Feature stories - The LocaL

Blooming Anew – Grier’s Farmer’s Market Cultivates Community

Posted on May 11, 2025May 11, 2025 by Editor - the Local

For generations, the familiar name of Fat Boy’s Produce has been synonymous with fresh, locally sourced goodness. A true cornerstone of the community, its history stretches back nearly half a century, weaving through the lives of countless residents. While the official business name is now Grier’s Farmer’s Market, the deep roots and commitment to quality which defined Fat Boy’s continue to flourish, nurtured by a vision for a modern, thriving marketplace. “Fat Boy’s Produce has…

A Cup of Kindness – How Take the City Delivers Hope and Healing To Community

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Natalie Downey A city’s unique needs are best understood by its residents. Local faith-based initiative Take the City seeks to meet those needs on a practical level while inspiring hope and connection. Driven by a profound Christian faith, their multifaceted approach is guided by a clear purpose: restoring lives, revitalizing communities, and raising up those in need. Beginning as an initiative in 2013 and becoming a registered nonprofit in 2015, Take the City continued…

Chili Dog Chronicles – A Local Foodie’s Quest for the Perfect Bite

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Chris Willums The quest for Columbus’s ultimate chili dog has concluded, and the results are in. This wasn’t about crowning a single victor, but rather a celebration of the diverse flavors and unique qualities which make each local establishment stand out. To ensure a fair and focused review, I established the following principles: Only locally owned and operated restaurants were considered, supporting the heart of Columbus’s culinary scene. Instead of numerical ratings, the emphasis…

CineForge Co-op / Local Roots, Global Screens: Supporting the Growth of Cinema in Columbus

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Andy Carpenter Watching movies on a streaming platform is a whole lot like having UberEats drop off a meal at your house. Both are convenient, with barely any effort involved at all. There isn’t much prep required, and not much to clean up after … and both tend to obscure all the arduous work the filmmaker who made your entertainment, or the farmer who cultivated your food, had to put in to bring that…

Festival Fever: Get Ready for the Crossroads Folk Art Festival

Posted on May 2, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Spring is in the air, ushering in a vibrant season filled with sunshine, creativity, and the much-anticipated Crossroads Folk Art Festival. On May 10, Rose Hill Park will be transformed into a lively haven for art enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a slice of authentic Southern culture. With the park nestled at the corner of Hamilton Road and 33rd Street, the festival promises to be a delightful gathering showcasing a rich mosaic of local folk…

The Energy of Live Rock: The Ultimate MUSIC WAVE Festival Rocks The Varsity in Phenix City

Posted on April 24, 2025May 13, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The anticipation is palpable as you make your way to the venue, the air buzzing with the promise of a day and night filled with electrifying live rock music. You can feel the energy building with each step closer to the outdoor stage, where a sense of community is already taking shape as fellow music lovers gather, ready to immerse themselves in the shared experience. That vibrant festival spirit, that feeling of pure rock energy,…

Celebrating the Spirit of The Blues

Posted on April 24, 2025April 24, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The Historic Zion Blues Festival Returns To Talbotton, May 3 To some, it might seem like an unusual combination— an historic, Gothic Episcopal church nestled in the heart of sunny Talbotton, while the haunting melodies of the blues echo across the grounds. Yet this delightful fusion is a celebration of the storied history of Talbotton, a community whose roots run deep in both Zion Episcopal Church, consecrated in 1853, and an ever-evolving music scene which…

MaFest Celebrates Music, Art, Heritage and Mothers

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Embracing The Soul As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, Columbus prepares to ignite with creativity, culture, and community at the inaugural “Ma” Fest, held May 10 – 11 in the Historic Liberty District. The festival pays tribute to Ma Rainey, our “Mother of the Blues,” celebrating her monumental impact on music while revitalizing a district with deep cultural roots. “This isn’t just a festival; it’s the dawn of a new arts and cultural institution in Georgia,”…

The Excitement of the Columbus Cup Returns to Waveshaper Island

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Ride the Waves The Columbus Cup, a hallmark event for the region’s sporting community, returns on April 12 and 13, promising a weekend of intense competition and spirited community engagement. This annual event, set against the backdrop of the Chattahoochee River, showcases over $10,000 in cash prizes and attracts top freestyle kayakers from around the globe, all vying for their moment in one of the world’s premier paddling locations. Waveshaper Island, a natural amphitheater for…

Home Is Where the Art Is: Celebrating the Artistic Journey of the Homeless Community

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by Editor - the Local

In a heartwarming initiative merging creativity with compassion, “Home Is Where the Art Is” is poised to inspire the community through two upcoming events: Arts in the Park on April 27, and an auction at the Bo Bartlett Center on May 15. Spearheaded by renowned artist Bo Bartlett, this program not only showcases the artistic talents of homeless individuals but also aims to raise vital funds to support them on their journey toward stability and…

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