Things to Do, Eat, and See in Evans, GA

Evans is charming. But not in the usual Southern way, with weathered old buildings and a century of history baked into the brick. Its charming in a different way.

The brick buildings that lie the “downtown area,” if we can call it that, are new and sophisticated. That’s expected, right? Just twenty years ago, Evans was mostly a name on a map and a lot of pine trees.

Today it’s one of the fastest-growing, most family-friendly corners of the whole Augusta area.

In 2020, it was named the best place to live in the USA. There has been nothing but improvements since then. It grew into a unique personality.

Evans is not like Greenville or Charleston. You are not going to find local breweries and rustic coffee shops. But the area offers a genuine town center, a concert amphitheater, a performing arts center, more restaurants than you can get through in a season, and parks in every direction.

Any time of day, any season of the year, there’s something to do.

Things to Do¶

Evans Town Center¶

This is the center of gravity for the whole county, a 16-acre green space built for hanging around. There’s a big playground with soft rubber matting, a splash pad for hot days, a fully fenced dog park with separate areas for big and small pups, gazebos, picnic pavilions, and a walking loop. It’s also where the community shows up for concerts and festivals all year long.

In the summer, it holds Food Truck Fridays, Tuesdays and Satturdays Farmer Markets. In the winter, it is adorned with Christmas lights and ice skate ring. Check their site for events.

Right inside the town center, the outdoor amphitheater — its stage is the Lady A Pavilion, named for the Grammy-winning band with Georgia roots — hosts concerts and community events in an intimate, under-the-stars setting. Check the county’s calendar before you go; something’s usually happening.

Jones Creek Golf Course¶

After years closed and overgrown, the golf course reopened earlier this year. Fresh turf, new tee boxes, and a revamped clubhouse-and-entertainment complex bring public golf back to a part of town that’s long been dominated by private clubs.

Since it’s newly reopened, call ahead for current hours and rates.

Blanchard Park¶

One of the busiest parks in town, Blachard Woods host the county’s soccer competition. But that doesn’t stop others to setup volleyball nets, and do other activities around it.

The sprawling athletic complex has multiple soccer fields, a skatepark, BMX, and a big playground. Also, the well-loved Blanchard Woods cross-country trail, a roughly 3.7-mile wooded dirt loop that runners and dog-walkers swear by.

In the summer be sure to wear bug repellent and sunscreen.

Mullins Crossing¶

The area’s main open-air shopping center, anchored by Target, Marshalls, Old Navy, and Five Below, with plenty of dining mixed in. It’s the practical heart of everyday Evans errands.

Columbia County Performing Arts Center¶

The crown jewel of The Plaza development, this 85,000-square-foot facility is a state-of-the-art venue seating more than 2,500 — a remarkable thing for a suburb this size to have.

It punches well above its weight when it comes to talent, too. A-list performers have already taken the stage, from Jason Mraz to comedian Nate Bargatze, and the calendar keeps filling with big names: Air Supply, Christian hitmaker Zach Williams, and comedian Brad Williams are all on the schedule, alongside a full Broadway series that has brought touring productions like Jersey Boys, Beetlejuice, and Waitress to town.

It’s a genuinely beautiful room, and reason enough to make the drive on its own.

The area is surrounded by restaurants and parking is free. Great for a perfect evening out.

Just Beyond Evans¶

A few of Columbia County’s best outings sit just past the Evans line, close enough to fold into the same day:

Savannah Rapids Pavilion (technically in neighboring Martinez) crowns an 80-foot bluff over the historic Augusta Canal headgates. It’s the northern trailhead for the Augusta Canal towpath, a beautiful flat trail for walking, running, and cycling, with bike and kayak rentals on site. The view alone is worth the short drive.

Wildwood Park, about 20 minutes north in Appling on Clarks Hill Lake, is an 867-acre lakefront escape with a swim beach, campsites, boat ramps — and, for the disc golf faithful, the International Disc Golf Center and three championship courses.

West Dam Recreation Area
About 15 minutes down the street, and close to Wildwood Park, the West Dam is part of the Army Corps of Engineers. The wooded area offer swim beaches, boat ramp, gazebos, and grilling area.

The breath taking view are incredible. The Thurmond Lkae is great for fishing, hunting, and water sports. If you are into hiking, you have access to miles of trails that connects to Wildwood Park.

Camping in also available.

Where to Eat¶

Evans punches well above its weight when it comes to food. A few favorites, by mood:

Cork & Flame is the special-occasion pick — progressive American plates, tapas, and a serious wine list that earned it top honors for fine dining in Columbia County Magazine’s 2026 “100 Best.”

Winston’s Tavern, a new restaurant located right outside the Columbia County Performance Arts Center, is an upscale New American spot from the team behind a well-known Charleston-area restaurant, open for dinner and cocktails since late 2025.

Takosushi is the homegrown cult favorite, a half-sushi, half-Southwestern fusion menu that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

Ironwood Tavern took first place for Best Burger in the county’s 2026 reader poll. It is the kind of cozy neighborhood gastropub you end up at more than you plan to.

Smokeshow swept both Best Barbecue and Best Food Truck in the 2026 county awards. Usually at Pollards Corner, or in a parking lot in Washington Rd near Riverwatch Pkwy.

Smoke & Barrels from the Ironwood Tavern crew — smokes everything in house and pours barrel-select bourbon at a full bar.

That Flippin’ Egg does from-scratch breakfast and brunch daily until 2 p.m., with a following to prove it.

Rooted Coffeehouse was voted the county’s best local coffee shop for 2026, with Goat Kick Coffee a genuine local roaster, right behind it.

Seoul Korean Kitchen is the strip-mall hidden gem for bibimbap, bulgogi, and Korean stews. And when the kids need a treat, Vampire Penguin (5117 Washington Rd) piles up shaved-snow desserts with vegan and gluten-free options.

While Evans has a lot more to offer, I deliberately left out chains restaurants like Mellow Mushroom, Shane’s RibShack, and fast food, of course.

The Takeaway¶

Evans is that rare suburb with a real center of gravity — a place where a Saturday can hold a farmers market, a trail walk, a great meal, and an evening concert without ever getting on the interstate. Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself the whole day.

Welcome to Evans.