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🦪 Elevated Southern Dining in Augusta
Abel Brown brings refined Southern cuisine to Augusta's Surrey Center, blending coastal traditions with modern technique. Their menu showcases locally-sourced ingredients through dishes like Kurobuta pork chops, she-crab soup, and fresh oysters - perfect for celebratory dinners or impressing out-of-town guests. With its ingredient-driven approach and elegant atmosphere, Abel Brown has earned its place as one of Augusta's most beloved dining destinations.
Learn more here.
🚧 Seven Miles Closed Through January
The Gist: Augusta Utilities began draining seven miles of the historic Augusta Canal on January 11 for routine maintenance and debris removal. The towpath and Lake Olmstead Trailhead Bridge face temporary closures as crews access pump stations and clear trees damaged during Hurricane Helene recovery.
Why It Matters: Walkers, cyclists and canal users lose access to popular trails for several weeks just as the waterway was reopening after storm damage.
Read more here.
📊 Three Data Center Proposals Spark Heated Debate
The Gist: Columbia County's Planning Commission heard public input Thursday on three massive data center proposals near I-20. Residents whose families have owned land for generations packed meetings, citing concerns about noise, traffic, generators, and broken promises about neighborhood development.
Why It Matters: These facilities could reshape rural Appling permanently. One campus alone would span 8.1 million square feet.
What's Next: Planning Commission recommendations head to county commissioners for final votes.
Read more here.
💰 First-Ever Award Funds Youth Programs
The Gist: Augusta Juvenile Court secured $335,000 annually for three years to expand gang prevention programming. The grant supports wraparound services addressing school attendance, reading levels, and underlying factors that lead youth to crime.
Why It Matters: This is the first time Augusta-Richmond County has received this competitive state award, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment.
What's Next: A new computer lab opens February 1 at THRIVE on Walton Way.
Read more here.
🌊 Maintenance Targets Storm Damage
The Gist: Crews started Saturday draining the Augusta Canal from Savannah Rapids Pavilion to 13th Street. Work includes pump station cleaning and removing trees knocked down by Hurricane Helene, with closures expected through late January.
Why It Matters: This routine maintenance keeps the historic waterway operational but means limited trail access during prime winter walking weather.
Read more here.
🎭 A Taste of Ireland | Miller Theater | Augusta | 1/16 | More Celtic dance and music sensation featuring Riverdance and Lord of the Dance performers.
🎶 Tell Me Lies - Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Miller Theater | Augusta | 1/17 | More High-energy tribute celebrating iconic '70s classics with synchronized lights and interactive performances.
🎭 Augusta Symphony Gala with Audra McDonald | Miller Theater | Augusta | 1/24 | More Black-tie celebration featuring Broadway's most awarded star with champagne and dancing.
🎤 Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party | Bell Auditorium | Augusta | 1/18 | More Legendary comedian brings shirtless storytelling and outrageous tales to life.
😂 Eddie Griffin | Bell Auditorium | Augusta | 1/23 | More Comedy icon delivers signature stand-up energy celebrating laughter and good times.
🕯️ Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | Sacred Heart Cultural Center | Augusta | 1/21 | More Intimate candlelit concert reimagining classic Fleetwood Mac hits in atmospheric setting.
🎵 Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop | Sacred Heart Cultural Center | Augusta | 1/22 | More Hip-hop classics reimagined by string quartet in glowing candlelit ambiance.
🏈 College Football Championship Watch Party | Top Dawg Tavern | Augusta | 1/19 | More Catch the playoff action on big screens with game-time snacks.
🎲 Trivia Night | Rally Point Grille | Evans | 1/20 | More Test your knowledge with friends over craft beer and appetizers.
🍺 Live Music Fridays | 5th & Fire | Augusta | 1/16, 1/23 | More BBQ, craft cocktails, and local bands on the downtown patio.
Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!