Augusta is the second largest city area in Georgia and is probably best known for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament each April. Augusta is a lovely town apart from the Masters, though, and we enjoyed a nice day exploring the area.

Augusta is set along the Savannah River and was founded in 1736, just three years after James Oglethorpe founded Savannah. It’s location provides a beautiful backdrop for the city, and visitors can walk along the river on the city’s riverwalk. The riverwalk affords great views of the river and the center of Augusta. There are also some informative plaques along the riverwalk that detail the history of the city.

Just off the riverwalk is an eating district with lots of different restaurants. We decided to eat at Craft and Vine, a chic bar that features charcuterie, small plates, and other artisan food. We had a fantastic time there. The service was exceptional, and the prices were so reasonable that we felt as though we could splurge without feeling guilty. We each got a drink-a nice glass of wine and a house cocktail, the Bee’s Pajamas, that featured gin, lemon, and honey-and shared a charcuterie board and a small, wood-fired pizza. Our food was delicious, and we were very glad we decided to pay a visit to Craft and Vine.

The next morning we tried to check out Augusta’s most famous resident-Augusta National Golf Club. The club is surrounded by fences and trees, so it’s near impossible to see anything, but we did manage to see the top of the clubhouse.

After driving around the golf club, we drove to Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, a national park site. The park commemorates the canal that was built in the mid-19th century to power the industry of Augusta. Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed when we went, but we were able to walk along the canal and see some of the old mills, equipment, and locks.

Augusta offered us a pleasant stay and another perspective on the history of Georgia and the South. We enjoyed our visit to Augusta and encourage anyone in the area to stop there for a day or two.