To fully immerse your group in Augusta’s history and culture, look no further than Destination Augusta’s new Authentic Augusta Experiences. These interactive group experiences are designed for participants to step directly into Augusta’s past, present, and future. This curated collection of the city’s best sights and excursions will excite groups of all interests—from history buffs to art lovers and everything in between. Here’s a closer look at four of these new group offerings.
“Augusta’s Black Caddies – Men on the Bag” explores the legacies of the Black Caddies, the men who assisted Masters Tournament participants at Augusta National Golf Club. This one-hour drama experience brings the caddies’ storied pasts to life, providing a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most significant moments in golf history—from Gene Sarazen’s 1935 “shot heard around the world” to Jack Nicklaus’s many victories and beyond.
Guests will even have a chance to chat with one of Augusta’s “living legend” Black Caddies while enjoying pimento cheese sandwiches and sipping on Arnold Palmers. The tour takes place within in The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, and admission includes access to the museum’s exhibits.
Calling all creatives! “Promenade & Paint – Augusta’s Public Art” showcases Augusta’s public art scene and gives groups an opportunity to create works of their own. The tour begins with a guided stroll through downtown Augusta, where sculptures and murals line the streets. The second half of the adventure takes groups to Humanitree House, an organic and vegan juice bar, where an indoor mural painting experience awaits. With the help of a local artist, groups will learn about mural arts, enjoy fresh-pressed juice, and paint a portion of a public mural together.
Credit: Destination Augusta
For groups who like to get up-close and personal with nature, “Eco Explorers – Become a Citizen Scientist” is a must-do. The tour begins on the boardwalk, where fish, alligators, and waterfowl can be seen hanging out in Phinizy Swamp. Later, each “eco explorer” will hike up their waders and step right into the wetlands. Using a dip net, groups collect and identify specimens alongside staff scientists while learning about the importance of their findings. Participants will then head to the Phinizy Center’s Research Lab for a behind-the-scenes tour and the chance to ask researchers about current projects.
The “Mystery at the Morris – The Rest of the Story” interactive tour takes the museum-going experience to the next level. Visitors will put on their detective hats as they explore the Southern collection at the Morris Museum of Art, working to uncover artists’ secrets, find a hidden drawing, learn about a missing painting, and more.
With the help of a rogue “journalist” and a museum docent, groups take a deep dive into the interconnected world of Southern artists and learn about Augusta’s long-standing history of journalism. Afterwards, participants will make a printed souvenir of their own that will serve as a reminder to ask questions about art.
By Macy Harder
Main Image: Morris Museum of Art, Credit: Destination Augusta
