Welcome to Visit Augusta GA blog

Tucked away in the beautiful neighborhood of Hammond’s Ferry on the Savannah River in North Augusta, you’ll find Manuel’s Bread Café. The menu is centered on local, fresh ingredients, most of which are grown in Blue Clay Farms (the community herb and vegetable garden). I love going to Manuel’s because I know that I can always expect awesome food!

Today, my husband and I went for lunch. Since the weather was a bit hot we decided to sit inside although there were plenty of people who chose to sit in the shade outside.

Our server suggested fresh blackberry lemonade to drink and we both ordered it. On a hot afternoon, it was…well…perfect! This is not some instant lemonade, it’s the real deal, so if you go and they’ve got it, get it!

My husband ordered one of the daily specials, a grilled chicken and pepper jack sandwich, and so did I, cabbage and roasted pork soup. As is the tradition when we go out to eat, I had to try Josh’s food (since he’s not a fan of cabbage, I didn’t have to share!). The sandwich was delicious—fresh baked ciabatta bread was perfectly crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, the chicken was juicy and well seasoned and the pepper jack cheese gave the sandwich just the right amount of spice.

My cabbage soup was ideal since I wanted a lighter lunch. It wasn’t overly salted so I could taste the balance between the fresh cabbage and the smoked pork. I asked for extra bread so that I could soak up the broth—awesome!

The servers are always helpful and friendly when we go, so I never feel rushed or ignored. Manuel’s is one of those restaurants that I can go alone with a book, on a date with my husband, or with friends and family and always have a wonderful time!

http://www.manuelsbreadcafe.com/

505 Railroad Avenue Suite 100
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 380-1323

It was a great lunch in downtown Augusta, Georgia today at Blue Sky Kitchen. Located at the corner of 10^th and Broad, it is a great location just two blocks from the Savannah River. Today, I tried the Mojo Shrimp and Rice. Served with a little bit of asparagus and black beans, it was the perfect portion for lunch. They do have seating outside, but I dined inside and enjoyed the local art. The restaurant is locally owned and really gives a flavor and a feel you won’t get anywhere but Augusta. Another one of my favorites is the Redneck Stir-fry. Awesome. It includes rice, corn, butter bean, tomatoes and your choice of protein. It is fine without anything added, but I like to add the tilapia when I get it. But be hungry, it will fill you up. They even have a kids menu and highchairs, if you want to bring the family. No family with me today and was back to work in 45 minutes.

990 Broad Street

Augusta, Ga 30901

706-821-3988

My sister was in town from New Jersey this weekend, so I thought I would take her someplace completely different.  Now, remember I am the one with two boys (ages three and five), so it had to be family friendly. The perfect choice was Old MacDonald Fish Camp in Edgefield County, South Carolina. It sounds further away than it actually is—just a 12 mile drive from Augusta.

There is a lot to say about this experience. We went early. It was 5 o’clock on a Saturday and we did not have to wait. But if we had come about ten minutes later, we have had to wait.

Okay – first things first. This is the only restaurant I have ever been to that has a “Grits and Hushpuppy Bar.” Yes – like a salad bar, but just grits and hushpuppies. My sister thought this was amazing. And, really, it is. The grits were also a big hit with the kids.

The menu has all sorts of seafood – fried or broiled. My sister ordered the boiled shrimp. I had the Low Country Boil. I had to explain to my “northerner” sister, that low country boil is boiled shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn. Jacob and I shared. Fantastic!

I also highly recommend the sweet tea. I only have sweet tea on special occasions. And this was one of those times. Our waitress brought over the entire pitcher finally because I just kept sucking it down. It was so tasty and served in a Mason jar. Loved it.

After dinner we did stay and play for a little while. The restaurant is on a pond with a waterwheel. It also has a ducks, goats and chickens for the kids to feed for a nickel.  Very fun. So if you do have to wait – there is really no problem keeping entertained. I am sure some actually might be disappointed if they get seated right away.

So I asked my sister after the big adventure – was this something she could do in New Jersey? She said absolutely not and it was a great experience. I agreed.

Old McDonald Fish Camp
355 Currytown Road
North Augusta, SC 29860
Phone: 803-279-3305

OPEN 5:00 pm Thursday & Friday
OPEN 4:00 PM Saturday

www.oldmcdonaldfishcamp.com

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! 

Right across the river in North Augusta, about a 5 minute drive from downtown Augusta, is the Sno-Cap. For those of you who like simple, good food, it’s perfect. For those of you who enjoy nostalgic settings, you’ll love the 50s vibe.

When we first pulled up to the Sno-Cap, my Uncle Tony (who’s visiting from New Jersey) asks – “What is this? Like a Sonic?”

The answer? No! Can you drive your vehicle in and park it, yes. But you won’t find a bunch of dolled up items on the menu and you won’t pay chain restaurant prices. You also have the option of sitting inside if the weather is too hot or cold for your liking (which is good for cold natured folks like me!).

Simple burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches make up the majority of the menu, although they do also have salads, platters with chicken fingers, shrimp and more. They key to Sno-Cap’s success is that they don’t NEED to pile on soggy bacon, weird sauces or veggies that you’ve never heard of on top of a burger or hotdog. They just keep it simple!

You can sit outside underneath the covering at one of their picnic tables, or you can head inside and enjoy the vintage vibe at a booth or at the counter.

Try the root beer float for dessert and you won’t be sorry!

They have Cruise Ins, where vintage cars and their owners stop by and hang out, movie nights and bike nights all the time, so keep a look out!

Sno-Cap Drive In

618 West Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 279-4004

http://www.snocapnorthaugusta.com/