Formerly a Catholic church, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center offers a range of activities, from concerts and art exhibits to silent movies and educational programs. Built in 1897 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building fe...

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 6, 2013) -- Situated just a few hours from Fort Benning on the South Carolina border is Augusta, Ga. This Southern destination combines small town charm with big city culture and is worth a weekend trip if you've never been.

Augusta shares much in common with Columbus: a river and Riverwalk, a rich military history, wetlands, historic sites and a quaint, walkable downtown. Soldiers, retirees and Family members can often benefit from a military discount.

If you work for (or are married to) the Army, you can enjoy a significant discount at what I believe is the area's top attraction: the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. But even if you pay full price, the dinner theater, operated by Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Fort Gordon Entertainment Program, is something you can't miss.

This is much more than community theater. From elaborate sets to spot-on acting, the shows are quality and the dining options are both delicious and diverse.

Veterans and Family members often star in the plays, which tend to be comedies -- with a thriller or musical thrown in on occasion.

When you go, you know you're also supporting something meaningful.

"We have great support for our music and theater program here at Fort Gordon: from the installation and garrison command groups, MWR leadership and the local community to participants and patrons," said Steve Walpert, Fort Gordon Entertainment Program director. "All recognize the value of our effort, not only for the patrons who attend, but also for the participants who find this type of recreational outlet a real morale boost."

Their next production will be Miracle on South Division Street, a comic and heartwarming story about one very unique family -- that maybe isn't so different from your own. Show dates are Nov. 15-Dec. 7.

For more information, call 706-793-8552 or visit www.fortgordon.com/theatre.php. Tickets including dinner are $35-$45. A show-only option is $30. Reservations are required.

But the city has so many cultural outlets to round out your stay. Consider the ones below or stop by the visitors' center to chart your own itinerary.

Other Attractions

Columbia County Ballet

The Columbia County Ballet is primarily a school for dancers to hone their craft, but their performances are much more than mere recitals. Enjoy the pageantry of a production at the historic Imperial Theatre, a landmark of downtown Augusta.

The dance company performs throughout the year, including a free concert during Mayfest, and their next production will be The Nutcracker at 7 p.m. Dec. 6. For ticket information, visit www.columbiacountyballet.com.

Pendleton King Park

More than 60 acres of forest, trails, marshes and gardens make Pendleton King Park a recreation destination for all ages. Amenities include playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, an arboretum, a lake and a dog park.

For more information, visit www.pendletonkingpark.com.

Signal Corps Museum

The permanent exhibit at this Fort Gordon museum charts the history of the Signal Corps, beginning with its inception in 1860. Learn about Brig. Gen. Albert Myer, founder of the Signal Corps, and discover other fascinating facts -- did you know the Signal Corps operated a movie studio during World War II? They have the Oscar to prove it.

The museum also features traveling exhibits. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Find out more at www.signal.army.mil/ocos/museum.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center

Sacred Heart is worth a visit even if only to see the exterior. Built just before the turn of the century, the building features twin spires, a number of arches and styles of brickwork and nearly 100 stained glass windows. The former church, now devoted to the community for cultural activities, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Inside, you can marvel at the vaulted ceiling and Italian marble altars. Rotating art exhibits are also on display. Admission is free. Visit www.sacredheartaugusta.org.

Musical Theatre Workshops

If you go in the spring, the young actors of Musical Theatre Workshops have two shows to choose from, and you're guaranteed to laugh. Teens focus on improvisation, monologues, scene study and more during the year, culminating in a full-length musical and a dessert theater show.

They're located just outside of Augusta in Martinez, Ga., or online at www.onwiththeshow.biz.