Sean Pavone/Adobe Stock
Augusta, Georgia and the Savannah River glow at twilight.
Fort Gordon, GA
Denise Sloan
Ft. Gordon hit the jacketpot of locations in Georgia. Augusta, the largest nearby city, provides plenty of fun activities for folks stationed at Ft. Gordon. You can go south to the coast or north to the mountains in just two and half hours. Plus Columbia, SC is one hour east and Atlanta is two and a half hours west. Numerous small towns make fun day trips possible, too.
The location and the plethora of events throughout the year make Ft. Gordon (formerly Ft. Eisenhower) a great place for families. It was one of my husband’s early assignments. Since neither of us had lived in Georgia, we enjoyed exploring the food, culture and activities in the Southeast.
Now that we’re back, we see how the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) has grown, not just Augusta. The CSRA encompasses 13 Georgia counties and five South Carolina counties. Augusta’s now the second largest city in Georgia with 200,000 residents. The CSRA has 500,000 residents.
Despite it’s growth, it still feels like a mid-sized town to me. I will admit there is more traffic, but it’s definitely not Atlanta-level chaos. Some things haven’t changed, though. Augusta’s still known for the world-famous Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club.
We’ve been busy checking out all of the local adventures. So let’s take a look at some of the options organized by distance from Ft. Gordon.
On Post Activities
Ft. Gordon offers a number of perks for active duty, retirees and those affiliated with the military. Kids will enjoy the Outdoor Pool and Spray Park at the Courtyard on a hot summer day. Frisbee golf aficionados can play a free round at the Five Star Disc Golf course off Wainwright Circle.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The free Five Star Disc Golf course on post is open to beginners and pros.
When you’re ready for air conditioning, the whole family can enjoy the Five Star Lanes bowling center. It has a pro shop, Kegler’s Cafe and the Heroes Bar. They also offer leagues and host tournaments throughout the year.
A 10 minute drive from the bowling alley, gets you to Hilltop Riding Stables where you can take lessons or go on an one hour trail ride.
Eisenhower Lakes Golf Club, just a few minutes drive from Hilltop, offers a course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. Yes that world famous Robert Trent Jones. He laid out the first 18 holes in 1976 and the Pine View side was added in 2002.
My version of golf involves the miniature variety; however, I can confirm that Bogey’s Grill at the Eisenhower Clubhouse makes a mean Reuben sandwich.
About 20 minutes from the golf course, Leitner Lake Recreation Complex offers a quiet retreat from daily life. The area has 35 full hook-up campsites, a comfort station and a picnic pavilion, conference center plus a primitive camping area.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The serene waters of Leitner Lake offer a tranquil escape from daily life.
The Tactical Advantage Sportsman Complex at Range 14 gives recreational shooters and archers a place to learn and hone their skills. They offer lessons, range time and special events.
Ft. Gordon has a variety of fun adventures for service members and families. But more adventures await off post, too.
30 Minutes or Less
Because the CRSA covers so many counties and towns, there’s a multitude of adventures to choose. We’ll focus on Augusta for now.
So, going out Gate 1 or 5, head east toward the Phinzey Swamp Nature Park. It’s a stone’s throw from the Augusta Regional Airport. The city of Augusta created the park as part of water treatment wetlands.
Spring, fall or winter is the best time to visit as summer gets very hot, humid and buggy.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The boardwalk allows visitors to explore the swamp part of Phinzey Swamp Nature Park safely.
Wildlife loves the area! We’ve hiked many of the trails and saw osprey, a bald eagle and lots of alligators. Big alligators.
Jonathan Sloan/PCS Adventures
An alligator keeps a close eye on us at the Phinzey Swamp Nature Park.
When you go, stop by the visitors center and pick up a trail map or download one from the website before leaving home. The park includes a playground, pollinator garden, visitors center with restrooms and an outdoor classroom for the kids. Summer camps are often offered too.
Stepping Back in Time
Next head north toward downtown Augusta. The Garden City, one Augusta’s nicknames, is the second oldest city in Georgia. British General James Oglethorpe founded the city in 1736. It played an important role in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Augusta also served as the state capitol from 1785-1795.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The Augusta Riverwalk gives visitors nice views of the Savannah River mixed with a little history, some unique art and exercise.
History buffs will find plenty of things to check out in downtown Augusta. In fact, exploring all of it will probably take several trips. I’d start with a stroll along the Augusta Riverwalk that runs parallel to the Savannah River. It’s a brick trail about one mile one way, starting at 5th Street and ending at 13th Street.
The two-tiered trail provides great views of the river and has plaques that tell the history of Augusta. As you stroll the upper level, you’re actually walking on the levee that prevents the Savannah River from flooding downtown. The lower level has a playground and marina. Kids and leashed dogs can burn lots of energy exploring the Riverwalk.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The Augusta Sculpture Trail provides a unique photo opportunity.
The Augusta Sculpture Trail meanders through downtown Augusta. Six pieces of art dot the Riverwalk and the remaining 12 are found throughout Augusta. The trail’s website even has a QR code you can scan to learn about each piece of art.
A bonus for art and history lovers, the Morris Museum of Art and the Augusta History Museum are within walking distance from the trail as are several restaurants. I approve of dessert before dinner and I’d highly recommend making time for some treats at The Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery.
Also on Saturdays from March-November the Augusta Market at the River sets up shop near the 8th Street entrance to the Riverwalk. It’s a great place to find local farms, artist and small businesses.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge is full of colorful surprises.
The 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge burst on to the scene a couple of years ago when the city converted a regular bridge to a unique pedestrian bridge. We enjoyed the smattering of history, art and kids activities on this bridge. Plus it provided a great spot to take a photo of downtown Augusta.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The road leading up to the 5th street bridge is full of murals that depict important pieces of Augusta’s history.
Once you’ve explored the bridge, head back toward Georgia and take a few minutes to check out the murals along the road. Recently artists painted colorful murals that depict Augusta’s history.
Augusta’s Main Street
Next, head in toward the city, specifically Broad Street. You might say Broad Street is Augusta’s Main Street. Each September the city hosts the “Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival” on Broad Street. Here you’ll also find many local restaurants and shops like Nacho Mama’s, Farmhaus Burgers, Tacocat and Augusta & Co, so it’s a good place to stop for a meal and do some shopping. After you fuel up, head out toward the Augusta Common, also along Broad Street.
Just before reaching this green space, check out James Brown’s statute on a strip in the middle of Broad Street.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
Augusta resident and the Godfather of Soul James Brown stands in the middle of Broad Street in downtown Augusta.
James and his family called Augusta home for many years. You can go online and reserve a spot for The James Brown Family Historical Tour to learn all about the Godfather of Soul.
Crossing the rest of Broad Street to the Augusta Common, the Augusta Sculpture Trail winds its way through this green space that stretches from Broad to Reynolds streets. The city holds events like the Juneteenth festival and concerts in the Common plus there are historical plaques and a statue of James Oglethorpe.
The Imperial Theater built in 1918 for vaudeville, is a three minute walk down Broad Street from the Commons. Today you can see a show staring the Augusta Players, attend a ballet performance or take a tour of this historic building, including the Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Each January the theater hosts the Poison Peach Film Festival.
Cross Broad Street and head toward 7th Street to see the Miller Theater, built in 1938. This art deco building has been restored and now offers a variety of concerts, movies and special events.
Also on 7th Street is the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson. He may have been the preacher’s son, but he still had a streak of naughtiness. You can still see where he carved his first name “Tom” in to the window pane in the Best Room.
If you want to see something really unusual, head down Broad toward 6th Street where you’ll find Pexcho’s American Dime Museum. It’s a curiosity that’s only open by appointment now so you’ll want to call ahead.
The Augusta Canal
Next, hop in the car and head over to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area to take a Petersburg boat ride. You should call for reservations as there are several different types of tours and they’re all popular. I’d go in the spring, fall or winter since there is no shade and summer is broiling.
Stop at the Discovery Center first and learn about the construction of the canal in the 1840s, the Industrial Revolution and how it helped electrify the city. The museum has a short movie, interactive displays and a gift shop.
When it’s time for the ride, head out of the Discovery Center doors and hop in the boat. Your guide will spin tales from the past and wildlife, like alligators, just may show up as you cruise down the canal.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
George Walton’s home Meadow Garden whisks visitors back to the founding of our country.
Meadow Garden is a short drive from the Discovery Center and also along the canal. George Walton, one of the youngest signers of the Declaration of Independence and a combat veteran, lived here. Both he and his wife Dorothy were held as prisoners of war by the British. George was a big deal nationally as well as in Georgia.
Since 1901 costumed guides provide tours of his home for visitors. Several special events are held throughout the year. We especially enjoyed the Fourth of July tour. They even had period activities just for the kids.
Well, that wraps up my exploration of adventures on Ft. Gordon and in downtown Augusta. There’s a little something for everyone in the CSRA. Join me next week when I cast a wider net for adventures in smaller communities around Ft. Gordon.