An Insider's Guide to Augusta, Georgia

Infamous as the home of Augusta National and thus The Masters Golf Tournament, Augusta, Georgia has much more than just irons and sand traps to entice visitors. And while you won't be able to even catch a glimpse of "The National" as the locals refer to it, without a pass to the tournament, there are plenty of other attractions that are available free of charge.
Downtown Augusta is famous for it's ‘First Friday' celebrations in which local merchants keep their doors open late on the first Friday of every month. Special sales and discounts are offered, specialized menus available from local restaurants, and sidewalk vendors are commonly found. Heritage festivals, craft fairs and car shows are also often scheduled to coincide with these First Friday get-togethers.

When strolling around downtown, make sure to meander a block or so west where you can amble along by the beautiful Savannah River. The Drag Boat races come to Augusta each summer, giving spectators a wonderful view of exactly how fast is just too fast in a fiberglass speedboat. If you've got the kids in tow make sure to stop into Fort Discovery, located right on the waterway and chock full of amazing displays and hands on experiments for the youngsters.

Every year in October, the fairs come to town. The Western Carolina Fair is usually held right up the road in Aiken, South Carolina and brings various concerts as well as the yearly demolition derby to the area. Later on in the month the Georgia Carolina Fair is held right in the heart of Augusta, with rides, beauty pageants, performances, and even a sea lion exhibit in tow.

Augusta has a little something to offer everyone, with numerous restaurants and plenty of shopping venues to be found. Sample the local fare at Somewhere In Augusta, where the motto is "Proof that Alcoholics Can Find Work", or for something a bit more upscale stop in to Sapporo's Japanese Steakhouse and watch a masterpiece entrée as it's created before you. Augusta also offers a widely varied night life, ranging from Coconuts dance club to Cowboys country bar, with a few more mellow spots like Cadillac's thrown in for good measure.