More than a century ago, travelers from northern states would flee the treacherous winter seasons and visit the beautiful South, booking a stay at The Partridge Inn. Located near downtown Augusta in a famous historic neighborhood known as Summerville, The Partridge Inn was owned by Morris Partridge, a seasonal employee at the Bon Air Hotel across the street who was intrigued by the Bon Air’s thriving business and aspired to create his own hotel, which he did. Because The Partridge Inn did not start out as a place of lodging – in fact, it had been a single-family estate built by the Miegs family in the early 1800s – Morris expanded his inn several times between 1907 and 1929. By 1923, the stately inn was the site of a gala honoring President Warren G. Harding, and had confirmed itself as a premier destination in the South.
But as the years rolled by and the landscape of the region changed, The Partridge Inn withstood a number of changes that, at certain points, made its future look uncertain. In the mid-20th century, the charming inn was transformed into a commercial hotel, and shortly afterward, an apartment building, eventually being cited for demolition in the 1980s before the town’s civic leaders wisely put a stop to the idea. After a certified historic renovation in 2006 and the opportunity to join the Historic Hotels of America, The Partridge Inn, now part of the Hilton Curio Collection, is restored to its former state of elegance and hospitality and is ready to welcome you to Augusta.
Holly White, general manager for The Partridge Inn, feels fortunate to work at such a historic and beautiful location each day. From welcoming new guests this season to overseeing renovations to enhance the property, Holly is the first to tell anyone who is visiting Augusta about everything the town has to offer — and it’s much more than just golf. Most guests who choose the Hilton Curio Collection are “in search of historic hotels that offer a unique stay,” she pointed out. And The Partridge Inn fits their desires — at 143 rooms total, not one room is the same.
“We have 143 rooms, and we have 143 room types — none are identical,” she noted. “There are a lot of neat angles, and the architecture of every room is different, plus some hallways are different. It’s a boutique hotel, and it’s quirky and unique.”
Updates to Partridge Inn that travelers should look forward to include a second restaurant, complete with a rooftop bar and breathtaking views of downtown Augusta. Named 6 South for its location on the inn’s sixth floor, the restaurant will offer a tapas menu with favorites such as fresh oysters, sandwiches, salads and juicy burgers. The main restaurant, rebranded as 8595, will offer Southern fare with a modern twist — think duck fat fried chicken, shrimp & grits and a roasted hen. Additionally, an expanded bridal suite with two guest rooms, a hospitality room complete with fridge and wet bar and a “huge courtyard, perfect for cocktails or brunch” will no doubt entice couples to tie the knot at the picturesque Partridge Inn.
To book a trip, visit partridgeinn.com.
AUGUSTA - MORE THAN JUST GOLF (sidebar in template)
Not a golfer? Not a problem! Augusta has plenty more to offer a wide variety of travelers.
VISIT THE RIVERWALK
Explore the beautiful Savannah River on Augusta's own riverwalk with your family. Numerous parks, playgrounds, shops and more dot the waterfront.
ADMIRE ARCHITECTURE AND ANTIQUES
Holly White lauds the local antique shops, which she said are bearing “great treasures” and are partly to thank for furnishing her home. She also suggests checking out the town’s memorable architecture all over the historic districts.
ENJOY AMAZING CUISINE
Delicious dining options abound! Visit The Partridge Inn’s own restaurants, and stay a while to explore Augusta’s elite food scene. We suggest Pho Ramen’L, Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Craft & Vine, Finch & Fifth and, for dessert, The Boll Weevil Cafe & Sweetery.
GET YOUR CULTURE FIX
Music aficionados will love Grantski Records near the riverwalk, and don’t miss concerts and performances at Bell Auditorium, the James Brown Arena and Imperial Theater.
