Ask five people what they know about Augusta, Georgia and perhaps three couldn’t tell you anything, one would mention the Masters and another might confuse Augusta with the city of the same name in Maine. Prior to this year, my experience in Augusta had been limited to the rest stop, where I would go on my way to and from Charleston, the construction and the hefty speeding ticket I once received. I’m not proud to say that I called it “Disgusta.” Needless to say, I never really gave it a fair chance.
But what you might not know, and what I didn’t know prior, is that it was home to music great James Brown. It’s also surrounded by parks, all a part of the greater Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. It also has a surprising arts scene, as I found out when I visited for the recent Westobou Festival. I first visited Augusta as a part of a whirlwind tour around the state with the Georgia Department of Tourism, but even those two days told me I should come back. And a few weeks ago I took the chance. Despite some downright nasty weather, I got to embrace my inner high schooler going to see Ben Folds perform with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra (with VIP seats!), bluegrass at the Augusta Canal and the shops known as Artist’s Row.
Augusta is definitely a surprise. The downtown faced a similar fate of other cities in the 1960s and 70s when most people, and businesses, moved out of the area and into the suburbs. But it’s seeing a revival thanks to some enterprising people and the students of the nearby colleges who live in the converted lofts. It’s a city that could easily become a hipster favorite, particularly for its low cost of living and access to amenities like arts and restaurants. If you’d like to see for yourself, here are a few places I recommend.
DO
James Brown Statue
Augusta Canal
Morris Museum of Art
Tire City Potters
Augusta is great for a weekend because there’s no shortage of things to do, whether you’re young and hip or traveling with your family. Start your trip at the James Brown Statue, where you can get your photo snapped and texted to your phone. Then head over to the Augusta Museum of History, where you’ll find some of Brown’s most outrageous costumes and the only green jacket outside of Augusta National Golf Club.
Then check out the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, including the visitor’s center, which has displays on the history as well as where the boat tours leave from. They do seasonal theme tours, including music cruises. There are also miles of walking and running trails and a number of spots to put in a kayak.
Learn more about the city’s art scene at Artist’s Row, where local artisans, potters and craftsmen sell their goods. Around the corner is Tire City Potters, a former tire store-turned-pottery studio where visitors and locals alike can make their own mugs or buy those made by the experts. And no visit is complete without a stop at the Morris Museum of Art, the first museum to be devoted to the art and artists of the southern United States. One more place to stop is Final Cut in Evans, which sells heavily discounted designer clothing, furnishings and accessories from brands like Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters.
Surprisingly Hip #AugustaGa via @cairinthecity
Click To Tweet
EAT
Chicken and waffles at Bee’s Knees
Upper level at Nacho Mama
Sirloin with vegetables and ginger rice, Craft & Vine
Fried green tomato po-boy with a locally roasted cold brew coffee, The Hive Growler Bar
I was surprised to learn how many interesting restaurants are popping up in downtown Augusta and beyond. It’s not all about fried chicken here, as most of these eateries focus on craft cocktails, wine and beer as well as shared plates. Craft & Vine has a nice ambiance, with their upscale decor and long bar. They specialize in flatbread pizzas, but I had one of their cocktails and shared the hummus, sirloin (pictured above) and trout, all of which were delicious.
The Bee’s Knees is popular with locals for its tapas style dining. Grab some friends, a bottle of wine and split some dishes between you. While I recommend the chicken and waffles and pad thai, the restaurant also has some vegan options.
Nacho Mama’s Augusta is another favorite for its fast-Mex approach that has a line out the door for lunch. The decor reminds me of a place from my college town, but the ingredients were fresh and delicious. While I didn’t indulge in a burrito, they come recommended.
Hive is new to the scene, opened by the crew behind The Bee’s Knees. It’s a growler bar and restaurant with dozens of taps to enjoy or take to go, including wine and beer. Check the screens above to know what’s on draft at any given moment. The food isn’t too shabby either, especially the hand-cut french fries. And as with their sister restaurant, there are healthy options among the elevated bar fare. The poutine and crawfish boudin balls are crowd pleasers.
Don’t forget The New Moon Cafe for a hearty but healthy breakfast and Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee for a locally roasted cappuccino.
STAY
Marriott Augusta Convention Center
Partridge Inn
When staying in Augusta, you have the standard options, mostly chains and mostly downtown. I was surprised at the modern decor at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, which had recently been renovated. It was within walking distance from the Riverwalk and most attractions and restaurants. For something a little different, try The Partridge Inn in Summerville, a historic property in the city’s oldest neighborhood. It’s convenient for those staying during the Masters.
Thanks to Explore Georgia and the Augusta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for hosting me on my last two trips.
Have you ever been to Augusta, Georgia?
The post Visiting (Surprisingly Hip) Augusta, Georgia appeared first on Caroline in the City Travel Blog.