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Need something unique to do while in town? Take a tour of the Augusta Canal on a Petersburg boat. You can learn about some of Augusta’s history along the canal while observing birds and wildlife. My favorite thing about this tour is that you can bring along your own picnic basket and beverages to enjoy on the boat. This is an attraction you do not want to miss while you are in Augusta. Call the Canal Interpretive Center at (706)823-0440 to make your reservations today!
All week long the kids knew we were going to see some Monster Truck Action on Friday Night in Augusta, Georgia. They could hardly wait. It was an excellent bribe for good behavior.
We loaded up the car and headed just down from Gate Five at Fort Gordon to the Gordon Speedway. We arrived early before the show to check out the trucks. These trucks were huge. I guess that’s why they call them Monster Trucks. The show involved crushing small cars – always exciting. A few jumps and driving just on the back two wheels. Woo-wee.
It was a bit loud. Folks that had been to the speedway before came prepared with headsets. We did not. But we were able to sit a little away from the action and miss the big noise. Other action included a great motocross race.
The food was very affordable. We got some fries and Gatorade. No alcohol at the track—very family friendly. There is even a section of the stands just for families.
William loved Black Knight – it was the truck driven by the only female racer. Jacob liked the green truck. I personally liked seeing Big Foot – the very first monster truck ever.
But the other big hit was the racing flag. When having to make the choice between the flag and funnel cake – the boys choose the flag. I do feel that I missed out on that one. The funnel cake looked really good.
You can catch a race this Friday, July 22nd at the nearby Modoc Speedway, which is just a short drive over to McCormick, South Carolina.
For other races and speedy action check out the website:
On Saturday, we ventured to the Putt-Putt Fun Center for a little family-fun in Augusta. It was a blast! William, 4 years old, really enjoyed himself. I now understand why they call it the Putt Putt Fun Center, because it was more than just Putt Putt. After a rousing 18 holes of miniature golf, we played next in the indoor playplace with the usual slides, rope ladders and tunnels – all air-conditioned. Then it was a break for some pizza and ice-cream. After lunch, we decided to explore the boats! Yes, they have boats. And it does not matter what kind it is – a boat is a big deal to a kid.
But the small addition of a water gun on the dash of the bumper boat – meant it was even more fun. We finished the adventure with 10 tokens in the arcade. It was just the right amount of tokens for a 4 year old. They also had batting cages, but it think we will save that for when William is a little older. All-in-all, it was a great kid-friendly experience that even the adults enjoyed.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
3763 Martinez Blvd.
Martinez, GA 30907
(706) 868-0083
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday 10 am – Midnight
Sunday 11 am – Midnight
On Saturday afternoon, Granddaddy called and asked if the boys wanted to go fishing. Of course! From downtown Augusta, it is about a 30-minute ride to the Strom Thurmond Dam boat ramp. Dad loaded up the boys and off they went.
The trip was more about the adventure than anything else. The boat ramp was full after a fishing tournament that morning. There was so much to see! They rode the lake for a while before finding a quiet corner to do some fishing. No one volunteered to touch the fish, but in the end it was a great trip.
Clarks Hill Lake is also called Lake Thurmond. I think it just depends what side of the lake you are from. The Georgia side folks say Clark’s Hill and the South Carolina side says Lake Thurmond.
Thurmond Lake comprises nearly 71,100 acres of water with a shoreline of 1200 miles. The lake is one of the southeast’s largest and most popular public recreation lakes. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1954 for flood control and for hydropower. Each year, millions of people utilize the many public parks, marinas, and campgrounds.
For more info on the lake and all its recreation:
http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/thurmond/
Or stop by their welcome center:
J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake
510 Clarks Hill Highway
Clarks Hill, SC 29821
1-800-533-3478
I recently discovered another of Augusta’s hidden gems. Jackie M’s Restaurant on Milledgeville Road is a cool little spot. It’s a family run business that features delicious Philly Cheese Steak Subs (bread baked on the premises daily), seasoned fries, and to-die-for cheesecake. I had the red velvet cheesecake. But they also offer German Chocolate, Classic with Strawberry Topping, and Key Lime. Check out the menu for all the other great offerings!
Jackie and her son came out to our table to talk with us and we learned that while she is the top chef she has 2 others that specialize in Jamaican and Spanish eats. Her son does the baking and her husband’s artwork is displayed throughout the restaurant. The atmosphere is right up my alley – relaxed, with R&B tunes playing in the background!
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