Georgia Escape: Famous men leave imprints on Augusta

By Special

For the AJC

The late, great James Brown may be considered Augusta’s most famous hometown hero, but Georgia’s second largest city was also home to two significant figures in American history. The youngest man to sign the Declaration of Independence, Georgia Governor George Walton, moved to Augusta from Farmville, Va., when he was 29. And President Woodrow Wilson moved to Augusta when he was 2 and lived there for a decade.

All three men have left their imprints on the city.

James Brown Tour

Before his many hit songs like "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", "I Got the Feelin'" and "Living in America" topped the charts, James Brown was just a small-town boy growing up in Augusta. Visitors can follow the footsteps of “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business” by taking a self-guided James Brown driving tour. Stop by Trinity CME Church on 818 Church St. and see where he first pounded away on the ivory keys of the church piano, or visit Silas X. Floyd School on 921 Florence St. where Brown attended elementary school. Grab a bite to eat at T-Bonz Restaurant on Washington Street, where Brown enjoyed dining from time to time. The James Brown driving tour is free. 800-726-0243. Driving tour directions and map located at www.augustaga.org.

Meadow Garden House Museum

One of the oldest dwellings in Georgia, the Cape Code-style home of George Walton was built in 1792. A stop here gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like living in the deep South more than two centuries ago. Eighteenth and 19th-century furniture and artwork are on display, as well as a collection of Walton family memorabilia. On the grounds is a traditional medicinal herb garden. $4 adults, $3.50 senior citizens, $1 children. 1320 Independence Drive. 706-724-4174, www.historicmeadowgarden.org

The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson

Built in 1859, the two-story brick house was owned by the First Presbyterian Church, where Wilson’s father was minister. The family lived in the house from 1860 to 1870. Guided tours are given every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Be sure to see where the future president scratched his name in a window pane with his mother’s engagement ring. $5 adults, $4 senior citizens, $3 students (K-12). 419 Seventh St. 706-722-9828, www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org

Once the history lessons are over, there are plenty of other attractions to beckon visitors, especially if the agenda includes spending time outdoors or soaking up some culture.

Don’t Miss:

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Explore 1,100 acres of swamp land and preserved forest featuring miles of walking trails and an abundance of wildlife. During the summer months, one may be lucky enough to see a Painted Bunting, one of the most brilliantly-colored birds in North America. Alligators, hawks and otters are among the other Georgia animals that may be seen from the walking trails or multiple observation decks. Park staff offer guided tours the first Saturday of each month, and various educational and environmental workshops for children and adults are offered throughout the year. Park admission is free. The park is open from dawn to dusk during the weekends and noon to dusk on weekdays. 1858 Lock & Dam Road. 706-828-2109, www.phinizyswamp.org.

Morris Museum of Art

One of the oldest museums in the country devoted to the art and artists of the American South, the Morris Museum of Art displays pieces dating from the Colonial era to the present. Located on the city's Riverwalk, the museum boasts the second largest art collection in the state. Upcoming exhibitions include “Painters’ Reel: Contemporary Painting in Georgia,” featuring work by Rocio Rodriguez and Don Cooper. It opens June 19 and runs through Sept. 26. The museum hosts a variety of events, including free concerts on Sunday afternoons, a Thursday luncheon-lecture series, films on Friday and many family activities. Admission is free for military members through Labor Day and $5 for adults. 1 10th St. 706-724-7501, www.themorris.org.

Augusta Riverwalk

Created in the late '80s to boost businesses and downtown growth, Augusta’s Riverwalk has become the most popular destination in the city. Located between the Savannah River and a levee, the walkway offers lovely views to the thousands of pedestrians, runners and bicyclists attracted here every day. Nearby is Broad Street, where restaurants and shops await. The Augusta Riverwalk is the location of the annual 4th of July fireworks show as well as the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Free. 15th St. 706-722-1388, www.augustariverwalk.com

If You Go

Located due east on I-20, Augusta is 150 miles from downtown Atlanta and takes about 2.5 hours to drive.

Stay:

The Partridge Inn. Built in 1836, the Colonial house-turned-hotel has an antique feel with fresh and modern amenities. $139-$179. 2110 Walton Way. 706-737-8888, www.partridgeinn.com

Queen Anne Inn. The 11-room 1894 Victorian-style bed and breakfast, located downtown, is in walking distance to nearby restaurants and shops. $79-$119. 406 Greene St. 706-723-0045, www.queenanneinnaugusta.com

Eat:

Cotton Patch. Rated one of the top three restaurants in Augusta by Golf Magazine, the Cotton Patch offers all-American style food, including burgers, steaks, salads and pork chops. Entrees $8-$15. 816 Cotton Lane. 706-724-4511, www.eatdrinkbehappy.com

The Partridge Inn Restaurant. Serving American food with Southern flair, the locally owned restaurant is a popular Augusta eatery. Blackened chicken pasta, shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes are the specialty items served. Entrees $14-$29. 2110 Walton Way. 706-737-8888, www.partridgeinn.com

Info:

Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. 706-821-1300, www.augustachamber.net

-- Provided by Demand Studios