Augusta, Georgia, dubbed the best kept secret of the Savannah River, is a great vacation destination for this spring.  Check out Antebellum mansions and historical sites in one of the oldest states of our country.  You can choose one of the many museums that commemorate its rich, fascinating history to start your trip.  Follow this with a trolley ride to the Historic Downtown, which will reveal some spooky stories unique to the area.

Then explore the arts district, Artists Row, and feast on some catfish in one of the many classically Southern dining destinations of the Garden City.   Your trip wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty of Georgia.  Augusta is full of outdoors recreational opportunities.  Pick up a day pass at Magnolia Springs State Park or some Masters tickets for the upcoming golf tournament at Augusta National and experience nature firsthand.  You can kick it up by getting one of many masters golf packages and enjoy the tournament in style. Or, slow it down and simply enjoy a stroll along a quaint tree-lined avenue.

Top off your trip with some entertainment like the Augusta Players’ rendition of the Broadway classic Chicago or see the local talent in the annual exhibition of regional playwrights at Le Chat Noir.

Plan a trip to the “Classic South” and see what wonders Augusta has in store for you.

Each year, in early April, golf enthusiasts are given the opportunity to watch the best golf champions in the world compete for the coveted Green Jacket.  Of course, I’m talking about the Masters Tournament and this year, it is going to be particularly interesting because of all the talent that has been invited.  This includes last year’s winner from South Africa, 27 year old Charl Schwartzel.  Schwartzel is one of many exciting new up and comers, whose antics have earned them the nickname “Young Guns” and will prove especially entertaining. There will also be golf superstars like legend Phil Mickelson and record setter Tiger Woods competing this year.

One great way to experience this unforgettable event is via the all-inclusive Masters golf package. These packages often include hotel, transportation, breakfasts, evening receptions, all taxes and gratuities and, of course, Masters tickets.  Buy a Masters golf package and add luxury and convenience to the overall experience.

There’s more to see than just golf at this tournament.  Take in the natural beauty and historic landmarks of the Augusta National Golf Club, like the Wisteria Vine, Magnolia Lane or the Nelson Bridge.  For anyone who has never been to the south, the lush greens and spectacular foliage are a must see.  Buy your 2012 Masters tickets and discover that this remarkable experience will create lasting, lifelong memories and will probably keep you coming back year after year.

It was a beautiful sunny day at Augusta National and I had somehow gained entry without having an actual Masters golf ticket. My ticket came in the form of a kind invitation from a well-respected cardiologist who happened to be a member of Augusta National. What stands out in my mind from that day is the immaculate condition of the course and impressively cultivated grounds. Granted, it had only been three weeks since Seve Ballesteros took home the 1980 Masters Golf championship to become the first European to win the green jacket. I would have given anything to have masters tickets that day.

Before teeing off, I had worked on the 10-15 footers on the practice putting green (the length of which would later become a daunting putt for golfers playing the historic Masters course). While there, I had a chance to visit with other guests, namely a tall, lanky man with a raspy drawl. He happened to sport a white golf cap emblazoned with a large crimson ‘A’ logo above the bill. We exchanged pleasantries before starting the game, mostly due to our excitement of tackling the challenging course at Augusta National Golf Club.

It was indeed a memorable spring day at Augusta National. With three birdies at #3, #13, & #17, and a final score of 77 behind us, my new golfing buddy and I camped at the 19th hole for a cocktail and some tall tales. But the cherry in my Old-Fashioned wasn’t the incredible round of golf we’d just played; it was the legendary status of my putting green partner. It turns out the gentleman went by the name of Paul “Bear” Bryant, acclaimed coach at University of Alabama.

Paul Bear Bryant

Though I can hardly say it started out as a typical day, it turned out to be more than I ever bargained for. A great game of golf, a brush with the crimson tide and the beauty of Augusta National … Life couldn’t have been any sweeter.