Frog Hollow Tavern
"A perennial favorite among Augusta insiders and tournament regulars alike. The kitchen turns out refined Southern dishes with jaw-dropping consistency β and the signature shrimp & grits deserve their own fan club."
β¦ April 2026 Β· Your Augusta Playbook β¦
A local's playbook for spouses, families, and anyone who'd rather explore than spectate. World-class eats, waterway adventures, hidden cultural treasures β plus a treasure-hunt shopping experience where everything starts at just a buck.
Augusta's dining spots swing open early for tournament week. Show up before the lunch rush and you'll have your pick of the best seats in the house.
Hop on I-20 and you're at The Bin Store in about 15 minutes flat. No downtown gridlock, no parking drama β just smooth sailing to bargain heaven.
The good tables vanish fast once tournament buzz builds. Lock in your reservations through OpenTable or a quick phone call before it's too late.
Glide down the Augusta Canal while the morning mist is still on the water. Savannah Rapids has rentals ready and the flat-water route is perfect for newcomers.
Everything in the bins drops to one dollar on Thursdays. Doors close at 2 PM sharp, so plan your morning around this one.
World-class Southern cuisine awaits. From refined tavern fare to sizzling BBQ, Augusta's dining scene rivals any golf game happening across town.
"A perennial favorite among Augusta insiders and tournament regulars alike. The kitchen turns out refined Southern dishes with jaw-dropping consistency β and the signature shrimp & grits deserve their own fan club."
"Modern Southern cooking with serious craft β think oysters on the half shell followed by elevated comfort food. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it an ideal spot for a celebratory night out."
"Broad Street's hottest pit stop where every protein gets the live-flame treatment. The outdoor patio is pure gold on a warm April evening, and the smoked mac & cheese? Absolutely legendary."
See Reviews β"A family table where everyone leaves happy β sky-high pancake stacks, sizzling loaded skillets, and all-day breakfast that hits different after a morning of exploring. Hands down the best casual morning fuel near Augusta National."
See Reviews βFrom paddling peaceful canals to catching a live ball game, Augusta serves up outdoor adventures and entertainment that outshine any leaderboard.
"Five miles of flat-water bliss through one of America's most scenic industrial canals. Spot turtles basking on logs and great blue herons hunting the shallows. Singles start at $20, doubles at $40 β and active military save even more."
Book Your Kayak β"Over a thousand acres of wetland trails, raised boardwalks, and incredible wildlife encounters β from river otters to the occasional gator sighting. Zero admission cost, open sunup to sundown, and the kids' Alligator Egg Hunt during tournament week is an absolute blast."
Plan Your Visit β"The ultimate ironic move: swinging clubs at Topgolf while your partner watches the pros. Great eats, inventive cocktails, and multi-level driving bays that keep everyone laughing regardless of skill level."
Book a Bay β"The Braves' Single-A squad takes the field at SRP Park right in the thick of tournament week. Grab affordable seats, soak in the river views, and enjoy a cold one while catching future big-leaguers in action β peak April evening material."
Get Tickets β"Meander along the Savannah River promenade, pause at striking public sculptures, and keep an ear out for live sets on the amphitheater stage. Weekend markets bring local artisans and food trucks right to the waterfront β all without spending a dime."
Explore Riverwalk β"Let a seasoned local paddler show you the hidden coves of Stallings Island and Betty's Branch. Every turtle sunning spot, every heron nesting tree β mapped out so first-timers feel like naturalists by the time they dock."
Book a Tour βSkip the overpriced souvenir tents. The real win this week is digging through bins packed with brand-name Amazon & Target returns β priced from just one dollar. This veteran- and family-run gem has the entire CSRA buzzing, and it's barely a 15-minute drive from the course.
The bins reset every Friday & Saturday with fresh inventory. Come back all week as prices drop!
862 Horizon South Parkway
Grovetown, GA 30813
π (803) 507-5982
π shopbinstores.com
β β β β β Rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor & Google
Dive into Augusta's rich heritage through world-class museums, historic canal tours, and boutique shopping districts that put the "culture" in counterculture.
"Home to the planet's only collection focused entirely on Southern art, from colonial-era portraits to bold contemporary work. The galleries are peaceful, the curation is world-class, and five bucks gets you through the door. Block out at least 90 minutes."
Plan Your Visit β"Twelve thousand years of history packed into one engaging space β from Revolutionary War battles to the Godfather of Soul himself. The hands-on exhibits keep kids (and restless adults) glued in, and the QR-coded audio tour is a clever touch."
Explore History β"Climb aboard a replica cargo boat and glide through the only fully preserved pre-Civil-War industrial canal in the country. The narrated ride chronicles Augusta's surprising chapter as a textile giant β and the scenery alone is worth the fare."
Book Canal Tour β"An open-air shopping village brimming with stylish boutiques, hometown fashion brands, and upscale dining. The Swank Co. has earned its title as Augusta's favorite women's boutique β pair it with a leisurely lunch and you've got a full afternoon planned."
Shop Surrey Center βWhile they chase pars and birdies, treat yourself to a spa day that rivals any green jacket ceremony. Augusta's wellness scene is championship-caliber.
"Consistently crowned Augusta's premier day spa year after year. From dermaplaning and lash lifts to deep-tissue bodywork, every service hits a high note. Their popular Spa Day Package ($199) pairs a 60-minute massage with a signature facial β pure indulgence."
Book Your Treatment β"Step into an actual Himalayan salt cave, sink into a zero-gravity lounger, and let the mineral-rich air do its thing. It's gloriously unconventional β and the full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments rounds out the experience."
Learn More β"Tucked in the Evans corridor, this boutique wellness retreat delivers everything from Swedish massage to specialty facials in a beautifully tranquil setting. Tournament-week packages sell fast β lock one in while your golf fan does their thing."
Book Now βDon't just take our word for it. Here's what fellow non-golfers discovered during Masters Week 2024 and 2025.
"Dropped my husband at the course and honestly had a better day than he did. Morning paddle on the canal, then scored a KitchenAid attachment for $6 at The Bin Store (!!!), and capped it with a Spa Bleu facial. Already planning next April's trip β with or without him."
"We ended up sharing a bar section with an Augusta caddie at Frog Hollow and the stories were priceless. The shrimp and grits were on another level. My husband finally admitted my evening beat his day at the tournament β and that's saying something."
"Our kids are still raving about the Alligator Egg Hunt at Phinizy Swamp months later. After that we stopped at The Bin Store β the littles grabbed toys and I snagged a Dyson part for $4. Augusta completely surprised us as a family travel spot."
"My partner lives for the Masters, but I couldn't care less about birdies. Our compromise? Mornings digging through The Bin Store together (hello, $6 Roomba still sealed in the box!!), then he'd head to the course while I explored town. Best trip we've taken as a couple."
"SRP Park blew us away β $8 got us into a gorgeous riverside ballpark with Braves farmhands giving it everything they had. Cold beer, warm evening, and way more excitement than any golf telecast. We came back a second night. Enough said."
"Abel Brown for oysters and shrimp & grits was a highlight of our entire trip β not just Masters Week, but the whole year. The server was so warm and knowledgeable. Bring a reservation though, it gets absolutely packed during tournament week!"
The Bin Store Grovetown is a family and veteran-owned liquidation store featuring Amazon returns, Target overstock, and major retailer liquidations β all at jaw-dropping prices ($1β$6 per item). Located just 15 minutes from Augusta National at I-20 Exit 190, it's the perfect Masters Week adventure. New bins arrive every Friday & Saturday, so there's always something new to discover. Visit shopbinstores.com for hours and directions!
Absolutely. The canal route is five miles of calm, flat water β no rapids, no whitewater, just a gentle float through gorgeous scenery. Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental supplies everything you need and walks you through the basics. Singles run $20 and tandems $40, with a military discount available.
YES β 100% yes. Augusta's top restaurants like Frog Hollow Tavern and Abel Brown fill up weeks in advance during Masters Week. Book on OpenTable as soon as possible. If you don't have a reservation, arrive early (before 5:30pm) for your best chance at a walk-in table. Casual spots like Fifth & Fire and Metro Diner are easier to get into without reservations.
That depends on your priority. Friday and Saturday ($6/item) bring the freshest inventory. If rock-bottom prices are the goal, mid-week is where it's at β $2 on Wednesday, $1 on Thursday (doors close at 2 PM). A popular strategy: scout items on restock day, then return Thursday to grab them for a buck. Whatever day you choose, showing up early pays off.
Plenty. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is free and wide open β kids go wild for the wildlife and the Alligator Egg Hunt. The Bin Store turns into a real-life treasure hunt (children love it). GreenJackets baseball at SRP Park offers affordable tickets and a lively atmosphere. Metro Diner serves up oversized portions that satisfy even the pickiest eaters, and the Riverwalk is a beautiful, free stroll safe for all ages.
At least two to three weeks ahead. Augusta's top spas β Spa Bleu in particular β get flooded with bookings once tournament visitors start arriving. If you're cutting it close, call the spa directly and ask about cancellation openings. Spa Bleu's $199 Spa Day Package (massage plus signature facial) is the most requested treatment during tournament week.