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Saturday was a beautiful, warm and sunny day in Augusta. My mom and I decided to take advantage of this weather and visit Augusta’s Saturday Market on the River. The market is located at the Riverwalk entrance on 8th Street at Reynolds Street and is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. from April through October.

The market was filled with people who came out to see dozens of local vendors, farmers and artisans all gathered in one location selling their treasures. All products sold are locally grown or locally made. This is fantastic because I was able to ask the vendors exactly where the fruits and vegetables I was about to buy came from. Can you get this kind of information or freshness at Wal-Mart? I think not. 

I bought several fresh strawberries and peaches, two of my favorites! But the fresh squash and zucchini looked just as delish! My mom bought some red, juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes.

There are also vendors selling several different species of plants, annual and perennial flowers, ornamental grasses and shrubs, ferns, vines and even trees. I purchased a couple of trailing Lantanas, which look pretty in my back yard! Knowing absolutely nothing about gardening, I found the people at Griffin’s Nursery very helpful when I asked about caring for my Lantanas.

There are also artisan and artistic vendors. You can find hand-crafted and hand-painted birdhouses, handmade jewelry, hand sewn children’s clothes, accessories and more!

With so much to do and see at the Saturday Market by the River you are bound to work-up an appetite. No worries! Food vendors are there to serve you. You can sample homemade pastries and breads, grilled chicken, boiled or roasted peanuts and even cupcakes! The bacon and spinach quiche I had from Lily’s Bakery was to die for!

We had a great time at Saturday Market by the River and I plan on going each and every Saturday to see what is new. Hope to see you there!

Saturday Market on the River

Riverwalk at 8^th Street & Reynolds

http://www.theaugustamarket.com/index.html

Just across the 13^th Street Bridge in South Carolina, Manuel’s Bread Café sits in the center of the new traditionally-designed neighborhood of Hammond’s Ferry. 

Manuel’s Bread Café is part French bakery, part casual dining with a seasonal menu that features twists on French dishes from the chef’s hometown of Lyon, wonderful salads, and locally grown organic produce.

We were arriving for lunch and opted to eat outdoors to enjoy the seasonably warm February sun. 

After hearing about the daily specials, I ordered a half sandwich and soup that consisted of a great French onion soup paired with a half Croque Monsieur sandwich which is grilled black forest ham and swiss cheese topped with herbed béchamel on their own homemade bread.  It was great!

The swordfish atop a salad served with a side of fries was great too. 

The café is just a leisurely stroll from the Savannah River so be sure to enjoy a post-meal walk along its banks or sit on the dock, enjoy the breeze, and possibly watch crew teams row past or people enjoying wakeboarding. 

http://www.manuelsbreadcafe.com/

505 Railroad Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 380-1323
Open Continuously Mon-Sun
Mon, Wed, Thur 11am-10pm
Tue, Fri, Sat 9am-10pm
Sunday Brunch 11:30am-3pm

http://www.hammondsferry.com/

I know like most Augustans I have been waiting on a break from this winter weather for some fresh air and outside time. Luckily I got my chance this weekend when my friend, her children, my dog and I went to Savannah Rapids Park. This is a 33-acre park and is open to the public free of charge.

It’s a beautiful place and great for the children. They have a play ground equipped with slides, swings, ladders and more. The kids really enjoyed it!

Located on the park property is Savannah Rapids Pavilion, a great place for wedding receptions, business luncheons and more. There is also an outdoor barbeque pit, a pavilion and picnic tables.

Because I had my overly hyper little dog with me we just had to go walking along the towpath. The towpath is located behind the park area and Savannah Rapids Pavilion and other structures. This is where the Historic Augusta Canal Headgates are located. Bikers, runners and children filled the towpath on this beautiful day.

I recommend visiting this park whenever you are in the Augusta area. It’s a great place to take the kids, your family dog or your significant other. Or, if you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast try launching a kayak or a canoe at the headgates along the 7.5 mile Augusta Canal; you will end in Downtown Augusta where you can grab a bite to eat at one of Augusta’s local eateries.

Savannah Rapids Pavilion and Park
3300 Evans to Locks Road
Martinez, Georgia 30907
Phone – (706) 868-3349

The Savannah River Bluffs Heritage Preserve is an 84-acre tract of land mere minutes from downtown with a nice hiking trail that leads to beautiful views of the shoals of the Savannah river.  The hiking trail follows an old logging road, then crosses a power line easement and finally meanders through the woods following a stream to the river.  While you’re at the river, look for rock formations that might be remnants of fishing weirs built by native Americans who inhabited the area long ago.

It’s a great place to go that’s very close to town, yet largely undiscovered.  In all the times I’ve visited, I’ve never come across another hiker exploring this great preserve.  Check out the video to see more about the area.

Savannah River Bluffs Video

If you go, remember it’s all downhill to the river from the parking lot…and uphill back!  Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and remember to carry out all your trash to preserve the natural beauty of the area.  Here’s a map to the parking area.

It’s called the ‘World’s Richest Drag Boat Race’ and draws race teams from all over the country to Augusta.  As they race down the liquid quarter mile between the Georgia and South Carolina border, you have to pay attention, because if you blink, you’ll miss it!  Each July the Augusta Southern Nationals takes place on the Savannah River.  Thousands of folks gather on the banks of the river to watch as pairs of boats tear down the track reaching speeds of over 200 mph.

This year, my husband and I headed down to the river to watch the races and check out the race boats.  There’s a large area on the bank of the river, where fans are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets.  You can spend the entire day enjoying your spot, while the boats cruise by you at incredible rates of speed!

There are also quite a few food and drink vendors ready to keep you fed and hydrated during the warm, summer weekend, and plenty of activities for the kids.  Most of the race teams have their trailers right in the middle of everything, so you can check out the boats and inner workings of their very expensive engines, while the race team works on last minute adjustments before the race.

This really is a one of a kind event, so if you’re in Augusta during July you should definitely check it out!