St John Towers

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 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.