What is it about that first full week after the holidays?! It's so hard to get back in the swing of a normal routine...you just feel wiped out. I know what can help! Just because all the holiday-hoopla is over, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of fun things to get out and do...especially with these warmer-than-normal temps outside--we'd better enjoy it while it lasts! Check out the Event Calendar for tons of ideas of things to do, plus here are a couple of things you might really want to take in.
Speaking of "getting back in the saddle," this weekend the Professional Bull Riders bring their Touring Pro Division event to the Columbus Civic Center. Talk about tough! This event is where dreams of riding on national television begin. For every five Touring Pro Events, the top 5 riders move into the Built Ford Tough Series, which is what you see on TV. These young men are facing some of the fiercest bucking bulls in the world. It will be exciting, scary, & great fun…to watch anyway. You won’t ever see me up on one of those bulls! Both nights’ shows will feature the comedic canine act, Muttley Crew. It’s fun for the whole family!
So maybe bucking bulls aren’t your cup of tea. Maybe you’d prefer a more laid-back, peaceful evening with good music and entertainment. The Schwob School of Music has come to your rescue. They proudly present Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love,” this Friday (Jan 11) evening and Sunday (Jan 13) afternoon at RiverCenter. A classic romantic comedy, “The Elixir of Love,’ will be sung in English, with an all-student cast, the CSU Philharmonic orchestra, professional sets and costumes in the Bill Heard Theatre. Come share the laughter and amorous adventures that surround the famous “love potion” in 1830’s Italy. This is the perfect date night for you and your sweetheart!
From now until February 28, Callaway Gardens is offering free admission on weekdays. It may be cold outside, but there’s still a lot to see and do at Callaway. See the beautiful butterflies inside the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center or explore the Sibley Horticultural Center. Since we have a pretty mild winter, you can even plan to get some exercise on the walking trails or bike the Discovery Bicycle Trail. The Gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Columbus Regional & the Cunningham Center present the 10th Annual Mind, Body & Spirit Retreat for Women this weekend. This year’s theme is Stay Green…Keep Growing. The event includes breakfast, workshops, lunch and a tote bag. The featured speaker is national acclaimed storyteller, Barbara McBride-Smith. Workshops include “Nourish with Healthy Recipes,” “Green: The Color of Investment Opportunity,” “Chakras: Your Mind-Body-Energy System,” “Take Flight by Starting a Small Business,” “Examine Our Community’s Roots and History of Columbus,” and “Create More Economical and Safe Household Cleaning Products.” David Benefield from Ann’s Porch will give a presentation during lunch on flower arranging. Registration deadline is today (Jan 11) at 5pm!
I didn’t know this, but over 150,000 women served in the Women’s Army Corps in World War II. This Saturday (Jan 12) from 11:00am-2:00pm, on World War II Company Street at the National Infantry Museum, guests will get to see what it took to be a woman in the war. The new WAC trainees of Kelly’s Zeroes will be in the middle of basic training. Visitors will see the ladies learn to march, drill and more in this historic setting. What a history lesson for kids and adults! There’s nothing like seeing history come to life. After the presentation, take some time to explore the inside of the museum as well. It is truly an amazing place.
And the perfect way to wind down your weekend? The 2nd Sunday of the month means it’s time for the Columbus Jazz Society’s Jazz Concert and Jam at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The featured musician this month is John Sandfort, a jazz tenor saxophonist out of Atlanta, GA. He’s shared bills with B.B. King, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett and more. Should be a great show! Admission is $10. Concert starts at 6pm and jam session begins at 8pm.
See, getting back into a post-holiday routine isn't so bad!
Now, go have some fun...
shelby