Monday, April 9 – Service Industry Night and Karaoke at Soho, Spades Night at The Suite Bar and Grill

Tuesday, April 10 – DJ AI at The Suite Bar and Grill, Open Mic Night at Soho with host Tripp Wrigley

Wednesday, April 11 – Wine Tasting at Ben’s Chophouse with live music from Nick Johnston; Piper’s Down at The Suite Bar and Grill

Thursday, April 12 – Charles “Big Saxy” Robinson at Ben’s Chophouse, Open Mic Night at The Suite Bar and Grill with host Nick Johnston, Open Mic Night at Fountain City Coffee, “I Tweet On My iPad (And I Liked It)” opening night at The Springer Opera House, Comedy Night at The Loft

Friday, April 13 – Downtown Concert Series on Broadway with Big Woody and the splinters!! DJ Teknek at The Suite Bar and Grill, Ben Sutton and Josh McKenzie at Ben’s Chophouse, Friday Night Jazz and Peggy Jenkins at The Loft

Saturday, April 14 – Latin Extreme Night at The Suite Bar and Grill, Ben Sutton and Josh McKenzie at Ben’s Chophouse, Leigh Nash at The Loft

Sunday, April 15 – Jazz Night at The Suite Bar and Grill

The rotation looks good, with the only question mark being the number 5 starter. It’s looking like the choice between the two rookie studs, Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado, will come down to the wire. Tommy Hanson got the opening day nod for the first time in his young career. He and Jurrjens have looked healthy and look to bounce back from the injury-ridden season they experienced last year. Hudson will be back in the rotation sometime in April, and with the addition of Livan Hernandez, we certainly have depth and experience.

Things seem to be looking up for the offense as well. Dan Uggla, Brian McCann, and Freddie Freeman have been swinging the lumber with some real authority throughout exhibition play. Jason Heyward has been showing signs of life, with glimpses of the JHey Kid’s return to his rookie form. Chipper looks to give it one more productive go-around, as the eventual Hall-of-Famer announced his retirement following the 2012 season. It looks as though rookie Tyler Pastornicky will begin the season as Atlanta’s starting shortstop, although, should he struggle, Andrelton Simmons may be nipping at his heels after a very impressive spring.

All in all, I like our club and our potential to compete. It’s a new year and a clean slate, so let’s do this Bravos!

This 4-day celebration of culinary excellence and superb beverages will take place from May 10 thru 13 in Midtown Atlanta. Food and drink enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy the fine cuisine of the premier chefs of our capital city and from around the Southeast.

According to their website, the festival is “a culinary experience like no other, unites leaders of their craft— barbecue pit masters, award-winning chefs and mixologists, sommeliers, fry cooks and local growers—in the spirit of celebrating the rich food and beverage traditions of the South.”

Tickets for the event are available in three packages: Connoisseur, 3-day passes, and day passes. Tickets to individual al a carte dinners and events are also available. Check out their website for pricing and availability.

This will give you and yours the perfect opportunity to experience some of the best food and beverage that the South has to off. So make the trek and make sure you bring your appetite!

Greenspace at the Rivercenter – Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 10 years old, Saturday 10:30 A.M.

City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt – South Commons, over 20,000 eggs, Saturday 12 – 2 P.M.

Salvation Army – Easter Egg Extravaganza, 5201 Warms Springs Rd., children up to 12 years old, Saturday 1-3 P.M.

Callaway Gardens – Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny visit on Saturday 12-5 P.M., Easter Sunrise Service Sunday at 7:30 A.M.

North Highland Church – Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, over 20,000 eggs, 12:30 P.M.

Q: Drew, you told me that you and your mom started the Crepe Myrtle. Could you tell me a little about that and how ya’ll came up with the concept??

A: The Crepe Myrtle in The Landings was started in Columbus, Ga in December 2011. I will be graduating from Auburn in May, looking for a job. I have always been interested in cooking and the restaurant industry. My mom was in Atlanta, and fell in love with the concept she stumbled upon while at The Atlanta Market. We were consulted by the company in Atlanta. My mom and I worked hard, researched everything we could think of and started the company from the ground up. We learn everyday new ways to better cater to our guests.

My family has been involved in family businesses my entire life. My dad owns Xpress Printing for 35 years, and my mom has started an arts and craft lesson business, as well as a Bible Verse Pillow case Business, Tadah is the name. Therefore, I have always wanted to start my own business and grow it large enough to provide for my family. With the help of my parents, we were able to invest the money needed to start the restaurant that is unique to Columbus GA.

Q: What makes the Crepe Myrtle different from other restaurants in Columbus?

A: Crepe Myrtle focuses on fresh ingredients. Everyday the vegetables and meats (steak and white meat chicken) are cut and cooked in order to create meals with the best possible ingredients. Each meal is prepared for the individual customer, not held warm all day. We are unique to Columbus being the only crepe restaurant in town. Our focus as a company is the customer and providing them with the best customer service will be a huge advantage of Crepe Myrtle. Our mission as a company is to provide our customers with a relaxing, delicious meal by providing the best customer service. Our employees take pride in the company we are creating together and share their love for life through the interactions with our guests.

Q: What are your future plans for the Restaurant?

A: The future of Crepe Myrtle is to eventually grow to become a regionally know restaurant that could have other locations. The other locations would be in towns similar to Columbus within Georgia or Alabama. Trying to keep the small, personal feel and great food will be the main goal for future restaurants.
The absolute ultimate goal would be to franchise hundreds of stores, but for now that is too far down the road.

Q: What else do we need to know about your business?

A: Crepe Myrtle in The Landings is a family owned and operated restaurant in Columbus, Georgia. Crepe Myrtle sells crepes that are created for the individual guest for lunch and dinner. Our location is in a central shopping center located in a great part of town. Our goal is to offer our customers a “get away from the everyday hustle and bustle” feel, by giving great, personal service and great food.

Thank you for sharing with me Drew! I have sampled the restaurant and was very impressed. You should have also let them know that they can have a glass of wine with their dinner. I for one will be back!!

Instead of camping, enthusiasts can stay in hotels and enjoy great cuisine and nightlife in Downtown Columbus Georgia! It will be a totally different experience.

The Spring Fling Carnival is six days of fun for the whole family. The festival will take place at the Columbus Civic Center from Tuesday, March 27 to Sunday, April 1. Featuring a carnival midway complete with a ton of great rides and games of skill, along with the newest attraction, Kachunga and The Alligator Show, the Spring Fling is the perfect way to kick off the spring in the Valley.

Admission to the carnival is free, although tickets must be purchased for rides. Check out the Columbus Civic Center website for ride pricing.

Hope to see you there!

The Nighthawks are led by quarterback Tony Colston, a seasoned veteran with an Arena Cup Championship under his belt. The Lions will hope to rebound with a better defensive showing, as Richmond exposed a several holes in last week’s matchup. The offense looks to build off of a strong performance, particularly the huge day quarterback Randy Hippeard had. The keys to victory over the Nighthawks will be keeping mistakes to a minimum and playing four quarters of solid football.

Come support your Lions this Saturday night, March 17 at 7:30 P.M.

Let There Be Art! will consist of several exciting events throughout the week. Art After Dark on March 17 will be a night of art, cocktails and fine food to begin the week of festivities. The Dine and Design luncheon on March 21 will focus on interior design with world-renowned decorator Suzanne Kasler. The Sunday Lunch with Gospel Choir will close out the week with a family-oriented meal with live Gospel music and arts and crafts for the kids. There will also be a raffle drawing at the Sunday lunch with a grand prize trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico up for grabs.

Check out the Columbus Museum’s website for ticket information.