Looking to enjoy a day off? Here are 10 things to do in Augusta
By Ashleigh Ahlstrom | Contributor
Many people see Augusta as the home of the Masters Tournament or being the hometown of Bobby Jones and James Brown. However, there’s much more to experience if you have the day off from classes or you just want to get away from campus for the day.
Here are 10 things to do in the Augusta area:
The Augusta Museum of History (https://www.augustamuseum.org/) - With the museum opening in 1937, the Augusta Museum of History is Augusta’s oldest historical agency. Located at 560 Reynolds’s Street, it is right in the heart of Augusta’s rich history. The museum offers interactive events for children as well as different exhibits showcasing the history of the CSRA with artifacts from the area.
The Imperial Theatre (https://www.imperialtheatre.com/) - Located at 749 Broad Street, this theatre puts on shows of many wonders, with past productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Elf the Musical and many more being produced by the Augusta Players. The Imperial Theatre was originally named the Wells Theatre and first opened in February 1918. In 2018, around the 100th anniversary of the opening show, the theatre reopened after being closed for many years to allow for reconstruction. With shows year round, the Imperial Theatre can transport you to another dimension.
Mema Had One (https://www.memahadone.net/) - This antique store, comprised of three floors of memories, is located at 2328 Washington Road. The old Coca-Cola machine in the front room still dispenses drinks and there are other refreshments offered throughout the house. Each room in the building offers its own unique touches with some rooms being themed around certain things. You can find just about anything you could ever want or need here.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History (https://lucycraftlaneymuseum.com/) - This museum shows and details the history of Black Augustans and their contributions to the community. Located at 1116 Phillips Street, it is right in the middle of the medical district. The museum features exhibits about golf, education, James Brown and historical milestones. The museum also rotates exhibitions so that patrons don’t see the same thing two visits in a row.
Barnyard Flea Markets (https://www.barnyardfleamarkets.com/) - With over 500 vendor spaces and three locations in the Augusta area, it’s hard to not spend a day out there. The organizers also offer paved parking lots, snack bars and restaurants, and appropriately placed restrooms. The Augusta location is at 1625 Doug Barnard Parkway, in south Augusta. However, they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, so it requires a little more planning.
Riverside Antiques and Treasures (https://riversideantiques.net/) - With two buildings and over 90 vendors between the two, Riverside Antiques and Treasures was opened after the closing of the Riverfront Antique Mall so that locals could share their love of antiques, crafts and treasures. With both buildings being in the same parking lot, there is only one advertised address at 646 East Buena Vista Ave., North Augusta. In the main building there is also a café that sells an assortment of treats, drinks while being surrounded by other knick-knacks for sale.
Augusta Sculpture Trail (https://augustasculpturetrail.com/) - With ten sculptures from all parts of the country, the art pieces are temporarily in Augusta to bring art to life in public spaces. The Greater Augusta Arts Council is working to produce a digital walking tour that can be accessed from mobile devices. The pieces also have the possibility to be bought by the city to be in place permanently. The Arts Council decided to use the City of Augusta sidewalks so that it is accessible to everyone. With sculptures on Broad Street, Reynolds Street and along the Riverwalk, the pieces are easily visible by car but can be more entertaining to walk from one to another and between all of them.
Augusta Canal (https://augustacanal.com/) - With boat tours, a discovery center and museum, the Augusta Canal is a popular spot for field trips for students of all ages and family history lessons. The Discovery Center tells the story of the Industrial Revolution in the South and how the city used the waterways to reinvent. The Canal also has walking/hiking/biking trail right along the Savannah River that allow people to connect with nature more.
Phinizy Swamp (https://phinizycenter.org/) - With 1,100 acres of swamp in the Nature Park section, Phinizy Swamp is estimated to be about 7,000 acres and covering most of the land between Doug Barnard Parkway, Gordon Highway and the Savannah River. The Phinizy Center’s mission is the promote environmental stewardship through research, education, and public outreach. They offer education program for students with hands-on and science-based learning. The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is located at 1858 Lock and Dam Road. Just north of the Augusta Regional Airport, it can also be a nice place to watch airplanes.
The Living History Park (https://colonialtimesus.wordpress.com/) – Located in the middle of North Augusta, South Carolina, there is a whole park dedicated to history and life before modern technology. With some buildings built in the early 2000s made to look like 18th century homes and shops, and other original buildings, there is always something to see. With living exhibits exploring colonial life and multiple events surrounding the time period, there is something for everyone in the family. There are Education Days, geared towards children and students, Christmas events, holidays and a Colonial Trades Fair where local artists make and sell crafts for the weekend.
The Phinizy Swamp is allows visitors to learn about nature in the local environment. At the top of page sits the Augusta city skyline. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)
Contact Ashleigh Ahlstrom at aahlstrom@augusta.edu.
