Staying Connected while being Socially Distant

The Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has been dedicated to keeping the citizens and visitors of Douglasville connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ve created several programs for people on our #Quaranteam to allow them to stay connected to Douglasville. One of our most popular campaigns was our Guide to Distancing. We thought that it would make it a little easier to understand the parameters of social distancing with some familiar reference points.

We also started Story Time Live on our Facebook Page on weekdays at 10:30 AM. This started shortly after the schools went to digital learning because we wanted to allow kids the opportunity to read books that they no longer had access too. Story Time Live readings are open to the employees of the City of Douglasville, Business Owners and other groups. So far we’ve had consistent posting and have enough content to continue this initiative until the end of the scheduled school year or until the libraries open back up.

During Spring Break (04/06 – 04/12/2020) we launched our Spring Break Bingo that included a neighborhood scavenger hunt, Douglasville coloring pages, supporting local restaurants and so much more! Our Instagram has saved stories from our attempt at Spring Break Bingo. The Douglasville coloring pages are still available, however, and can be downloaded here. You can color the following locations: O’Neal Plaza, Arbor Place Mall, Douglas County Museum of History & Art and the Douglasville Welcome Center (pictured).

Our two most recent programs were launched to help our #Quaranteam get out of their house. We know that kids are ready to be out of the house, so we sent them on a Bear Hunt! Communities around the nation are participating in bear hunts for little ones to enjoy.

All you have to do is place a stuffed bear in a window of your home or business so when families go on car rides or walks during quarantine, they can hunt for bears! It’s so easy to join in on the effort and is a great way for the community to come together.

We also have started mailing out FREE seeds to the community! We are mailing out four FREE seed packets to encourage keeping Douglasville beautiful! The program launched this week and we’ve already been able to serve over 50 families. To find the full list of seeds that are available, visit our website. You can e-mail your mailing address and seed requests to info@visitdouglasville.com.

We are hoping that this encourages our community to get outside and take in the fresh air, while also encouraging them to start a garden of their own!

And lastly, we are running a Signs of Hope Contest! This allows our community to show that they are #DouglasStrong by creating a sign or poster of encouragement. The entries will be judged on color, composition, creativity, design concept and how it showcases our community. The submissions will be judged and the three entries with the highest score will each receive a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant in Douglasville. The deadline to enter is Thursday, April 30, 2020. Additional information can be found on our website.

And, well, that’s what the Douglasville CVB has been up to recently! We hope that you’re enjoying the programs that we’re putting together for you!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via e-mail or via phone at 770-947-5920.

Stay safe and continue to follow @VisitDouglasville on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

 

The holidays are just around the corner!

We want to make sure you are in the know about various holiday events that will be taking place now thru the end of the year!

Pine Mountain Gold Museum Winter Wonderland Train

Starting December 5th, each Thursday, Friday & Saturday during the month of December *weather permitting* you can take a ride on the Winter Wonderland Train at Pine Mountain Gold Museum. Rides on those days will run from 4 PM – 9:30 PM. Further information as well as tickets can be found here!

Miracle on Main Street Christmas Parade & Celebration

On December 6th, the City of Douglasville and Main Street Douglasville Program invite you to enjoy the Miracle on Main Street Christmas Parade and Celebration! Starting at 6:30 PM in downtown Douglasville.

The parade will begin on Church Street near Ace Hardware and travel west on Church Street where it will conclude at Club Drive.

Immediately following the conclusion of the parade, the tree lighting will take place as well as live musical performances. Afterwards make sure you get your FREE photo taken with Santa and live reindeer! The event is always a community favorite and kicks off the holiday season in style!

Want to enter your organization, vehicle or float in the parade? Download the parade registration packet here!

Breakfast with Santa

Then on December 7th join the Douglasville Parks and Recreation for Breakfast with Santa! Santa’s stopping in Douglasville and wants to have breakfast with your family! Indulge in a delicious meal with Mr. Claus himself and enjoy pictures, holiday tunes and family fun! Plus, all children will be able to chat with Santa and give him their Christmas wishes! Important details below.

Limited availability, register today! The cost is $8 per person and children 3 and under are free. Everyone must be registered for the event, including parents. This event is intended for children ages 12 and under and their families. Register online by clicking here and select the Special Events tab.

Operation Christmas Toys for Tots Drop Off Location

From now through December 12th, the Douglasville Welcome Center will be a drop off location for Operation Christmas Toys for Tots! Please bring your new unwrapped donations to 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway | Douglasville, GA 30134. The Douglasville Welcome Center is open Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM and is located right next door to Fabiano’s Pizzeria.

Operation Christmas serves Douglas County children who:

• receive free and reduced-price meals at school
• are homeless
• are in the Head Start program
• receive WIC or other services at the Douglas County Health Department

The program has served over 36,000 children in the last four years at numerous venues. This year’s distribution will occur on December 14th.

Community Holiday Events

To help stay up-to-date on other community events that may be going on not just for the holiday season, but any time of year, we encourage you to visit DouglasvilleCalendar.com!

DouglasvilleCalendar.com is a community based, online calendar where you can add your own events as well as find out about ones happening in and around Douglasville!

And as always, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @VisitDouglasville, as you #CreateExperiencesthatMatter this holiday season!

Enjoy Fall in Douglasville

Fall is officially here, even if it may not feel like it! With that means numerous fall activities in Douglasville, that you have the opportunity to take part in!

Help celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department as they host a special Pink Out Movie Night featuring Toy Story 4.

Join them in bringing awareness to Breast Cancer. Popcorn and water will be provided to the first 100 guests while supplies last. You’re welcome to bring your own food, drinks and coolers with nonalcoholic beverages.

Wear pink in support of Cancer survivors and current fighters! 💕

If you’re interested in vending, please contact Stephanie Harden at hardens@douglasvillega.gov.

 

The 2019 Fall Festival and Safety Expo sponsored by the Douglasville Police Department is happening on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 10 am – 4 pm. This FREE event takes place at the Douglasville Police Department, 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville, GA. 30135.

This is a big event with vendors, touch-a-truck, K-9 demonstration, bounce houses, and more. This is a rain or shine event.

For more information Contact: Stephanie McClarty at 678-293-1797 or mcclartys@douglasvillega.gov.

 

The 5th annual Hunters Harvest Fall Festival and Arts & Craft show at Hunter Park will be held on October 19, 2019 from 12 pm – 3 pm.

This event will feature vendors from all over West Georgia and Metro ATL with various arts & crafts and food and beverage items.

The festival will also include a children’s play zone featuring inflatables and other amenities for $5.

Children 3 and under are free inside the play zone. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Chris Bass at bassc@douglasvillega.gov.

The 23rd annual Chili Cook Off competition will be held in downtown Douglasville on Saturday, October 19th from 6 pm – 9 pm.

This fun-filled fundraising event will be held in conjunction with the Rogue Runners Moonlight Run. All proceeds will benefit the Cultural Arts Council (CAC) and its programs throughout the year.

Make sure you come dressed in costume and join the Children’s Halloween Costume Contest portion in the evening. The kids can’t have all the fun, join the adult costume contest.

For more information on the Chili Cook Off and how you can participate visit www.ArtsDouglas.org.

Offering a variety of distances, from a tot trot for the little guys, to 1 mile for school age children, our 3rd Annual Doggie Dash, and a 5K through the streets of downtown Douglasville, this race has something for everyone…and it’s in the dark!

For additional information on registration please visit: https://www.dcroguerunners.com/annual-moonlight-run

 

 

                         Contact Us

Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau
12385 Veterans Memorial Highway
Douglasville, GA 30134

http://www.VisitDouglasville.com | 770.947.5920

Planning a Family Reunion? Check out our workshop!

We hope you’ll join us for our annual Family Reunion Workshop that takes place Saturday, September 14th at Hunter Park from 10 AM – 12 PM.

Learn about valuable, complimentary resources available to you courtesy of the Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as speak to industry professionals from attractions, restaurants, hotels and more!

Participate in our Family Reunion presentation and gain beneficial information from time tables for planning your reunion to the best ways to budget for your event.

To register to attend, please go to VisitDouglasville.com. **Pre-registered attendees are guaranteed a swag bag at the event!**

 

                         Contact Us

Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau
12385 Veterans Memorial Highway
Douglasville, GA 30134

http://www.VisitDouglasville.com | 770.947.5920

Enjoy your summer in Douglasville!

Summer is here and there is so much going on in Douglasville, whether you are here for a few days or making it a stay-cation, we hope that you will Create Experiences that Matter in Douglasville!!

Start with a trip to downtown Douglasville and try out the new Cornhole boards and Ping Pong table courtesy of Keep Douglasville Beautiful and DeNyse Signs at the “Pocket Park”, just across the street from the Douglas County Chamber (6658 Church St.). Cornhole bags can be checked out from Douglasville City Hall  (6695 Church St.) or the Douglas County Chamber.

After a game or two at the pocket park, walk on over to the Lending Libraries (6661 Church St.) adjacent to the pocket park – and discover a new book or two!

Lending libraries encourage you to “Take a book now, leave one later.” There are two libraries, one with adult books and another with children’s books. 

The libraries were a collaborative effort put together by the Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Development Authority & the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County. The West Georgia Regional Library System assisted by donating the initial collection of books for both libraries.

Wednesday Wind Down has returned to O’Neal plaza this summer!

The 2019 series kicked off June 5th!

Here is a look at this year’s lineup!

Concerts will take place each Wednesday from 7 – 9:30 PM throughout the summer with the series concluding on August 14th.

 

 

Discounted Admission to Six Flags & White Water

Did you know that the Douglasville Welcome Center sells discounted Six Flags Over Georgia & Six Flags White Water tickets? The welcome center has one day general

admission tickets to Six Flags as well as two park combo passes to Six Flags and White Water with parking passes!

Tickets can be purchased Monday – Friday   8 AM – 5 PM at Douglasville City Hall located at 6695 Church St. Douglasville, GA 30134. Tickets can be purchased with cash or check. Credit & debit cards are also now accepted! Note: A convenience fee of 2.5% or $2 (whichever is greater) will be passed onto the  card holder for using this service.

 

Screen on the Greens

The Douglasville Parks & Recreation Department is hosting Screen on the Greens this Friday, July 19 starting at 8:30 PM at Hunter Park (8830 Gurley Rd. Douglasville). They will be showing “Ralph Breaks the Internet” bring your blanket or chair and enjoy a movie under the stars! 

 

Ice Cream Social

Who wants FREE ice cream?? Join the Main Street Douglasville Program this Sunday, July 21st [National Ice Cream Day] from 3-5 PM on O’Neal Plaza as they will be giving away FREE servings of Ice Cream – servings are on a first come, first serve basis so be sure to get there early!

 

Douglas County Film Trail

Have you checked out the Douglas County Film Trail yet? What are you waiting for?! Discover where some of your favorite TV shows & movies were filmed, with the Douglas County Film Trail! 

Explore where Katniss & Gale walked in Sweetwater Creek State Park for the filming of “The Hunger Games” or where Jim Hopper investigated the paranormal of “Stranger Things” in Downtown Douglasville that was cast as Hawkins, Indiana.

Notable locations throughout Douglasville & Douglas County have been marked with ‘DC Film Trail’ signs to designate them as official film locations! Navigate to the movie reel, on douglascountyfilmtrail.com, to explore all of the possible stops along the trail! 

 

                         Contact Us

Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau
12385 Veterans Memorial Highway
Douglasville, GA 30134

http://www.VisitDouglasville.com| 770.947.5920

 

 

Hello February!

Hopefully everyone has had a wonderful start to 2019 – I know for us here in Georgia, we finally found that winter weather that eluded us for so long in December!

Behind the Veil Bridal Showcase

Brides, we hope you were able to join us for the 2019 Behind the Veil Bridal Showcase, February 17th at the Douglasville Conference Center! We had 34 vendors in attendance from numerous categories that provided assistance in all aspects of the wedding planning process. The showcase wrapped up with a fashion show by Simple Elegance Bridal and Formalwear who showed off the latest trends and looks on the runway!

In addition to tastings, consultations and the latest trends in décor and ideas. Brides were able to register to win exclusive prizes and giveaways. Whether you were looking for the perfect place to host your wedding or a special spot to dance the night away, we hope the Douglasville Conference Center exceeded your expectations!

Showcase vendors included, Proof of the Pudding, Douglasville Conference Center, G&E Studios, Simple Elegance Bridal and Formalwear, Fabulous Indeed Vacations, Paparazzi Jewelry, Club Rett LLC, Celebrate Tuxedos, Nigrelli Photography, HYR Designs, All Occasion DJ, Savvi Formalwear, Halo Special Events and Rentals, Keller Williams Real Estate, Tiffany Dawson Photography, Desserts on Delicious, Wenck Travel, Harmony Travel Getaways LLC and many more!

For photos from the event please visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/VisitDouglasville

     

City of Douglasville’s Birthday Celebration

The City of Douglasville will be celebrating its 144th birthday on Monday, February 25th, 2019. To commemorate the occasion, the City of Douglasville invites residents, businesses, and the public to join them at the Douglasville Conference Center at 3 pm on February 25th.

A brief presentation by Mayor Robinson and other elected officials will take place at the

Conference Center, where light refreshments will be served. Immediately following the presentation, the group will assemble on O’Neal Plaza for a special

ceremony. Pennies will be tossed into the fountain on the plaza to wish the City well in its 144th year. Participants will be urged to make their own wish for the City of Douglasville as their pennies are tossed into the fountain.

“We’re excited about doing something different and involving everyone for the City’s birthday celebration this year,” Tourism Program Manager, Samantha Rosado, said of the celebration. “It’s a symbolic way of showing the City’s plan to set the community on a path of preservation, progress, and growth.”

Additional questions about the event can be directed to Samantha Rosado by calling 678-449-3096 or by visiting the City’s website at http://www.DouglasvilleGA.gov.

Lending Library Ribbon Cutting

To celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority, Douglas County Library, Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Cultural Arts Council (CAC), Main Street Douglasville will be unveiling its new Lending Libraries Program in Downtown Douglasville on Friday, March 1.

“We are grateful to be able to partner with these amazing organizations and to be able to provide more art in downtown, which falls in line with the Arts Council’s current Public Art Initiative,” stated CAC Executive Director, Emily Lightner. The lending libraries were hand painted by local and renowned artist, Ann Cockerill. She discovered the world of painting at the age of 4 and now owns the Red Cockerill Gallery located in Austell, GA.  Ann was commissioned by the State of Georgia to paint Oglethorpe, Jefferson, Washington, and Lafayette’s life-size portraits for the newly remodeled “Old Capital” in Milledgeville. Her painting of Kennesaw Mountain was included in the “Spirit of America Exhibition from Winslow Homer to Andrew Wyeth,” and toured the nation’s museums. Ms. Cockerill was eager to be part of such a great program when given the opportunity.

The Lending Libraries program is an effort to inspire a passion for reading and creativity by creating a book-exchange opportunity in the City of Douglasville. Books donated by the Douglas County Library will be available 24/7 for readers to borrow and exchange at their convenience.

At 10 a.m., the unveiling event will take place at 6661 Church Street in Downtown Douglasville. There will be a book reading by a special guest, light refreshments and snacks, and a photo opportunity with another special guest! The event is free to attend with attendance by children highly encouraged. RSVPs can be sent to Main Street Manager, Brieana Watts, at wattsb@douglasvillega.gov or by calling 678-449-3198.

 

CVB’s are Pretty Cool

We think Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVB) and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) are pretty cool, but don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourself, in the image below!

Remember, CVB’s are here to help! Whether you’re planning a meeting, event or trip! We make great resources, when it comes to accommodations and local recommendations!

 Douglasville Welcome Center Temporarily Relocates

The Visit Douglasville Welcome Center temporarily relocates to City Hall, due to construction. In the mean time you can visit us at 6695 Church Street, Douglasville, Ga 30134. The Welcome Center can still be contacted by calling 770-947-5920 or by emailing info@visitdouglasville.com during this time.

Happy New Year, 2019!

 

Happy New Year! We hope that 2019 has gotten off to great start (even if we are just a few days into the new year)!

We are excited to announce we have some great things coming up,  here at the Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)!

First off – we have brand new Douglasville Swag available in the Douglasville Welcome Center! How cute are these Dine. Explore. Vibe. Coffee Mugs featuring a scene from downtown Douglasville!? Grab yours for just $6.00! We also have brand new postcard designs, these are just .25 each or a pack of 8 (1 of each design for $2.00).

 

Next up we are excited to support “National Plan for Vacation Day”, January 29th! Did you know that across America last year, more than 705 million vacation days went unused? Research shows that individuals who plan are more likely to use all of their time off, take more vacation days at once and report greater levels of happiness at work and at home! Be sure to keep a watch on our Facebook page for more information on this great initiative!

 

Lastly, have you or anyone you know recently gotten engaged?! We want to invite them to our 2019 Behind the Veil Bridal Showcase! Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the Douglasville Conference Center (6700 Church Street). The event gives brides and guests the opportunity to meet and speak with industry vendors to get ideas and tips for making your big day perfect! If you would like to register please go to EventBrite.com.

 

Just as a reminder the Douglasville Welcome Center is in our same location but our street name and number have changed. You can find us at 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway, Douglasville, GA 30134. Formally 6694 Broad Street Douglasville, GA 30134. We are open Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM! We hope you stop by soon!

Event filled weekends ahead in Douglasville!

Saturday, October 20th there will be no shortage of activities and events in Douglasville! Kicking off the fun will be the Douglasville Police Departments Community Bicycle Ride beginning at 8 AM at the Public Safety Complex, 2083 Fairburn Road Douglasville, GA 30135.

Following the Community Bicycle Ride make sure you stay for the Annual Fall Festival & Safety Expo, from 10 AM – 4 PM! There will be fun for the whole family, with food, crafts, games, k-9 demonstrations, and so much more!

 

Over on O’Neal Plaza the 22nd Annual Chili Cook Off presented by the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville | Douglas County kicks off at 6 PM! Cookers from all over the area will have all kinds of tasty chili cooking for all to enjoy! Tickets are $1 each. Make sure to dress in your Halloween best as costume contests will be held for both children and adults, at the end of the night!

 

Wrapping up the day will be the 39th Annual Moonlight Run presented by the Douglas County Rouge Runners! The City of Douglasville Moonlight Run is one of the largest after-dark 5K and one mile runs in the Southeast, with approximately 2,000 participants running through downtown Douglasville.

 

We hope that you will have an opportunity to take part in at least some of the exciting events and activities that are taking place October 20th! Also make sure to check out Hunters Harvest Fall Festival  & Arts and Craft Show next weekend, Saturday, October 27th  at Hunter Park, for 12 – 4 PM! The event is free to attend and open to the public. Wristbands for the play zone area are $5.00.

Discounts to Zoo Atlanta

Did you know that the Douglasville CVB is now offering discounted Zoo Atlanta tickets?! Purchase yours today at the Douglasville Welcome Center, which is temporarily located inside the Douglas County Chamber (6658 Church Street, Douglasville, GA).

Discounted Adult, Child & Senior Citizen tickets are available! Tickets can be purchased Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, at this time we can only accept cash or check payments.

Travel & Tourism Week Wrap Up

Each year National Travel & Tourism Week is celebrated to show the unique value that travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well being. This year the industry selected the theme of  “Travel: Then and Now,” for this year’s celebration!

The Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) embraced this theme and set forth a week long celebration (May 6-12, 2018) with daily events. Kicking off the week the CVB launched their Crossword Puzzle Contest, that quizzed puzzle takers on Douglasville’s past and present.

Tuesday, May 8th the CVB hosted a Travel Rally at the Douglasville Conference Center, where local leaders and tourism professionals gathered to celebrate the impact travel has on our economy and community.

 

Wednesday, May 9th we honored two of our CVB Advisory Board Members at the annual  Historic Preservation Luncheon!

Sandy Gamble received the Spirit Award and Patty Wenck received the Hospitality Worker of the Year Award. They are pictured below with Tourism Administrative Clerk II, Kristen Tate and Tourism Program Manager, Samantha Rosado.

 

Thursday, May 10th the Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsored the Douglas County Chamber’s Business 4 Breakfast networking event, at the Douglasville Conference Center!

 

The week wrapped up with a Celebration Reception, at the Douglas County Courthouse Museum, Saturday, May 12.

Guests enjoyed tours of the museum, experiencing  the “Then & Now” of Douglasville and Douglas County. Guests also enjoyed live music and refreshments as well as a photo booth to capture their time during the event.

If you would like to stay up to date on the various events and promotions held by the Douglasville CVB please visit our website, http://www.visitdouglasville.com and sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter email.