📍 New Idea: Augusta Dinner Club
I'm thinking about creating something new for Augusta Digest: the Augusta Dinner Club.
Here's how it would work:
You sign up and take a quick personality quiz.
Then, we match you with 5 other Augusta Digest readers based on your personality, and book a table for you at a great local restaurant.
You show up, meet your group, have dinner, and actually get to know people in Athens who actually share your vibe, interests, and more.
I handle everything - you leave with 5 new friends.
Price: $16. Covers all the handling, matching, and logistics that I’ll do (not the meal). Not a membership, just do it whenever you’d like.
I need to know if anyone would actually use this before I set it up though.
Would you try the Augusta Dinner Club?
The first 25 people who click "yes" will get early access when it launches.
Reply if you have any questions.
🍷 A Downtown Sushi and Cocktail Experience
Tucked into the heart of downtown on the 900 block of Broad Street, 990 Broad Sushi Kitchen offers a modern menu of small plates, sushi, and crudo. The Ph'rog Bar features an inventive cocktail list alongside an extensive sake and Japanese whisky selection, all in an electric, ambient setting.
Read more here.
🏗️ Broad Street Construction Pushes Forward, Parking Opens on Reynolds
The Gist: Construction on Broad Street has moved into the block between Fifth and Sixth streets. Two parking lots on Reynolds Street near James Brown Boulevard — at 116 James Brown Blvd. and 865 Reynolds St. — are now open to the public free of charge with no time restrictions. Augusta Engineering is finalizing an accelerated timeline with a full downtown completion targeted by year's end, with priority given to the high-traffic business corridor before Masters 2026.
Why It Matters: Downtown business owners have felt the squeeze from reduced foot traffic and parking. New parking and a clearer timeline should bring some relief heading into the spring season.
Read more here.
🏠 City Hires Outside Firm to Fix Housing Department
The Gist: Augusta commissioners approved hiring BluLynx Solutions, an Atlanta firm, to take over operations at the city's Housing and Development Department. Last year, misspending of federal dollars cost the city more than $8 million in reimbursements and penalties.
Why It Matters: Federal housing dollars serve some of Augusta's most vulnerable residents. Getting proper controls in place protects both the money and the people it's meant to help.
Read more here.
💰 March Events Expected to Bring $1.2M to Augusta
The Gist: Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council project that 1,662 visitors attending meetings, reunions, events, and sporting events this month will generate at least $1,208,350 for Augusta's River Region.
Why It Matters: As downtown construction continues, these numbers show that people are still coming to Augusta, and the city's event pipeline remains a real economic engine.
Read more here.
🖥️ McDuffie County Data Center Gets Planning Commission Nod
The Gist: The McDuffie Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the Azalea Project, a proposed data center complex with up to six buildings across 200 acres near Dearing. Estimated tax revenue from the project could double the county's budget. A public hearing before the county commission is set for March 17.
Why It Matters: Data center proposals continue to multiply across the CSRA. Residents are raising questions about water use, energy demands, and long-term land impact.
Read more here.
🎬 Matilda: Movies at the Miller | Miller Theater | Augusta | 03/08 | More A free family film screening inside one of downtown's most beautiful historic venues.
⚾ AU Youth Day at Jaguar Field | Jaguar Field | Augusta | 03/08 | More Free admission with pregame activities, autographs, and double-header baseball and softball.
📚 Read Across America Week | Various Schools | Augusta | Through 03/07 | More First responders and community leaders read to students at schools across the city.
🔥 Fire Department Strategic Plan Town Hall | Fire Station 2 | Augusta | 03/09 | More Share your thoughts on Augusta's three-year fire safety plan. Light refreshments served.
🧩 Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt | Downtown Augusta | Augusta | Ongoing | More A self-guided downtown scavenger hunt for families and curious explorers.
🎵 Pinc Louds | Coastal Empire Beer Co. | Augusta area | 03/06 | More Genre-bending indie pop with theatrical energy and tight arrangements.
🍕 Game Night: Spades & Uno Tournament | Various | Augusta | 03/07 | More Competitive card games with a social twist. Perfect for a laid-back Saturday night.
🎤 The Podcast Summit 2026 Tour | TBD Venue | Augusta | 03/08 | More Panels, networking, and live recordings for podcast creators and fans.
🍻 Augusta Cocktail Trail | Multiple Downtown Bars | Augusta | Ongoing through July 2027 | More Sip your way through Augusta's best bars with exclusive rewards along the trail.
🎭 Legally Blonde: The Musical | Imperial Theatre | Augusta | Continuing run | More High-energy Broadway favorite with powerhouse vocals and plenty of heart.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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