Welcome to Visit Augusta GA blog

When I was a little kid I hated being cooped inside the house. I always wanted to be outside playing, and the same applies today. Luckily I live in Augusta, Ga. where outdoor recreation is just around the river bend…literally!

In the south, we are fortunate enough to have warmer temperatures during most of the year, which means we get to spend a lot of time outside! Here are some of the outdoor recreational opportunities Augusta offers. Be prepared to be surprised, and many places are free!

The Augusta Canal and Towpath

Built in 1845 to harness the water of the Savannah River and produce hydroelectricity to power mills, the Augusta Canal is still in use today. Its smooth waters make it an excellent place for a canoe or kayak adventure. Don’t have a kayak or canoe? There are retailers close by! And its 8.5 miles long towpath is ideal for walking or riding bikes. Pets are welcome.

J. Strom Thurmond LakeIt’s the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. There are several parks and swimming beaches, hiking trails and camping areas. You can also rent boats and jet skis for the day. It is also home to the International Disc Golf Hall of Fame.

Lake Olmstead/Julian Smith ParkIt’s a lake front park which makes it perfect for boating, fishing and picnics. The Augusta GreenJackets, Augusta’s minor league baseball team play at Lake Olmstead Stadium during the season (April through September). Try your hand at one of several disc golf courses. One is located in the park. Disc golf is similar to ball golf, but you use discs/Frisbees and try to throw them into a basket to make par. Pretty simple concept. Fun and free if you own discs!

Phinizy Swamp Nature ParkLocated on 1100 acres and just minutes from downtown Augusta, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers visitors the chance to see blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, otter, alligator and the elusive bobcat in their natural settings. Participate in guided tours or venture out on your own. This park is also free.

Savannah River and Augusta Riverwalk

Personal  watercraft vehicles are available to rent. Also a great place for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The Augusta Riverwalk runs parallel to the Savannah River. Its two-tiered paved trail runs for three blocks downtown. It features a children’s playground, picnic tables and various gardens.

On a fall Saturday, my husband and I, along with our neighborhood friends decided to check out Steed’s Dairy Farm.

This is the perfect place to bring the entire family for a fun filled day with lots of fun activities and sites to see!

Steed’s Dairy is a working farm, right in Augusta’s backyard.

This farm is complete with cows, cornfields, a five acre corn maze, petting zoo, hayrides, and plenty of activities for the kids. Just to name a few: slides, corn kernel sand box, face painting, jumping pillow, and much more! We enjoyed our time out there and I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious boiled peanuts-a fall favorite! They have a great concession stand that includes Chick -fil-a! You can enjoy your eats and treats under their pavilion picnic.

I recommend you make Steed’s Dairy your new fall family tradition, and don’t forget your camera!!!

Steed’s Dairy
4634 Wrightsboro Road
Grovetown, GA 30813
706-855-2948

We loaded up the boys this Sunday afternoon for a quick cruise along the Savannah River. And of course, once you commit to the boat ride it will rain. We had a cloud settle over us at the beginning of the trip, but hey who is scared of getting a little wet when riding in a boat.

It was a great ride, which took us through along downtown Augusta. We had a great view of the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre on the Augusta Riverwalk. You can also see the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center in the back ground.

Next it was the Augusta Marina with plenty of house boats.

By this time one rider had decided on a nap.

Jacob missed seeing the 5^th Street Bridge with the marking of several different crew teams from across the East. The teams come down to do Spring Training along the Savannah River. They love the calm water and warmer temps.

There was plenty of activity on the river today. Several folk’s wakeboarding and knee boarding. William loved the kayakers.

And a few just taking in the beauty of the Savannah River – just like us on this Sunday afternoon.

“Whirl (N): a rapid round of events, affairs, etc”

We all need a little mini-vacation sometimes and a weekend whirl to freshen things up is always fun. September in Augusta, Ga is full of festivals, art and culture. This month’s Weekend Whirl puts brings you to one of the South’s most famous festivals – Arts in the Heart of Augusta. Start planning your trip for August 16^th through 18^th.

Friday Night

Music to give you a Southern Soul. Grammy award winning Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives bring their “hillbilly rock” to the historic Imperial Theatre in downtown Augusta for the kick-off performance of the Southern Soul and Song series. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. If you get into Augusta by 5 p.m. plan to stop by Blue Sky Kitchen a few blocks down from the Imperial Theatre for dinner before the show. If you’re running late, head over to Blue Horse Bistro after the show.

Saturday

Soul food for breakfast. Before heading into the festival, make a quick stop by the Coffee Break Café  for breakfast. You can grab a home-made, honest to goodness breakfast sandwich (no frozen stuff here!) and take it with you. Or order a breakfast plate and eat in.

Southern setting for International Culture. Greece, China, India, Jamaica –experience the art, music, food and traditions of cultures from all over the world at Arts in the Heart of Augusta. With over 100 artists and crafters, more than 60 performers and authentic ethnic dancers on 4 different stages, there’s more than enough to keep you busy exploring all day.

Stop by the Global Food Village and take your taste buds on an international culinary journey for lunch and dinner!

Sunday

Can’t get enough of your art, baby. With so much to see and do, you’ll probably want to plan on spending some more time at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta. If you haven’t already, make sure you take time to stop by the Global Stage in the Common and see a variety of performances by groups representing countries like Greece, Ireland, The Middle East and more!

Get a late breakfast, or lunch, or brunch. Before heading home, take a quick trip across the river to Manuel’s Bread Café. The Hammond’s Ferry neighborhood is a perfect example of Southern charm and style. Ask about their homemade lemonades and make sure you order one if it’s available!

Top 5 things to get excited about in Augusta, Ga during September!

Sept. 3rd — Hawthorne Heights show at Sector 7G — Get your music fix this Labor Day weekend with more than six bands and Hawthorne Heights in downtown Augusta!

Sept. 16 — Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at the Imperial Theatre — Come see this bluegrass legend bring his rockabilly style to the historic Imperial Theatre stage and kick-off the season of Southern Soul and Song!

Sept. 16 – 18 — Arts in the Heart of Augusta — Discover the culture, art, music and food of cultures from around the world! With more than 4 stages, over 60 performers, more than 100 artists & crafters, authentic ethnic dancers, a Global Food Village and more to explore!

Sept. 23 — Silent Movie Night at Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Experience the 1927 classic film “Flesh and the Devil” with live organ music played by theatre organist Ron Carter.

Sept. 25 — Ironman 70.3 Augusta — Watch as some of the worlds top athletes compete in the 70.3 mile triathlon. They’ll swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles. Cheer them on as they challenge themselves and see if they have what it takes to be an Ironman!