A Weekend of History in Augusta

Looking for a weekend filled with Southern charm, inspiring stories, and centuries of history? Augusta, Georgia offers an unforgettable journey through time, where historic homes, art museums, and cultural landmarks tell the tale of a city that helped shape the South. Corey Rogers, Executive Director of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and our Feel Good City Expert in History, invites you to discover the very best of Augusta’s past in this thoughtfully curated, history lover’s itinerary.

"There are so many places to visit in Augusta. Paine College, Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art of a few others that visitors to Augusta should see!"

-Corey

Day One

Begin at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

Start your weekend at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, where Corey Rogers shares Augusta’s powerful African American heritage. Step inside the historic home of Lucy Craft Laney, an educator, activist, and visionary who transformed education for generations.

Lunch at Café 209

Next, enjoy a Southern-style lunch at Café 209, a downtown favorite serving up homestyle comfort food on Broad Street. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the energy of the city.

Explore Meadow Garden

In the afternoon, visit Meadow Garden, the beautifully preserved 18th-century home of George Walton, one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence. The guided tours and period furnishings offer a fascinating glimpse into Augusta’s colonial history. Insider Tip: Visit our Revolutionary War or America 250 pages for even more history!

Check-In and Dinner at The Partridge Inn

End your day at The Partridge Inn, one of Augusta’s most iconic historic hotels. Known as “The Grand Hotel of the South,” it has hosted guests since 1910. Enjoy dinner at 8595 Restaurant & Bar, where Southern classics meet modern flair, and toast to a day well spent exploring the past.

Day Two

Start with Coffee at Buona Caffe

Fuel up at Buona Caffe, a locally owned and veteran-operated coffee roaster known for its warm hospitality and freshly brewed perfection. Insider Tip: Visit our blogs to discover even more Veteran-Owned Businesses! 

Tour Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site

Just ten minutes from downtown Augusta, Redcliffe Plantation in Beech Island, South Carolina, offers a profound look into antebellum life. Explore the historic home, walk beneath the magnolia-lined drive, and learn the stories of both the family who owned the estate and the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

Stroll Through Springfield Village Park

Back in Augusta, take a reflective walk through Springfield Village Park, a historic greenspace that celebrates the legacy of one of the nation’s oldest African American Baptist congregations.

Step Inside the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson

Then, tour the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson, a National Historic Landmark that tells the story of the 28th U.S. President’s early years during the Civil War.

Explore the Augusta Museum of History

Wrap up the afternoon at the Augusta Museum of History, where exhibits showcase everything from the city’s founding and Civil War history to the legacy of James Brown and Augusta’s role in the Masters Tournament.

Dinner at Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery

Finish the evening at Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery, a cozy restaurant housed in a former cotton warehouse along the Riverwalk. Enjoy hearty Southern dishes and don’t leave without a slice of their famous layered cake.

Day Three

Brunch at The Brunch House of Augusta

Start your final day with a hearty meal at The Brunch House of Augusta, a local favorite in a historic downtown building. Their Southern breakfast classics and friendly service set the tone for a relaxed morning.

Visit The Morris Museum of Art

Next, explore The Morris Museum of Art, the first museum in the country dedicated to the art and artists of the American South. Admission is FREE on Sundays, making it a must-see for art and history lovers alike.

Stroll the Augusta Riverwalk

End your weekend with a peaceful walk along the Augusta Riverwalk, where scenic views of the Savannah River blend seamlessly with public art and monuments. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your journey through Augusta’s past before planning your next visit to the Feel Good City.

From the inspiring legacy of Lucy Craft Laney to the preserved beauty of Meadow Garden and the stories that echo through Redcliffe Plantation, Augusta’s history is as vibrant as ever. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a history buff, or simply curious about the people who built this Southern city, Corey’s itinerary offers a weekend full of meaning, discovery, and connection. Stop by Augusta & Co. to learn more and pick up your free Experience Guide for even more ways to explore The Feel Good City.