Feature stories - The LocaL

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 25, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The anticipation is palpable as you make your way, the air buzzing with the promise of an evening filled with electrifying live rock music. You can feel the energy building with each step, 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, is heading to Phenix City. Get ready for the Ultimate…

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…

CineForge Co-op – Why I Write

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

Frequently, I consider tossing my laptop into the trash can. Usually this comes after checking one of the two websites keeping a running dashboard of the status of my screenplays. When you enter a screenplay festival, these websites keep track of the date the results are expected, and three potential outcomes; In Consideration, Not Selected, or Selected. Further, if you are Selected, there is one more possible step – “Award Winner.” I am about 90…

Keni Thomas: A Hometown Hero’s Musical Homecoming

Posted on April 1, 2025April 24, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The air crackles with anticipation, and a familiar tune hums in the background, as Columbus prepares for a return that promises to reignite the local music scene. Country star and Army veteran Keni Thomas, with his band, Cornbread, is set to perform at The Loft on April 12, in a show that captures not only the spirit of his musical journey but also the deep connections that have shaped his life. This night at the…

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