With a nod to the Godfather of Soul, Destination Augusta has branded Augusta as the “Feel Good City” and celebrated its marketing efforts with a special kickoff party on March 25 at Augusta and Co. for a new public art program designed to draw guests and locals to downtown Augusta.
“We have the awesome responsibility and opportunity to tell Augusta’s story,” said Bennish Brown, President/Chief Executive Officer of Destination Augusta. “Not only do we tell the story, but we influence a person’s action to decide to come here.”
New kiosks at the airport and at Augusta and Co., a new experience guide and an updated website are a few ways to enhance guest visits.
The organization also works with other entities to craft new user experiences including an interactive art installation called Bots on Broad which features a miniature robot scavenger hunt.
Created by Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman, Bots on Broad is a project in association with the Greater Augusta Arts Council.
Known primarily for his Happy campaign, Zimmerman also has a red robot named Tommy and he’s created miniatures that can be found in the windows of 10 downtown businesses. You can read more about Zimmerman’s ideas behind Bots on Broad here.
“We’re really excited about this. It’s a scavenger hunt trail that is supporting local businesses here in a time where there ‘s construction and cones, but we were like ‘what if there was more art to bring people down here to celebrate all we have to offer?’,” said Heather Dunaway, public arts director with the Greater Augusta Arts Council.
People can use a printed map to find all 10 or a digital one. When the hunt is completed, they receive a special pin at Augusta and Co.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
