The Keys For The Cure, St. Simons Island

Ten local pianists will perform music by some of the world’s greatest composers at Wesley United Methodist Church on Georgia’s St. Simons Island Sept. 16 – 17.  Sitting in pairs at five grand pianos, these talented musicians will be doing their part in the fight against cancer with the appropriately named Five Grands Twenty Hands Benefit Concert. The cause is personal for all ten pianists. Cancer has affected all of their lives in different ways, but four are actual survivors of this disease. The weekend will include several events such as a patron concert and meet-the-musicians cocktail buffet on Friday evening. Saturday will include the main event with performances that will span styles from the 17th century to the present. With only 500 tickets available, make sure you purchase yours today. All proceeds benefit the Southeast Georgia Health System Cancer Care Center in Brunswick, Ga. Ticket prices are $100 for Friday and $40 for Saturday; contact Teri Conlan for further information at 912-466-3360 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . While you’re there, enjoy the miles of white sandy beaches that this coastal town has to offer with a stay at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island’s only ocean front resort. www.kingandprince.com

Unwind and Unplug at High Hampton Inn

Enjoy some downtime in the mountains at High Hampton Inn. With no television or phone service, you’ll have no choice but to enjoy all the amenities this inn has to offer. Situated on 1,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll enjoy the cooler temperatures as you explore hiking trails, play a round of golf or glide across the clay tennis courts. On Sept. 13, you can enjoy a dinner beneath the stars in the stunning Dahlia gardens. Thirty guests will be seated at a long table decorated with flowers including the heirloom Dahlia blooms. Partake in food, wine and an interesting history lesson about the inn’s beautiful flowers. Guests can also enjoy music and dancing under the stars Sept. 22 as the Coast to the Mountains Summer Concert Series comes to a close. Enjoy a tapas menu and cocktails as musicians Bucky & Barry serenade you. www.highhamptoninn.com

Augusta Lays Out The Welcome Mat For Tourists

Summerville, the most historic neighborhood in Augusta, Ga., is celebrating its 150th anniversary and the annual Tour of Homes is taking note. In its 34th year, this unique tour features homes dating back to the turn of the 19th century and offers a collection of some of the most interesting antebellum home in the South. Tickets for the weekend of Oct. 7 will be $35 and can be purchased at www.summervilleaugusta.org.

To celebrate this milestone, the tour will be hosted in conjunction with Historic Augusta's "Walk with the Spirits" Tour at the Summerville Cemetery. To add to the evening, re-enactors will be dressed as notable citizens and will be roaming the cemetery grounds to mingle with the guests. It's sure to be an interesting weekend of celebration and history! If you're looking for a place to stay, the Partridge Inn will be offering special rate of $99 per night for Tour of Homes guests. www.partridgeinn.com

Pirates Come to Tybee Island

The seventh annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival will provide merriment for the whole family. Pirates are scheduled to invade the island Oct. 6 – 9, so grab your eye patch and head over for a weekend of family fun. Live music by the Pirate Charles will be entertaining visitors as they explore and enjoy the grub. Be sure to participate in the Scallywags Costume Contest and don't miss the crowning of the 2011 King and Queen.

Tickets are $25 before Sept. 1, $30 after that and $35 at the door. Visit www.tybeepiratefest.com for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, matey.