North Augusta, SC

The area that became the town of North Augusta, South Carolina, has seen three earlier towns stand where it sits now. All failed for various reasons, and it was only with the current town and its focus on becoming a residential and tourist area that it truly came into its own, establishing itself as a viable area for work and play. Founded in 1906, North Augusta has gone on to become known as “South Carolina’s Riverfront.”

Take in a large number of exhibits at the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta. This museum displays artwork from various artists on a wide range of subject matter, ranging from golf to the Civil War.

Additionally, attend the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which features a visit from Santa, hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. You can also listen to a wide range of music at the event.

For area restaurants, check out the wide selection along Edgefield Road and at Georgia Avenue near the Savannah River. Here you can find a large assortment of cuisines, including Mexican, Asian, Italian, French and American food.

Pay a visit to Manuel’s Bread Cafe and try out its various menu items, such as Pocomoke River Oysters, served on the half shell and topped with lemon Greek yogurt and a puree made from capers and peppercorns. You can also try the Boeuf Bourguignon, which contains angus beef simmered in burgundy wine and stewed with carrots, mushrooms and pearl onions.

Another tasty restaurant, Wrap Em Up, serves a variety of crepes with an assortment of toppings and fillings. Some of its most popular fillings include fresh fruit, cream cheese and various veggies. Top them off with whipped cream, powdered sugar or honey.

Sabi Japanese offers a variety of Asian fare, including sushi, steak and seafood. Some of its menu items include various combination meals, such as steak and chicken, shrimp and fish, and fish and scallop, among others. You can also try out its hibachi chicken or teriyaki steak.

The Highlander, a British pub located on Georgia Avenue near the River Golf Club and Brick Pond Park, brings a wide selection of domestic and imported beers to the North Augusta area. When visiting the Highlander, make sure to ask about their drink specials.

Additionally, you can travel across the river to Sky City in Augusta for first-class musical entertainment featuring a variety of music genres, including techno, hip-hop, alternative and more. In addition, enjoy a wide assortment of cocktails while you take in a show.

With only a few sidewalks and bike lanes, most errands require a car in North Augusta. Some other transportation options include the Best Friend Express, Aiken County’s public transportation service. The North Augusta route runs through Graniteville and along Highway 421 with stops along the way, before North Augusta Plaza and Bluff Avenue where it meets up with Augusta Public Transit, where riders can transfer if they wish.

In addition to local buses, you can also hail a taxi in North Augusta to take you to your desired destination. Alternatively, you can call a taxi service to have them send one to you or order one in advance.

You can actually find a majority of parking for the North Augusta river area on the other side in Augusta, though you can park on the street of many areas within North Augusta. When driving your personal vehicle, you have access to a huge selection of highways and interstates, including Interstates 20 and 520.

North Augusta has a wide variety of parks from which to choose, many having more outdoor-oriented activities. Whether you want to relax with a leisurely stroll or camp out under the stars, you can find the right park for your needs.

Hamilton Branch State Park lies to the northwest of North Augusta and has a variety of activities that you can take part in alone, with friends or with family. One popular activity at the park is camping, and it has over 150 camping spots, some of which are on the lake. Some other activities include fishing, boating and swimming. You can get access to the park for a small fee. You can also bring your pets, though you must keep them on a leash or restrain them in outdoor areas.

Brick Pond Park provides 40 acres for enjoyment by the public while also acting as a storm water treatment area. Park visitors can use the many walking trails throughout the park, whether they want to enjoy a leisurely walk or just look at the local wildlife. Additionally, stop at one of the available picnic benches for a relaxing lunch under the trees. You can also attend the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting in Brick Pond Park every December.

Located along the Savannah River, Boeckh Park offers a 1.5-mile section of North Augusta’s greenway. The park’s path runs along the river, giving walkers a peaceful, relaxing route. The park also has a pavilion for use by park-goers, a fireplace at the pavilion and a floating river dock for fishing or watching the river flow by.

The cost of living in the North Augusta area is comparable to that in nearby Augusta, sitting at roughly the same level. Despite this, housing in the North Augusta area rests a little lower at $543 for a one-bedroom residence.

Public transportation costs $2 for a one-way ticket, including the fee to transfer to Augusta Public Transit. A beer in a North Augusta bar typically costs anywhere from $3 to $4. Buying a gallon of gas in North Augusta should cost you about 13 percent less than the national average.

As with restaurants, shopping in the North Augusta area is centered along Georgia Avenue. Another center of commerce in North Augusta lies along Knox Avenue, especially at the North Augusta Plaza. For a true boutique, though, you need to travel across the Savannah River into Augusta and visit Curvitude. This clothing design shop sells a wide range of fashionable clothing, including dresses, pants and shirts for curvy women.

For special household items, visit The Swank Co., also in Augusta. Some of the items it sells includes beautiful and charming household decor, accessories and bath and body products. If you seek high-end jewelry, stop in at Stan Johnson Jewelers. Shop through the wide assortment of necklaces, rings and other items from popular jewelry designers.

Area supermarkets include Kroger, where you can find many of the items you need, including fresh meat, produce and items for around the home. For discounted groceries, check out the local Save-A-Lot. If you want to visit a local farmers market, look no further than the Augusta Farmers Market in Augusta, GA.