Augusta, Georgia's River City

Living in Augusta for the last few years has left lots of time to explore. I’ll get you the inside skinny on the places to go and some to stay away from. From museums to local pubs and restaurants, you’ll see the places to frequent when you come to town.

As Georgia’s second largest city, population-wise, don’t let that fool you about Augusta. There is still a small-town atmosphere just about everywhere you go. I mean that in the best possible way. There is plenty of Southern hospitality to go around, and you’ll even find yourself saying "Yes, ma’am," and, "No, ma’am," by the time you leave.

Keeping you up-to-date on outdoor activities and events should interest you, too. With one of the largest "man-made" lakes around and miles and miles of hiking and bike trails, there is an awful lot to do at Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill to you locals).

Just about anywhere people live, there will be some folks who say, "There is just nothing to do here!" Augusta is no different in that respect. However, you will quickly find out that those people are wrong. You really just have to know where to look and where to go!!! THAT is what I’m for.

So, sit back, grab a cup of joe, and take a look at some of what Augusta, GA, has to offer.

Quick Tips:

Check out the Augusta Visitor Center and Museum on the corner of 6th and Reynolds Street downtown. They have great information on tours, and the museum is a great history lesson of Augusta. They have discounts for attractions and tours as well.

Best Way To Get Around:

Go by car no doubt. There is public transportation, but your vacation may be over with by the time you get on the bus. They just don't run often enough to get you where you need to go. The sites can be done by foot, but I would not do it without a car!

These two historic cemeteries are rich in American history and a must for Civil War buffs. Even today they are as divided as the Union was when the first shots were fired at Ft. Sumter. On one side of 2nd Street is the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Overgrown and seemingly forgotten, Cedar Grove is where slaves and later "freedmen" were buried. In contrast, on the other side of 2nd Street is the lush Magnolia Cemetery donned with ancient oaks and shaded with beautiful magnolias, where confederate soldiers and politicians from all eras are buried. There are more than 500 Confederate soldiers and 7 generals buried among the 60 acres in Magnolia Cemetery.

Records show many famous black Augustans are buried in Cedar Grove, including the first black dentist, the first black person voted to legislature in Georgia, and so on. According to www.augusta.gov, the people there were listed as property until 1865. Men and women buried there after 1865 were recorded as "freedmen." This website is great for quick information, but is not a substitute for going to these places. Walking in the peaceful park is unexplainable. It is overgrown and grave markers saying, "Gone but not forgotten," seem to contradict themselves.

Across the street at Magnolia Cemetery, Confederate flags fly high above the graves and sweet-smelling Magnolias. Grave markers are branded with the Stars and Bars, and there are Mexican war veterans buried there, too. This cemetery is manicured but still has its fair share of broken head stones and robbed graves. There are not as many as Cedar Grove, but enough to creep you out a little!

The best way to get here is to drive. Take Reynolds or Broad Street (two main streets downtown) east to 2nd Street. Go south on 2nd Street until you hit Watkins Street. For Cedar Grove, turn left. For Manolia Cemetery, turn right, and then turn left on 3rd Street and look for the entrance on your left.

The best time for photographs here is early morning (7am to 10am). There is usually fog and sun beams that make for great photography.

Cedar Grove contact information:
706/821-1748
120 Watkins St.
Augusta, GA 30901

Magnolia Cemetery contact information:
706/823-6600
702 Third St.
Augusta, GA 30901

Both cemeteries open at 7am and close at 8pm.