At the end of a day of shopping in Augusta, you’ll discover that you don’t need to make the long journey to Atlanta or some other chaotic, major metropolitan city to find your favorite things. It’s all right here. From designer purses to unique gift items, you can find whatever your shopper’s heart desires at one of the many shopping venues sprinkled throughout the area.

Currently, the loudest buzz among credit card swipers is the Augusta Mall, which recently opened a 180,000-square-foot addition complete with your favorite big name retailers such as: Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Chico’s, Walking Company, J. Jill, Sketchers, William-Sonoma, White House/Black Market and Dick’s Sporting Goods. You’ll probably work up an appetite walking from store to store, so plan to enjoy a lunch or dinner at one of the mall’s newest restaurants, such as P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, McAlister’s or the Chop House.

You can also take you’re spending money out to Columbia County, where shopping centers, local restaurants and national retail stores such as Academy Sports, Marshall’s and Kohl’s, are sprouting up practically overnight. Quaint coffee shops, boutiques and other small retail businesses are also finding their niche in Columbia County, giving shoppers and diners a chance to soak up a bit more local flavor.

Speaking of new retail space, the Village at Riverwatch, near the intersection of Riverwatch Parkway and Interstate 20, is slated to open soon. Described as a lifestyle shopping center, the space will offer at least one major retail anchor with the Bass Pro Shop, a variety of specialty clothing stores, casual sit-down restaurants and a state-of-the-art 65,000-square-foot amphitheater.

Continuing over to the Hill, a beautiful section of town where historic cottages and mansions are tucked away in the lush foliage of large, mature trees, you’ll discover Surrey Center. Just off Highland Avenue, this collection of clothing boutiques, restaurants and specialty interest shops is arranged in an intimate, open-air setting accented with fountains and gardens. The area also offers a great selection of fine dining at restaurants such as The Public House, Calverts and French Market Grille.

Of course, no Augusta shopping spree would be complete without popping into the unique shops lining downtown Broad Street. Art galleries, jewelry and antique stores, a book shop, Southwestern or Italian cuisine—it’s all there. And if it’s the first Friday of the month, you’re in luck, as businesses will be open later than usual. In addition to extended shopping hours, you can also enjoy live art demonstrations or catch a bluegrass band in musical action at the Augusta Common.

While you’re downtown, check out The National Science Center’s Fort Discovery, the only science center dedicated to exciting students across the nation about math, science, and technology. Located right on the Riverwalk, Fort Discovery takes learning to an exciting level with hands-on exhibits, fun demonstrations and varied programs.

So you see? At the end of a day of shopping in Augusta, you’ll discover that you don’t need to make the long journey to some chaotic metropolis. We have you covered.