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.
What to Do in Augusta
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.
Where to Eat in Augusta
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.
Where to Stay in Augusta
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.
Haven’t ever been to Augusta, but I must say that it’s amazing how much there can be to see in smaller places. Nice post.
Augusta is the second largest metropolitan area in Georgia, so it’s not small.
Thank you! It’s absurd when people always say it’s such a small town! NO it’s not, it has the largest police force in the state of Georgia. LOL. Atlanta, Augusta and Macon are the largest cities in Georgia.
Thanks for loving our city well. We’ve known it’s been hip for a long time but usually those that have a different view 1. Do not live here or 2. Are not in the right places with the right people. Next time you come check out Soul Bar or Sky City for a fun nightlife experience.
I definitely want to check out Soul Bar! I was short on time. Thanks for the suggestions!
Some other great restaurants are Farmhaus Burger, Edgar’s Grille, Frog Hollow Tavern and Manuel’s Cafe in North Augusta, SC
Thanks for such a wonderful article about some of what Augusta has to offer.
However, you missed some AMAZING SPACES HERE that you would have went crazy for.
Places like Humanitree House Juice Bar, FLO (Bar/Lounge) the Cotton Patch, QP’s Dollhouse (amazing boutique), and so many more spaces..
Seems to me, we’re going to have to plan another trip up to Augusta for you pal. LOL
Thanks for reading, Kim! You’ve given me lots to do for my next trip!
I second Humanitree!!!!
Caroline,
Thank you for the great press about my adopted home! I know your blog focus is primarily on the arts, dining, and night life scene, but I thought I’d share a couple of other famous Augusta-area folks with you:
William “The Refrigerator” Perry – Chicago Bears – from Beech Island, SC (just a cross the river)
Ray Guy – Hall of Fame NFL punter
Wycliffe Gordon – Jazz Trombonist
Josh and Charles Kelley (members) and Dave Haywood (songwriter) – Lady Antebellum – in Evans, just up Washington Road from Augusta, is the “Lady A Pavilion” – outdoor amphitheater named for the band and a music hub for our area
Woodrow Wilson – US President
George Walton – signer of the Declaration of Independence
Susan Kilrain – US Astronaut
Ben Bernake – Fed chairman
and of course – the great Bobby Jones!
Keep the great posts coming!
Navy Chief, Navy Pride
I’d be remiss if I didn’t invite you to come to The Book Tavern next time you stop through. And you might want to visit our neighbor, The New Moon Cafe for an excellent coffee. Kim mentioned some other great places, but you shouldn’t miss out on Vintage Ooollee, Antique Marketplace, Psychotronic, Knuckle Sandwiches, Artists Local 1155, Art on Broad, Gallery on the Row, Farmhaus, Whiskey Bar Kitchen and many other shops and restaurants. Oh, and our theatre/arts scene. Westobou Festival highlights many things but there’s Le Chat Noir (an amazing live theatre), we have an incredibly talented Symphony, our own Ballet and hundreds of talented singer/songwriters, painters, sculptors, and makers. Which reminds me, check out theClubhou.se the next time you’re in Augusta. It’s very cool. And you could come in January when we’ll be having our third TEDx! I could just go on and on. Basically you’d need to come to Augusta weekly. But if you’re looking for an excuse to come soon, I’d recommend November 7th so you could attend the Georgia Literary Festival at the Augusta University Summerville Campus. Nearly 50 authors and all kinds of amazing events that weekend!
Caroline, thanks for lovin’ on our town! When you do schedule another visit, (especially in the spring) make sure you make time to visit The Augusta Market on Saturdays from 8am-2pm at 8th and Reynolds. It is the most fun you can have in Augusta on a Saturday morning. Lots of art and handcrafted specialties, and tons of amazing food. Produce is locally grown, much of it organic. There are vendors offering the best of our area in so many categories it boggles the mind. And music, to boot.
And, renovations to The Partridge Inn should be completed by the end of October. You really must check out the new bar, library and veranda.
I’ve been to New York, Curazao, Santo Domingo, San Juan, the Virgin Islands, Charleston, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas/Fort worth and San Antonio. I also lived in Augusta for 8 long years. If that…quaint…pool of social anachronisms is what you call hip, I’m a three-eyed Martian.
Not my experience. I found the city the be very trashy and run down. I must have visited the downtown at the wrong time or something because when I was there it was pretty dead. NOt much down there. A Few restaurants and tacky clothing stores. Took a stroll on The Riverwalk and had 3 different people ask me for money. I imagine at one time The Riverwalk was nice, but it did not look well maintained. Lots of sketchy looking characters lurking around. Ate at some place called Pizza Joint on Broad Street. Worst pizza ever and the place was so filthy. About all the town has is a shopping mall. Lots of gang bangers at the mall on my visit. I did not get a sense Augusta was a hip city at all. Athens is smaller but much more hip than Augusta.
Augusta (aka Disgusta) is about as hip as a square dance at a Mormon ice cream social. The downtown area literally looks like it is a set from The Walking Dead tv series. The city is overrun with obnoxious Bible Thumpers who immediately want to know what church you go to before even asking you name. AUgusta has always been stuck about 25 to 30 years in the past. They just did get to hold a Gay Pride festival a couple of years ago when truly hip cities were doing this over 30 to 40 years ago. And not surprisingly a lot of redneck Bible thumpers showed up in downtown Augusta to scream how everyone was going to Hell in a handbasket. Nah, you can have Disgusta. It’s a boring and trashing looking Hell hole filled with meth addicts and redneck Bible Thumpers. If you want to find hip cities in Georgia go to Savannah, Atlanta or Athens… almost anyplace is more hip than Disgusta.
Disgusta is an apt description. Mostly suburban sprawl with a downtown on life support. And did I mention the atrocious smell in the air?