The Golf Hall of Fame in Augusta, Georgia officially closed by Senate Bill 449 on June 1, 2010. The Georgia State Golf Association officially began managing induction ceremonies and other Hall of Fame duties later the same month. The land the Golf Hall of Fame and Botanical Gardens once called home is now for sale, with interest expressed by various local hospitals and development projects. While the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame may be no more, there is still lots to see and do for golf lovers in downtown Augusta.
The area around Walton Way and Walton Way Extension provide a breathtaking view of the historic district in downtown Augusta. Walton Way provides several quaint, intimate restaurants and gastropubs mixed in with old residential neighborhoods. The Partridge Inn, for example, places visitors in the center of historic Augusta. Venture in one direction to find downtown with the Riverwalk Park to stroll the banks of the Savannah River. Venture in the other direction to see the famous Hill Section with stately houses and the historical Augusta State University campus.
The heart of downtown Augusta features tree-lined streets and old world architecture on the banks of the Savannah River. Hotels like the Marriott rest at the water's edge, along the path of Riverwalk Park. Pubs, restaurants, art galleries, museums and a rich nightlife are all within walking distance. Artist Row, as the section of Broad Street closest to Reynolds Street is also known, features antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques to suit any shopper's taste. Check out First Friday, an artistic event held on the first Friday of every month, where you can stroll the streets and soak up the local art culture.
The Riverwatch Parkway was once nothing more than an expressway connecting the area around National Hills and the Augusta National Golf Course with downtown Augusta. Today, the drive along Riverwatch Parkway features modern hotel accommodations and beautiful views of the Savannah. Big chain hotels like Choice, Jameson, Hyatt Place and Ramada have all opened hotels in recent years along this scenic parkway. Developers have announced plans for shopping, dining and other amenities. The Riverwalk Marina is just a short two miles up the road for travelers with boats and other water sport interests.
Few hotels pepper the landscape between downtown Augusta and the area around Augusta National known as National Hills. This residential area of Augusta gets the most traffic during the week of Masters, owing to its location just across Washington Road. Just a few minutes drive further up Washington Road provides numerous choices for accommodations. These hotels are farther from downtown, but still easily accessible from Riverwatch Parkway, Washington Road/Calhoun Expressway, and I20.
