So much going on in this Southwest Georgia Hub
AMERICUS, GEORGIA, AUGUST, 2023—In west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and only two hours north of I-10, Americus is undergoing a renaissance as a hub for entertainment, tourism and the arts. Major developments include a new amphitheater, upgrades and new management for the city’s iconic Windsor Hotel, a Civil Rights Museum and much more. Following are highlights.
Windsor Hotel – new management and major upgrades
Located in the heart of downtown Americus, the Historic Windsor Hotel has been a welcoming beacon since 1892, hosting presidents and international celebrities as well as civic and social events. The five-story Victorian masterpiece was designed with a dramatic tower and turret, balconies and a three-story open atrium lobby. The hotel occupies nearly an entire city block and has been the site of numerous balls and celebrations, survived an economic downturn in the 70s, underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in the late 90s, and is now undergoing additional upgrades. It has recently been acquired by Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel group, an international network of one-of-a-kind, high-end properties that personify the distinct character and culture of each destination while ensuring the highest level of service for guests. Among the enhancements are additional tables and seating on the verandah, extended dining hours at the beloved Rosemary & Thyme restaurant and a new sports-themed pub, The Alley, in addition to Floyd’s. The Americus Arts Council will be curating local art for the hotel.
Americus Civil Rights Museum and Cultural Center
Beginning in 2019, the Americus-Sumter County Movement Remembered Committee received the first of two $500,000 grants from the National Park Service (NPS) African American Civil Rights Preservation Fund, to rehabilitate and preserve the Historic Americus Colored Hospital building. Opening in 2023, the new Americus-Sumter County Civil Rights and Cultural Center will be home to the history of the Americus Colored Hospital (1923-1953), which became a gathering point for the Americus-Sumter County Civil Rights Movement (1962-1966).
Included in this collection are a treasure trove of photographs, letters, articles from the media, records from the jailing of local activists, memorabilia and field reports from civil rights workers representing the three major groups working for an end to segregation and to establish voting rights during the period: the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC); the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). The center’s archives will demonstrate the invaluable contributions of African American families throughout Sumter County prior to and during the Americus Movement. The new campus will ultimately include a community garden and community health clinic, both supported by the Phoebe Putney Hospital Authority.
100+ Years of The Rylander Theatre
Another jewel of historic preservation in Americus is the Rylander Theatre, built in 1921 and operated as a Vaudeville theatre just a few blocks from the Windsor Hotel. Restored in 1999 to its Art Deco style, the Rylander features a rare, working 1928 Moller Theatre Pipe Organ. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 and is offering an impressive lineup of plays and performances for 2023.
Reverend Pearly Brown Amphitheater and Music Park
Habitat for Humanity International’s Global Village & Discovery Center has been acquired by the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, which broke ground in April 2023 on The Reverend Pearly Brown Amphitheater and Music Park. The 35,000-square-foot amphitheater will be one of the largest in the region, attracting locals and visitors with national and international headliners. Included in this city-center space will be a dog park, a children’s playground and plenty of open space for gathering and enjoying the outdoors. The Reverend Pearly Brown was not only a key figure in Americus Black history but influenced American musical genres from blues to country and gospel. A street preacher, guitarist and multi-talented instrumentalist, he became the first Black man to play at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. He was a 2010 inductee in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Americus Music Fest
Following its successful first year, the second annual Americus Music Fest will be bigger and better in 2023. Held at the historic Jackson Street Depot October 21, all genres of music will be featured in this popular free event, from Rock to Country, Hip Hop to Soul, Jazz to Blues, and more in between. For the second year the Food Truck Fest will return to Jackson Street. This year the Americus Arts Council will host an Art Fest down Finn Street in the Americus Arts District, and a MEGA Kid Zone will be positioned on the green. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train will offer trips to and from Plains, as well as a ride from the park to Americus to enjoy the festivities.
Main Street’s 40th Anniversary Celebration – Taste of Sumter County
Americus Main Street celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Taste of Sumter in downtown on October 28. Established in September 1983, Americus Main Street is a state-certified, award-winning program which has had a significant impact on the historic downtown business district. In Georgia, just over 100 cities are program members.
According to Director of Tourism Nicole Kirksey, Americus Tourism Council, “These new developments underscore the city’s intent to maintain and elevate its prestige as a hub for the Southwest Georgia arts. Each brings a new look and a new energy to Americus, now and long into the future. Add in new restaurants and boutiques, the many exciting events at the colleges, the RV park, Koinonia, 13th Colony Distillery and Wolf Creek Planation, and Americus is providing residents and visitors ever more reasons to enjoy downtown.”