Sometimes you just need to get away from it all - bosses, kids, laundry, to name a few. When you're feeling overworked and over-stressed, there's no better cure than grabbing your best girlfriends and ditching the daily drudge for awhile. Whether a weekend away or girls night at its finest, Augusta knows how to show the ladies a good time.
RELAX.
Kick off those heels and curl up in one of the Partridge Inn's plush beds tucked quietly away on a peaceful Augusta hilltop. After a much needed nap, trade in your typical florescent office lights for some southern sun while lounging by the P.I. pool, lunching on the verandah, or sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar featuring spectacular views of the city. You'll feel a million miles away from your every day stressors while only minutes from downtown's best restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Float on.
Once you're rested and refreshed, getting out on Augusta's waterways is a must. Whether paddle boarding Betty's Branch or kayaking the canal, the lush landscape surrounding the Savannah River is a unique break from your weekly commute. Forget the water gear? No worries. Outdoor Augusta has you covered, and even offers guided sunrise and sunset tours for those of us who need a little help navigating the waterways.
Get pampered.
Turn off your straightening iron and drop the lipstick. It's time to let someone else complete your beauty routine. At Cucumber & Mint, you and your BFFs can indulge in everything from full body massages to tailored facials that will restore and revitalize not just your skin, but your life. Afterwards, get one of their experienced hair and makeup artists to work their magic, turning your waterlogged topknot into the blown out locks of your dreams, topped off with a fresh face of makeup to highlight your new Georgia glow.
Treat yo' self.
While gabbing with your best friends is often the best therapy, there's another form that proves to be effective at treating everything from work-induced-stress to kid-induced-headaches: retail. After finishing up your afternoon of pampering in Surrey Center, hit up some of the most unique boutiques Augusta has to offer. From trend-setting Fab'rik, to contemporary SOHO, and beyond, you're bound to find the perfect outfit for a night on the town with your besties.
Get artsy.
Feeling creative? Have Tire City Potters tailor a party project for you and your friends in which you explore the clay making process in a meaningful way while creating your own art. Don't feel like getting dirty behind the pottery wheel? That's ok! Throw on your new dress and explore the Augusta art scene. With galleries popping up all over downtown, it'll be hard to choose between art hot spots like Morris Museum of Art and Westobou, featuring the best local and world-renowned artists you can find.
Pop some bubbly.
With a menu featuring classics from the French 75 to the recently popular chambong ([sham-bong] noun: a device used for the rapid and enhanced experience of sparkling wine / champagne consumption), Craft & Vine is the place to grab a few perfectly crafted cocktails with your favorite ladies. They also make a mean charcuterie board to ensure you have plenty of protein to sustain you through the rest of the night.
If rooftops are your thing, try a glass with a view at Hyatt House in downtown Augusta, or just across the river at Jackson's Bluff.
Dance the night away.
One of Augusta's most popular live music pubs, StillWater Taproom, is known for its down to earth, welcoming vibe. The stage located near the entrance (dubbed locally as "The Little Stage That Could") hosts the finest musicians around, from rock and roll to jazz and the blues. On a good night, you may find saxophonists on top of the bar while locals and visitors alike enjoy some of the best draught beer and libations around.
#LoveAugusta
Keaton Thurmond
Keaton is the former Marketing Manager at Destination Augusta. She enjoys black coffee, indie bookstores and the macabre (like any self-respecting English major).