BeST TrIpS 6. TAKE ON AUGUSTA’S AQUATIC ADVENTURES When the weather gets a little toasty, you can always find a deeper level of cool on Augusta’s waters. If you like to keep it above the surface, you’ll love taking the Serene 18 Paddle Trail challenge, which invites you to paddle the Augusta Canal, the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Lake. If you can collect all five stamps on a souvenir passport along the trail, you’ll get a free T-shirt. For a guided float through areas of Columbia County, head to Stallings Island , where Cole Watkins Tours lead you to the best spots via kayak to see wild deer, otters and friendly donkeys, the latter of which you can stop and pet or take a selfie with. Also available for a tour is the county’s most popular local waterway, Betty’s Branch, which offers morning and sunset times. Anglers will relish the chance to catch bass at Mistletoe State Park , which also offers year-round programs including nature walks and concerts. Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill is an essential trip through Augusta’s industrial history, with stories and exhibits explaining the building of the Augusta Canal and its use of hydroelectricity. Enjoy acoustic performances on the water as you tool through the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area on a Moonlight Music Cruise . Or spend a day scanning the shoreline to spot the bountiful wildlife and hear about historical buildings dating back to the Civil War. Or if you’d rather stay more grounded, take a stroll down the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge , with its unimpeded views of the Savannah River, and plenty of ways to keep the kids busy—from mazes and spin wheels to music. Farther down, between Sixth and 10th streets, is the Augusta Riverwalk where, along with the natural wonders of the Japanese Gardens , you’ll find weekly programming such as the Sunday Candlelight Jazz Series between May and August, and Saturday markets at the Eighth Street Plaza and Bulkhead. Since you’ll eventually need something sturdier than water to keep going, make a reservation for Cork & Flame , a hybrid restaurant that mixes fine dining with tapas-style, shareable plates and a wine market for movable feasts. Secure a table in advance for morning bites at Brunch House Augusta for its cozy diner-style setup and amazing shrimp and grits, among other tasty day-starters. For a one-of-a-kind hotel stay that matches the grandeur of Augusta, stay at The Partridge Inn . This meticulously maintained historical-landmark building happens to be the closest hotel to Augusta National Golf Club and is beloved for its fabulous rooftop bar. Or you can always head downtown for an old fashioned cocktail at Edgar’s Above Broad . Here you’ll appreciate an elevated experience with a grassy, green-and-white-checkerboard-floored rooftop lounge, and a stellar selection of breakfast and lunch menu items. STALLINGS ISLAND, AUGUSTA/BENJAMIN GALLAND EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG 19
Official State Travel Guide 2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 19
