The sluggish economy may have some North Augustans nixing the family vacation this year.
But North Augusta offers many alternatives to spending vacation on chores or all-day movie marathons.
Below are a few ideas for spending a week exploring the city, without burning a tank full of gas. Mark Your Calendar on page two lists events going on around North Augusta and can also be a useful planning tool.
Monday
Check out the latest best seller from Nancy Carson Library on Edgefield Road and take it to the boat dock at the end of Hammond's Ferry Drive, just past the soccer fields.
If the weather is nice, spend a quiet morning relaxing by the Savannah River under an umbrella or bring a rod and reel to fish off the boat dock.
After a casual lunch at local greasy spoon Al's Family Restaurant on Atomic Road spend the afternoon searching for treasures at the Riverfront Antique Mall on Jefferson Davis Highway.
Tuesday
Kick off the second day of vacation with a long walk on the Greeneway. Starting points are throughout the city, but from River Bluff off Martintown Road, the scenery includes the rapids and will take you past Riverview Park, Hammond's Ferry and Brick Pond Park. The city offers an online map of the Greeneway at www.northaugusta.net.
A brisk walk calls for indulgence at Ming Yat Restaurant on Georgia Avenue. Then walk across the street to feel like a kid again while licking an ice cream cone from the Pink Dipper.
Once your belly is full, relax on a Patriot Riverboat Tour from 10th Street in Augusta . Sure, you have to go into Augusta to get to it, but it will allow you to see North Augusta in a new way. It's also air conditioned.
Information, including available tour times and rates, is available at www.patriottourboat.com.
Wednesday
If you have a GPS, skip the library and create your own scavenger hunt with geocaching. Visit www.geocaching.com to see a list of North Augusta sites. Start at the Living History Park where several treasures are stored. Remember to bring your own treasures to add to the loot you find.
Pick up burger baskets and a quart of ice-cold root beer from SNO-CAP Drive-In on West Avenue before to take to the park for a picnic. When you need to cool off soak your feet in the artesian spring that runs through the park.
If air conditioning is needed, spend the afternoon chilling out at Northside Lanes on Georgia Avenue.
Thursday
Head out to Gurosik's Berry Plantation to pick some juicy strawberries and browse their store. While you're in the Merriwether area, grab the much talked about loaded baked potato at Sportsman's BBQ on Martintown Road.
Chick-fil-A offers Kid's Night from 5-8 p.m. where you can grab dinner on the fly so you can head over to Maude Edenfield Park by 7 p.m. for Music in the Park. A concert is offered each week through the end of July.
If you prefer something indoors and away from the kids, try your hand at trivia at the Highlander on Georgia Avenue. It's free, begins at 7:30 p.m., and you might win a $35 bar tab.
Friday
Take a driving tour of North Augusta's historic homes and markers. Enjoy lunch at The River House on Georgia Avenue, which was built in 1905 and was home of the former B.C. Davenports.
Learn more about North Augusta's history at the new Arts and Heritage Center, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photos of more historic homes and their histories are available. The gift shop also offers souvenirs for your week of exploring North Augusta.
Nancy Carson Library offers the chance for one movie during the week. Inkheart plays at 3 p.m. and attendees can make button flowers afterward.
To round out the week, visit Hammond's Ferry Brick Yard Market from 4 p.m. until dusk. The market includes fresh produce from local vendors. Take your purchases home and whip up a gourmet meal (or a really nice salad) for dinner and start that movie marathon for the last evening of vacation.
Reach Lisa Kaylor at lisa.kaylor@northaugustatoday.com.
BOATING
Canoe Rentals , Riverwalk Marina; (706) 722-1338; Rates: Getting started package $25 for four hours; Hours: 10 a.m .- 5 p.m.
Patriot Riverboat Tours ; (803) 730-9739; Rates and hours are available on the Web site, www.patriottourboat.com.
GOLF
Mount Vintage Plantation and Golf Club, 215 Mount Vintage Plantation Drive; (803) 278-5000, www.mountvintage.com; has 18-hole championship course and nine-hole course; tennis; swimming pool; fitness center; equestrian center; walking, jogging and biking trails; membership required.
The River Club, 307 Riverside Blvd.; (803) 202-0110; www.rivergolfclub.com; Open to the public; call for fees.
North Augusta Country Club, 2001 Gregory Lake Road, (803) 279-1198, www.northaugustagolf.com; membership required.
Carolina Springs Driving Range, 1301 Womrath Road; (803) 279-9803. Hours: noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
DISC GOLF
Riverview Park Activities Center, 100 Riverview Park Drive; (803) 441-4300. Free. Learn to play at www.discgolfassoc.com.How to play?FISHING/CAMPING/SWIMMING
Langley Pond , Langley Dam Road, just off of U.S. Highway 1 in Langley. Fishing, swimming, boating, bathhouse, grills, picnic areas are free. Concessions are available.
Silver Bluff Audubon Society , 4542 Silver Bluff Road, Beech Island; Walking trails. Gates open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Riverview Park Boat Ramp , (803) 441-4300. Fishing, boating, picnic tables. Camping is available; sites must be reserved.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site , 181 Redcliffe Road; (803) 827-1473. Now a state park, this 1859 plantation was home to Gov. James Henry Hammond. Amenities include tours and hiking trails. Admission to the park is free. House tours, which begin at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday, are $4 for ages 16 and up, $2.50 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6-15.
OUTDOORS
Wade Hampton Veterans Park , 300 block of Georgia Avenue. Pays homage to veterans of each war America has fought since the American Revolution. Call (803) 441-4300.
Living History Park , Lake and West Spring Grove avenues; features buildings typical of a Colonial town. A sensory garden filled with flowers, herbs, wind chimes, water features and a nature path provides relaxing place to enjoy nature. The park plays host to several annual events that bring history to life, including Under the Crown, A Day to Remember, and Spirits of Hallowed Eve, as well as monthly demonstrations of colonial life. Visit www.colonialtimes.us.
The North Augusta Greeneway Trail is a paved, multipurpose trail that stretches for more than seven miles. Parking is available at access points on Riverside Boulevard, Riverview Park Drive at the Riverview Park Activities Center, and Pisgah Road. A loop of the trail runs along the riverfront in Hammond's Ferry, a mixed-use pedestrian community.
ANTIQUES AND GIFT SHOPS
Anything Goes Gifts , 423 West Ave.; (803) 278-4849. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Artisans Beverly Hills , 616 Edgefield Road; (706) 421-2036. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Communigraphics , 1400 Georgia Ave.; (803) 278-7217. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gift shop is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Estate Jewelry Co. , 506 Georgia Ave.; (803) 279-8362. Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
House of Creative Arts Gallery , 616 Edgefield Road Suite 100; (803) 279-7361; Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturday.
Kit and Caboodles: Kandy and Kandles , 510 Edgefield Road; (803) 279-7157. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Lost in the 50s , 610 Edgefield Road; (803) 278-1611. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Riverfront Antique Mall , 5979 Jefferson Davis Highway; (803) 279-0900. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Savannah River Art Glass , 120 Georgia Ave.; (803) 278-2818. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Singing Hills Antiques , 415 West Ave.; (803) 441-8805. Hours: Usually 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If making this a destination, call ahead to be sure the store is open.
DINING
Al's Family Restaurant, 611 Atomic Road; (803) 278-3140. Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
?Ashley's Fish and Seafood, 514 Belvedere-Clearwater Road; (803) 819-0920. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday.
BBQ Barn, 605 Atomic Road; (803) 278-7202. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Casa di Pizza & Italian Restaurant, 103 Edgefield Road; (803) 278-4418. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Edmund's BBQ, 511 Edgefield Road; (803) 279-3807. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Ming Yat Restaurant, 434 Georgia Ave.; (803) 279-6963. Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
Old McDonald Fish Camp, 355 Currytown Road; (803) 279-3305. Hours: Opens 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday
Pink Dipper, 501 Georgia Ave.; (803) 279-4100. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
The River House, 301 Georgia Ave.; (803) 278-1858. Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
SNO-CAP Drive-In, 618 West Ave.; (803) 279-4004. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Vinny's Pizzeria, 1367 W. Martintown Road; (803) 278-7228. Hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3-9:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday
VINEYARDS/FARMS
Gurosik's Berry Plantation , 345 Briggs Road; (803) 278-0594. Best known for strawberries, Gurosik's also produces blackberries, vegetables and wildflowers. The plantation features pick-it-yourself fields and a store in which customers can purchase produce and products made from Gurosik's produce.
Bell Farms Strawberry Patch , 1831 Knobcone Dr.; (803) 279-3431.HISTORICAL MARKERS
- Hamburg, at U.S. Highway 1 and the Savannah River. It was one of the first cities on the Savannah River, Hamburg served as a trading center in the early 1800s.
- James U. Jackson Memorial bBridge, Georgia Avenue at the Savannah River. The bridge was named in honor of the founder of North Augusta.
- Samuel Hammond, on River Park Drive. Samuel Hammond was an Indian fighter who was buried in North Augusta in 1842.
- Martintown Road, on Martintown Road two blocks south of Georgia Avenue. The marker commemorates an Indian path from Fort Moore to the Saluda ridge used by traders in the 1730s.
- Hampton Terrace Hotel, 1000 block of Carolina Avenue. Marker pays homage to the grand hotel, which stood rom 1903 until it burned in 1916.
- Downer Institute and School, Hammond Road and U.S. Highway 278, Beech Island. The Downer Institute was founded in 1843 and operated until 1865. It was reopened as Downer Elementary School, which operated from 1924-50 and 1952-86.
- Beech Island Agricultural Club, U.S. Highway 278 at Spann Hammond Road in Beech Island. Organized in 1856; monthly meeting have been held almost without interruption to disseminate information about agriculture.
CEMETERIES
Zubly Cemetery, Old Jackson Highway, Beech Island. More than 200 years old, this cemetery is the final resting place for Swiss settlers and their descendants. Open by appointment only; (803) 827-0184.
CHURCHES
All Saints Episcopal Church, entrance to Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. Built in 1836 by Beech Island Presbyterian Church, it was the site of Woodrow Wilson's wife's baptism. The church was renamed All Saints Episcopal Church in 1950.
Silver Bluff Baptist Church, Old Jackson Highway. The first fully black Baptist church in America, formed on a plantation at Silver Bluff Landing in 1866.
Beech Island Baptist Church, 170 Church Road, Beech Island. This church was built in 1832.
Old Storm Branch Baptist Church, 163 Storm Branch Road, Beech Island. The church began as a plantation chapel but built a permanent structure in 1866.
HOUSES
Take a driving tour of North Augusta's oldest houses, many of which were built around 1900. Some are still private homes while others are businesses. A brochure containing a map and information about each home is available at the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and at www.aikencountysc.gov/tourism/maps.htm.
- The River House, 301 Georgia Ave., built in 1915
- Fearey Home, 302 Georgia Ave., built in 1900
- Berry Benson Home, 309 West Ave.
- First schoolhouse of North Augusta, 415 West Ave., built in 1901. Now houses Singing Hills Antiques.
- James C. Bush Home, 109 W. Pine Grove Ave., Built in 1902, bought by the Bush family in 1920. The family business, Bush Flower Shop, is next door.
- Douglas Home, 708 Carolina Ave., built in 1903
- Trimmier Home, 804 West Ave.
- Sesame Lodge, 1008 West Ave., built in 1902 to take overflow from Hampton Terrace Hotel
- Katherine Randall Home, 1016 West Ave., built 1914
- Boatwright Tea Room, 1106 Carolina Ave.; built around 1902, it served guests of the Hampton Terrace Hotel.
- Sunshine Cottage, 125 Butler Ave., built after the Hampton Terrace Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1916
- Salley House, 1141 Georgia Ave., built around 1905
- Star of Edgefield, 111 Butler Ave., built before the Civil War
- Palmetto Lodge, 1208 Georgia Ave., built as a hunting lodge for the Hampton Terrace Hotel. It is now a restaurant and meeting facility.
- Pine Heights, 1117 Georgia Ave., operated as a sanitarium from 1900-16; now houses the Family Center.
- Ruland Tea Room, 124 W. Arlington Heights, Served guests of the Hampton Terrace Hotel until the hotel burned in 1916. Now it is a private residence.
- Morning Glory, 914 Carolina Ave., built in 1908.
- Paul Knox Home, 819 Georgia Ave., built around 1917.
- Lookaway Hall, 103 W. Forest Ave., built about 1895.
- Rosemary Hall, 804 Carolina Ave., built in 1902 by North Augusta founder James U. Jackson.
