Summer will be here before you know it. If you are planning your next getaway, be sure to add Augusta, GA to your list, from great places to golf to antique stores, this beautiful town has so much to offer. From a growing food scene to riverfront views, you can always find something to do in Augusta, GA and I go every few months just for decor trips so it is definitely one of my favorite places. Also, if you love historic homes, be sure to explore the historic district downtown. To get your trip started, we have a few of our favorite places to visit:
Where to Eat:
For a traditional yet eclectically hip experience, head to Bee’s Knees or The Hive for some light bites made using local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. This duo thrives on fusion foods, primarily Asian but also Southern style such as beer soaked boiled peanuts. This sustainably-sourced eatery is also known for its carefully designed cocktails and grassroots beers, that bolster Augusta’s culinary community. For a more intimate setting head to Craft & Vine, tucked away in downtown Augusta, featuring hand-crafted cocktails, an elegant wine selection and low lights bouncing off art deco and leather. This edgy restaurant is reminiscent of a speak-easy with private booths and shareable dishes, including small plates and snacks.
Where to Stay:
The Partridge Inn will create an unparalleled experience where gourmet food, an extensive cocktail and wine list and southern service will impress any guest. The Partridge Inn has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation that has updated its distinctly Southern details, including beautiful verandahs, classic columns, 144 individually decorated executive rooms, studios and deluxe suites. Renovated in 2016 with traditional southern elegance, and modern touches, the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center is a great choice for a downtown stay. Located in the center of downtown Augusta, it is walking distance from many local restaurants and attractions.
Where to Shop:
Surrey Center is an upscale assortment of boutiques and restaurants. Keep up with the latest style trends at Surrey with Fab’rik, One., Soho, Lilly Pulitzer, and many more. Take a piece of Augusta home with you and shop original works of art, prints, and posters from Artists Row, a collection of galleries, studios and custom-frame shops on Broad Street. For a coveted shopping experience, head to the Morris Museum of Art. Inside you’ll find everything from handcrafted wooden bowls made by Augusta artists to super cute owl felt birdhouses. For a one-of-kind statement piece, shoppers can purchase affordable rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings by local artists. Throughout the year, the Morris store also hosts trunk shows for various artists, providing the opportunity for visitors to meet the artist in person.
Historical Sites:
Sacred Heart Cultural Center: The first bricks were laid for Sacred Heart Church in 1897 and the church opened with the first service on December 2, 1900. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building features towering twin spires, graceful arches, fifteen distinctive styles of brickwork, ninety-four stained glass windows, a barreled vaulted ceiling and intricately carved Italian marble altars. Unfortunately, due various factors the last mass was held in Sacred Heart on July 3, 1971. After extensive renovations, the building was reopened in 1987 as Sacred Heart Cultural Center. The structure now serves as a unique venue for social and cultural events such as art exhibitions, theatrical events, an annual Garden Festival, choral concerts and is rented continuously throughout the year for celebrations, and civic functions.
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art remains the only non-profit contemporary gallery and visual arts school in the region, offering a rich calendar of nearly 30 exhibitions by regional and national artists. Founded in 1937 and housed in the historic Nicholas Ware mansion (c. 1818), the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is Augusta’s encourages visitors to try out their artistic hand and offers on-site art classes ranging from paint to stained glass lessons. *For full schedule please visit: http://www.ghia.org/adult-classes
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
