Nature lovers will find summer the perfect time to explore the 313-acre State Botanical Garden.  The grounds include numerous themed gardens, plus five miles of trails along the Middle Oconee River.  The stunning, three-story Visitor Center & Conservatory houses tropical and semi-tropical plants, along with a café and gift shop.  With the exception of UGA holidays, the grounds are open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, and the buildings are open Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sundays 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  Buildings are closed on Mondays.  Special events include Full Moon Hikes for families and cooking in the garden workshops. A printable map and more information is available at www.BotGarden.uga.edu.  

Visitors to Athens are thrilled to discover how award-winning beers are made at Terrapin Brewery, which is open for tours, tastings, and live music every Wednesday-Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  A hybrid of music and libations makes for a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Guests are invited to tour the brewery free of charge; souvenir glasses may be purchased for just $10 and include tickets for  up to eight half-pours of Terrapin's current brews.  Live music is performed on the outside stage nightly, and pets are welcome, too (so long as they remain leashed!)  More information on the bands, tours, and Terrapin is available at www.TerrapinBeer.com. 

Athens never fails to live up to its reputation of having a thriving music scene and summer is the best time of year to sample the current sounds.  From June 19th-23rd, AthFest will occupy downtown Athens to celebrate music, art, kids, and film.  Over 150 bands and artists will perform during the festival on three outdoor stages free of charge.  Among other AthFest activities are an artists' market, a club crawl, film screenings, and KidsFest, which is an area featuring kid-focused performances and activities. AthFest wristbands are just $20 and provide unlimited access to participating club crawl venues, plus discounts for other affiliated weekend events. Hotel packages are offered and include wristbands, AthFest CDs, and t-shirts, starting at just $105 per couple. Hotel packages are posted at www.VisitAthensGA.com/summer. Performance schedules and wristband purchases are available online at www.AthFest.com.  

  

The Sunflower Music Series, on the grounds of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, may be the loveliest setting in town for a summer concert, and features one concert each month between June and September.   The ticket price of $15 ($5 for children) covers light snacks and beverages, including beer and wine for those of age.  Guests are encouraged to pack a meal and wear comfortable shoes, as lawn chairs are only allowed for those with physical limitations. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BotGarden.uga.edu.  

  

Athens' world-renowned music venues like the 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge, Melting Point, and Highwire Lounge present shows in a variety of genres sure to suit many musical tastes.  In addition to their popular indoor shows, the iconic Georgia Theatre offers upcoming bands performing for free on the rooftop, which now serves food from their neighbor, The Branded Butcher, from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Be sure to frequently check the Georgia Theatre's calendar, found on www.GeorgiaTheatre.com, as shows are added on a regular basis. The music calendar at www.Flagpole.com is a great resource for music lovers planning a getaway to Athens.