Visiting Augusta, Georgia, has long been the holy grail for golf fanatics, thanks to the world-famous Masters Tournament that kicked off here in 1934. However, today’s Augusta – Georgia’s second most populous city – has plenty to offer visitors beyond the glorious green of the Augusta National Golf Course.
Here are seven exciting things to check out in this rapidly rising city.
Walk in the Footsteps of James Brown
The inimitable James Brown – the Godfather of Soul himself – grew up in Augusta in the 1930s. Although his childhood was not easy, eventually his musical talent lifted him out of poverty and made him an international star. The Augusta Museum of History houses the world’s most comprehensive James Brown exhibit, showcasing thousands of personal items including his jazzy capes. His daughters spearheaded the James Brown Family Historical Tour, guiding you through significant locations throughout town. This includes the house where he grew up (a brothel run by his aunt); his life-size statue on Broad Street; the Imperial Theatre, where he rehearsed; and Deshawn’s Seafood, run by his son-in-law, who might share a tale or two. Notably, Ninth Street was renamed James Brown Boulevard in 1993.
A Revitalized Broad Street
For years, Augusta’s main street struggled during hard times. However, in the 1990s, the artistic community began to settle into Broad Street, bringing vitality through galleries, murals, and creative spirit. Consequently, restaurants and other businesses followed, renovating a mélange of architecturally significant buildings (ranging from Federal to Greek Revival to Art Deco and International in style) and revitalizing the street. Today, more than 150 of these buildings are on the National Register, including the recently reopened arte moderne Miller Theater, the official home of the Symphony Orchestra Augusta. For food lovers, innovative eateries such as Farmhaus Burger, Nacho Mama’s, Mellow Mushroom, and Whiskey Bar Kitchen offer unique dining experiences. The artists remain, working in studios and showcasing their wares, including fine art, pottery, and hand-crafted glass.
Strolling the Riverwalk
There’s something inherently inviting about being near water, and in Augusta’s case, the picturesque Savannah River certainly draws crowds. During the hot summer months, locals find refuge along the Riverwalk, a brick, tree-shaded walkway winding along the river between 6th and 10th Streets. Highlights include the enchanting Japanese Gardens and the 1,800-seat Jessye Norman Amphitheater, where eclectic concerts entertain in the summer. Additionally, the popular Saturday farmer’s market (operating from March through November) unfolds onto the 8th Street Plaza, always featuring live music and local seasonal farm goods.
A Georgia Peach of a Beer
Craft beer is on the rise, but few can compare to those hailing from the Peach State that creatively incorporate the sweet nectar into their brews. At River Watch Brewery – a mother-daughter enterprise and Augusta’s first post-Prohibition brewery – peach flavors the seasonal ‘Peach 3 Under Par.’ The brew offers a genteel hint of southern sweetness, ensuring that if it’s not on tap, there are plenty of other alluring brews to sample.
Decadent Pimento Cheese
This Southern staple, a creamy concoction of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, is a go-to comfort food that takes center stage in Augusta’s dining scene. Pimento cheese is even the signature sandwich at the Masters Tournament, sold at a bargain price of $1.50. Chefs across town have crafted modern and unique ways to serve this beloved dish. For instance, Whiskey Bar Kitchen tops its juicy burgers, Farmhaus slathers it on a sandwich with pork belly and bacon jam, Craft & Vine offers a luscious fondue version, and WifeSaver has been serving it in the traditional way as a side since 1965.
Cruising the Augusta Canal
The Augusta Canal played a significant role during the Civil War and contributed to the region’s industrial boom in the late 19th century. Nevertheless, as textile mills began to shut down in the 1950s, the canal was almost forgotten. Fortunately, in the mid-1970s, locals recognized the canal’s historic and scenic potential and began efforts for its preservation. Today, the Augusta Canal serves as a peaceful haven for kayakers, birdwatchers, and anglers, while runners, bikers, and walkers frequent the adjacent towpath. The best experience, however, is a canal boat tour that allows you to appreciate its history and observe local wildlife; it offers glimpses of the Confederate Powder Works and two of Georgia’s remaining 18th-century houses. On some summer evenings, the boat trip includes live music, creating a tranquil environment for picnics. The Augusta Canal Discovery Center, located in an old textile mill, provides further historical insights.
Porch-Sitting in Summerville
In the past, when summers became stifling, wealthy Augustans would escape to Summerville, a charming neighborhood filled with beautiful Southern mansions. While most houses are private, the Greek Revival-style Appleby Library and the Stephen Vincent Benét House are open for tours. However, the best place for a taste of yesteryear is the grandiose 1910 Partridge Inn, originally the site of George Walton’s home (one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence). The open veranda serves as the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and soak up the Georgia sunshine.
