On a recent trip to Augusta, I was able to check a few things off my “things to do before I die” list. Who knew that the city, best known as home of the Masters Golf Tournament, would be the place where I finally found the courage to ride a horse.
Now, I know it sounds lame (no pun intended) that I, at the age of “more than 30,” have never climbed on the back of a large hooved mammal and allowed him to have full control over whether I live or die, but it’s true. I have never been horseback riding. Why, you ask? Well, it could be because the pastime carries a higher injury rate than motorcyclists, and to avoid serious brain damage, you must wear a helmet. I don’t do hats, so I was pretty certain that a helmet would not be flattering.
We arrived at Hilltop Stables, in Fort Gordon and my stomach did a little flip when I saw the horses, but I was determined to conquer my fear. I was fitted for a helmet, given instructions on how to “stop and start” my horse, Ruby (stopping her being the key ingredient to the ride), and I was off. It was great. I felt like a real pro by the time our 2 mile ride came to an end.
But the “firsts” didn’t end there. There is far more to see and do in the beautiful “garden city” of Augusta. We went on a 7-mile canoe ride down the Augusta Canal. Built in 1845, the canal is the nation’s only industrial power canal still in use for its original purposes — to harness the water and power of the Savannah River.
Canoeing was my second “first” on the list. I have been a passenger in a canoe, but I’ve never actual learned how to steer — or held my own as a paddler (if that’s a word). Again, I felt like a pro, when the beautiful journey came to an end.
Other adventures on the trip included a disc golf demonstration and instruction at the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) headquarters. Not unlike “ball golf,” disc golf is played on a course that consists of a series of holes laid out so that the player completes one hole and then proceeds to the next. Disc golf is, of course, played with flying discs, with the intent of throwing them with speed and accuracy, getting them into the “hole” (which is actually a basket). I tried it. It’s not easy. If it weren’t so hot outside, I would have stayed and perfected my game.
Dinner at La Maison on Telefair was amazing. Everything from the atmosphere to the staff to the extensive menu was outstanding. The minute I walked in I knew it was the place for me. Chef Heinz, the owner of La Maison, boasts a wine collection that he says tops 5000. “She made me promise to stop buying wine,” he said when asked about the walls-of-wine that line the hallway. He nodded to his wife, who was mixing a drink behind the bar. She smiled. They’ve been running the restaurant for almost 20 years, and you can tell, he loves every minute of it. He is at home in the restaurant.
The food was amazing. The wine was incredible, and the atmosphere lended to the warmth of the evening. Good conversation (even though we veered off into a lengthy talk on whether or not we believed in ghosts) good food, new friends, and a bottle or two of wine. What more does a girl need?
If you’re in Augusta, be sure to visit Chef Heinz for dinner, and ask him about the wine he keeps in the locked cabinet — the bottles he bought that were found under an old house. It’s a great story!
Augusta was full of surprises and rich in history, and as the city is a mere 150 miles from Atlanta, I know I’ll be back to visit my pal Ruby. Oh, and to check in with Chef Heinz. If there’s wine, and it’s good, you know I’ll be back.
photo credit: Dave Morrison
