Atlanta’s sister city, Augusta, is rich in culture, art and entertainment — making it a must-see destination for any traveling east from Georgia’s capital city. Here is a quick breakdown of the top reasons you should consider visiting James Brown’s adopted hometown.
History of the Garden City
Home to President Woodrow Wilson and James Brown, steeped in a rich history as a resort destination to socialites and luminaries alike, annually beloved for the Masters — there is a lot of history to celebrate in the Garden City.
To make the most out of the experience, Augusta’s official travel website offers visitors a weekend of must-see attractions, good eating, an exploration of the city and a rich education in Augusta’s history.
“Meet Bonita Jenkins, a smart education professional living in Augusta, GA and spending her weekends exploring the history and heritage of our soulful city,” Augusta’s travel website said. “Join her for an unforgettable historical adventure you won’t soon forget with her favorite must-see attractions, restaurants, and explorations throughout the city.”
Check out the full itinerary below, as provided by Augusta’s travel page:
FRIDAY
- Check into the Partridge Inn located in the historic Summerville neighborhood
- Start off the weekend with a guided tour of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson
- Dig into a decadent dinner at Augustino’s in downtown Augusta
- Then catch a show or the latest act at the James Brown Arena or the Bell Auditorium
SATURDAY
- Begin your day learning the history of Augusta’s favorite son on the James Brown Bus Tour
- Be sure to stop by the Augusta Museum of History for more on James Brown and the rest of Augusta’s legends
- An Augusta history experience would not be complete without a guided tour of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
- Jump across the river to experience a hidden gem for dinner at DeShawn’s Seafood
- Close out the night with an evening walk along downtown Augusta’s beautiful Riverwalk
SUNDAY
- Explore Augusta’s suburbs with a trip to Lady A park
- Walk the canal trail back to downtown Augusta along the scenic Savannah River
- Refuel after all that exercise at Whiskey Bar Kitchen in downtown Augusta
Music and nightlife
If history is not your thing, then you will likely want to soak up the city’s many nightlife offerings.
“Meet Kendall Green, a charismatic health care professional living in Augusta, GA and spending her weekend nights exploring the city’s vibrant lights,” Augusta’s travel website said. “Join her for a fun-filled weekend you won’t soon forget with her favorite nightlife experiences, craft cocktails, and locally-chosen foodie favs.”
Check out the full itinerary below, as provided by Augusta’s travel page:
FRIDAY
- Arrive at the beautiful and historic Partridge Inn, an iconic Augusta venue located in the historic Summerville neighborhood
- Make your way downtown for craft cocktails and wood-fire pizza at Craft & Vine
- Catch the latest show or act at the Imperial Theatre
- Close out the night at a local must Stillwater Taproom
SATURDAY
- Stop #1 is back downtown for coffee and a croissant at New Moon Cafe
- From there it’s a short walk over to the Farmers Market for fresh produce, artisan snacks, and always a few unique finds
- Cool off and culture up with a tour of the Morris Museum of Art, right down the Riverwalk from the market
- End the day with a two for one punch of shopping and dinner at Surrey Center
SUNDAY
- Enjoy a sun filled Sunday kayaking out at Betty’s Branch, be sure to start early so you can squeeze in a picnic at Germany Island before the tides roll in
The Masters
The first ever Masters Tournament, known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament at the time, took place March 22, 1934. Ever since 1940, the Masters has been snaring the world’s attention the first week of each April.
Now Masters week sparks a whirlwind of tourism and media attention across the city each year, making early April an exciting time to visit the Garden City.
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