Keep a Restaurant Roster

On top of supporting your tried and true establishments, commit to eating somewhere new once a month whether at home or out on the town. A handful of restaurants that were fresh on the scene during the pandemic, like Pineapple Ink Tavern, Noble Jones and the SolFood Kitchen, have risen to the challenge to keep patrons and staff healthy while dining in. All of these businesses stand by the Georgia Safety Promise, which includes measures like masks and enhanced sanitation. Frog & the Hen and Edgar’s Above Broad offer time-saving grab and go meals. And as anyone who lived through 2020 knows, many area restaurants now have curbside pickup and delivery options that weren’t available before, making it extra convenient to get your fill.

Support Small Grocers

Keep money in the community by checking out small grocers. Good Earth Produce, which started out as a roadside stand, has grown into a full grocery store and garden center well-stocked with regional produce and goods. Lanier’s Meat Market offers a great selection of fresh meats, pre-packaged or cut to order, along with grocery items and their own line of sauces and preserves. North Augusta’s Purple Hull is a charming market and eatery that carries local eggs and milk, homemade sweets and comfort food from an ever-changing menu. And at New Life Natural Foods, you’ll find health foods, supplements and an exciting array of herbs, teas and spices from the longest-standing health food store in town.

Ditch Corporate Coffee

It’s all too easy to hit one of the powerhouses of convenient coffee on a busy morning. But there are so many homegrown options that could use the boost (and they’ll give you one in return). Ubora and Buona Caffe both offer artisan roasted coffee in cozy atmospheres perfect for getting some work done. If you’re in Evans, drive-through Rooted Coffeehouse for delicious espresso drinks, smoothies and more on the go. And Stone Roastery, a stone’s throw from North Augusta, is worth the trip for a nice afternoon nitro brew, live music or movie night with plenty of spacious seating. Get your caffeine fix and support a family business – that’s a double shot of good.

Give Local Gifts

This year, when there’s a special occasion or you want to let someone know you care, being thoughtful doesn’t have to mean overthinking. Give edible gifts made with love by your neighbors. Two Moms’ Kitchen is an Augusta favorite, creating beautiful iced almond cookies in shapes cut for any occasion, just be sure to order in advance. Pick up a sweet or savory pie from the Pie Hole to warm someone’s heart, or give a box of colorful macarons from La Parisienne French Bakery in Aiken.

Do your part to keep local businesses well-nourished and make this year a little sweeter than the last.