Ask someone what they know about Augusta, Georgia, and you’ll probably hear two words: The Masters.
And yes, while the idyllic Southern city is home to arguably the most famous golf tournament in the world, that’s not all the city has to offer. It’s just two and a half hours away from Charlotte, too, making the city the perfect proximity for a weekend getaway.
Lauren Robbins is a local interior designer and owner of the popular home decor and lifestyle shop The Shoppe at Lauren Robbins Interiors. As someone who has lived in Augusta for nearly 15 years, she gives us the inside track on what makes a visit there a hole-in-one.
“The Masters is what gets people to Augusta,” she says, “but when they meet the people and learn more about the city, that is when they begin to fall in love with it.”
STAY
Robbins recommends staying at The Partridge Inn. The historic hotel is now part of the Hilton family, but first opened in 1910. It’s the closest hotel to the Augusta National Golf Course, but Robbins says she loves it for its proximity to the Summerville neighborhood, known for its historic homes and walkability.
She also suggests the Crowne Plaza in North Augusta, which is across the river in South Carolina. It’s walking distance to some great restaurants and bars, and a two-minute walk to SRP park, home to the city’s Minor League Baseball team, the Augusta GreenJackets.
EAT
Start your day by visiting Trellis Coffee Bar, a short stroll from The Partridge Inn. You’ll find expertly crafted specialty lattes, handmade focaccia bread and other pastries.
For lunch, Robbins recommends Farmhaus Burger. The restaurant uses beef from local farmers for its burgers and also offers spiked milkshakes as a sweet and tipsy treat. Emil’s is also a favorite of Robbins for their small plates and dips.
For dinner, she says, trying Abel Brown, a Southern-inspired restaurant in the popular Surrey Center shopping center, is a must. The restaurant recently received the city’s first James Beard Award nomination for its fresh fare.
“I love hopping over there for a delicious martini and oysters,” Robbins says. “The menu is constantly updating based on what Todd and his team are finding fresh and inspiring.”
If you find yourself in town during The Masters, it’s also imperative that you make a stop at Luigi's, she says. The Italian-Greek restaurant has a retro vibe with its checkered tablecloths and photos of sports legends who have stopped by over the past seventy years.
“The Masters tournament is all about tradition, and going to Luigi’s afterwards is definitely one of them,” she says. “Not much has changed with the restaurant since it opened in 1949, and you will see golfers, patrons and locals alike eating as a final farewell to the masters tournament.”
DO
Don’t miss the Morris Museum of Art. The exhibits focus on Southern art and artists, with more than 6,000 works of art. One of this year’s special exhibits runs through August and features artist John Petrey’s sculptures of everyday objects fashioned into 1960s-style dresses.
The Greeneway is also a popular spot for families to visit. Named after former North Augusta mayor Thomas Greene, it’s a seven-mile paved trail that’s great for walking, running or biking.
Robbins also points out that Augusta has a number of fun annual events, like the Rock Fore! Dough concert on the Tuesday before The Masters starts in early April. The Arts in the Heart Festival, a multi-day celebration featuring more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, music and global eats, typically in late September, and the two-day acoustic music festival known as the Guitar Pull, normally in November.
SHOP
Save time to shop on your visit, too. Robbins’ favorite shops are home store and paperie Charleston Street, antique store West End Collective, Shoes at Surrey, and Freshwater and Capsule for clothes.
“The Masters is what gets people to Augusta, but when they meet the people and learn more about the city they begin to fall in love with it.”
Lauren Robbins
Founder + Lead Designer, Lauren Robbins Interiors
Lauren Robbins started her interior design business in 2018 and works with clients across the Southeast and around the country blending traditional design with a modern touch. In April 2025, she opened her own storefront in Augusta’s historic Summerville neighborhood.
“We strive to bring lines and products to Augusta that aren’t typically around,” she says of her curated display. “One of the biggest compliments is when someone walks into the shop and says, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve never seen these things before,’ or ‘Everything you sell is so unique.’”
“A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER”
If you come for The Masters, Robbins recommends avoiding Washington Road, the main thoroughfare, if at all possible. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, pack a hat and sunscreen, she says, and remember you’ll have to leave your cell phone at home.
Robbins says if you want to buy merch at the tournament expect long lines. But one perk at Augusta National is that women’s restrooms don’t typically have a wait. And don’t forget to swing by Luigi’s after the tournament for the ultimate seen-and-be-seen experience.