An Augusta staple for years, the riverwalk is many things to many locals - a place to walk, bike, jog, picnic, read about history or even cool off in the fountain.

The Hooper family of Chatsworth, Ga., mom Nikki (from left), son, Alex, 4, husband, Obie, and daughter, Raven, 2, stroll Riverwalk in downtown Augusta. The attraction is a year-round draw for Augusta area residents and their guests. (Andrew Davis Tucker/Staff)

For Paul Macaluso, the site is all of these, plus an attraction he never forgets to show off to out-of-town company.

"It's just really peaceful out here," he said. "I've gone to the two museums toward the ends (the Morris Museum of Art and Augusta Museum of History), and when my grandchildren are here I always put Fort Discovery on the visitors' list."

On Sunday, the McCormick, S.C., resident was taking it easy on a bench near the Eighth Street Bulkhead entrance to the riverwalk, "just enjoying the scenery," as he described it.

Closer to the Jessye Norman Ampitheater, friends Elaine Jones and Mekayla Marshall enjoyed a late lunch together - an activity in which they take part at least once a week, even though neither one lives especially close.

"There is nothing like this in Harlem," Ms. Jones said of her Columbia County hometown a good 20 miles away. "I was here last night, too, just walking around."

Ms. Marshall hails from Augusta, but she still must drive to the riverwalk, where she says she loves to "sit, eat and look at the river."

Madelyn Smith, 2, walks with her grandmother, Peggy Olcott, both of Aiken, SC along the Riverwalk near the Morris Museum of Art in downtown Augusta. (Andrew Davis Tucker/Staff)

The ground-level playground often draws the Mikell family from their home on the other side of the Savannah River in North Augusta.

Stephanie Mikell said she, her husband, Brett, and their 3-year-old daughter, Ashlynn, used to simply stroll along the flower-laden path. But as Ashlynn has grown, so has her interest in the slide and climbing unit at the playground.

"The riverwalk's just a nice, covered, cool, shaded walk, And you can look across the river and dream," Mr. Mikell said of the upscale riverfront houses in North Augusta.

Reach Dena Levitz at (706) 823-3339 or dena.levitz@augustachronicle.com.

About the series

Many will come to Augusta this week to enjoy a world-class golf tournament. But where do Augustans and their guests go the rest of year? Where do they spend their time, relax and enjoy their community? This week we look at some of those places: a confidential look at our town.

Sunday: Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Monday: James Brown's statue
Tuesday: Al's Restaurant
Wednesday: The Riverwalk
Thursday: Julian Smith Casino
Friday: Savannah Rapids Pavilion
Saturday: Flea markets
Sunday: First Tee