Neal Brackett
Sep 2, 2026
First Friday All Over Again Get Your Hushpuppies on for the Labor Day Weekend Events! |
Parade Opens on Marietta Square, 10th Anniversary of InterCultural Fest in Cartersville |
The First Friday concert series in Rome, GA will close its 2026 season with a vibrant celebration downtown.
Excitement is building as Guardians of the Jukebox, a crowd favorite, prepare to deliver the year’s final performance on the lively 200 block of Broad Street.
Attendees are invited to explore the latest shops and savor fresh local flavors before the evening’s music begins.
As dusk falls, patios and restaurants expect an influx of fans eager for live music under city lights.
The event promises a warm sense of community, drawing both neighbors and new faces together.
City officials are ensuring safety with street closures, creating a festive, pedestrian-friendly scene for this unforgettable finale.
For Rome, the First Friday concert isn’t just a show—it’s a tribute to local spirit and shared summertime memories. Read More... |
Trouble Viewing? Images Too Large? I think we fixed that, but |
Quick Note From Your Publisher |
We are still having some deliverability issues. Over the past few weeks quite a few folks that have enjoyed this newsletter since December have not received an issue after we fully transitioned to the new system. Most of those affected have either comcast.net or iCloud.com email addresses. This newsletter is scheduled to go out midday on Wednesday. I will make sure that the newsletter goes out this week to the older list members until the issue is resolved. I will also try to add affected newer subscribers to the older list. If you have not received a newsletter by Wednesday, and if you receive the letter later in the week then you are affected. There are about 150 of you at this writing. If you get duplicate mailings you are not affected… Apologies if that happens to you, please be patient as we are working to get everyone the Seven Hills Spotlight. In the meantime, we have programmers working on the problem.
If you are affected, and would like to see back issues you can look HERE.
If you would like to browse the articles without wading through the newsletters, then you can look HERE.
Thanks for your patience.
Dr. B
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Mark Chesnutt is set to light up The Forum in Rome, GA, generating a wave of excitement throughout the city’s music scene.
Fans of classic country are making plans to fill the venue, ready to relive chart-topping hits and Chesnutt’s signature honky-tonk style in the heart of downtown.
With a decorated career featuring platinum albums, Chesnutt stands as an enduring favorite for locals who value tradition and rich country storytelling.
There’s a special buzz around beloved tracks like "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "Too Cold at Home," fueling nostalgia citywide.
The Forum’s active calendar is energizing Rome’s downtown, as concerts and community events boost local shops and new restaurants on Broad Street.
Chesnutt’s visit highlights Rome’s rising status as a live entertainment destination and a driver of local business growth. Read More... |
Arts Alive Rome: A Musical Sampler |
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The event, designed as a musical sampler, will spotlight brief performances by cherished local ensembles, including the Northwest Georgia Winds, Clock Tower Jazz Ensemble, Three Rivers Singers, Rome Festival Brass, Rome Shakespeare Festival and some of our community's favorite local individual performers, promising something for every ear.
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🎉 Welcome to The Seven Hills Spotlight! 🎉 I have been sending this newsletter out for the past 6 months in one form or another. My wife and I sit down every few weeks to check our calendars to see what events we might like to support or attend. These always include Rome Little Theatre, Rome Shakespeare, Rome International Film Festival, Shorter University Theatre, Berry College Theatre, Rome Festival Brass, and Rome’s Own Music Ensembles. Sadly, there is no place that has a single inclusive calendar that includes all of these events.
Thank You.
Dr. B |
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An Evening of Italian Wine & Culinary Craft - The Vinattieri Experience – The Antinori Story |
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Join us at Chophouse on Broad Street for an extraordinary evening celebrating the wines and culinary traditions of Italy. The Vinattieri Experience features five exceptional Italian wines, thoughtfully paired with a chef-crafted multi-course menu.
From the bright, refreshing character of Tuscan Vermentino to the depth and elegance of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, each course has been designed to complement its featured wine.
Amuse-Bouche - Guado al Tasso Vermentino — Tuscany paired with Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
Insalata - Castello della Sala San Giovanni Orvieto — Umbria paired with Roasted Pear & Whipped Ricotta
Primo Piatto - Prunotto Occhetti Nebbiolo — Piedmont paired with Seared U-10 Sea Scallop & Wild Mushroom Risotto
Intermezzo - Italian Lemon Sorbet
Secondo Piatto - Il Bruciato — Bolgheri, Tuscany paired with Hand-Selected USDA Prime Filet Mignon — 4 oz
Contorni - Black Truffle Whipped Potatoes • Roasted Wild Mushrooms • Creamed Spinach
Dolce - Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione — Tuscany paired with Dark Chocolate & Amarena Cherry Torte
Seating is limited for this special dining experience. Reservations are required. Reserve your table at chophouseobs.com or through OpenTable today. |
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Shorter University Theatre Department has revealed an exciting new season for local audiences.
This year’s lineup features the adventurous Peter & The Starcatcher in the fall, alongside the classic Chekhov drama Three Sisters next spring.
Musical fans are in for a treat with Return to the Forbidden Planet—a unique 1950s space twist on Shakespeare’s The Tempest—and the crowd favorite Sister Act, recently seen at Rome Little Theatre.
The dramatic productions each run for one weekend, while both musicals enjoy extended, two-weekend engagements.
With past performances quickly selling out, local theater fans are encouraged to secure tickets early for this dynamic season up on the hill. Read More... |
The Far Niente Wine Estates Experience |
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Join us at Chophouse on Broad Street for an extraordinary evening celebrating the exceptional wines of Far Niente Wine Estates.
The Far Niente Wine Estates Experience features five distinctive wines from the Far Niente family, thoughtfully paired with a chef-crafted multi-course menu. From the bright elegance of Post & Beam Chardonnay and the single-vineyard character of Nickel & Nickel to the expressive EnRoute Pinot Noir, rich Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, and luxurious Far Niente Dolce, each course has been designed to complement the character of its featured wine.
Amuse-Bouche - Post & Beam Chardonnay paired with Butter-Poached Lobster Crostini
Antipasto - Nickel & Nickel Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay paired with Crab-Stuffed Squash Blossom
Primo Piatto - EnRoute Pinot Noir paired with Pan-Seared Duck Breast, Wild Mushroom Polenta & Cherry-Port Reduction
Intermezzo - Pear & Ginger Sorbet
Secondo Piatto - Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Hand-Selected USDA Prime Filet Mignon — 4 oz
Contorni - Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Potato Gratin • Creamed Spinach • Fire-Roasted Sweet Corn with Herbs
Dolce - Far Niente Dolce paired with Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée & Fresh Berries
Seating is limited for this special dining experience. Reservations are required. Reserve your table at chophouseobs.com or through OpenTable today. |
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Georgia's Rome Farmers Market |
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 10 & Saturday Sept. 12, 2026 ⏰ 7:00 AM 📍 Ridgeferry Park
Twice weekly this popular community gathering brings together local farmers, growers, artisans, makers, and small businesses from across Northwest Georgia. Visitors can shop for fresh seasonal produce, locally made foods, handcrafted goods, baked treats, specialty products, and unique gifts while supporting local businesses and agriculture.
Whether you're searching for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade products, locally sourced foods, or simply looking for a fun morning activity, the Rome Farmers Markets has something for everyone. |
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Intercultural Fest Celebrates 10 years of Unity, Culture and Community |
📅 September 6, 2026 ⏰ 12:00 PM Noon 1 Friendship Plaza, Downtown Cartersville,
Celebrating 10 Years of Culture, Community and Service! 🎉 Since 2016, Intercultural Fest has brought families and communities together across Northwest Georgia through multicultural festivals, educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, youth leadership, scholarships and community resources. Intercultural Fest Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), dedicated to advancing our charitable and community-centered mission. Intercultural Fest LLC serves as the independent operational and event-production entity supporting the planning, coordination and presentation of festivals and related activities. Together, while maintaining their separate legal and financial responsibilities, both entities help advance a shared commitment to cultural understanding, community participation and inclusive opportunities. All Of Us Under One Flag®
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Leo and Lucille Frank are a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, PARADE reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another. With a book by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and a rousing, colorful and haunting score by Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Bridges of Madison County, Songs For a New World), PARADE combines soaring music with a deeply human story. Directed by Dawn Parker (Bright Star, 2025), this production brings the Tony Award-winning musical back to the very community where these events unfolded. The result is a powerful theatrical experience that confronts one of the most complex chapters in Georgia history while illuminating the endurance of love, hope, and conviction in the face of overwhelming odds. Tickets are $27 to $42 and are on sale now! Purchase tickets 24/7 at strandmarietta.org, or get tickets through the box office at 770.293.0080 or 117 North Park Square. Read More... |
City Springs Theatre presents |
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Directed by Tony Award®-winner |
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Finster Fest 2026 |
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Over 70 Artists, 17 Musical Performances, 3 Stages, over 2 days of Live Performances.
Free shuttle from the Walmart on US-17 in Summerville. |
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Margaritatown: A tribute to Jimmy Buffet and other coastal classics |
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Jimmy Buffet Tribute and Parrothead Celebration! |
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When locals are asked where to find authentic Mediterranean food in Rome, Jerusalem Grill is often one of the first names mentioned. Known for its flavorful shawarma, perfectly seasoned kabobs, fresh hummus, homemade Mediterranean specialties, and handcrafted desserts, Jerusalem Grill has built a loyal following throughout Northwest Georgia. Guests appreciate the restaurant's commitment to authentic recipes, fresh ingredients, and generous portions that bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to the heart of Rome. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch, enjoying dinner with family, or introducing friends to Mediterranean cuisine for the first time, Jerusalem Grill offers a dining experience that is both welcoming and memorable. |
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Harvest Moon Cafe has been a beloved fixture in the heart of historic downtown Rome for years, serving delicious Southern cuisine from its prime spot on Broad Street. Known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the cafe offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere for any occasion.
Whether you're stopping in for their famous Sunday brunch or enjoying a relaxing evening with friends on the Moon Roof Bar, you will always find a taste of hometown flair.
This spotlight is presented by Harvest Moon Cafe. For a true Rome experience that feels both classic and creative, we encourage you to visit. Explore their menu online and see what makes them a local favorite.
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Q&A Questions |
Q: Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Rome, GA? A: A: Some popular outdoor activities in Rome, GA include hiking at Mount Berry Trail and exploring the heritage of Chieftains Museum.
Q: Q: What are some must-visit historical sites in Rome, GA? A: A: Some must-visit historical sites in Rome, GA are the Rome Area History Museum and the Myrtle Hill Cemetery.
Q: Q: What is the dining scene like in Rome, GA? A: A: The dining scene in Rome, GA offers a variety of options, from Southern comfort food at Stanley’s on North Broad to international cuisine at Blue Fin Sushi & Grill. |
