Partnering with Destination Augusta and Love Augusta, Relic Coffee Co. and other locally owned coffee shops unique to the area announced the launch of the Augusta Coffee Trail mobile passport on Friday morning, Feb. 9.
Designed to showcase the distinctive coffee shops that originated in Augusta’s River Region, which offer an array of espresso-based beverages, the Augusta Coffee Trail is a collaboration between eight cafes and local experience advocates from Destination Augusta.
Developed with both residents and visitors to Augusta in mind, President and CEO of Destination Augusta Bennish Brown said he hopes the trail will become a highlighted interest for travelers.
“This launch is the first in a series of mobile passes in development within our organization designed to engage locals and help visitors easily experience Augusta,” said Brown. “Our trails collection will highlight Augusta as a thriving community rich with experiences that attract people.”
Comparing coffee to experiencing a “moment,” Brown said he believed everyone in the community could benefit from the beverage trail as it encourages locals to intentionally explore within their community.
“If you think about it, people love to spend time together over coffee – it’s part of the moment,” he said.
Granting access to 11 participating Augusta coffee shops, the mobile passport for the trail offers exciting rewards and prizes for free.
“This mobile pass allows smartphone users to seamlessly check in on their own device when they arrive at a local coffee shop,” said Sarah Childers with Destination Augusta. “When they check in, points are accrued, and participants can earn rewards as they use the pass – first, an Augusta sticker and an I Love Augusta coffee mug.”
The 11 stops on the Augusta Coffee Trail include: Bodega Ultima, three Buona Caffes, Cavalier’s Coffeehouse, Christie’s Coffee Company, Edgar’s Bakehouse, New Moon Café, Relic Coffee Company, Trellis Coffee Bar and Ubora Coffee Roasters.
“We are thrilled to be part of this collection. We look forward to highlighting our unique coffee experience paired with our traditional Ecuadorian baked goods,” said Cesar Schettini, owner of Relic Coffee Co.
Specializing in Ecuadorian coffee near Augusta University’s Summerville campus, on Monte Sano Avenue, Relic has enjoyed a successful five months since opening the small shop in fall 2023.
Schettini said the community trail will only add to every cafe’s business, and allow locals to experience the different atmosphere each focuses on harnessing.
“Some people might come here because they like the coffee, and then they can go to a bigger one to meet friends or have kids,” he said. “It’s different flavors for everyone.”
Love Augusta representative Kyle Jones said his organization wanted to partner with Destination Augusta to continue their mission in propelling local mom and pop shops only found in the CSRA.
“I believe that local businesses are the backbone of our community,” he said. “If these businesses did not exist, our community would probably not be as diverse as it is … so the trail is to get the community involved in maybe experiencing Augusta in a different way.”
For more information about Augusta’s Coffee Trail and its mobile passport, visit: https://www.visitaugusta.com/things-to-do/augusta-coffee-trail/.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
