This year we're celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week on May 3-9, and although in-person rallies and events are not an option this year, we are engaging by rallying around the #SpiritOfTravel instead. Our community benefits from the spirit of travel, which permeates through our passion for arts and entertainment, our zest for adventure in the outdoors, our love for local history, and our appetite for delicious cuisine.

Throughout the week, we encourage our residents to inspire the spirit of travel by celebrating the birthday of the Godfather of Soul, join us in helping to recognize the exemplary members of the hospitality industry, and participate in writing a “love note” to our city hallmarks showing our support, appreciation, and most of all, our love. 

#AugustaStrong 

While we continue to socially distance and slowly begin to reopen, we need to remind ourselves that we will stay strong as a community. We will have fun again. Our community has found unique and innovative ways to come together and support local businesses and restaurants, rally around our frontline healthcare workers, and show love to our neighbors. As we engage in the #SpiritOfTravel this week, we wanted to showcase the spirit of our local community and highlight the love shown to each other during these unprecedented times. 

ProTip: Click here to view the #AugustaStrong inspirational video produced by local marketing agency TranterGrey. 

Screening for Everyone 

Through the Augusta University Health System COVID-19 virtual screening, patients can now receive free virtual screenings for coronavirus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no appointment required, when they visit the AU Health COVID-19 Virtual Screening website or download the AU Health Express Care app. 

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the statewide use and rollout of this app, developed by our local university; allowing individuals to use the app other screening options before visiting an emergency department or doctor’s office.

ProTip: Download the app by clicking here for free 24/7 coronavirus screening. 

#WeGiveAShirt 

Missing your favorite local spots around town while we shelter-in-place? We feel ya. Local company and merchandise designer, Showpony, is working hard to fix that homesick feeling you have for margaritas at Nacho Mama's or avocado toast at Southern Salad. 

Located in the heart of downtown Augusta, this local business has launched the #WeGiveAShirt campaign to support other local businesses during these unprecedented times. Proceeds from the limited edition sales go directly to the business of your choice and have already exceeded over $127,000 in sales. 

Want to support your favorite local business with a purchase? We thought so. Start shopping Showpony's community campaign and give back to the businesses that keep our community happy & healthy.

ProTip: Follow the shirts on Instagram with the hashtag #WeGiveAShirt and #LoveAugusta. 

#JoinTheReunion 

Chris Rucker and Land of Thee, a local Augusta cultural brand, is spreading support for local businesses affected most by ongoing global events. In an effort to drive Augustans to support each other when we need it most, Rucker worked to spread awareness one thread at a time and with one word in mind: Reunion.  

The shirt with its big, bold letters is here to remind our community to seek a reunion with kindness and humanity but also, to look forward to the city-wide “reunion” we’ll all hopefully see soon. Spreading love and support within the community, locals sent their receipts of $20 or more to Land of Thee and received a FREE (yes, free) reunion shirt; raising over $5,000 in proceeds to local businesses in a 48-hour window. 

ProTip: Follow & support local business Land of Thee and join the reunion on Instagram (@landofthee). 

Stay Happy 

In the midst of face masks and social distancing, local artist and muralist Leonard 'Porkchop' Zimmerman, worked to produce a small reminder to Augustans to stay happy, with FREE 'Happy' buttons. Based on his iconic 'Happy' mural on display outside of Tire City Potters, this button acted as a reminder to locals to stay safe, wash your hands, and remain smiling behind those face masks as we endure as a city. 

ProTip: Not able to grab a button before they were all snagged? Swing by the mural located outside of Tire City Potters instead and snap a selfie. 

Feeding Our Healthcare Workers 

Local restaurants and hospitality groups have worked together these past few weeks to make sure our healthcare workers stay fed while working the frontlines. Fat Man's Mill Cafe & Catering has worked to cater and provide boxed lunches for nurses and doctors stationed at local hospitals. The Frog Hollow Hospitality Group has developed the Hospitality Hero Fund, a local initiative to feed healthcare heroes. Local restaurant Cork & Flame has also started its Cork & Flame Hospitality Relief Fund, a non-profit that gives free, gourmet meals to frontline healthcare workers and keeps restaurants up and running.

ProTip: Want to support these local businesses and others? Be sure to order takeout or curbside pickup.