Welcome to Visit Augusta GA blog

“Whirl (N): a rapid round of events, affairs, etc”

We all need a little mini-vacation sometimes and a weekend whirl to freshen things up is always fun. October in Augusta, Ga ushers in cool fall weather and plenty of ways to enjoy it. Downtown is in full swing with exhibits, concerts, performing arts and cultural festivals. So start planning your trip now for October 7^th – 9^th!

Friday Night

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What are you obsessed about? When you arrive on Friday evening, head over to the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art for the reception of contemporary artist, Sarah Hobbs. Hobbs’ work explores phobias and obsessive compulsive behaviors through large scale installations which she constructs and photographs.

 After you’ve studied and contemplated Hobbs’ work…

Obsess over Botanica. Internationally acclaimed ballet company MOMIX has performed in cultural meccas around the world. Now they bring an exciting contemporary ballet to the historic Imperial Theatre. Botanica brings to life the small miracles that occur every day around us in nature using magnificent choreography and stunning dance effects.

 Obsess over food. End the evening with a late dinner at Frog Hollow. You’ll be able to talk about the night over a glass of wine and perfectly crafted meal made with fresh regional ingredients!

Saturday

Sleep in a little and grab breakfast before heading to the historic Summerville neighborhood for the Tour of Homes.

Frankly, my dear, you’ll really love these houses. Spend the afternoon touring Augusta’s most historic and eclectic neighborhood and you’ll start to feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from “Gone with the Wind.” The Summerville Tour of Homes offers a glimpse into some of the grandest homes and buildings in the neighborhood.

Follow the Crums. Grab an early dinner at the trendy Crums on Central. Make sure you try the Bacon wrapped Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms or a fire grilled pizza!

May the force be with you. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., Jaws – John Williams’ iconic musical compositions have punctuated the film industry for decades.  Now watch as the Symphony Orchestra Augusta brings each piece to life during the John Williams Spectacular.

Sunday

Hola amigos! Treat your taste buds to authentic Hispanic food and enjoy live music and performances at the annual Augusta Hispanic Festival in downtown at the Commons.

Our big fat Greek festival. Indulge your sweet tooth with homemade Baklava, shop at the bazaar and learn traditional Greek dances at the Augusta Greek Festival in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Top 5 things to get excited about in Augusta, Ga during September!

Sept. 3rd — Hawthorne Heights show at Sector 7G — Get your music fix this Labor Day weekend with more than six bands and Hawthorne Heights in downtown Augusta!

Sept. 16 — Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at the Imperial Theatre — Come see this bluegrass legend bring his rockabilly style to the historic Imperial Theatre stage and kick-off the season of Southern Soul and Song!

Sept. 16 – 18 — Arts in the Heart of Augusta — Discover the culture, art, music and food of cultures from around the world! With more than 4 stages, over 60 performers, more than 100 artists & crafters, authentic ethnic dancers, a Global Food Village and more to explore!

Sept. 23 — Silent Movie Night at Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Experience the 1927 classic film “Flesh and the Devil” with live organ music played by theatre organist Ron Carter.

Sept. 25 — Ironman 70.3 Augusta — Watch as some of the worlds top athletes compete in the 70.3 mile triathlon. They’ll swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles. Cheer them on as they challenge themselves and see if they have what it takes to be an Ironman!

I always struggle with what to get my mom for her birthday, but this year her visit to Augusta coincided with the perfect gift.  My mom is a big fan of music from days past, so I surprised her with tickets for us to see Tony Howard’s Motown Review.

The show was held at the Imperial Theatre, and we were fortunate enough to have seats in the lower first balcony.  We had a fantastic view of the whole stage and were able to see every bit of the action.  The theatre was packed, and there was plenty of clapping and dancing.

The show started out with a few Stevie Wonder songs and then went into a Marvin Gaye tribute.  That performer was fantastic.   So was the tribute to Aretha Franklin that followed it.  Man, she could sing!  I loved her performance of “Respect.”

By far the best part of the night was the finale, The Motown Review, which featured songs from The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Four Tops, among others.  Mom’s favorite song is “My Girl” by The Temptations, and she wasn’t disappointed.

We had a great time at the show, and it is definitely something I would see again.  I love the Imperial Theatre, such a fantastic historic venue and they host a lot of great performances.  To see which shows they have coming up, visit www.imperialtheatre.com.

(Both images courtesy of Jeff Hines)

Who could have ever imagined that a New Yorker would fall in love with Bluegrass music?! Well, I did. Last Friday, after enjoying some great pizza and cider in good company with dear friends at the Pizza Joint,  I went to the Imperial Theatre (for the first time…I’m ashamed to say, since my children go at least twice a year) to see one of the Southern Soul and Song Concert Series, sponsored by the Morris Museum of Art. The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band opened for Blue Highway.

Both bands were bluegrass genre, but both had a very unique style. I must say that I was a bit apprehensive to go see a bluegrass band-not to my liking at all; but a few of my friends convinced me to go. I’m very glad that I went, I loved it! I was not only fascinated by the vocals and the soulful attitude that the bands had, but also by the instruments and the wonderful sounds that they made. Never thought that so many different types of string instruments all put together can produce such sweet, fun and folkloric music. I had a great time and became an instant fan. I hear that another concert not to miss is Marty Stewart and his Fabulous Superlatives, coming in March at the Imperial Theatre…Hey, if this is country music, I say why not! Just being in the Imperial and part of a great Augusta experience is worth broadening my horizons!