Having grown up in the Augusta area, Nancy Powell, Broker and CEO of Powell & Associates, has a passion for Augusta and it shines through when you talk with her. “I think Augusta is the hub of everything in the CSRA,” says Nancy. “When you want character and interesting things to learn about, Augusta is the best place to be. It brings quaint southern charm and mixes it with a downtown urban culture that is unique to Augusta.”
When it comes to choosing the best places to visit in Augusta, it’s an easy choice to turn to Nancy, who as a realtor, keeps her finger on the pulse of the city. If anything, it’s tough for her to narrow down the list to just five places! “Augusta has everything and a place for everybody,” says Nancy. “The places that are my favorites are places that whether you're visiting, new to the area, or you've lived your entire life in this community, you're going to find entertainment, fun, and a good time at all of them. I can go to these places anytime of any day and enjoy it or find something new and different about it.”
First on the list is the Augusta Museum of History. “It encompasses everything that is unique to Augusta from the Masters to James Brown, with information dating back to the building of the canal and the history of Augusta,” shares Nancy. “I learn something new every time I go.” The museum, which is open to the public during normal hours, also serves as a beautiful location for special functions such as weddings, receptions, and corporate functions.
From there, Nancy suggests checking out the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, which includes different recreational trails and guided boat tours to learn the history of the canal. “I love the history of the canal and enjoy walking along the canal with my husband when it's warm,” she says. “We like that there are different routes for us to go and enjoy nature. To me, it’s an oasis within the city.”
Another favorite place of Nancy’s is Augusta University’s Summerville Campus. “It's a place that I often visit, not just because of my affiliations with it as a graduate and member of the Summerville Alumni Society, but it’s just a beautiful, beautiful campus,” says Nancy. “There have been so many changes over the years and there is a feeling of being encompassed by both history and innovation at the same time. It's truly been made into a place that not only students can enjoy, but the community can enjoy too.”
Not far from Augusta University’s Summerville Campus, you’ll find Surrey Center, a quaint outdoor shopping center that includes over fifty businesses. “It is probably my favorite place because I can shop and eat great food there,” shares Nancy. “It's a rich mix of culture and diversity - all in a little shopping center. They have many different kinds of restaurants, antique and collectible stores, and gift shops. It has a little bit of everything for everybody.”
The tour of Nancy’s favorite places wraps up by spotlighting Downtown Augusta. With a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, downtown has much to offer visitors and long-time residents. “It's a place where you can experience a lot of different things, whether you go during the day or at night, because there’s a diversion of cultures and personalities encompassed in one place,” explains Nancy. “One reason I have an emotional connection to downtown, and why I love it so much, is because I grew up listening to stories of how it was when my mother worked down there. Downtown Augusta was always portrayed to me as a thriving area and a fun place to be… and I believe that is still true today.”
Whether you’re a visitor to the Augusta area or a resident, be sure to take the time to explore these and other wonderful places found all around the city. Nancy assures that you won’t be disappointed!
For more information on Powell and Associates, Inc., a full-service Real Estate Brokerage that serves the CSRA, visit PowellPropertyPros.com or contact Nancy Powell at (706) 717-1281.