Aussie visiting Augusta in April

Hi there,

We%26#39;re from Canberra, Australia but my husband is in Augusta for 6 months for work and I am visiting for 2 weeks at the beginning of April. We were initially going to head up to New York for a week but are now keen to keep the sightseeing closer to Augusta. I have been to NY before, but have never been South! Can people recommend day trips or interesting places to stay over a couple of days? We were planning to go to Savannah. And what are the must-sees in Augusta??

Thanks in advance! Marie

Aussie visiting Augusta in April

Plan on making a weekend trip to Charleston, SC; it is only around 2.5 hours away. Charleston is one of the oldest cities on the East Coast (founded in 1670) and is a treasure of well-preserved 18th %26amp; 19th century homes plus some of the best restaurants in the South. You might also want to consider a trip up to Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC. It is the mountain estate of the Vanderbilt family (open to the public) and is absolutely gorgeous. It has some gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains and is a little over 3 hours away. Aiken, SC, is a good place for a day trip. It is only 18 miles away and is a very picturesque small Southern city. Lots of nice shops %26amp; restaurants in its downtown area. It is also a center for polo %26amp; for thoroughbred training; the horse industry is very big there.

In Augusta itself, you will be here for the Masters Golf tournament at the Augusta National Country Club. If your husband can get badges for a round (not an easy task, but with the current economy, I have heard that it is easier this year), make sure to go (even if you are not a golf fan); the grounds are gorgeous. Be aware that restaurants in town will be packed that week and plan accordingly.

You will be here for what is generally our prettiest time of the year. The azaleas %26amp; dogwoods will be blooming all over town. If you have allergies, make sure to stock up on your antihistamines. The pollen season will be at full force. Also pack in layers. Our weather this time of year is somewhat unpredicatable (for instance, on 3/1 we were shivering in mid-30s Farenheit temps; yesterday, everyone was running around in shorts as the temp was 81.)

Aussie visiting Augusta in April

Unfortunately, within Augusta there are no ';must-see'; sights with the exceptions of the Masters Tournament. Practice round tickets cost in the $200 range; tournament badges still $2K. I would definitely recommend exploring the SC/GA coast. Both Savannah and Charleston are great places to visit. Alternatively, you can go to the North GA Mountains. It all depends on your interests.

For ante-bellum homes I would recommend Washington GA, and Madison Georgia. Both are within 45 to 90 mins from Augusta and a straight run down on I-20.

There is also Crawfordville home to the Vice-President of the Confederacy and where they filmed scenes from Sweet Home Alabama, if that is your sort of thing.

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! There are some great ideas and I am already starting to formulate an itinerary.. and not regretting the decision to stay south!!

How is the shopping around the area? I will confess I am like any woman in her 30%26#39;s and keen to add to my wardrobe!! Our Prime Minister is giving all Aussies a $900 economic stimulus cash bonus which I am planning on using on this holiday (sorry PM Rudd!)

Also, any recommendations for restaurants that will showcase Southern cuisine? I would love to try out foods that are totally alien to us like %26#39;grits%26#39;!!

Marie :)

Definitely check out Savannah, Charleston, and Atlanta. The islands of South Carolina are supposed to be very neat too. Atlanta (ATL) should have the best shopping, and good restaurants too. Savannah also has amazing eateries and culture. A lot of people in Augusta go to Myrtle Beach, SC.

There isn%26#39;t much of anything in Augusta, unfortunately. :)

Here%26#39;s a great place to part eith your money in GA

North Georgia Premium Outlets 800 Highway 400 South, Dawsonville, GA 30534

www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp鈥?/a>

or try Tanger Outlets in Commerce (outside Athens)

http://www.tangeroutlet.com/commerce

Hello Marie,

While Augusta doesn%26#39;t have a whole lot to offer visitors, I highly recommend taking the quick trip up to Washington, Ga.

(I-20 west to hwy 78 north - about an hour drive)

You are in luck because they are having their annual tour of homes the weekend of April 4th and 5th.

It truly is a spectular showcase of antebellum and victorian architecture.

There are many good bed and breakfasts there too if you decide to stay the night.

Here%26#39;s the website.

http://www.wwtourofhomes.com/Index.php

I saw where you were going to be going to augusta and I have to tell you where to stay to get the most fabulous old south feeling while you are there. Its called the Perrin Guest house inn, and I highly recommend it. It is right in the middle of town and has gorgeous rooms. It is an old style plantation home. It is the best place to stay in my opinion and you wont regret it if you want something nice but with an old southern vibe.

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