If Augusta already rings a bell in your mind, it's probably because of The Masters golf tournament that takes place here each spring. But there's still plenty to see and do beyond the perfectly-manicured fairways of Georgia's second-most populous city (and also one of its best vacation destinations).
Nestled along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, dating back to the 1730s. Quickly establishing itself as a major market town, farmer's markets are still common on the streets today.
The warm year-round climate has long made Augusta a draw for travelers looking to escape the chill further north for the mansions of Summerville, many of which are now open to visitors as museum spaces.
Take a stroll down Broad Street, and you'll discover a fine array of architectural styles, independent stores, and places to grab a bite to eat. Meanwhile, the Augusta Downtown Historic District contains many of the city's landmark buildings, a significant proportion of which predate the American Civil War.
The proximity to the Georgia countryside is another appealing feature of Augusta. When it comes to transport, Atlanta and its Conyers suburb are just over three hours away, thanks to a bus network consisting of 25 routes that crisscross the state and the broader southeastern United States.