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.

Downtown Rome has never felt more alive, thanks to a wave of new boutiques and eateries adding extra charm to Main 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.

The annual mushroom festival in Rome, GA, is quickly earning a reputation as a must-attend event for local outdoor enthusiasts.

This year’s festivities invite fans of wild food and nature to explore an expanded, action-packed schedule over two days.

Attendees enjoy immersive fungi foraging expeditions, hands-on workshops, and lively regional music in Rome’s scenic setting.

Expert guides lead participants through the woods, sharing tips for identifying unique edible and medicinal mushrooms that grow near the rivers and hills.

Workshops, art booths, and local food startups reflect Rome’s growing eco-conscious culture and commitment to sustainability.

Families, students, and tourists mingle as they debate rare finds, learn safe collecting practices, and celebrate the region’s agricultural roots.

Rome’s investment in new trails and conservation efforts is helping the festival flourish, knitting stronger community ties beneath the autumn canopy.

Anticipation is peaking as Aaron Tippin readies to headline the brand-new Rockmart Amphitheater this weekend.

The community is alive with excitement, as country music lovers from across the region flock to Rockmart for this major event.

This concert marks a significant milestone for the city, which hopes its state-of-the-art venue will redefine northwest Georgia’s live music landscape.

Downtown, banners hang proudly while local businesses prepare for an expected surge of visitors eager for an unforgettable night.

Midnight Pine will open the show, kicking off an evening full of soulful music and Tippin’s celebrated anthems.

Food trucks, flexible seating, and VIP options promise a stellar experience for every guest.

Officials remind attendees that outside food, drinks, and pets are not allowed, keeping the spotlight firmly on the music.

This highly anticipated event is set to draw both residents and visitors, underscoring Rockmart’s growing place in Georgia’s music scene.

The DeSoto Theatre is reclaiming its spotlight in downtown Rome as major restoration work transforms the iconic landmark this year.

At a recent tour, community leaders and preservation supporters from across Georgia explored the ongoing theatre renovation, witnessing visible progress like new scaffolding and a restored proscenium arch.

Excitement filled the air as DeSoto Theatre Foundation leaders shared updates, highlighting a multiyear grant fueling the project’s ambitious scope.

Local artisans and contractors are hard at work reviving the venue’s ornate period features, lush velvets, and historic details.

Residents say the project reflects a surge of energy throughout Rome, as new businesses open near Broad Street.

The theatre’s revival is tied closely to downtown’s cultural and economic growth.

When completed, the DeSoto will host live shows, films, and community events, blending Rome’s past with its vibrant future.

Each fall, downtown Rome, GA bursts with life as the Fiddlin Fest and Street Festival return, transforming the city center into a swirl of music, color, and community spirit.

The event stretches from 100 to 400 Broad Street and now flows into the River District, welcoming crowds with expanded venues and fresh attractions.

Locals and visitors buzz with excitement over the festival’s vibrant energy and new features.

Classic car enthusiasts flock to the Armuchee Ruritan Car Show, which dazzles with vintage vehicles and rare finds.

Two stages host nonstop bluegrass, country, and Americana performances, while artists capture live scenes with plein air paintings.

Food stalls and sidewalk sales spill into the streets, tempting attendees and supporting local businesses with special deals.

An after-party concert in the River District keeps the festivities rolling after dark, capping off an event that celebrates community pride and Rome’s creative growth.

Anticipation is growing in Dalton, GA as the renowned Conasauga Shakespeare Coalition gets ready to unveil its fresh production of Macbeth.

This year’s adaptation promises a dynamic fusion of classic themes and modern staging, inviting audiences into a captivating world of ambition, prophecy, and suspense.

Performances will run across two weekends at both the Dalton Convention Center and the evocative Prater’s Mill, spotlighting regional talent.

Local directors are focused on delivering the haunting intensity and intricate moral questions that have defined Shakespeare’s tragedy for generations.

The show’s timing comes as Dalton’s downtown buzzes with revitalization and new business, making the event a cultural highlight for residents and visitors alike.

The arrival of Macbeth marks another powerful step in uniting the community through arts, promising an unforgettable evening for all who attend.

Anticipation is mounting in Rome, GA as the city prepares for the beloved historic homes tour this fall.

The Georgia Trust Fall Ramble invites locals and visitors to step inside Rome’s grandest residences, revealing stories etched across generations.

The tour opens Friday in Cave Spring, where antebellum homes and gentle springs evoke the spirit of old Georgia.

Saturday leads guests through the Between the Rivers Historic District and College Heights, showcasing lovingly preserved Victorian homes amid a thriving downtown.

Broad Street bustles with modern boutiques, while echoes of Rome’s rich heritage linger in every restored facade.

Berry College hosts Sunday’s finale, featuring its English Gothic halls and the landmark Oak Hill mansion.

Special meals and community gatherings enhance the experience, fostering pride, unity, and fellowship.

With tickets in high demand, Rome’s historic season promises unforgettable moments and a renewed celebration of local legacy.

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.

Excitement is building in Rome, GA as families anticipate this weekend’s live character event at the downtown Forum River Center.

Beloved characters will fill the venue with energy, sparking joy for children and adults alike.

This immersive experience promises music, interactive dance parties, and lively singalongs.

Organizers have crafted a full schedule of themed activities, giving families a chance to create lasting memories together.

Inclusivity takes center stage this year, as children with special needs are warmly welcomed and everyone is encouraged to come in costume for extra fun.

With concessions available and community spirit at its peak, parents see the event as a welcome break and a way to bring families closer.

As Rome’s family-friendly scene grows along Broad Street, events like this unite neighbors in laughter and play.

New Oak Theatre launches its 2026–27 season with four very different shows — and gives Seven Hills Spotlight readers another good reason to plan a weekend in Savannah.

Every once in a while, “Worth the Drive” gets a little personal.

My son Chase and daughter-in-law Sarah launched New Oak Theatre in Savannah last year, and I’ll admit right up front that Kim and I don’t exactly qualify as impartial theatre critics where this particular company is concerned.

But here’s the thing: these really are shows worth putting on your radar.

A lot of folks in the Seven Hills community watched Chase grow up on local stages — performing with Rome Little Theatre and in Sam Baltzer’s R.O.M.E. productions. Theatre has been part of his life for a long time, and it has been pretty special watching that journey lead all the way to helping create a theatre company of his own in Savannah.

And Savannah may not be quite as far away from Rome as we sometimes make it sound.

Okay... it’s not exactly Calhoun.

But plenty of us already head to Savannah for a long weekend, a wedding, a visit with family, a few days on Tybee, or simply because sometimes you need Spanish moss, pecan pralines, shrimp and grits, and an excuse to walk around carrying a drink.

If Savannah is already on your calendar, why not add a really good show while you’re there?

New Oak Theatre has announced a 2026–27 season at The Starland Playhouse, and they have put together a lineup with a little bit of everything.

First Up: She Loves Me

November 20–December 13

The season opens with one of musical theatre’s great romantic comedies.

She Loves Me takes us to a 1930s Budapest perfumery, where two co-workers spend much of their time getting on each other’s nerves.

There’s just one problem.

Neither realizes that the anonymous pen pal they have been falling in love with through a series of passionate letters is the person standing right there in front of them.

That ought to go well.

With a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and a book by Joe Masteroff, She Loves Me is charming, funny and unapologetically romantic — a particularly nice choice for the holiday season.

Barefoot in the Park

January 29–February 21

Then New Oak moves from Budapest to a tiny New York apartment for Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.

Newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter are discovering one of marriage’s little secrets:

Falling in love is one thing.

Living together in a small apartment is something else entirely.

Corie is spontaneous. Paul is considerably less so. Add a quirky neighbor, a meddling mother and all the little indignities of newlywed life, and Neil Simon does what Neil Simon does best.

He makes ordinary human aggravation extremely funny.

If you like a good old-fashioned comedy where the laughs come from recognizable people behaving exactly like recognizable people, this one should be a lot of fun.

Next to Normal

March 19–April 11

Then the season takes a dramatic turn.

Next to Normal is a Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical centered on a mother struggling with bipolar disorder and the enormous effect her illness has on the family around her.

This is not lightweight musical theatre.

The show confronts grief, depression, suicide, medication, psychiatry, addiction and the often messy reality hiding behind the front doors of seemingly ordinary suburban families.

But it does so with a powerful contemporary score by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey.

It is the kind of musical that can leave an audience sitting quietly for a moment after the lights come up — which is often the mark of theatre doing exactly what theatre is supposed to do.

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

May 7–May 30

And finally, New Oak closes the season with one of the giants of American drama.

Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night follows the Tyrone family through a single August day in 1912.

Over those hours, old wounds reopen, resentments surface and a family struggles with addiction, illness, disappointment and the uncomfortable truths they know about one another.

It won both the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize, and there is a reason it continues to be produced nearly 70 years after its premiere.

It is not necessarily a cheerful night at the theatre.

It is, however, one heck of a play.

Maybe Savannah Is the New “Worth the Drive”

One of the things we want to do with Seven Hills Spotlight is remind folks that our arts community doesn’t end at the Floyd County line.

Sometimes there is something terrific happening in Cartersville, Cedartown, Chattanooga or Atlanta.

And sometimes it is in Savannah.

Atlanta certainly offers an enormous amount of theatre, but by the time you fight the traffic, find a parking deck and figure out which Peachtree Street you are actually standing on, you may begin questioning some of your life choices.

Savannah presents another possibility.

Make a weekend out of it.

Have a good dinner. Walk the historic district. Head out to Tybee. Enjoy Savannah.

And then catch a show.

For Kim and me, New Oak Theatre is unquestionably Worth the Drive.

But I suspect some of you may discover that it is worth the drive for you, too.

New Oak Theatre’s 2026–27 season will be presented at The Starland Playhouse in Savannah.

Learn more and find tickets at NewOakTheatre.org.

The Tellus Science Museum will remain open late for a special lunar eclipse event on Thursday, August 27, inviting visitors to witness a dramatic night sky show from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

During the eclipse, 96% of the Moon will be cloaked in Earth's shadow, offering a rare celestial spectacle visible to everyone.

Experts Glenn Burns and NASA Ambassador Chris Thompson will guide guests through the science behind the eclipse, answer questions, and share real-time insights.

Attendees can experience the view from the Tellus Observatory, attend interactive Planetarium shows at 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., and join eclipse talks at 11 p.m., midnight, and 1 a.m.

The eclipse peaks at 12:13 a.m., likely turning the Moon a striking red or copper hue, with the event wrapping up at 1:52 a.m.

Admission is free for Tellus members; regular rates apply for others.

The Rome High School Wind Ensemble is set to showcase its talents in the heart of Rome, GA, capturing the attention of music lovers across the region.

After months of dedicated preparation, these driven student musicians have been invited to take the stage at the highly regarded Music for All Festival.

This invitation places them among an elite group, as only a handful of high school ensembles across the Southeast are chosen to perform each year.

According to school leaders, the selection process for the festival is fierce and conducted with complete anonymity to ensure fairness.

The journey for the Rome GA high school band has been marked by unwavering commitment, with practice sessions that often stretch late into the evening.

Students and directors alike say this recognition goes well beyond a trophy—it's a testament to the drive found within local halls and classrooms.

Pride is running high through the streets of Rome as news of the invitation spreads.

Community members have applauded the win, noting how the band’s success uplifts the city’s profile and inspires future generations of musicians.

This event not only celebrates talent but signals a shift in the regional arts scene, positioning Rome as an emerging hub for musical excellence.

This year in particular, the Rome High School Wind Ensemble will be featured alongside other remarkable groups and engage in master classes with visiting industry professionals.

The festival offers students rare exposure to collegiate-level insight and valuable networking within the music education field.

As local leaders cheer on the ensemble, many hope for an even stronger future for the Rome GA high school band and its passionate supporters.

The anticipation is building for a performance that promises to echo long after the last note is played.

Excitement is rising in Rome, GA as the city hosts a vibrant worship night aimed at uniting the community through music and shared faith.

Lizzie Morgan, celebrated for her emotional vocals and uplifting spirit, headlines the event, giving attendees the chance to connect deeply with her music and message.

Exclusive VIP perks—such as early entry, reserved seating, and a meet and greet—set an energetic tone before the main gathering.

Giveaways and fresh local food options add to the excitement, as Christian concerts like this often attract enthusiastic, diverse crowds.

As worship fills the air, guests from all backgrounds feel welcomed and encouraged to grow together in faith.

Amid Rome’s ongoing downtown revival, this event nurtures new friendships and spiritual renewal, reflecting Lizzie Morgan’s passion for courageous, community-rooted praise.

Work is progressing on the State Route 20 connector, a major highway project drawing keen attention in Rome and Cartersville.

Local leaders anticipate this long-awaited road will ease commutes and speed up freight traffic, addressing congestion that plagues both Bartow and Floyd counties.

Recent public meetings unveiled fresh route maps and a two-phase construction plan.

The first phase will link Grassdale Road to Old Grassdale Road, breaking ground within several years.

Following that, Phase Two will extend the connector from State Route 3 to Grassdale Road, according to project planners.

With traffic bottlenecks worsening on US 411 and US 41, and truckers facing costly delays, business owners along the corridor are hopeful.

The design features four lanes, landscaped medians, and modern roundabouts, highlighted by a redesigned I-75 interchange north of Old Grassdale Road.

While some residents welcome the changes, others worry about increased traffic and construction impacts.

The connector is expected to spark new commercial growth and real estate development, poised to reshape Rome’s future connections.

There is a new reason to make a Friday food run on the North Broad side of town.

Food Truck Friday at The Crossing at Callahan Street is set for Friday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 12 East Callahan Street, near North Broad Street. The event brings together a strong lineup of local food trucks, including Steele Mealz, Plum Crazy Cuisine, QB’s Vending, Her Sweets, and Peach State Italian Ice.

That gives folks a little bit of everything: savory meals, fair-style favorites, sweets, and a cold treat to fight off the August heat. Plum Crazy Cuisine is known as a Rome-area hibachi-style food truck, while Peach State Italian Ice promotes itself as a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream and shaved ice. The Crossing also lists Chef Russell “Steele Mealz” as part of its catering offerings, bringing food truck energy to events and gatherings.

This looks like the kind of simple local event Rome does well: pull in, look around, smell what’s cooking, and let everybody pick what they want. No committee meeting required. Just food trucks, local vendors, and a new gathering spot trying to build something regular.

Future vendors interested in participating can call 762-424-8004 for more information.

Seven Hills Spotlight has launched a brand-new events calendar designed for how locals actually plan their week.

This easy-to-navigate page features over 50 upcoming events happening in Rome, Floyd County, and nearby Northwest Georgia communities.

With search tools and month-by-month browsing, the calendar helps you quickly discover concerts, theatre, festivals, food gatherings, and arts performances.

You'll find highlights such as special food nights at ChopHouse, Poe Night at La Scala, Matilda the Musical at the Rome City Auditorium, local festivals, film events, and more.

Plus, there are listings from Calhoun, Cartersville, Ellijay, Marietta, and other destinations for those willing to take a short drive.

Local organizations and businesses are encouraged to post events to connect with the community and fill those seats!

Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating the craftsmanship and heritage of Ketel One Family Made Vodka. Produced by the Nolet family in Schiedam, Netherlands, for more than 330 years, Ketel One is recognized worldwide for its exceptional smoothness and uncompromising quality. Enjoy six handcrafted cocktails expertly paired with a five-course dinner created exclusively for this one-night event.

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.

🚨 PLOT TWIST! 🚨

Think you're coming to First Friday just for the concert?

Not this month...

👠 The evening starts with the Downtown Fashion Show at 6:00 PM on the Town Green, featuring local fashions and a special appearance by Miss Northwest Georgia Hannah Shaw!

🎶 Then at 7:00 PM, the music begins with TWO LIVE BANDS!

🎸 Curiosity Shoppe
🎸 Crews & Company

Shop local. Eat downtown. Cheer on the runway. Stay for an incredible night of live music.

📍 Town Green
📅 Friday, August 7

Bring your friends—it'll be a First Friday you won't want to miss!

The Rome City Commission meeting in Rome, GA featured warm recognitions for dedicated volunteers and the introduction of new members to both the Historic Preservation Commission and Floyd County Health Board.

This public appreciation underscored the influence these individuals have in building and sustaining a vibrant community.

Financial updates brought encouraging news: Rome earned a clean opinion on its 2025 audit, signaling steady city management in a time of national uncertainty.

Public safety remains Rome’s top budgeted area.

New strategies and improved officer pay have helped retain police and ensure full staffing on patrol shifts, reflecting ongoing commitment from local law enforcement.

Progress in development included a city property transfer on Hardy Avenue to the Land Bank Authority, paving the way for future revitalization.

Upcoming community workshops and events promise to keep residents engaged as critical decisions and celebrations approach.

Downtown Rome is ushering in a new era with expanded public consumption hours, giving residents and visitors daily opportunities to enjoy beverages outdoors.

The policy now permits approved alcoholic drinks every day from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., no longer limited to certain nights.

This shift provides added flexibility to explore Rome’s lively dining, shopping, and entertainment districts.

Guests can purchase drinks to go from authorized vendors using city-marked cups, enhancing the city’s beloved sip-and-stroll tradition.

Clear rules remain—all beverages must stay within marked zones, and safety is emphasized.

With fresh businesses joining Broad Street, visitors now have more options than ever, from wine bars to trendy cafes.

This move is energizing downtown, attracting both locals and travelers eager for memorable weekends in Rome’s core.

The expansion reflects Rome’s commitment to local spirit and a vibrant community experience.

The arrival of a new K–5 charter school in Rome, GA has energized families and educators with expanded public school choices.

At a spirited ribbon-cutting, parents and community members celebrated the opening of Northwest Georgia Charter Academy, a response to growing calls for tuition-free options that blend academics with character-building.

This new school also restores hope for residents in Cave Spring after the closure of a beloved community school.

With its focus on expeditionary learning, the academy offers hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and outdoor experiences, aiming to develop critical thinking and teamwork.

Fieldwork and service projects prepare students for real-world challenges, while a partnership with the Georgia School for the Deaf enhances resources and inclusivity.

Local leaders and parents alike say this innovative approach is fueling community pride as enrollment begins.

Every once in a while, a meal rises above being merely “good” and becomes something you know you will remember for years.

Our recent dinner at Charles Hellier’s Chophouse on Broad Street was one of those meals. In fact, it easily ranks among my top 10 dining experiences of all time.

I ordered the 20-ounce ribeye. Kim chose the Chicken Piccata. I came very close to ordering the Chilean sea bass, but I wanted to see how the Chophouse steak compared with several exceptional ribeyes I have enjoyed recently. Ribeyes and sea bass, after all, account for a considerable percentage of the best meals I have ever eaten.

Yes, the ribeye was pricey. It was also a freaking 20-ounce, hand-cut steak.

Most restaurants serve a 12-ounce ribeye, with an occasional 16-ounce option for those feeling particularly ambitious. This one arrived looking less like an entrée and more like a personal challenge. The last time I remember eating a steak that large was decades ago, when I traveled with the Georgia Bulldogs to the Cotton Bowl for a game against Texas.

The steak was beautifully prepared, deeply flavorful and cooked exactly as requested. It delivered the rich marbling and satisfying beef flavor that make a great ribeye difficult to beat.

Kim’s Chicken Piccata was equally successful. The two chicken breasts were tender and complemented by the bright, savory flavors you expect from a properly prepared piccata. Kim declared it spot on, and both chicken breasts disappeared before I could make much of a dent in my ribeye.

For our shareable sides, we chose the lobster macaroni and cheese and the Brussels sprouts. Calling them “shareable” may be an understatement. The portions could easily have served five or six people, and we carried most of both dishes home.

The Brussels sprouts were quite simply the best I have ever eaten. They were caramelized with honey and layered with seasonings that balanced sweetness, savoriness and the natural character of the sprouts. Even people who claim they do not like Brussels sprouts might reconsider after trying these.

The lobster macaroni and cheese was more delicate than the heavy, home-style version many diners might expect. Hints of celery seed and nutmeg added complexity without overpowering the lobster or cheese. It was rich, refined and extremely enjoyable.

But Chophouse on Broad Street is about more than large steaks and polished plates.

Charles Hellier moved to the area from Connecticut after his family fell in love with Rome while his son attended soccer camp at Darlington. An engineer who appreciates the finer things, Charles grew tired of fighting Atlanta traffic whenever he wanted a sophisticated dining experience. He decided Rome should have that level of food, hospitality and special-event dining without requiring a trip down Interstate 75.

He is now creating something that feels genuinely different for our community.

In addition to the restaurant, Charles is developing a private dining club and bringing respected culinary, wine and spirits professionals to Rome for intimate ticketed experiences. Recent guests have included Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak. Upcoming events feature Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey, Caymus wines, Ketel One vodka and Elijah Craig bourbon, paired with specially designed multicourse menus.

These are not ordinary promotional dinners. They are carefully planned culinary experiences featuring premium steaks, seafood, handcrafted cocktails, fine wines and guided tastings. They give local diners access to the kind of evening they might ordinarily expect to find in Atlanta, Nashville or another major dining market.

Charles’ ambitions, however, extend well beyond the dining room.

He has been involved with Park Outreach since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry began after he encountered several homeless individuals gathered beneath a shelter at a public park on a cold Sunday morning. He wondered whether they were warm, hungry, employed or receiving the encouragement they needed.

Then he did something about it.

Charles approached the group and proposed meeting weekly. Participants would receive food, coffee and financial assistance for attending a brief faith-based personal-development program. Attendance would be documented so Park Outreach could later serve as a character reference as participants sought employment.

That first conversation grew into an ongoing effort providing food, clothing, encouragement and practical training in business, health and faith. Its goal is not merely to provide temporary relief, but to help people move from life in the park back into the broader community.

That means dining at Chophouse on Broad Street can feel indulgent without feeling empty. Guests can enjoy an exceptional meal while supporting an owner who is also investing in people who are hungry, homeless or struggling within our own community.

Chophouse on Broad Street has already received “Best of Georgia” recognition from the Georgia Business Journal and multiple OpenTable Diners’ Choice awards. Based on our experience, the attention is well deserved.

Come for the hand-cut Angus steaks, seafood, Chicken Piccata and enormous shareable sides. Consider attending one of the private pairing dinners or purchasing a membership.

And come knowing that at Chophouse on Broad Street, a memorable meal can also help place food into the hands of someone who needs it.

Some journeys are measured in miles. Others are measured in the parts of yourself you meet along the way.

This spring, two women with Rome-area ties—Katie Wimberly Smyth and Christine Swanson—laced up their shoes, shouldered their packs and stepped onto different routes of the Camino de Santiago, the centuries-old network of pilgrimage roads leading toward Santiago de Compostela.

Katie began in Porto, Portugal, following the Portuguese Way north. Her first walking day carried her from Porto to Póvoa de Varzim, beginning a journey that would unfold through coastal scenery, unfamiliar towns and the steady rhythm of placing one foot before the other. Her later reflections celebrated new friends—both human and animal—a beautiful waterfall and the deliberate choice to rest rather than simply push ahead.

That may be one of the Camino’s quiet lessons: progress is not always about moving faster. Sometimes it means pausing long enough to notice who has joined you, what surrounds you and what your body and spirit are trying to say.

Christine chose the Camino Francés and walked roughly 500 miles to Santiago before continuing toward Muxía and Finisterre, bringing her journey to approximately 560 miles. She reached Santiago on Memorial Day, writing that she had not planned the timing and believed God had orchestrated the journey—one step and one prayer at a time.

Along the route, Christine found companionship in unexpected places. She wrote that on the Camino, a person is never truly alone, even when it feels that way. There were new friends, open church doors, moments of worship, a wine fountain, borrowed kitchens and simple comforts that became small celebrations. After reaching Santiago and receiving her Compostela certificates, she continued toward Spain’s Atlantic coast, where the road seems to meet the sea.

In Muxía, standing beneath a cross overlooking the water, Christine realized that the Camino had never been merely about finishing a long hike. It was, she wrote, a deeper walk with God. She later received her Muxiana certificate and reflected upon the forks in the road—not only the marked paths between Muxía and Finisterre, but the choices that shape an ordinary life.

Christine Hai walked the Camino as an awareness for our Veterans and a fundraiser for Let’s Be Friends Community’s ( local grassroots nonprofit) “500 Miles, 500 Stories, One Mission” initiative to honor and encourage our veterans while advancing the organization’s mission of combating loneliness to likely to help reduce suicidal rate and reminding people that no one should have to walk alone. Along the way, she discovered that while she set out walking for others, God was also transforming her own heart with the extra miles . Those personal reflections have become the inspiration for the book she is now writing, Found – Walking the Camino: The Way Home.

Katie’s journey and Christine’s were not the same. They followed different routes, covered different distances and carried their own reasons for walking. Yet both discovered what generations of pilgrims have learned: the Camino gives back more than scenery and sore muscles.

It offers strangers who become companions. It turns meals, showers, churches and places to rest into gifts. It strips life down to what can be carried—and then asks what is truly worth holding onto.

Eventually, every pilgrim comes home. But home does not always receive the same person who left.

The trail ends. The walking, in another sense, does not.

The Rome City Auditorium is set to open its doors to music lovers with this season’s first community performance on Sunday, September 20th at 4 pm..

Residents can look forward to a musical showcase sampler as R.O.M.E. brings together a blend of local talent for a special free concert.

The event, designed as a musical sampler, will spotlight brief performances by cherished including the Clock Tower Jazz Ensemble, Three Rivers Singers, Rome Festival Brass, and some of our communities favorite local individual performers, promising something for every ear.

Longtime attendees say this concert feels like a true kickoff for the area’s cultural calendar.

Rome’s recent wave of new eateries near the auditorium could see a boost from concert traffic, before and after the show.

Organizers encourage families and neighbors to join, emphasizing that this community concert is all about celebrating local talent.

An extraordinary young girl with a brilliant mind, a fearless imagination and the courage to challenge the adults who underestimate her takes center stage when Rome Little Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical August 28–30, 2026, at the Rome City Auditorium.

Matilda Wormwood may be small, but she is anything but powerless. Surrounded by careless parents, dismissive grown-ups and the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda learns that intelligence and courage can be formidable weapons. With the help of the kindhearted Miss Honey, she begins to discover her own remarkable abilities—and realizes that sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty to make things right.

Filled with memorable music, energetic performances and the wonderfully dark humor associated with Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical is a story about standing up for yourself, protecting others and refusing to let cruel people write your future.

This production will be presented as a special three-day engagement on a single weekend, rather than Rome Little Theatre’s usual two-weekend run. The shortened schedule comes while the stage, proscenium and backstage areas of the Historic DeSoto Theatre, RLT’s longtime home, undergo renovation.

The Rome City Auditorium will provide the temporary stage for Matilda’s story while work continues at the DeSoto.

Rome Little Theatre is scheduled to return to the Historic DeSoto Theatre in April 2027 with the uplifting musical Come From Away. The season will continue there in June 2027 with the comedy Always a Bridesmaid.

Because Matilda The Musical will be offered for only three days, audiences will have a limited opportunity to see this imaginative and inspiring production. Performances are scheduled for August 28–30 at the Rome City Auditorium.

Season and Indivodual Show Tickets Are Available HERE

Circumstances beyond the production teams control lead them to postpone the show.  These team previously staged this show two different seasons nearly about a dozen years ago.  Previous per formers had auditioned for this production.  The team might try to substitute a show in October that is easier to cast.

First Watch has officially opened its doors on Turner McCall, bringing a fresh take on brunch to Rome’s dining scene.

The restaurant’s grand opening drew curious locals, eager to try inventive dishes like the Barbacoa Tacos — fluffy eggs, seasoned beef, pico de gallo, and warm corn tortillas alongside flavorful black beans, all garnished with crisp green onions.

The menu offers a polished alternative to traditional breakfast fare, ideal for those seeking a leisurely brunch experience with family or friends.

While Rome offers plenty of breakfast spots, First Watch stands out for catering to guests who crave breakfast even after lunchtime.

You’ll find the new eatery at 413 Turner McCall Boulevard NE, in the space previously home to La Parilla.

The Sulzbacher Roman Holiday riverboat is hosting a public cruise on Saturday, July 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., setting off from the Heritage Park Piggy Green Boat Ramp on Jewell Frost Drive.

This relaxing trip along the Coosa River will be guided by Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, Executive Director and Riverkeeper at the Coosa River Basin Initiative.

Guests will discover local wildlife and learn what makes the Coosa River one of America’s most biologically rich waterways.

Tickets are $17.29, and a $5 Roman Holiday Rubber Duck upgrade is available for a bit of extra fun.

Only service animals are permitted, and weather cancellations are fully refundable.

For more information, call 706-295-5576 or email jchambers@romega.us.

Rome, GA welcomes everyone to enjoy a lively season of free outdoor concerts downtown, bringing live music beneath the evening sky.

Each show begins at 7 p.m., inviting locals and visitors to gather early and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Be sure to grab your favorite chair for comfortable seating as you settle in for a memorable night out.

Local food and drink vendors will be on hand, offering delicious bites to make the evening even more special.

Arrive early to explore downtown shops and restaurants before the music starts.

These no-cost concerts are thanks to the support of downtown Rome businesses and property owners.

Don’t miss your chance to experience live music and community all summer long.