Exploring America: Augusta Georgia

1. The Riverwalk. In the summer, Augusta’s Riverwalk comes alive with a warm southern charm & a riverside energy. Stretching along the Savannah river, the scenic path offers a refreshing blend of history, nature, & culture. Shaded by towering oaks & flowering crepe myrtles, the brick paved walkways invite locals & visitors to stroll, bike, or run riverside & enjoy the breeze. It’s a perfect place to escape the city heat while still being in the heart of downtown. You’ll find live music echoing from the River Stage during festivals or Saturday markets. You may find cool treats from local vendors & cafés like New Moon or Boll Weevil nearby. Weekends provide for the Augusta market on Saturdays, which is full of fresh produce, homemade goods, & local art. There are plenty of dog friendly lawns where families may relax and pets can play & for the evening, there are glorious sunset views that paint the river and gold and orange, which are ideal for photos & quiet moments. In summer, the Riverwalk becomes more than a path -it’s Augusta front porch, where history meets leisure, & every bench, mural & sculpture has a story.

2. The Boll Weevil Cafe & Sweetery. The Boll Weevil blends rich Augusta Riverfront history with cozy southern hospitality. Set within a historic cotton-warehouse structure, it offers chef-crafted comfort food, delightful desserts, & a welcoming local vibe -perfect for lunch, dessert-seekers, or a casual dinner downtown. It is known for its delicious baked goods and cakes, frequently praised as some of the ‘best cakes in the CSRA.’ They have a cozy, casual vibe with exposed beams, warm service, & local favorite ambience. Located in the heart of downtown, right along the scenic Riverwalk. Ready for some fried green tomatoes?

Housed in a pre-1850 cotton warehouse, the building features original hand-hewn beams & a rich history tied to the area’s cotton trade. The building once served as a cotton shed tied to the Charleston & Western Carolina Railroad in the late 1800s. The restaurant was launched in the early 1990s by the Harrison family, descendants of the original warehouse owner -naming it after the infamous boll weevil pest as a nod to local agricultural history.

3. First Friday. Since 1995, this vibrant, free monthly celebration that brings art, music, family fun, food trucks, & community spirit to the heart of downtown. An event for everyone, this is a vital event for the community as its is central to helping draw people back to Broad Street with arts & entertainment. It is a cultural booster, supporting local artists, musicians, & small businesses, enriching Augusta’s cultural fabric. Since 1995, visitors can expect open art galleries, live performances, food & drink vendors, family friendly activities, & downtown strolls. Held on the first Friday of each month, typically from May to September, it coincides with extended hours at galleries & features a festive lineup. Artist’s Row is Broad Street’s 700 - 1200 blocks, with openings, exhibitions, & artists meet & greets. Live performances include everything from jazz to local indie bands to fine-art shows. Food & drinks can be found at rotating food trucks at the Augusta Common, Food Truck Friday is frequently included with First Friday events. The community hosts family friendly activists such as car shows, kid’s zones, & outdoor fun in the Augusta Common. This event is available to the public, families, foodies, nightlife seekers. If you’re around on the First Friday of a warmer month, it’s a must-see local experience.

4. New Moon Cafe. Located in a prime spot in downtown Augusta, New Moon Cafe is known for its creative comfort food and socially conscious coffees. Since 1995, they have a savory menu that includes homemade soups, crafted hot/cold drinks, homemade pastries, and more. They have indoor and dog friendly outdoor seating. Highly recommended by locals, this place is a vibrant, friendly downtown gem. With their locally roasted coffee and inventive breakfast dishes, they curate a very comforting atmosphere that showcases local artwork on the walls to complete a laid-back charm. It’s the perfect spot for meet-ups, cozy work sessions, or weekend brunch dates.

5. King Mill. King Mill is a key landmark in Augusta’s Industrial Canal Historic District, with its buildings documented by the Historic American Engineering Record. It reflects the broader story of Southern industry -its rise from post Civil War ambitions, through mid-century struggles, to modern adaptive reuse emphasizing historic preservation & community revival. King Mill’s journey from a powerhouse of cotton production to a modern living & cultural hub beautifully encapsulates Augusta’s evolution.

Operations & Orgins: Incorporated in 1881 as the John P. King Manufacturing Company, construction began in 1882 & the mill produced its first bobbin in October 1883. Built along the Augusta Canal, the facility was an integral part of Augusta’s late-19th-century push to become the ‘Lowell of the South’ -a nod to the major textile hub in Massachusetts. By 1900s, the mill boasted 60,000+ spindles & around 1,800 looms, making it one of the largest cotton mills in the Southern U.S. Initially led by Charles Estes (president 1881-1901) & designed by John D. Hill, King Mill became a major employer in the region. The facility operated without a union & was known for long, fiber-dense working conditions. Overheated windows were even bricked up after air-conditioning was installed. The King family maintained control for decades, with Emily Tubman & later family heirs guiding operations until Spartan Mills acquired the mill in 1968. After Spartan Mills takeover, King Mill remained in operation until its closure in 2001 amid global market conditions. That same year, the Augusta Canal Authority (formed in the 1980s) acquired the property to preserve the historic structure. It then leased operations to Standard Textile for a time. In 2018, Cape Augusta LLC purchased the site from the Canal Authority for $3 million. Their plan was to convert it into apartments. Redevelopment began in early 2023, with King Mill undergoing a careful historic renovation into what is now The Lofts at King Mill -featuring ~245 lofts, a clubhouse, fitness & yoga studios, a pool, & tennis courts. In 2025, it was honored the Georgia Trust’s Chairman’s Award, praised for preserving original brickwork, wooden subfloors, elevator towers, & installing over 1,000 historic windows.

6. Saturday Market. You’ll find plenty of artisans & local merchants, with unique handmade crafts, organic beauty products, homemade jewelry, & so much more. Many vendors sell fresh local produce to include seasonal & local veggies, fruits, honey, jams, and baked goods. There is never a shortage of local southern culinary delights, offerings from reputable chefs and food vendors, plus fresh juices & lemonades. Visitors can expect live music, which is routinely preformed at the River Stage, creating a festive backdrop. Passerbys can enjoy stunning Savannah River views and family friendly features. The events are pet friendly and free to attend, welcoming both visitors and locals. However, there may be a parking fee at nearby parking lots. It can get busy but generally easy to access via downtown streets. The market season runs from the 3rd Saturday in March through mid-November. Held every Saturday from 8a to 2p along the Augusta Riverwalk at 8th & Reynolds streets, in downtown Augusta.

The Augusta market on the river offers a vibrant, open air community experience- showcasing local produce,crafts, & food, all set against a back drop of live music and riverside charm. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, it’s a top-tier way to enjoy a Saturday morning in downtown Augusta.

7. Augustino’s Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks. Located inside the Augusta Marriott, Augustino‘s is an upscale yet comfortable Italian steakhouse hybrid that’s open daily for breakfast lunch dinner & a popular weekend brunch. They offer a savory Italian flair, prime steaks, & extensive drinks. Augustino‘s delivers a polished dining experience, perfect for business meals, date nights or family gatherings expect healthy Italian classics top-tier steaks in a upscale environment. Be sure to make reservations beforehand.

8. Morris Museum of Art. More than just a gallery space, it’s a living tribute to the American South, told through brushstrokes, bronze, & soul. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just someone looking for a peaceful & powerful place to explore, the Morris Museum of Art is a must-see attraction in Augusta. It’s not just about art, for art’s sake -it’s about telling Southern stories, preserving voices, & giving space to beauty & truth. Founded in 1985 & open to the public in 1992, the Morris Museum holds a unique honor -it’s the first museum in the country dedicated solely to the art & artists of the American South. The collection spans centuries, from the Civil War era to modern contemporary works, all capturing the heart, complexity, & beauty of Southern life. Walking through the Morris is like walking through a time capsule filled with southern voices -some proud, some pained, all powerful. The are exhibits with historic portraiture & Civil War landscapes that tell the stories of a changing region. They rotate through Southern artists & important regional narratives. Visitors can also enjoy sculptures, folk art, photography, & more, all deeply rooted in place & identity. Every room feels intentional -curated not just for visual impact, but to stir emotion, spark thought, & connect the past with the present. The museum is intimate, quiet, & contemplative. Located inside the Augusta Riverfront Center, the glass entryway opens to light-filled halls & wood floor that invite you to slow down & linger. For families or young curious minds the Morris offers educational programs, weekend art workshops, & hands-on activities for kids. There’s even a digital touch screen that lets you browse the full collectioin -& yes, there’s a great gift shop full of Southern-made goodies & prints. It’s Augusta’s quiet treasure -& once you’ve been, you’ll carry a piece of it with you.

9. Savannah Rapids Park. ***2025 Canal Walk is Currently Closed DUE TO extensive damage from Hurricane Helen.*** Just a short drive from downtown Augusta lies one of Georgia’s most scenic hidden gems -the Savannah Rapids Park. This 33 acre historical recreational destinations is where the Augusta Canal begins, where the Savannah River flows strong, & where the beauty of nature meets the charm of Southern engineering. A place to wander, walk, & wonder. Whether you are up for a scenic stroll, a challenging bike ride, or some good outdoor relaxation, Savannah Rapids Park has it all. The parks trails meander through lush forests, past calm canal waters, & open up to sweeping views of the Savannah River Falls. Photographers & birdwatchers often find magic here, especially at sunrise or the golden hours. There’s a sense of quiet solitude in the air -perfect for clearing your mind or reconnecting with loved ones on a walk.

The Savannah River also features the perfect spot for love lock locations. Alongside a pedestrian footbridge, couples attached padlocks, many personalized, as symbolic tokens of everlasting love. After locking it, couples would typically throw away the key into the river or canal to signify unbreakable commitment. The bridge became a beloved spot for engagement, proposal & wedding photos, offering romantic riverfront views. Over the years, thousands of locks adorned the bridge, becoming a visual hallmark of local romance. Today the love locks have a new home at a modern sculpture located close to the canal Headgates.

A step back in time: The Historic Lock & Canal Headgates. At the heart of the park is the historical Headgates & Lockkeeper’s House, originally built in the 1840s. This was the starting point of the Augusta Canal, which once powered the city’s industrial boom. The stone & wooden locks, still visible & preserved, remind visitors of the ingenuity that fueled the cotton mills & riverboats of the 19th century. If possible, take a moment to stand on the bridge & watch the water rush through the gates -it’s a powerful view that connects past & present.

Trail Life & Outdoor Fun: Outdoor enthusiasts will love that the park connects to the Augusta Canal national Heritage area trail system offering over 7 miles of paved and gravel trails whether you’re biking jogging or walking with a stroller is accessible and scenic. The top path follows the canal all the way into downtown Augusta making a favorite route for locals training for races or just escaping for a peaceful ride.

Perfect for Families, Friends, & Solo Days: The area provides for sheltered picnic areas, to include bbq pits, a visitor’s center, instagram-worthy views, shade trees, a children’s playground, kayaking & paddleboarding access, nature trails.

Savannah Rapids Park is more than just a nature spot -it’s a piece of Augusta’s living history with natural settings with trails, a canal and waterfalls for picnics & events. Whether you’re a local or just passing though, it offers a deep breath of fresh air & a strong dose of Southern tranquility. Pack a snack, bring a camera, & take your time -Savannah Rapids is meant to be savored.

10. Augusta Mall. The Augusta Mall is one of Georgia’s largest malls. Anchored by national & regional brands, it remains a major shopping destination in the region, offering a broad mix of shops, dining, services, & amenities -all under one roof. It’s the biggest mall in the Augusta metro area and a regional draw within an 75 mile radius. Originally standing with ~90 stores, the mall has undergone at least 5 major expansions, including the addition of JC Penny in 1987, Sears in 1990, and the 180,000 sq ft Augusta Promenade lifestyle wing in 2007 (introduced upscale dining, boutique stores, and entertainment space.) Opened in 1978. Originally developed by the Rouse Company, now owned and managed by Brookfield Properties. It is a 2 level regional mall spanning over a million square ft., with about 149 stores and service outlets. Major anchors include Dillard’s, Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, & Barnes & Noble. A former Sears space is expected to host a future Primark. The mall includes 2 food courts with over 20 restaurants, free parking, a children’s play area, restrooms, massage chairs, electric car charging stations, & services such as strollers & sercurity. They are pet friendly to service dogs and offer full ADA accommodations. Y

Must See in Augusta Georgia