This Valentine's Day, center your inner artiste on LaGrange, Georgia

A cultural hub located in southwest Georgia, picturesque LaGrange is home to countless cultural amenities, sprawling old family homes, and a historic downtown surrounded by a mélange of unique shops and eateries. But, did you know LaGrange is also a center for the arts?

 

This February 10-12 let us help you craft romance with "...for Love of the Arts," a Valentine's-themed, weekend get-away filled with artistic and cultural events designed to appeal to arts lovers across and beyond west Georgia. Presented by collaborating partners, LaGrange Art Museum (LAM) and LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO), this weekend of music, visual and cultural arts offerings provides visitors with the best of the arts and the best of the region’s culture in one central location.

An opening reception (free admission) on Friday, February 10 at the LaGrange Art Museum, celebrating the opening of the 27th LaGrange National Biennial, a juried competition showcasing contemporary art from over 100 Georgia artists and others from throughout the United States, will set the artistic wheels spinning. Following Friday’s reception, LaGrange Art Museum will be open 11 am-5 pm, Saturday and 1 pm-3 pm, Sunday.

Then, from visual to instrumental, on Saturday, February 11, the celebration of arts continues with the first of two concerts as Jason Coleman (www.JasonColemanMusic.com) joins the LSO to perform the music of his grandfather, legendary keyboardist Floyd Cramer. Selections include several of Floyd’s self-penned hits, most notably Last Date, as well as instrumental arrangements of country classics by other notable artists – all of which featured Floyd on the original sessions. In a grand finale, Coleman returns with the LSO, Sunday, February 12, to perform an afternoon of gospel music featuring renditions of a blend of traditional hymns and modern songs of praise.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

 

OPENING RECEPTION - 27th LAGRANGE NATIONAL BIENNIAL

Friday, February 10

6-8 pm

Wine Tasting by this region's only winery, Warm Springs Winery

LaGrange Art Museum

112 Lafayette Parkway

 

EXHIBIT - 27th LAGRANGE NATIONAL BIENNIAL

Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12

11 am-5pm Saturday, 1 pm-3 pm Sunday

LaGrange Art Museum

112 Lafayette Parkway

 

RESERVATION-ONLY PRE-CONCERT DINNER: DENIM & DIAMONDS

Saturday, February 11

6:15 pm, doors open at 5:30 pm

Del'Avant

200 Main Street

 

Denim and Diamonds is a casual buffet dinner held at the Del’avant in historic downtown LaGrange. Doors open at 5:30 with a cash bar available. Dinner will be served at 6:15.  Once the home of the Kress and McLellan five-and-dime stores, Del’avant is a beautiful event space with charm and character that opened just a year ago. Reservations required by Friday, February 3. Cost is $30 and seating is limited. Call 706-882-0662 or e-mail info@lagrangesymphonyorchestra.org for reservations.

 

LAGRANGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents JASON COLEMAN PERFORMING SONGS OF FLOYD CRAMER

Saturday, February 11

8 pm

Callaway Auditorium

801 Dallis Street

 

LAGRANGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents JASON COLEMAN PERFORMING SONGS OF FAITH

Sunday, February 12

3 pm

Callaway Auditorium

801 Dallis Street

 

 

TICKETS

Admission to the LaGrange Art Museum is free. Concert tickets are $20 per performance. Purchase tickets for both days for $35 per person, a savings of $5.  Buffet dinner is $30 per person and reservations are required by Friday, February 3.

 

For tickets, call 706-882-0662 or e-mail info@lagrangesymphonyorchestra.org. More details on these two concerts are available here and at www.jasoncolemanmusic.com.

 

 

MORE TO SEE AND DO

Downtown LaGrange is home to a plethora of eateries sure to please any palate. Just ask Hollywood stars Robert Duvall, Billy Bob Thornton and Kevin Bacon, who in 2011 ventured into LaGrange to dine while filming a movie on the outskirts of town. Patrons at Idle Hour Pub were delighted to find the celebrities warm and accommodating and happy to pose for pictures!

 

Whether they’re from Hollywood or not, the stars do shine on Downtown LaGrange where dining, shopping and entertainment attract visitors and residents alike. Belly up to the counter at historic Charlie Joseph’s for one of the world’s best hotdogs in a laidback atmosphere or, if fine dining better suits your style, visit C’Sons, where each meal is a culinary event. Enjoy tasty treats at Sugarmeyer’s or Cakes by Debbie, lip-smacking barbecue at Country’s or kick back in the evenings with your favorite libation at Mare Sol, Venucci’s,  Brickhouse Grille or Blondie Roux.

 

If shopping’s your pleasure, don’t miss the antique and specialty shops in Downtown LaGrange where you’re likely to find anything and everything from collectible coins and antique furniture to exquisite kitchenware and unique gifts. Call 706-298-4534 or visit downtownlagrange.com.

 

A “must see” is the home and garden of textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway, Hills and Dales Estate, completed in 1916. The Italian villa was designed by noted Atlanta architects Neel Reid and Hal Hentz. It sits on a 35-acre estate, featuring the pre-Civil War Ferrell Gardens.  Call  706-882-3242 or  visit hillsanddales.org.

 

Need more? Make it a three day weekend and visit Explorations in Antiquity, Callaway Gardens (free during the month of February), Columbus’ National Infantry Museum (free) or The Little White House in Warm Springs, all easy drives from LaGrange.

 

 

AREA HOTELS HELP SPREAD THE LOVE

Ask for the For Love of the Arts rate when making your reservation at these lodging destinations:

 

Best Western LaFayette Garden Inn, 706-884-6175

Country Inn and Suites, 706-298-4571

Hampton Inn, 706-845-1115

Wingate by Wyndham, 706-298-5270

 

 

 

 

THIS PROGRAM IS PRESENTED BY PARTICIPATING PARTNERS