Rediscovering Augusta | Aiken City Lifestyle

I have lived in the CSRA for nearly 30 years, many of them on the other side of the Savannah River. So when I was invited to spend a few days exploring Augusta, just 20 minutes from my home in Aiken, my first thought was, “Been there. Done that.”

In fact, when I was asked what I might like to do during our staycation, I struggled to come up with an answer. I thought I already knew Augusta. As it turned out, I had barely scratched the surface.

Where We Stayed

The Partridge Inn served as our home base. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the hotel began as a private residence in the late 1800s and officially opened as an inn in 1910. Over the decades, it became one of Augusta’s best-known gathering places, welcoming presidents, celebrities and generations of visitors.

Following an extensive renovation, it reopened in 2015 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, pairing modern updates with the Southern character that has long made it an Augusta landmark. Its sweeping verandas, historic details and hilltop views made it a fitting place to experience a familiar city from a visitor’s perspective.

What We Ate

Since this is our Foodie Issue, it only seems right to begin with the food.

Our first dinner was at 8595 Restaurant and Bar inside the Partridge Inn. It had been more than a decade since I had dined at the hotel and apparently, I had been missing out. We bent the staycation rules a little and invited our daughter, son-in-law and his parents to join us. It was our only chance to celebrate her 30th birthday before the newlyweds jetted off to Hawaii. The fried chicken was the standout: crispy, flavorful and absolutely delicious.

The next morning, I slipped away to Trellis Coffee Bar for an iced chai and a freshly baked pastry before our first full day of exploring.

Lunch took us to Finch & Fifth, where I ordered the pastrami sandwich and David chose the burger. I am usually the better orderer, but I had to give him this one. His burger was the clear standout and left me with more than a little plate envy.

Dinner that evening took us to Abel Brown, where I ordered the shrimp and grits and David chose a tomahawk chop that was ridiculously large and equally delicious. I sampled a few bites of his, of course, but was just as happy with my own choice.

For dessert, I went a little off-brand and ordered the Pavlova. After all that food, I needed something light. David chose the Blondie Brownie, which was exactly on-brand for him.

The dining portion of our staycation came to a delicious close at The Brunch House of Augusta, a downtown jewel I somehow knew nothing about. I ordered the Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, while David chose the Garden City Breakfast Bowl, best described as an omelet in a bowl, then took it to another level with sausage gravy. If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, make reservations. This jewel is no secret to Augusta’s brunch crowd.

What We Did

With our appetites well taken care of, it was time to explore Augusta beyond the table.

Our first adventure was a guided kayak tour to Stallings Island, and this one was right up my alley. Camera in hand, I was ready to photograph the donkeys and any other wildlife we encountered along the way. The donkeys wandered to the water’s edge and happily accepted carrots and bananas while we remained in our kayaks. As the photos show, they were not shy.

Beyond its charming residents, Stallings Island is a protected archaeological site where some of North America’s earliest pottery was discovered. The National Historic Landmark is closed to foot traffic, while its donkeys and goats help keep the vegetation under control.

Next came a private tour of Pexcho’s American Dime Museum, an experience unlike anything I have encountered. Owner Peter Excho is deeply committed to preserving the nearly forgotten history of dime museums, which offered affordable entertainment, curiosities and live performances beginning in the 1800s. He led us through his collection of oddities while sharing colorful stories about P.T. Barnum and the unusual performers who once made their livings on dime-museum stages.

Our final and most memorable adventure was a sunset aerial tour with Augusta Aviation. David and I were both a little apprehensive about climbing into such a small plane, but once we were in the air, the nerves quickly gave way to amazement.

We flew over Augusta National, perhaps the best view you can get without a Masters badge, then followed the Savannah River to J. Strom Thurmond Dam and back. We even spotted our church from above, all against the backdrop of an incredible sunset.

It was the perfect finale to our Augusta staycation.

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Where We Stayed

The Partridge Inn

2110 Walton Way

(706) 737-8888

Where We Ate

8595 Restaurant and Bar

(Located Inside the Partridge Inn)

2110 Walton Way

(706) 737-8888

TrellisCoffeeBar