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Magazine
TIME OUT
Seven things to do in Augusta
D.K. BHASKAR
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The hallowed greens of the golf course can leave you spell bound. But this classic Southern U.S. town has lots more to offer…
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Photo: D.K. Bhaskar
Away from the crowds: The Canal cruise in a picturesque setting.
Looks can be deceptive and this is especially true for the rather weather-beaten old town of Augusta, Georgia, U.S.. It was early spring when I arrived at Washington road from Interstate-20. A line up of commercial establishments, the usual Starbucks
, Olive Garden, Dunkin Doughtnuts etc rolled past. The city itself did not stand out as something that would impress an outsider. The evening sun was almost at eye-level, making it difficult to navigate.
Taking the scenic River Watch Parkway almost completely reversed the ambience. Tender green leaves and blossoms lined the winding freeway. A canal intersected the road, winding along the north-south direction. I soon pulled over by the riverside and took a stroll on the banks of a rather placid Savannah River. Palatial bungalows and mansions lined the opposite bank of the river. Several old bridges and plentiful trees added a certain charm and distinguished character to the landscape.
Augusta was yet to impress me. However, when I stood in front of the famed fairway of the Augusta national golf club, my eyes beheld a rolling poetry. After a security check and a scrutiny of my camera, I stumbled on the hallowed greens of the Mecca of international golf. It sits like a pearl inside a covered shell. The greenery, the magnificent trees, the fashionable crowd and above all the beautiful Azaleas, dogwood, magnolia flowers that line up the 18 holes of the golf course left me spell-bound.
Getting a ticket to this finely manicured green is perhaps one of the toughest challenges in modern sport. For those who cannot get a glimpse of Tiger’s roaring punch into the air, Phil’s appreciative bow of the hat or a chance to witness the legendary golfers and celebrities, there is more to this old cotton-manufacturing hub. From museums to botanical gardens, lively music venues to fine dining and a remarkable river walk to a real swamp, the “other” Augusta beckons. Augusta was the hometown of James Brown, the godfather of soul. Today, Augusta exudes soul and spirit in many ways.
A bit of history
Augusta, the second oldest city in Georgia, was founded in 1736, just three years after Savannah. Lying along the banks of the Savannah river, it stands about halfway between Savannah and Atlanta, but bears little resemblance to either one. Antebellum charm and old-fashioned hospitality still characterise this classic Southern town.
Cotton was the cash crop back in the day and Augusta’s plantations were the backbone of its socio-economic structure. By 1846 the Augusta Canal was built to provide energy for mills to make fabric and material. Prior to that, cotton was sent to northern manufacturers. In the early 1900s, before Florida was developed, train tracks ended in Augusta, which, with its five, large resort hotels came to be known as America’s winter golf capital. It’s a big reason why Jones settled in the area to create the Augusta National Golf Club. Founded in 1931, it hosted The Masters for the first time in 1934.
Augusta’s seven attractions besides the Master’s mania:
1. River Walk (Tel: 706-821-1754) — Considered the city’s No. 1 other attraction, it covers a six-block network of trim, landscaped brick paths that hug the Savannah river with an esplanade on top and meandering pathways, an amphitheatre, gardens and benches along the water’s edge. The backdoor of Marriott opens to the beautiful view of the river walk. The 1,600-seat, outdoor, Jessye Norman Amphitheatre is picturesque and is the scene of numerous concerts and outdoor events. A small souvenir and café shop is inviting at the Marina.
2. The Augusta Museum of History (Tel: 706-722-8454), tells the city’s story and offers an exhibit of the back stories and legends of The Masters. The museum has a collection of artefacts since the Paleo-Indian period, showcasing warfare, religion, communication and transportation. Here you can see a replica of the Petersburg boat used to haul cotton. Other pieces of attraction include the Augusta story through a number of interactive exhibits, including a space shuttle, children’s games, passenger train and the great Civil War and Indian collections.
3. Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau (Tel: 706-724-4067): A great way for visitors to soak in the sights is by taking a new two-hour tour in a 15-passenger van, offered each day at 1:30 p.m. by the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Led by a local historian, the tour covers downtown and the historic Summerville “Hill” area, and includes a visit to the Museum of History. Reservations are necessary.
4. Augusta Canal cruise Enterprise Mill (Tel: 706-823-0440): Built in 1845, it is one of the 37 heritage areas in the country and continues to be the only industrial power canal in use, providing water and power from the Savannah river. Cruising on the Petersburg, it was an enjoyable 8.5 mile journey following the same path bales of cotton travelled in the 19th century, past three mills along dark, still waters alive with water hyacinth, ducks and turtles with the occasional leisurely kayaker or the cyclist along the tow path. The urban wilderness and the lush greenery of the adjacent woodlands was a visual treat. The exhibits in the beautiful textile mill building of 19th century give a better understanding of the South’s Industrial revolution.
5. Morris Museum of Art (Tel: 706-724-7501): Located adjacent to the River walk, this is a must-see attraction of Augusta. A champion of Southern art and a driving force behind the area’s rising arts community, the Morris collection spans 200 years. Dedicated to art and artists of the American South, the museum hosts several intriguing touring exhibitions on photography this year, including one on country music and another on diners.
6. Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Botanical Gardens (Tel: 706-724-4442): Augusta is known as The Garden City. Other than the beautiful line up of trees, Reynolds Street has life-size bronze sculptures of golf greats’ swing and tee off among rose, butterfly and landscaped gardens in an impressive area of over 17-acres adjacent to the river. A new 18-hole mini-golf course with miniature replicas of some of the State’s famous golf holes is an added attraction.
Old town charm
7. Fishing on Thurmond: Golfing and fishing go hand in hand, and the weather should be right, so if you bring along your fishing accessories, you can have a great time in Augusta. The Strom Thurmond Lake is spread out over 70,000 acres and holds stripers, bass, bream and catfish. It’s one of the most popular lakes in the State because of its dense fish population. The Savannah river also has big stripers. You can also rent rods for fishing in Augusta.
That said, Augusta’s old town charm is sure to captivate you and refresh your spirits. Go golfing, fishing, dining and enjoy soulful music amidst the verdant greenery surrounding historic Augusta.
Quick facts
Getting there: By air: Augusta has a small airport and only small planes land here. During the Master’s week additional flights are operated by Delta and United Airways, two major flight companies flying to Augusta. You can fly down from Atlanta.
By road: Augusta is 135 miles from Atlanta airport. The Interstate highway I-20 East passes through Augusta.
Accommodation: It is often mentioned that the business during Masters Week would make up for the rest of year’s turnover. That sums up the demand for accommodation across luxury, medium and budget hotels and inns. Some families rent their property during the Master’s week and go for spring break vacation which usually coincides with the tournament.
While just about every chain hotel and motel is represented in Augusta, the historic Partridge Inn is special. Built in the 1830s, it is the first hotel honoured for inclusion in Historic Hotels of America. Presidents, legendary sportsmen, successful business leaders have all stayed at this magnificent hotel located on Walton Way.
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