Augusta, the second-largest city in Georgia, is located on the south bank of the Savannah River midway between the Great Smokey Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a growing and thriving city with a metropolitan- area population of around 400,000, and recently ranked the second most favorable place to live in Georgia. The area is known for its balmy climate, with an annual mean temperature of 64 degrees.

Founded in 1736 by General James E. Oglethorpe, Augusta is Georgia’s second-oldest city. Oglethorpe named the city for Princess Augusta, wife of the Prince of Wales. Augusta was Georgia’s capital in 1778 and from 1785 to 1795.

The city offers a wide array of cultural and recreational activities. Augusta has a world-class riverwalk, the site of many activities including the Augusta Invitation Regatta (a national collegiate rowing event) and the Augusta Southern Nationals, dubbed the World’s Richest Drag Boat Race. The city also is a short drive from the huge Lake Thurmond Reservoir. Outdoor activities such as water-skiing, swimming, boating and camping abound.

Kid-friendly sites include the Funsville Amusement Park and the Augusta Iceforum, an ice-skating rink. Attractions that promise both fun and enlightenment include the National Science Center’s Fort Discovery, the Morris Museum of Art, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, the Augusta Cotton Exchange Welcome Center and Museum and the Augusta Museum of History.

Augusta has many associations dedicated to the performing and visual arts, including the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater; Augusta Opera Association, the only resident opera company in Georgia; the Augusta Ballet, an Honor Company nationally known for its high-quality performances; the Augusta Players, bringing first-rate plays to Augusta; The Augusta Children’s Theatre; The Augusta Symphony; and the Augusta Art Association.

The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta State University and Paine College often bring prestigious films, speakers and special events to the city.

The James Brown Arena seats 8,658 in the grand arena for concerts, sporting events and a wide variety of other entertainment and convention activities. Bell Auditorium seats 2,690 and features smaller concerts, plays and stage shows.

Augusta offers exceptional shopping and features a downtown art and antiques district. The area’s hundreds of restaurants range from fine to casual dining, featuring everything from ethnic specialties to burgers.

Augusta is within an easy three-hour drive of Atlanta, the University of Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains.

The sporting life is ubiquitous throughout Augusta, whether you consider yourself an athlete or spectator. The city is home to professional baseball and ice hockey teams. The city annually hosts the Augusta Futurity, the largest cutting-horse futurity in the eastern United States. Nearby communities host polo tournaments and other equestrian events.

Did we mention golf? Augusta is world-renowned as the home of the Masters Golf Tournament. The tournament coincides with the full bloom of thousands of brightly colored azaleas, dogwoods and other beautiful foliage.

And if your invitation to play in the Masters gets lost in the mail, Augusta has 11 other golf courses nearby.

Augusta is a leading health care center of the Southeast and has a rapidly developing and diversified industrial base. The area’s nine hospitals serve the Southeast and beyond.