Weekday Adventures in the Heart of Georgia

This week's adventures include a celebration of Jane Austen's birthday at Longleaf Distilling Co., a stroll through the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza with Bike Walk Macon after helping out the Meals on Wheels’ Pet Food Pantry, and more. The following are just a few of the unique, fun, and often free things to do this week in the heart of Georgia.

Middle Georgia's Connor Henderson performed for the cheerful crowd at Marché de Noël this past Saturday (Photographer Nate Weeks)

MONDAY, December 15th

Chanukah Menorah Celebration at the Monroe County Courthouse (5:30 p.m.)

Joint Chabad Rural Georgia at a celebration of the Menorah Lighting at the Monroe County Courthouse on Monday. This Jewish religious practice commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted 8 days in the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Monroe County Courthouse: 16 N Jackson Street, Forsyth

TUESDAY, December 16th

Jane Austen 250th Birthday Celebration at Longleaf Distilling Co. (6 p.m.)

On Tuesday evening, Longleaf Distilling Co. will pay homage to Jane Austen, the famous English novelist who wrote books like “Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice" that dealt with matters of romance, social jockeying, and marriage. There will be games, crafts, food, and a tea and dessert pairing flight. MD Exchange will be on hand, hosting activities with prizes awarded throughout the event. There will also be a cash bar from Longleaf Distilling Co. Tickets to the Jane Austen 250th Birthday Celebration cost $50 and can be purchased at this link.

    > Longleaf Distillery Co.: 664 2nd Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Longleaf Distilling Co.

The Belltower Annual Roundtable at The Belltower Collective (7 p.m.)

The Belltower Annual Roundtable provides Middle Georgia creatives a chance to meet with other like-minded individuals while sharing goals, challenges, and making connections. This event is free and open to the public.

    > The Belltower Collective: 2371 Ingleside Avenue Ste B, Macon

Other Special Events Scheduled for Tuesday:

 Midway Hills Academy presents The Nutcracker. Free and open to the public. 6:30 p.m. 

     > Midway Hills Academy: 101 Carl Vinson Road SE, Milledgeville

 Santa Paws Walk with Meals on Wheels in Downtown Macon. Attendees are encouraged to bring their dogs and a bag of pet food for Meals on Wheels’ Pet Food Pantry to enjoy a stroll through the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza with the friendly folks at Bike Walk Macon. Free and open to the public. 6 p.m.

    > Rosa Parks Square: 1st Street + Poplar Street, Macon

 FOOD: December Wine Dinner: Battle of the Big Reds at Braddock’s Cask & Table. Red wines and dinner. $150 per person plus tax and gratuity. 6:30 p.m.

    > Braddock’s Cask & Table: 347 Cotton Avenue, Macon

 MUSIC: Winter Chorus Concert at Howard High School. Free and open to the public. 7 p.m.

    > Howard High School: 6400 Forsyth Road, Macon

WEDNESDAY, December 17th

Tacky Christmas Craft Night with Artspace Macon at The Rose Room (5-9 p.m.)

Artspace Macon encourages you to put on your tackiest Christmas sweater or outfit and enjoy an evening of crafts and cookies at Downtown Macon’s The Rose Room on Wednesday. There will be prizes given out for tackiest dressed, as well as the best decorated ornament and cookie. This event is for experienced crafters as well as those not gifted with crafty hands. Tacky Christmas Craft Night is free to attend.

    > The Rose Room: 378 2nd Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Artspace Macon

Neel’s Lofts Historic Sign Lighting p.m.)

NewTown Macon and Neel’s Lofts invite Middle Georgians to attend the lighting of the historic Joseph N. Neel Department Store sign. The sign is affixed to the newly constructed Neel’s Lofts’ building after having been refurbished and repainted by The Sign Store. Visitors will get a chance to tour a model unit of the 95-unit luxury lofts afterward. This event is free and open to the public.

    > Neel’s Lofts: 462 Cherry Street, Macon

Other Special Events Scheduled for Wednesday:

 BIKING: Night Ride at L.H. Thomson Trail with the Ocmulgee Mountain Biking Association. Bikers should bring their lights to ride on the single track at the L.H. Thomson Trail. 6:30 p.m.

    > L.H. Thomson Trail: 7800 N.E. Industrial Boulevard, Macon

 GAMING: Inaugural Reverb Room Game Night. The Reverb Room will host a Smash Bros Tournament ($5 entry to the tourney with a cash prize for the winner) as well as a chance to hang out with other gamers to discuss what games should be featured in future game nights. 5-8 p.m.

    > Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

 Annual Christmas Party at Harley-Davidson of Macon. Harley-Davidson of Macon's annual Christmas Party will include music from Scarborough Fair, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, and prizes. This event is free and open to the public. 6-9 p.m.

    > Harley-Davidson of Macon: 5000 Mercer University Drive, Macon

THURSDAY, December 18th

The Grinch Bar Crawl (6 p.m.)

This unique bar crawl invites you to put on the outfits of the citizens of Whoville to enjoy an evening with a mission: save Christmas from the selfish Grinch after he once again steals presents, this time from Downtown Macon. The Grinch Bar Crawl starts at Fall Line Brewing Co., where you pick up your Present Rescue Card, and ends at JBA for a How the Grinch Stole the Afterparty. Tickets include a crawl map, access to Grinch-themed cocktails, a Santa sack, a “two sizes too small” heart necklace, and Grinch hands for silliness and merriment. Tickets to The Grinch Bar Crawl cost $10.70 on eventbrite.com.

    > Fall Line Brewing Co.: 567 Plum Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Fall Line Brewing Co.

SHOPPING: Barbecue & Brews at Ace of Gray (4-7 p.m.)

This shopping event at Ace of Gray will include barbecue, brews, and 25% off much of the store's inventory. Deals include 15% off STIHL handheld power tools and grills. Guests will also get a chance to enjoy beer tastings from Piedmont Brewery and Fall Line Brewery as well as brisket and pulled pork smoked by Christopher. Barbecue & Brews is free to attend.

    > Ace of Gray: 243 West Clinton Street, Gray

Other Special Events Scheduled for Thursday:

 MUSIC: Midway Hills Academy presents Winter Fire Arts Night. Free and open to the public. Guests should park at the back of the gym. 6-7 p.m.

    > Midway Hills Academy: 101 Carl Vinson Road SE, Milledgeville

 MUSIC: Karaoke at Grant’s Lounge with Fresh Produce Records. DJ Willie D hosts karaoke every Thursday at Grant’s Lounge. No cover. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

    > Midway Hills Academy: 101 Carl Vinson Road SE, Milledgeville

Graphic courtesy of Fresh Produce Records

Did we miss an event you are excited about? Leave a comment below to let others know about other fun and interesting events taking place this week in Middle Georgia.