In Middle Georgia or beyond, here are some great ways to spend your weekend

There is no question, our family likes the open road. Sometimes it’s a scheduled itinerary and other times we head out of town in a whirlwind — impromptu. As I thought about my column this week, my 1-year-old daughter (Hurricane Hazel) was crawling around the house tearing every possible thing out of the cabinets and bookshelves and squealing at the top of her lungs. This event gave me the cue and framework I need to outline road trip opportunities for readers this weekend.

Like a spiraling hurricane with tails, at varying times and distances from Macon, this list highlights several things I wish I could do this weekend. But, alas, I can only be at one place at a time — until I perfect my avatar.

1. In Macon: Cosmic Charlie in concert Friday at the Cox Capitol Theater. I concur with the characterization that they are a “Dead cover band for folks that are ambivalent about Dead cover bands.” It’s always a memorable evening with this crew. Head over after you stop at Reboot Retrocade for a beer and a game of Tekken.

2. In Perry: Independence Day Parade and Freedom Fireworks. Get your early dose of patriotism as you cheer on hometown heroes, military units and watch colorful floats parade down Washington Street toward the Georgia National Fair Grounds and Agricenter on Sunday. Bring a picnic or take advantage of food vendors on site. Stay for the fireworks.

3. In Athens: Grab some friends and head north for craft beer, biscuits and records. You can start your Athens Ale Trail weekend by visiting Creature Comforts during their Breakfast of Champions event. Then head on over to Southern Brewing before catching Terrapin on the way back home.

4. Atlanta: MLS Soccer has officially come to Georgia. Bypass the craziness that is the journey to SunTrust Park and instead head over to Bobby Todd for the United vs. Rapids game Saturday. Learn the chant “Oh ... Atlantaaaa, Uniteeed. This is our city. This is our club! And we can’t be stopped!” Or just scream out “Heeeeeeeyyyyy Ya” like Outcast.

5. Columbus: Head west to celebrate craft beer with friends in Columbus. The city’s first Craft Beer Bash is surely a site to behold. Pizza, barbecue and brews should never be passed up. Plus, they have an awesome river and downtown to explore!

6. Charleston, South Carolina: Get to Charleston for a different kind of Southern history and cultural event. Each year the Carifest showcases a different Caribbean country during the weekend — this year it’s Haiti. Watch the dazzling pageantry of colorful costumes and the sounds of reggae and steel pan as the parade wanders thru the historic streets of Charleston.

7: Jacksonville, Florida: The Great Race begins! Head down to the start of this famous cross country road race/rally for classic cars, navigators, food trucks and more. The race will start at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street as part of the Historic Main Street Springfield Cruise before ending the day in Tifton.

8: Orlando, Florida: Of course I couldn’t make a list without suggesting Walt Disney World. It’s only 5.5 hours away. Pandora just opened at the Animal Kingdom and I think the churros are calling me … 

This story was originally published June 21, 2017 at 1:32 PM with the headline "In Middle Georgia or beyond, here are some great ways to spend your weekend."