Masters guests can try out variety of new choices

Guests in the area for Masters Week will find many more eateries and retail offerings in Columbia County to choose from this year.

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From restaurants to suit almost any palate to a store dedicated to sporting goods, Masters guests' dining and shopping options have grown since last April.

In Evans, many new restaurants offering Tex-Mex, South American, traditional North American cuisine, Japanese and Mediterranean fare have opened in recent months.

The latest to open, Salad Creations at North Belair Road and Town Park Boulevard in Evans, offers refreshing salads and other healthy fare. Owner Bob Nelson said lighter fare might be preferable to a heavy meal after a long day at the tournament.

"I think people are going to be in the mood for something lighter than a full heavy meal, that's nutritional with healthy, fresh options," he said.

Salad Creations opened March 23 and offers a variety of salads, wrapped sandwiches, soups and smoothies.

Diners looking for fresh Tex-Mex cuisine can find it at Moe's Southwestern Grill at Mullins Crossing on Washington Road or Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina on Washington Road across from Wal-Mart.

For something a little more exotic, Patagonia Grille on Washington Road across from Wal-Mart in Evans features fresh South American food from Chile and Argentina.

Treats from the Mediterranean can be found at Khalid's Cafe near Kroger on Washington Road in Evans. For lovers of Asian cuisine, Yosko Japanese Steakhouse near the Publix on Washington Road and Sho Chin's Asian Kitchen are recent additions in Evans.

Other restaurants opening in recent months include the International House of Pancakes, near Kroger on Washington Road in Evans, and Ruby Tuesday's in Mullins Crossing.

After-dinner or early morning coffee seekers will find plenty of choices in the area as well. New specialty coffee retailers in the county include The Daily Grind across Washington Road in Evans; Bean Baskette Coffee on Evans to Locks Road near Omni Fitness, Just Fresh Bakery on Furys Ferry Road at The Pass and Starbucks locations at Mullins Crossing and Kroger in Evans.

Golfers and other sports enthusiasts might want to check out Academy Sports and Outdoors at Washington and Owens roads near Mullins Crossing, in Evans. The 100,000-square-foot superstore opened last summer and carries leading name golf clubs, apparel and accessories, as well as gear for all team sports and outdoors.

One of the newest businesses to open in Evans is Relax The Back, which sells products to rest weary backs that franchise co-owner Tracy Gillette says would be perfect after a long day on the links.

Relax The Back, located at the corner of North Belair Road and Town Park Boulevard in the new Evans Town Park, carries hot and cold packs, massage chairs for lower back massage, lumbar support products for home and car, zero gravity chairs, Tempurpedic mattresses and custom-fitted pillows.

"The best advice is just to take care of themselves and if they feel the stress of standing too long, take a break," Gillette said of those walking the grounds at Augusta National.

Other retailers of interest include Rue 21, a young women's clothing boutique in Mullins Crossing, and High Cotton women's fashions on Evans to Locks Road across from Omni Fitness.

Thrill-seeking families looking for something to do between rounds might want to try the new Adventure Crossing, which replaces Funsville on Wheeler Road. The owners of Adventure Crossing recently completed an overhaul of the facility, with improved rides, games and other attractions.