Book excerpt: Augusta keeps reinventing itself: Indian trading post, largest inland cotton market in America, would-be winter resort, and hub for the health sciences and cybersecurity services. Over the years, each transformation has left its mark on the city, making it a dynamic place to live and a colorful place to visit. Consider 100 Things to Do in Augusta Before You Die as a handy guide for those who already think that they know the city well and for those who are planning a short visit. Get insider tips on where to dine and how to make the most of your restaurant experiences. Discover the most vibrant entertainment venues, from intimate night spots to major concert halls, and the most distinctive shops, from intimate boutiques to one of the largest jewelers in the country. Explore the city’s recreational opportunities on land and on the water. Spend the day at a state-of-the-art minor league ballpark or go kayaking on both river and canal. Dig into Augusta’s remarkable past, from the American Revolution and through the Civil War to the high-tech era, and learn more about its singular personalities: a hero of the Titanic, the twenty-eighth President, a blind blues artist, a legendary comedy duo, the “Godfather of Soul,” and an international diva. The book’s centuplicate suggestions are paired with specialized and seasonal itineraries. Local author Tom Mack shares what he has learned from his decades of investigating Augusta’s past glories and present delights in this informative introduction to the “Second City of Georgia.”