Tom Mack Knihy

Augusta has continually transformed itself, evolving from an Indian trading post to the largest inland cotton market in America, a winter resort, and a hub for health sciences and cybersecurity services. Each transformation has shaped the city into a vibrant place to live and visit. This guide serves as a resource for both locals and visitors looking to explore Augusta. It offers insider tips on dining, helping you maximize your restaurant experiences, and highlights the city's entertainment venues, from cozy night spots to major concert halls. You’ll find unique shopping options, ranging from charming boutiques to one of the nation’s largest jewelers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various recreational activities, whether at a state-of-the-art minor league ballpark or kayaking on the river and canal. The guide delves into Augusta’s rich history, covering significant events from the American Revolution to the Civil War, and features notable figures like a Titanic hero, the twenty-eighth President, a blind blues artist, a legendary comedy duo, the “Godfather of Soul,” and an international diva. With curated suggestions and seasonal itineraries, local author Tom Mack shares insights from his extensive exploration of Augusta’s past and present.

Situated between the mountains and the coast, Aiken County attracted ailing members of the southern planter class once the railroad from Charleston to Hamburg was completed in 1833. After the Civil War, grand hotels and sporting activities drew wealthy northern capitalists south for the winter here. A third era of prosperity came in the 1950s, when the Cold War prompted the construction of a nuclear reservation. Local author Tom Mack uncovers the lesser-known stories behind the major events that shaped the area's colorful past. Meet inventor James Legare, political insider George Croft and singing sensation Arthur Lee Simpkins. Learn about the controversial Graniteville murder of 1876 and how an abdicated king found solace in Aiken in 1936. And discover so many more interesting stories.