“Where’s Waldo?” In Real Life Is Happening Here In Augusta

As a kid, I’ve always loved the “Where’s Waldo” books. So, you can probably imagine my excitement when I heard that downtown Augusta’s “The Book Tavern” is doing a real-life version of the book!

Now through August 2^nd, you can look for Waldo in select downtown businesses to collect a stamp from that business. If you collect 10 stamps, you’ll get a free, exclusive “HAPPY” Waldo button and a $1 off coupon for a “Where’s Waldo” book from The Book Tavern.

If you collect 18 stamps, You'll be entered into a drawing for a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books along with some other prizes (including items some from participating businesses).

Hearing about this got me excited for the event. But, it also made me curious about Waldo and where, exactly, he came from. The answer: He came from Wally.

In 1986, a Walker Books illustrator was asked to develop a book of detailed crowd scenes. The key word here is: ‘Detailed.’ If you’ve ever seen a “Where’s Waldo” or “Where’s Wally” illustration, there’s quite a lot going on. Think of a drawing of about 100 different characters just after the drop in the viral ‘Harlem Shake’ dance. That’s what a “Where’s Waldo?” drawing looks like.

Anyway, the illustrator, Martin Handford, developed the “Wally” character, always dressed in red and white, to be hidden amongst the crowd scenes. In September 1987, the first “Where’s Wally?” book was released in the UK while the book was marketed in America as “Where’s Waldo?”

Over the years, Waldo (and Wally) has become more and more difficult to find. Waldo and his UK counterpart have been the subject of many books, magazines, television series, video games, a Super Bowl commercial and almost a movie 4 separate times. The books have even gained some other characters along the way.

I’ve always enjoyed looking for Waldo. Maybe that’s why I lose things so often: my keys, my phone, my mind. But, maybe I can go a little while without misplacing those things for a while, now that I can search for Waldo in some of my favorite downtown businesses.

The Grand Waldo celebration and prize drawing is at The Book Tavern, Friday August 2. Happy searching!

Whether you've lived in the area for your entire life or just a few years, chances are there are at least a few things you like about Augusta. As with any city, there will always be pros and cons. But today, let's focus on the positives.

A settlement in the Augusta area was established in 1736 by British General James Oglethorpe. He is the one who gave the area its name, honoring the bride of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales. The original settlement is in the area we now know as Summerville. The area was home to tribes of Creek and Cherokee Indians at the time. And the city would play a vital role during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

In 1847, the Augusta Canal was constructed, which led Augusta to become the world's second largest inland cotton market during the cotton boom. The area also has the only structure ever built by the Confederate States of America, along with many significant homes and buildings.

The city of Augusta also served as the state capital of Georgia from 1785 until 1795.

There have been many changes throughout the years, but one tradition that Augusta is known for got its start in 1934. The Masters Tournament is hosted the first full week of April each year at the Augusta National Golf Club. And while people who aren't from the area may only know Augusta for the Masters Tournament, those who live here know there's more to Augusta than just one special week each year.

So what is there in Augusta? Well, unfortunately, some people will try to say "There's nothing to do in Augusta." But if you look around, you'll find there is quite a bit to this city we call home. Just check out some of these experiences you can enjoy as a local!

Also, there was a recent post on Reddit where someone asked "What is one thing you like and dislike about Augusta?" And we were definitely intrigued to see what people had to say. Sure, there were plenty of "dislikes" that were included in responses, but again, let's focus on the positive!

Check out the top 5 things people said they like about Augusta.

There were quite a few Redditors who talked about the beautiful outdoor spaces we have available in the Augusta area. A few mentions included the Augusta Canal Path and River Walk. But you can't forget about the convenience of the Greeneway just across the river in North Augusta. In addition, there are many activities to enjoy on the water at the lake and river too.

One Redditor talked about there being "many Augustas." This is an interesting way to look at it. But the Redditor talked about the way to enjoy Augusta is to find where you fit. There are so many diverse interests for just about anyone, if you look for it. Of course, there are things for the golfers. But we also have a great selection of local businesses, places for trivia, and breweries to enjoy. And for those interested in an active lifestyle, there are run clubs and gyms. And let's not forget the military and medical communities.

Now for this one, it depends on who you ask and where you're trying to go and when. But overall, the Augusta area is fairly easy to get around and traffic isn't as bad as some cities. But, it's also a city that's convenient to many other things, like bigger cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte. Plus, you're just a couple of hours from the beach or mountains.

We've already mentioned a bit about Augusta's history, but there's so much more to explore and learn about it. We have great museums, art exhibits, festivals like Arts In The Heart, live entertainment including concerts, the Augusta Symphony, the Augusta Players, Broadway-type shows, ballets, and more.

This is another thing that might depend on who you ask. Many people moving from bigger cities (especially from the West or from up North) will tell you that the cost of living here is better. Obviously, inflation has impacted cities everywhere, but overall, Augusta still remains a fairly affordable place to live. And the city continues to grow and bring new business and job opportunities, which can be a pro or a con, depending on how you look at it!