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images courtesy Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau”][/title]
Take the road less traveled with a visit suitable for the entire family to Georgia’s second oldest city. Only a short drive from popular but crowded travel destinations such as Charleston and Atlanta, Augusta offers a myriad of unique attractions and restaurants to make this summer one you won’t forget. With so much to offer in an all-in-one vacation destination, consider Augusta as a place to drive to instead of through while planning your next getaway. Enjoy the below itinerary for an inside look to the family-friendly, adventure-filled river city that is, Augusta, Georgia.
Things to Do: Outdoor Escapades for Everyone
The central location of this eclectic city provides visitors of all ages and adventure levels with a wide variety of activities to indulge in, both on water and land. The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s mecca, with several activities centralized on and along the Savannah River. Embrace the stories, sights and sounds of Augusta amongst a Petersburg music boat tour during which guests can sip on refreshments and unwind whilst listening to a variety of live music from blues to bluegrass. During the day, rent kayaks and paddle boards at the Savannah Rapids Park, embark on a tour to Betty’s Branch, a local favorite, with Cole Watkin Tours or bike along the canal via rad bikes from, The Bicycle Peddler.
Insider’s Tip: For a true behind the scenes experience, ask for the Stallings Island Tour, which takes kayakers through a string of more than fifteen unspoiled islands rich in history. Over four thousand years ago these islands were home to a tribe of Late Archaic Native Americans that produced some of the oldest known pottery in North America. Today, these same islands are home to wild goats and donkeys who love visitors. To top it off, the tour leads visitors to a picturesque creek dam where you can snap photos that capture the roaring waters.
Other activities include a visit to the Hippodrome Disc Golf Complex, an outdoor disc golf arena with various levels of difficulty, The Forks Area Trail System, a renowned biking trail with six different trails and the Phinizy Nature Swamp, an ecological gem sustained through preservation efforts.
Guests over twenty-one can choose to turn it up or down a notch at one of two Augusta breweries – Savannah River Brewing Company or Riverwatch Brewing Company, which is owned by the only mother daughter brew team in the nation. New beers and flavors are released at both breweries on a regular basis, making no visit the same as the last – a great itinerary item for mom and dad.
What to Eat: Family-Friendly Augusta Fare
With over 400 restaurants and bars, culinary feats are found throughout Augusta with an assortment of fresh, funky cuisine that speaks to the spirit of this dynamic city. Choose from iconic staples such as, The Bee’s Knees where all menu items are made using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients or Farmhaus Burger and Humanitree House, both of which are known for doing the same. Venture deeper into the city’s culinary fare at The Whistle Stop Café. Resembling a diner out of the 50’s, this local eatery is a can’t-miss for breakfast. Head to Nacho Mama’s where select menu items are named after the Godfather of Soul, James Brown or The New Moon Café known for their delicious, Green Monster Smoothie. The food journey doesn’t end without a scoop or two of ice cream to end the taste bud frenzy or a piece of cake worth writing home about. For those with a sweet tooth, Augusta’s got you covered with the famous, Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery.
Things to See: Arts & Culture
For an urban adventure filled with arts and culture, stroll along Augusta’s Riverwalk and enjoy the views of ornamental gardens, historical monuments and architectural masterpieces that line the river. Spot the “Happy” and the “Love Augusta” murals, both whimsically painted on the walls of businesses and public buildings by local artists. Every Saturday from March until November, the Augusta Market is held on Augusta’s Riverwalk, bringing the personalities of the region to life. History runs deep in this bustling city and guests can take a quick journey through time with a visit to the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, the James Brown statue or Meadow Garden—home of George Walton. Dive deeper into Augusta’s flourishing arts scene by stopping at one of its many art museums and galleries including, Morris Museum of Art – the first museum dedicated to the art and artists of the American South – Westobou Gallery, or the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. Plug-in to the musical vibes that can be found and felt throughout Augusta and catch a show at one of the city’s many unique entertainment venues. Touted as a musical mecca, Augusta has fostered artists such as, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, Jessye Norman, Sharon Jones and Lady Antebellum. Broad Street gem, the Imperial Theatre hosts a plethora of events, shows and even airs movies.
The Jessye Norman Amphitheatre, a waterfront venue, hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year, combining picturesque views with melodic tunes. Take a piece of Augusta with you and stop into the newly opened one-of-a-kind interactive visitors center, Augusta & Co. for souvenirs, tastings from local food and beverage companies, community news and more.
Places to stay
Accommodations are plentiful in this historic, lively city. For Southern charm and a sprinkle of antique flare, The Partridge Inn will create an unparalleled experience with gourmet food, an extensive cocktail and wine list and southern service that will impress any guest. The historic hotel has served as a gathering place for generations of Augustans as well as golf greats and celebrities like Curtis Strange, Paul Azinger, Gary Player, Reba McIntyre, James Brown and Bob Dylan.
Enjoy the hotel’s Southern features including beautiful verandahs and classic columns. The Partridge Inn’s signature restaurant, The P.I. Bar and Grill, offers fine dining, live music and the rooftop bar serves as a great spot to lounge with a cocktail in hand while enjoying views of the city.
Prefer modern features with a riverside view? The Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center is the ideal overnight accommodation for the traveler that enjoys a waterside stay. Centrally located along the city’s Riverwalk, which is perfectly positioned along the beautiful Savannah River and other nearby and popular attractions, the hotel’s location makes it easy to leave the car behind and traverse downtown by foot. Equipped with sleek new accommodations and large redesigned guest rooms, visitors can rest assured relaxation and exploration will remain at the forefront of this getaway.
Options continue with the brand-new Hyatt House. Located on Broad Street and nestled in the heart of downtown Augusta, Hyatt House offers residential-style rooms with complimentary daily breakfast, rooftop patio and bar, and 4,050 square feet of meeting space. No matter where you choose to stay or what you choose to do, a visit to Augusta will be one not soon forgotten.
For more information, see visitaugusta.com.
