Perhaps it's the sight of blooming azaleas or the feeling of excitement in the air. There is something extra special about Augusta during Masters Week. Even though it's a year-round destination, nothing compares to experiencing the city during the first full week of April.
Even if you are one the many without tickets to the Masters Tournament, don't worry because there is plenty to do and see in Augusta. And that's not even counting the Masters Week-only events.
Masters Week-Only Events
Masters Week Golf Breakfast on April 5 at Warren Baptist Church starts at 7 a.m. The free event features two special guest speakers: Larry Mize, 1987 Masters Champion, and Jim Hardy, 2015 World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame.
3203 Washington Rd., Augusta. 706-860-1586; warrenbaptist.org/events
Rock FORE! Dough XII takes place on April 5 and features such acts as Darius Rucker and Charles Kelley, of Lady Antebellum. Gates open at 4 p.m.
Lady Antebellum Pavilion at Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of the concert. www.rockforedough.com
Get ready to boogie down at the ParTee on the Green at Augusta Common. Scheduled for April 6 from 5 - 9 p.m., the event has music for all ages and interest.
836 Reynolds Street, Augusta. Admission is $2/person and free/child, age 3 and under. 762-233-5299; respectdowntown.wordpress.com/parteeaugusta
Rock on at The Major Rager on April 7 at Augusta Common. Kicking off at 5 p.m., the lineup features a rock and a funk band. Don't miss the after-party at Sky City that includes an improvisational rock fusion band.
836 Reynolds Street, Augusta. $35 general admission. www.showclix.com/event/the-major-rager
Sky City, 1157 Broad St., Augusta. $20 general admission. www.showclix.com/event/major-rager-after-party
Celebrate both Masters Week and National Jazz Appreciation Month with Garden City Jazz's Jazz Masters 2016 Series. Fashioned as a pop-up jazz club with the assistance of Jessye Norman School of the Arts, performances are scheduled for April 7 - 9.
Jessye Norman School of the Arts, 739 Greene St., Augusta. Admission is $25. Shows are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. 762-233-5299; www.gardencityjazz.com/events/jazzlives-collectiveculture-soulcelebration
Champions Retreat is hosting an Oyster Roast on April 8 and a Pig Pickin' on April 9. The all-you-can-eat and drink festivities is complimented by live music. Reservations are required. Also, during Masters Week Champions Retreat is inviting golfers to play at night on their driving range and putting green that will be alight every night and includes a bar, music and soft seating.
37 Champions Pkwy., Evans. $100 to attend either the Oyster Roast or Pig Pickin'. Call for rates and reservations for the driving range and putting green. 706-854-6960; championsretreat.net/MastersWeek.aspx
Things to do in Augusta
Augusta Museum of History details the city's and region's history through various collections and exhibits. Do spend a some time checking out the museum's special exhibits such as "The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown" and "Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf."
560 Reynolds St., Augusta. Admission is $4/adult, $3/senior, $2/child, age 6-18 and free/child, age 5 and under. Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. 706-722-8541; www.augustamuseum.org
Add to your museum visit with a Historic Trolley Tour of Augusta Departing every Saturday from the Visitors Center in downtown, climb aboard to hear the many stories and lore of Augusta.
Visit Augusta. 560-B Reynolds St. (lobby of the Augusta Museum of History), Augusta. $15 per person (includes admission to Augusta Museum of History.) Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at 10:30 a.m., and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. 706-724-4067/800-726-0243; www.visitaugusta.com
Relax as you cruise on a Petersburg Boat Tour along the 8.5-mile Augusta Canal. Federally designated as one of 18 National Heritage Areas, learn its history and importance to the area as well as see the various wildlife along the way. If you are feeling more adventurous, consider kayaking the canal. Don't forget to check out the Augusta Canal Discovery Center either before your journey or after, to learn more about the Canal.
Augusta Canal Discovery Center. 1450 Greene St., Ste 400, Augusta. Different themed tours are offered. Prices and times vary. Check website for up-to-date information. 706-823-0440; augustacanal.com
Things to see in Augusta
Dedicated to the art and artists of the American South, the Morris Museum of Art features various works throughout their galleries from the late-eighteenth century to present. During the year, Morris hosts eight to 10 temporary exhibits as well. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the Riverwalk to take in the views of the Savannah River.
1 10th St., Augusta. Admission is $5/adult, $3/teen, age 13-17, free/child, age 12 and under, $3/student with ID, military with ID and senior, age 65 and older. Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 5 p.m. www.themorris.org
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson lived in Augusta until he was 14, while his father served as the pastor at First Presbyterian Church. The church is still active today. Take a tour of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson to learn about him and his family's life in the city, and see such pieces as the dining room table used by the Wilsons. As the story goes, it was verified by Wilson himself in 1911, when he crawled under the table and recognized the marks he had made when he was younger.
419 7th St., Augusta. Admission is $5/adult, $4/senior, $3/child, K - 12 grade, free/child, age 5 and under. Tours are conducted on the hour Thursday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 706-722-9829; www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org
Find that one-of-a-kind piece (or two) you can't live without on Artists Row in downtown Augusta. Filled with working art studios, boutique shops and more, there's plenty to see and possibly to buy.
1028 Broad St., Augusta.
Additional information on where to eat and where to stay along with a complete Masters Week events calendar can be found at Visit Augusta website, www.visitaugusta.com. You can also stop their office at 560-B Reynolds St. (located in the lobby of the Augusta Museum of History) or call 706- 724-4067/800-726-0243.
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