1. The Humidity Is Every Bit As Bad As You’ve Heard
Actually, it just might be even worse than you’ve heard.
2. But The Best Way To Beat The Heat Is A Trip Down The River
Taking a boat out or kayaking down the Savannah River might not make the humidity go away, but it’s a great way to distract yourself with pretty views.
3. Or A Dip In Clarks Hill Lake
And for the record, it’s Clarks Hill Lake this side of the Georgia border, not Lake Strom Thurmond like the South Carolinians call it. It’s also the best place to watch a sunset.
4. Augustans Care More About Golf Than Anyone Else
Augusta is the golf capital of the world. It has some of the best golf clubs ever, including the famous Augusta National Golf Club where The Masters is hosted each year.
5. But They All Leave Town During The Masters
Because there’s a whole lot of green to be made by renting out your house to all those golf fans.
6. When It’s Been Around Forever, That’s How You Know It’s Good
Luigi’s is one of Augusta’s oldest family owned restaurants, and there’s a reason the locals have been coming back for more since 1949. The reason is, of course, the delicious Greek and Italian fare.
7. Driving To South Carolina For Gas Is Worth The Trip
There are some serious advantages to being right on the border, and one of them is those cheap South Carolina gas prices.
8. You Think You’ve Had Great Cake, But You Haven’t… Yet
Until you’ve eaten at Boll Weevil Cafe, you don’t even really know what great cake is. The bar goes way up after one of their decadent slices.
9. You’ll Actually Want These Knuckle Sandwiches
No, this isn’t some goofy trick dad joke. Knuckle Sandwiches serves up some of the tastiest bites in town, and their PBR BBQ shouldn’t be missed.
10. Augustans Have An Artsy Side Too
It’s not all about golf in Augusta. The annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival celebrates local artists, dancers, and musicians.
11. The Book Tavern Will Fulfill All Your Nerdy Dreams
Augustan literature lovers could probably happily live in The Book Tavern. Between the awesome selection and the frequent readings and book signings, it’s the perfect place to tap into your inner bibliophile.
12. Respecting The Troops Is A Top Priority
Fort Gordon, home of the United States Army Cyber Command, brings tons of military service men and women to Augusta, and Augustans know it’s important to give them all the respect they deserve as a huge, important part of the community.
13. If You’re Not Ready To Go Pro, Disc Golf Is Your Best Bet
Sure, tons of Augustans belong to golf clubs and some even stay for the Masters, but most are fans of a different sport—disc golf. You don’t have to be Phil Mickelson to enjoy it.
14. All The Bad Drivers Are From South Carolina
Is this actually true? Probably not. But every Augustan has a horror story involving driving and a South Carolina license plate… so maybe there’s some merit to it.
15. James Brown Got His Start In Augusta—And No One Will Let You Forget It
Hey, when The Godfather of Soul grew up in your town, you get to take a little credit, right?
16. And You Just Might See The Next James Brown At The Imperial Theatre
Brown rehearsed at the Imperial Theatre, so it’s a safe bet that whatever you see there, you’re in for a great show.
17. Augusta’s Architecture Has Tons Of Charm
The Summerville Historic District exemplifies the best of Augusta’s classic charming architecture.
18. And Augustans Have Tons Of Charm Too
If you want to fit in with the locals, manners, a friendly smile, and respect for elders is essential. You’ll still be hard pressed to totally emulate their Southern charm, because they have it in spades.
19. Couch Potatoes Are Out Of Luck
Augusta is full of beautiful parks and trails, like Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and the Greenway. And with the amazing weather (you know, when it’s not humid), there’s no excuse not to get off the couch.
20. The Bee’s Knees Isn’t Just An Idiom
It’s also an amazing Augusta tapas bar that totally earns its name.
21. It’s Worth Getting Up Early On A Saturday Morning For The Market
The Augusta Market on the river on Saturday mornings is foodie heaven and the fresh local produce isn’t the only draw. Local artisans and musicians make the market come alive.
22. Augustans Like Their Sports To Move At A Steady Crawl
If golf is too slow for you, you can always watch another team with a faithful local following, the minor league GreenJackets, play the second slowest sport: baseball.
23. You Know It’s A Celebration When You’re Invited To Frog Hollow
Are you going to drop a few bucks for a fancy dinner? Yeah. But is that Gouda mac and cheese going to be so incredibly worth it that you’ll wonder how you lived before eating it? Totally.
24. Augustans Might Be The Only People Who Like Woodrow Wilson
Okay, so the 28th president of the United States was not the most popular guy. In fact, he’s been called “the most hated” American president on more than one occasion. But when you’ve got his childhood home to show off in your town, you stand by your man.
25. Strolling Is A Totally Legitimate Hobby
Or at least it is when you’ve got a gorgeous Riverwalk that you can hit up after a big dinner downtown.
26. Augusta Is Full Of Ghosts
You’ve got your usual haunted spots, like St. Paul’s church and Magnolia Cemetery, and Pendleton King Park named for a fallen WWI soldier. But in Augusta even the pillars are haunted. (Touch the pillar and you’ll be struck dead, according to the curse.)
27. Thunder Over Augusta Doesn’t Mean A Storm Is Coming
It means a completely awesome music choreographed fireworks display over the river.
28. Augusta Is Juuuuust Right
It’s a big town, but it’s not quite a city. But that’s the reason Augustans don’t live somewhere else. Augusta is just big enough to have a thriving downtown area, but small enough to know your neighbors.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Augusta? Tell us in the comments below!
