Photos courtesy of Columbia County, Authentic Augusta and individual venues

Head out for adventure without even packing a suitcase
No matter where you live or how long you’ve been there, there is always unexplored territory around you.

So, as summer lingers and the inevitable wails of “There’s nothing to do,” pierce your ears (or even cross your own mind), then dare to venture outside your radius.

Take your camera for a walk, connect with others and discover the unexpected.

Museums
Laurel & Hardy Museum, Harlem
Looking to get yourself out of the heat and into a nice mess? Cool down with comedy. Kick back in Columbia Theater and watch Laurel and Hardy slapstick films throughout the day. harlemmuseumandwelcomecenter.com

Grovetown Museum
Located in a restored, 100-year-old dwelling on West Robinson Avenue, the museum showcases the Grovetown area with four galleries of interesting artifacts and detailed exhibits. Admission is free, and the museum is open year-round. exploregeorgia.org/grovetown/arts-culture/museums/grovetown-museum

Augusta Museum of History
Offering a brown bag lecture series, family fun days and behind the scenes events, the museum takes patrons on a 12,000-year journey through the region’s past. Don’t miss “Time Detectives,” the first museum-centered digital adventure game of its kind. In this experience, patrons can take on case files in a part-escape room, part-scavenger hunt mission to unscramble the past and save the future. augustamuseum.org; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Morris Museum of Art, Augusta
With 7,000 pieces of art, the Morris is the oldest museum in the country that is devoted specifically to the art and artists of the American South. In “Mystery at the Morris – The Rest of the Story,” visitors can team up with a trained museum docent and a rogue journalist to uncover artists’ secrets, discover a hidden drawing, learn about a missing painting and find the Southern connection among the works in this collection. themorris.org; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Augusta
This museum highlights the area’s African-American history and culture, and one of its newest experiences, “The Men on the Bag, Augusta’s Black Caddies,” brings to life the pivotal role that black caddies played in helping pro golfers win the Masters. The experience also offers a chance to meet one of the living legends. lucycraftlaneymuseum.com; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Pexcho’s American Dime Museum, Augusta
This museum, rated the #1 museum in the region by Georgia Business Journal, rotates displays of 600 artifacts at a time and features an art gallery, coffee house, lecture room and 50-seat theater for plays, burlesque and sideshows. Come one, come all and step back in time to see a recreation of the original Victorian museums in the United States and catch a glimpse of a dolphin boy, cyclops fish, leopard chicken or two-headed Peruvian mummy. Tours by appointment only. pexchosamericandimemuseum.com

Peddle, Paddle and Play
Hiking
Whether you’re looking for nature paths or urban streetscapes, this area has plenty of trails for hikers of every skill level. The Bombasin is a collection of eight land trails on the sub-basins of the Savannah River that span Columbia County. Other local trails include the half-mile Sandy Creek Run in Harlem and the 12-mile North Augusta Greeneway. bombasintrail.com

Biking
If you prefer peddling to hoofing it, the hiking trails generally are suitable for biking as well. Plus, mountain bikers shouldn’t miss the 37-mile epic destination FATS (Forks Area Trail System). Those who don’t have their own bike can rent them at places like The Bicycle Peddler at Savannah Rapids Park. sorbacsra.org; bombasintrail.com; bikepeddleraugusta.com

Group Bike Tours
Want to bike with a group? Many local bike shops offer organized rides for different skill levels. Bikers also can cycle the Soul City on a Heart of Augusta Tour with Bike Bike Baby and explore downtown’s public art, historic sites, popular restaurants and local businesses. chainreactionga.com; andyjordans.com; outspokinaugusta.com; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta; bikebikebikebaby.com

Party Bike Tour, Augusta
Join one of Pedal Pub’s “Beerless Leaders” on a 16-person party bike for a tour of downtown Augusta and stops at two or three local bars, breweries or restaurants. With pumping pedals, nonstop music and boisterous singing, the ride is half the fun on the 1 1/2-hour tour. Perfect for group outings and team-building activities. pedalpub.com/augusta

Petersburg Boat Tours, Augusta Canal
Music tours, Civil War tours, history and nature tours and private charters. There are any number of ways to explore the Augusta Canal on a Petersburg Boat Tour. Knowledgeable guides narrate the open-air cruises aboard electric-powered replicas of old-time Petersburg canal boats, which hauled tobacco and cotton on the Savannah River. Be sure to visit the Canal Discovery Center as well. augustacanal.com

Kayaking
The Dam Route, Augusta Canal, Stallings Island, Betty’s Branch, Clarks Hill Lake. These local water trails on the Serene18 Paddle Trail are perfect for kayakers who want to strike out on their own or take a guided tour with Cole Watkins Kayak Tours, Outdoor Augusta Riverside, Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental, Keg Creek Water Sports and Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals. colewatkinstours.com, oariverside.com, kayakaugustacanal.com, kegcreekwatersports.com, twodudesandaboat.com

Fishing Excursions, Clarks Hill Lake
If you don’t know a rod from a reel but want to catch the big one, book a trip with fish whisperers Captains Tony and Rocky of Little River Guide Service (they claim to “kick bass”), Captain Dave of Crockett Rocket Striper Service, Captain Eddie of Mason’s Striper Guide Service or Captain William of William Sasser Fishing Charters. All that’s left is the fish fry. littleriverguideservice.net, crockettrocketstriperfishing.com, masonguideservice.com, williamsasserfishing.com

Glamping, Wildwood Park
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors without getting too carried away, then Timberline Glamping offers (almost) all the comforts of home in lakefront safari and bell tents at Wildwood Park. With beds, hammocks, string lights, fire pit, charcoal grill and other amenities like a nice hotel room, you’ll no doubt want to come back for s’mores. augusta.tlglamping.com

Farms, Gardens & Vineyards
White Hills Farm, Dearing
Purple reigns at this lavender farm in McDuffie County. Visitors are free to roam the gardens of this 28-acre property 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fridays or 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. most Saturdays, and owners Amy or Patrick Sutter will be on hand to talk to guests about the farm. No appointment needed. The farm also offers special events such as hands-on workshops and a July yoga retreat. whitehillsfarm.us

J and L Farm and Stables – Afternoon Tea, Hephzibah
Afternoon tea on the farm includes choice of teas, freshly made scones, crème fraiche, lemon curd, jam, variety of tea sandwiches, seasonal fruit and sweets. Guests also can take a walking tour of the farm’s pollinator garden and beehives. Tea is served any day except Wednesday. Reservations require a minimum of two guests and must be made at least three days in advance. lgritchie57@gmail.com

Bath Gardens, Blythe
Formerly a private estate, the 55-acre gardens, created in the 1960s by Alonzo “Lonnie” Plumb Boardman Sr., have been lovingly restored. Once a resort community, the property attracted notable people such as President William Howard Taft and John D. Rockefeller to the grounds. Open to the public by appointment. bathgardens.com

Hopelands Gardens, Aiken
This peaceful 14-acre public garden features a network of sand/dirt and stone paths shaded under 100-year-old live oaks. Other amenities include a Level I accredited arboretum, fountains, reflection pool, rock fountain, dollhouse, Oak Alley, stage, touch and scent trail, labyrinth, gazebo, wetlands, two swings and three decorated “Horseplay” statues. While you’re there, take time to visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. hopelandsgardens.com

Three Star Vineyard and Orchard, Johnston, South Carolina
Who knew we practically have a vineyard in our own backyard? Family-owned and operated for 30 years, this vineyard is the largest grower and shipper of muscadine and scuppernong grapes in South Carolina. Wine tastings are held in the tasting room, and more than 10 wine slushies are offered daily. threestarvando.com

Talk to the Animals
Feathered Friends Forever, Harlem
This nonprofit, which provides temporary and permanent homes for displaced tropical birds, is not just for the birds. It’s open to the public as well. Attractions include outdoor aviaries, honeybee house, bio pond, butterfly garden and Birds on the Brink Science Center. Visitors also can mine for gold and semi-precious stones onsite. featheredfriendsforever.org

Reed Creek Nature Park & Interpretive Center, Martinez
From sunrise to sunset daily, people can see wildlife and plants along the park’s walking/jogging trail and raised woodland boardwalk that meanders through the wetlands. Afterward, be sure to say “hello” to the live and stuffed critters on exhibit at the Interpretive Center or explore the demonstration and butterfly gardens. columbiacountyga.gov

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, Salley, S.C.
Follow your animal instincts to this 3-mile, drive-through and walk-through safari park to see and feed more than 200 exotic animals from around the world. Then you can feed yourself at the picnic area and visit the enclosed petting zoo and Parakeet Adventure. eudorafarms.net

Planet Earth
Graves Mountain, Lincolnton
If you dig this kind of recreation, then this gem rocks. Tiffany’s once mined this happy hunting ground for rockhounds for rutile (used for polishing diamonds) in the 1920s. Open to ages 13 and older, rock collecting appointments must be made in advance. Facebook: Graves Mountain

DuPont Planetarium, Aiken
While most programs focus on astronomy and encourage exploration of the night sky, some emphasize history and other science areas. Special Friday summer shows at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. will be held July 7, 14 and 21. Regularly scheduled Saturday shows start at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. usca.edu/rpsec/departments/planetarium

Phinizy Swamp and Nature Center – Hikes and Eco Explorers, Augusta
Put on your waders to become an Eco Explorer at Phinizy Swamp and Nature Park and discover the important work done to ensure the safety and quality of Augusta’s water. As a citizen scientist, you’ll also collect, assess and analyze the water quality and health. Family hikes and other programs also are available at the park. phinizycenter.org visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Be a Good Sport
PDGA International Disc Golf Center and Hall of Fame, Appling
Looking for a summer fling? Head to Wildwood Park and check out the three demanding championship-caliber disc golf courses, the Disc Golf Hall of Fame and the Ed Headrick Memorial Museum. Fun fact: A disc that contains Headrick’s ashes was thrown onto the museum roof at its grand opening to fulfill the adage, “Old Frisbee players are like old Frisbees … They don’t die, they just land up on the roof.” pdga.com/IDGC

BMX Park, Evans
The BMX track and skatepark at Blanchard Woods Park attracts BMX enthusiasts of all skill levels. If you’re not sure what it’s all about, feel free to stop by and check it out. Some visitors show up just to watch skaters and riders perform tricks. Facebook: Blanchard Woods BMX

Active Climbing, Grovetown
If you want to get a leg up on some summer fun, then start climbing the walls. This indoor rock-climbing gym features 30-plus top-rope lines, 10 lead climbing lines with more than 70 routes for climbers of all levels and an obstacle-filled Ninja room. Round up your friends, and be a social climber – this place rocks. activeclimbingaugusta.com

Scuba Diving the Lake and River
Scuba divers can head under Clarks Hill Lake behind the Visitor Center and explore an airplane that was submerged and cemented in place about 35 years ago to create an artificial reef. Divers also can hunt for treasures such as antique glass, Indian artifacts and Civil War relics in the Savannah River.

Pinetucky Gun Club, Blythe

Want to learn how to handle firearms safely? This facility features pistol and rifle ranges, skeet/trap fields and sporting clays courses. Instructional classes include shotgunning, rifle and pistol marksmanship, hunter safety, an introductory pistol class for women and coaching classes for youth. pinetucky.com

Palmetto Shooting Complex, Edgefield, S.C.
Take aim at some fun with sporting clays, trap and skeet fields and 3D archery at this complex. Or slow down and take a walk on the wild side with its interpretive walking trails, wildlife observation decks, wetlands and fishing habitat. nwtf.org/psc

Broad Axe Throwing, Augusta
This place is right on target to channel your inner lumberjack. Each indoor axe-throwing session starts with a lesson from an “axe”-pert, and “axe”-perts also guide people through games, teambuilding and other activities. The throwing room features four World Axe Throwing League regulation throwing lanes. broadaxethrowing.com

Watch Parties
SRP Park, North Augusta
Root, root, root for the home team, and catch a GreenJackets game to see future Atlanta Braves stars in action. With lots of promotional events and nonstop entertainment, summer and baseball fit together like a hand in a glove. Extra-inning stat: SRP Park was voted the best minor league ballpark in 2018. thesrppark.com, milb.com

Big Mo Drive-In Theater, Monetta, S.C.
Not all drive-ins have bitten the dust. For movie-going the old-fashioned way, park yourself at this 70-year-old outdoor movie theater with three screens and a concession stand. Chow down on hot dogs, pizza, burgers, nachos and more. You can even bring Fido, as long as he’s on a leash. thebigmo.com

Carolina Dragway, Aiken
This venue, aka “The House of Hook,” offers loud, action-packed races. From funny cars to old school dragsters, racers entertain families in all kinds of vehicles on the quarter-mile track. Spectators can fuel themselves with sandwiches and wings, burgers and sausage dogs, boiled peanuts and fries from the Carolina Café, Uncle Bill’s Snack Shack or other onsite vendors. carolinadragway.com

Outside the Box
Mastermind Escape Games, Augusta
This activity is perfect for people who enjoy problem solving, collaboration and working under pressure. Given a mission and placed into a themed room where they discover hints and clues to crack the code, players have 60 minutes to escape. Themes range from a bank heist to a deadly viral outbreak. mastermindescapegames.com

Promenade & Paint, Augusta Common
Discover public art on Augusta Arts Promenade & Paint Experience. Explore the city’s Sculpture Trail, Art the Box murals and Storm Drain murals. Then, meet local artist Beruti Tucker, who will immerse you in a mini mural-making experience where you become the artist. events.augustaarts.com; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Canal to Cloth: A Day at the Mill, Augusta Canal Discovery Center
In this immersive experience, visitors can take on the role of a new worker in an 1880s textile factory along the Augusta Canal. Various characters will “train” visitors in different jobs and pay them $2/week wages in “scrip” that can be used in the Discovery Center Gift Shop. augustacanal.com; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Bartender for a Day – All Equal Parts, Various locations
Learn to make creative cocktails with renowned Augusta bartender Zach McCabe, known on Instagram as All Equal Parts. This themed cocktail demonstration includes hands-on education while making three different drinks and guided spirits tastings. Hear stories about the history of bar recipes and learn mixology tips and skills. allequalparts.com; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

Shag Shack, Martinez
If you’re a beach music lover (and if you’re not, you should be), then grab a partner or go stag and dance Saturday nights away at the Shag Shack in Martinez. If you don’t know “Under the Boardwalk” from “With This Ring,” then take shag lessons on Monday nights. Facebook: Shag Shack

Bringing Up a President – Tea with Mrs. Wilson, Augusta
Visit President Woodrow Wilson’s boyhood home and hear his “mother” reflect on the ways that life in Augusta influenced her son. Together with her friend and neighbor, Mrs. Lamar, the women welcome guests for tea and share how they raised their sons to become a U.S. president and a Supreme Court Justice. wilsonboyhoodhome.org; visitaugusta.com/authenticaugusta

By Todd Beck