Located on the border between Georgia and South Carolina in the Deep South of the USA, Augusta is a charming little town that just so happens to house one of the most prestigious golfing tournaments in the world: the US Masters.

Before it was a golfer’s heaven though, it was a quaint village on the fall line of the Savannah River that became a holiday destination of resort hotels for the wealthy. Soon people realized that the moderate climate and verdant lands would be optimal for a golf course and it became the ‘winter golf capital of America’. This is also the home of soul singer James Brown, pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and acclaimed actor Laurence Fishburne.

If you’re spending some time here around the US Masters, there are some gems in the surrounding area that are worth seeing and doing. Here’s your insider’s guide to a memorable stay in the south.  If nothing else, be sure to indulge in the famous Fruitland Augusta peach vodka.

Population: 195,844

Languages:  English

To see a typical example of 18^th century architecture and take a leap back in time, you can visit this restored 1797 house.

http://www.augustamuseum.org/HarrisHouse

This revolutionary lady founded the first school for black children and was a renowned educator. You can wander through this museum and learn about the less charming side of the history of the south as well as the people who fought for freedom.

http://www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com/about_laney.htm

A 64-acre bird sanctuary where amusements abound. You can play an 18-hole disc golf course, you can hike or cycle for hours, you can take the kids to one of the many playgrounds and you can go on trails discovering the wide variety of flora in the area.

http://www.pendletonkingpark.com/

From the opening of its doors in 1918, this theatre has played host to countless famous talents over the decades including Charlie Chaplin. Nowadays you can see everything from bikini & bodybuilding competitions to musicals to soul music performances to ballets.

http://imperialtheatre.com/faq.cfm

Take a picturesque walk along the Savannah River, where there are various sites including a Japanese garden, as well as play parks for kids and vantage points for photos.

Learn about the past of this sultry piece of land at the history museum. Here there are various exhibitions including James Brown, The Golf Tradition, Local Legends and 150 year of Transportation featuring an old farm wagon as well as a steam locomotive.

http://www.augustamuseum.org/Visit

For something a little different you can head out to Fort Gordon, the US Army Camp outside Augusta, where the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation Services) puts on a theatre performance while you chow down on a buffet dinner.

http://www.fortgordon.com/programs/leisure/entertainment/dinner-theatre/

If you are looking to attend the prestigious US Masters, chat to one of our expert Travel Consultants.

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