Augusta Life

Augusta, the second-largest city in Georgia, is located on the south bank of the Savannah River midway between the Great Smokey Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a growing and thriving city with a metropolitan- area population of around 400,000, and recently ranked the second most favorable place to live in Georgia.  The area is known for its balmy climate, with an annual mean temperature of 64 degrees.

The city offers a wide array of cultural and recreational activities.  Augusta has a beautiful riverwalk, which hosts many activities including the Augusta Invitation Regatta (a national collegiate rowing event) and the Augusta Southern Nationals, dubbed the World’s Richest Drag Boat Race.   The city is also just a short drive from Lake Thurmond Reservoir, where outdoor activities such as water-skiing, swimming, boating, and camping abound.

Kid-friendly sites include the Adventure Crossing Amusement Park and the Augusta Ice forum, an ice-skating rink.  Attractions that promise both fun and education include the National Science Center’s Fort Discovery, the Morris Museum of Art, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, the Augusta Cotton Exchange Welcome Center and Museum, and the Augusta Museum of History

 

Augusta has many associations dedicated to the performing and visual arts, including the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater; the Augusta Ballet, an Honor Company nationally known for its high-quality performances; the Augusta Players, bringing first-rate plays to Augusta; The Augusta Symphony; and the Augusta Art Association.

The James Brown Arena seats over 9,000 for concerts, sporting events, and a wide variety of other entertainment and convention activities while The Bell Auditorium seats 2,690 and features smaller concerts, plays, and stage shows.  Augusta's mall was recently expanded, and the city features a downtown art and antiques district.  The area’s hundreds of restaurants range from fine to casual dining, featuring everything from ethnic specialties to burgers.

 

The world-renowned Masters golf tournament occurs in April each year in the heart of Augusta, and the many public and private golf courses in the area provide ample opportunity to play.  The city is also home to the Augusta Green Jackets, a minor league baseball team, and the Augusta Colts, a professional indoor football team.  Nearby Aiken, SC has a thriving polo community and hosts other major equestrian events, from flat racing to steeplechase to fox hunting.