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Top Five To Dos in Athens, GA
on Football Weekends
Athens, Georgia- July 9, 2012- Football fans thinking of hitting the road to Athens for the big game at The University of Georgia this fall will find one of the most vibrant, entertaining college towns on the schedule this season.
A football weekend in Athens involves much more than action at Sanford Stadium and tailgating. The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau has compiled a Top Five list of things to do in town during a football weekend.
1. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN: Located just across Broad Street from the famed UGA Arch on North Campus, Athens' restored Victorian-era downtown bustles at all hours of the day and night with art galleries, trendy and quirky shops, world-renowned nightclubs and distinctive dining. Athens is home to 16 neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places, which visitors can sample during a Classic City Tour of Athens, offered daily through the Athens Welcome Center, www.AthensWelcomeCenter.com. Self-guided brochures and podtours are also available. 2. LIVE MUSIC: No visit to Athens would be complete without sampling a bit of Athens' renowned music scene. Known worldwide as the birthplace of R.E.M. and the B-52's, hundreds of bands still call Athens home. Venues throughout downtown attract rising stars and old favorites, with performance schedules available at www.Flagpole.com. Music fans interested in the history of Athens music can discover its roots through a self guided music history walking tour. The tour brochure is available at the Athens Welcome Center or online at www.VisitAthensGA.com/live-music. 3. GREAT FOOD: Athens is a rising star on the culinary scene, with chefs such as Five and Ten's Hugh Acheson and Whitney Otawka of Farm 255 appearing on Bravo TV's Top Chef. The Branded Butcher is a new addition, focusing on charcuterie-- think bacon and sausage taken to a whole new level! Win or lose, football fans will flock to The Last Resort Grill, Mama's Boy or Heirloom for Sunday brunch. Restaurant listings are available at www.VisitAthensGA.com/restaurants. Athens Food Tours are an exciting option for those looking to dine like a local in Athens, taking participants through historic streets with stops at many restaurants to sample local and regional cuisine. More information and reservations are available at www.AthensFoodTours.com/.
4. TERRAPIN BREWERY: Fans in the mood to sample a beer from somewhere other than a game day cooler should visit Terrapin Brewery. Founded by two brewers who share a commitment to creating world class beers unsurpassed in character and flavor, Terrapin Brewery has won countless awards for a variety of staples plus seasonal varieties. Athens visitors can enjoy Terrapin's brewing facilities featuring live music, beer samples and tours every half hour. A $10 beer glass secures eight tasting tickets. Tours run Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. More information is at http://www.TerrapinBeer.com. 5. ROADSIDE WONDERS: Athens is an extraordinary town with its share of oddities. While in town, visitors should check out the world's only Double-Barreled Cannon, downtown at City Hall, and the Tree that Owns Itself, just a few blocks from downtown on Finley St. Football weekends offer an exciting opportunity for a getaway to Athens and the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau offers information on last-minute hotel availability, parking and tailgating plus events calendars and special deals at www.VisitAthensGA.com/football or by calling 706-357-4430, toll-free 800-653-0603. | 
