50. www.columbuslions.net
Hopefully this info will get you started on making your weekend plans…after all, you can't work ALL the time!
Now go have some fun,
shelby