Westside - Augusta, GA

Augusta is the second-oldest city in Georgia, settled in the early 1700s by a British general. This area played a part in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Augusta focused its industry on cotton in the 1800s before changing to its current focus on the military as well as the manufacturing and medical industries.

Head to downtown Augusta to visit the Augusta Canal Discovery Center, the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Augusta also has an arts scene centered around the Imperial Theatre and Artists Row, which features galleries, studios and other artistic venues. Augusta hosts a number of annual events, including the Masters golf tournament and the Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival.

Diverse dining venues line State Road 28 and Wrightsboro Road and can also be found in the Surrey Center. Lots of chain restaurants populate the Westside, but the area also offers independent eateries that serve seafood, Southern and ethnic cuisines for those looking to find some of the neighborhood's local gems.

When you want to impress your guests, bring them to Abel Brown Southern Kitchen/Oyster Bar, and enjoy its stylish, classy decor. Don’t get too attached to a favorite dish, because the menu changes to reflect seasonal ingredients from local sources. The restaurant makes the oyster its star, but it can also satisfy you through flavors that vary from pork to sea bass if the shellfish doesn't catch your fancy.

Find Southern food like your grandma makes at Honey From the Rock Café located at The Master's Plaza on Washington Road. Order traditional down-home favorites, such as fried green tomatoes, sweet potato casserole, fried catfish, collard greens and fried chicken, within the buffet. This place only opens for a short window of time during lunch hours, so make sure to get there before it closes.

For new-American cuisine, check out Finch & Fifth. It has a high-end feel that remains welcoming to everyone. Pick from plated entrées, or have fun with charcuterie boards filled with decadent meats and cheeses, such as soppressata, Cablana goat gouda and black pepper and sorghum summer sausage.

Westside provides a fun nightlife for its residents. Many of the restaurants, such as Finch & Fifth, include a bar to get the night started. Take your mind off your worries in the cozy log cabin setting of The Indian Queen. For a regular bar scene, head to Sheehan's Irish Pub, which serves impressive food along with its selections of beer, wine and cocktails. If you feel like dancing, head to The Country Club for a casual atmosphere or Surreal at Surrey for an upscale vibe.

You generally need a car to get around Westside Augusta. A few roads have biking lanes or trails, although most don't. Residential areas can provide a quiet spot off the beaten path to take a recreational ride. Augusta benefits from bus routes that go through some parts of Westside, although you can't find bus stops everywhere.

Call a cab company in advance if you need a ride, since hailing one on the streets is not practical in this area. Uber doesn't service the Westside, and parking is limited to business establishments that provide parking for patrons. When you drive around this area, you have easy access to many major highways, including Interstates 520 and 20, State Roads 28 and 104, and U.S. Routes 78 and 278.

Westside Augusta includes a few small parks for its residents. The Warren Road Community Center provides a playground for the kids and numerous facilities for exercising, including a gym, tennis courts and basketball courts. Certain activities charge a fee.

For a free park experience, kids can enjoy an extensive play area and families can walk on the trails at Brookfield Park. Big Oak Park also has a playground for kids. You can bring your leashed dog to enjoy the fun at these parks.

Some area parks host annual events for children and families. Not far east of Westside, the Carrie J. Mays Community Center holds the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Celebration in February of every year.

This area has a higher cost of living than the Augusta average. Expect to pay an average of $694 to rent a one-bedroom residence. A one-way bus pass to the city center costs $1.25. At a local pub, expect to pay about $4 for a pint of beer. Gas costs 9 percent less than the national average.

Westside contains major shopping centers that people come from all over the Augusta area to visit. The Augusta Mall and numerous shopping centers and scattered stores along State Roads 232 and 28 provide for local needs. This area houses a number of major chain stores, such as Target and Michael's, but it also has independent specialty stores that sell unique wares.

Harry's Saw Shop sells power equipment for your lawn and garden. This is where you can buy your lawnmower, leaf blower, power saw, hedge trimmers and other outdoor equipment or parts. Visit Trends and Traditions Antiques Mall to see what the dealers are selling. You can find vintage furniture, china, jewelry and other antiques at this mall.

Locals buy groceries from the area Walmart Supercenter, Publix, The Fresh Market, Kroger, Earth Fare or Food Lion. Stop by Good Earth Produce and Garden Center for a farmers market that sells fresh, seasonal produce.