Augusta is way more than just the meeting place of a major golf tournament.
Every April , the worldly concern turns its gaze to Augusta , Georgia to watch the epic swings of the Masters Tournament , the first major golf championship of the time of year . For a few Clarence Day , the southerly city is the gist of thesports - travel universe , and then the focus fades away . And that ’s a shame , since the vivacious townsfolk of Augusta is worth your attention the rest of the year , too . Where else can you visit alligator in the good morning , read about the Godfather of Soul in the afternoon , and saunter the picturesque riverwalk at sunset ?
The third most populous metropolis inGeorgia(and previously the state capital ) , Augusta is brim with culture , from the live concert in the park to thetrail of stunning sculpturesby nationally renowned artist . And once you factor in in its plethora of green space , the metropolis is the thoroughgoing weekend getaway for you and your whelp . Here ’s our guide to exploring the Garden City , dog in tow .
Travel time
2.5 hours from Atlanta
If you only do one thing: Take your furry friend toPhinizy Swamp Nature Park
swamp are one of the planet ’s most important ecosystem , supporting diverse lifeforms on both water and dry land . alas , their soft , boggy surroundings do n’t always loan themselves to effortless visits . This is whyPhinizy Swamp Nature Centeris so special — you do n’t require hip waders to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the swamp .
Leashed pets are welcome to join you as you wind across boardwalks , trail , bridge , and overlooks in a 1,100 - Akko kingdom of plants and wildlife . Bald cypress trees climb from murky amniotic fluid , dripping with Spanish moss while with child blue herons shriek like dinosaurs and bald bird of Jove circulate overhead . Do n’t overlook the .08 - mile shit pool track , which come up above the H2O to allow for a stellar vantage for spotting alligators , river otters , and frogs .
Be trusted to check thecalendarbefore your trip . Phinizy Swamp Nature Center offers a regular roster of activities ranging from guided hikes to a popularEco Explorer computer programme , which pay for visitors to don wader , net for insects , see the labs , and chat with scientists about their research .
Augusta, Georgia|SeanPavonePhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Fill the weekend with
Outdoor activities
The Augusta Riverwalk is a wheelchair - approachable , multilevel brick lead perched above the Savannah River . rope up your pup and soak in the natural beauty of the river and the stately family and mansions on the other side . The all-inclusive pathway is peppered with gardens , fountains , Park , and sculptures , offer admission to lashings of restaurants and attraction like theAugusta Museum of Historyand theMorris Museum of Art . Throughout the class , the riverwalk is the site of event like live concerts at theJessye Norman Amphitheaterand theAugusta Market at the River , where creative person , craftspeople , bakers , granger , and chef declare oneself handmade ( and homegrown ) trade good . Most importantly , though , your doggo will love the green spaces flanking the way of life and the friendly faces passing by .
For another scenic stroll , find stone archway dating back to the 1800s atRae ’s Creek Aqueduct Park . Originally construct so the duct could cross the rushing waters of Rae ’s Creek , the granite bodily structure is a marvel of craft that survived the Civil War and one C of born elements . Although your dog probably does n’t care about history , your fluffy friend will bang the tree diagram , creek , and 35 - foot waterfall . The park is part of theAugusta Canal National Heritage Area , which includes a Discovery Center , miles of tramp and biking trail , and historic buildings .
Historic tours
Augusta is the hometown of instrumentalist James Brown , also known as the “ Godfather of Soul ” celebrated for hits like “ Please , Please , Please ” and “ Papa ’s Got A Brand New Bag . ” TheJames Brown Journeyis a free ego - guided sound tour of sites like his childhood place , his former schooling , a James Brown statue , and the James Brown exhibit at theAugusta Museum of Historywhere a wide collection of Brown ’s costume and personal belongings are on exhibit , include his iconic business leader of Soul crown . As you walk , keep an heart out for the colorful James Brown mural on Broad Street , paint by local artist Cole Phail . Aside from the museum , most of the full point are outdoors , so your pup can strut along by your side .
Where to eat and drink
For an aesthetic and delicious meal : Taco Catwas practically made for Instagram , combine retro interior decoration with industrial component like concrete floors and expose - bulb drawing string lights , as well as floor - to - ceiling shabu panels that spread to the street on warm Clarence Day . Everything on the menu is excellent , but as the name suggests , the tacos are the principal ( think behind - cooked meats , fresh veg , and housemade sauces ) , with vegetarian options that are just as tasty . The eatery host live on euphony or karaoke most Night and has outdoor tables where your puppy can join you .
To fuel yourself between walk tour of duty : Head toManuel ’s Bread Cafefor your sandwich and salad fix . The cafe makes breads and pastry dough in house from constituent grown on its own farm , and the overall cookery style is French infused with Southern flavors and spherical influence . Breakfast and dinner are awful , but Manuel ’s makes an unmissable lunch with dishes like a Smoked Salmon Platter with fish smoke in - house , a Duck Confit Salad with dijon French dressing , and a Croque Madame repress in bechamel . Your frankfurter is welcome to join you at the extraneous tables ; the stave will even bring them a water dish and a treat .
For a decadent treat : Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweeteryis a full - overhaul restaurant serving homemade soups and salads , including a 1/3 - lb hamburger top off with an Augusta favorite , pimento high mallow . The food is great , but the desserts are the shining gem , with homemade patty , cheesecakes , and pie so good they often trade out before the doors close . The Hummingbird bar and Key Lime Pie are worth a misstep to Augusta alone . Portions are generous — half a slice of cake is plenty for one person , but if you grade a full slice you ’ll have something to await forward to the next twenty-four hours . pet are welcome at the outside tables .
Where to stay
For a retreat steep in history : Partridge Innbegan as a private sign in the late 1890s and was after converted into a posh hotel in 1910 . Although the attribute has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years , it still retains its historical fictional character . amenity include a rooftop bar with panoramic sentiment of the city , a hunky-dory dining restaurant celebrating southerly culinary art , a swim pool , and private decks and balcony in many of the guest rooms . The property welcomes two pets of less than 80 pounds per client with a $ 250 damage deposit , along with a non - refundable favourite fee of $ 75 per pet for up to three nights , and an additional $ 25 per positron emission tomography for prospicient stay .
For secretive access to the waterfront : Augusta Marriott at the Convention Centeris step away from the Augusta Riverwalk , museum , shops , and restaurants business district . Amenities include an indoor puddle , a seasonal outdoor syndicate , an Italian restaurant / steakhouse , and practical features like desks and mini fridges in the Edgar Guest rooms . The hotel allow two domestic positron emission tomography totaling no more than 40 hammer with a non - refundable preferent fee of $ 95 per stay .
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.|Photo by Tamara Gane for Thrillist
James Brown mural on Broad Street.|AlexBuess/Shutterstock
Taco Cat.|Photo by Tamara Gane for Thrillist
Partridge Inn.|Photo by Tamara Gane for Thrillist
