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Augusta, Georgia
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The Bee's Knees
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Whiskey Bar (Kitchen)
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Finch & Fifth Photo by Judah Gutierrez
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The Hive
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Frog Hollow Tavern
Every April, the eyes of the sporting universe turn to this lush corner of Georgia as it plays host to the most famous golf tournament in the world, The Masters. If you are lucky enough to acquire a badge that grants access to the pristine grounds of Augusta National, it will change the way you think about the game and what a golf course can be. But those elusive tickets are difficult to come by, so don't forget that Augusta is a worthy destination the other 51 weeks of the year as well. Filled with musical, cultural, historic, and culinary experiences, the Garden City is a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway.
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During Masters Week, seats at most of the best restaurants in town are taken up by jet-setters. The rest of the year, civilians can get a table fairly easily. Finch & Fifth is a popular American bistro in Surrey Center, just a few blocks from Augusta National. Clever cocktails and refined cheese and charcuterie plates are a great way to kick off a meal that revolves around a traditional chophouse menu.
Downtown on the bustling Broad Street corridor, crowds hop to the Frog Hollow Tavern for its clubby ambience and cuisine built around a farm-to-table philosophy. The menu is divided into small plates designed for sharing and larger entrees. Frog Hollow also features one of the deepest wine lists in town, with a nice selection of domestic and international bottles.
If you prefer whiskey over wine, then head to Whiskey Bar (Kitchen). The rustic-chic decor includes wooden pallets hanging from the wall, exposed brick, and a tin ceiling. The long bar mixes up inventive cocktails with top-shelf spirits, and the food is centered on an interesting Asian-burger-fusion menu. Make sure to order the waffle fries with one of the restaurant's signature dipping sauces.
Beer drinkers buzz about two sister restaurants located a block apart on 10th Street: The Bee's Knees and The Hive. The former is more of a full-service establishment serving tapas with Asian flair made in a tiny kitchen using local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. An extensive menu of craft beers from obscure breweries across the country and around the world provides ideal pairings. At The Hive, beer is an even bigger player, with almost 80 taps serving craft drafts, wines, cocktails, sake, sodas, and kombucha to enjoy alongside a small array of salads and sandwiches.
Photos courtesy Augusta CVB, Finch & Fifth Facebook (Judah Gutierrez), Robbins Photography Inc.
