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Top Five Things To Do in Athens, GA
on Football Weekends
Athens, Georgia- August 8, 2013- The nearly 100,000 fans that fill the Classic City on home University of Georgia football game days will find that Athens, Georgia has much more to offer than what's between the hedges of Sanford Stadium.
With so many activities from which to choose, the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of the Top Five Things To Do in Athens during home football game weekends this fall.
1. VIBRANT DOWNTOWN: Just a short walk from Sanford Stadium, downtown Athens, Georgia is bursting at its seams with stylish and quirky shops, a variety of bars and music venues, unbeatable dining, and more. The Victorian- era architecture creates an inviting atmosphere for a leisurely stroll to explore the local shops. Athens' world-renowned nightlife, especially on game days, is a truly lively scene that fans must experience for themselves. Historic roadside wonders, like the world's only Double-Barreled Cannon on the corner of College Ave. and Hancock Ave. and the Tree That Owns Itself, nearby on the corner of Dearing St. and Finley St., are a fun element of Athens' unique culture. Touching downtown's edge, the University of Georgia's beautiful North Campus begins at the Arch on Broad Street. 2. LIVE MUSIC: Named the Number One College Music Scene in America by Rolling Stone magazine, Athens' venues attract rising stars, old favorites, and everything in between. Not only have world-renowned bands such as R.E.M., the B-52's, and Widespread Panic originated from the Classic City, but hundreds of new and upcoming bands make their debut in Athens each year. Between famous Athens venues such as the Georgia Theatre, The Melting Point, and 40 Watt Club, and intimate venues such as Caledonia Lounge, Little Kings Shuffle Club, Green Room, and The World Famous, there is always a great show to be seen. Performance schedules are available at www.Flagpole.com. 3. LOCAL FOOD: No football fan will be underfed with dozens of delectable restaurants lining the streets of downtown Athens. The Classic City's food scene is booming and has now caught the attention of national media. Among the most recognized eateries are Top Chef Hugh Acheson's restaurant, Five and Ten, and The Last Resort Grill on Clayton St., which is always a weekend favorite. Mama's Boy, Heirloom Cafe, The Grit, Porterhouse Grill, and East-West Bistro are also popular choices for weekend brunch. There is no shortage of traditional "tailgating food" such as pizza, burgers, and wings, which can be found downtown at Amici Italian Cafe, Little Italy, The Volstead, and Dirty Birds. For a complete list of Athens restaurants, visit www.VisitAthensGa.com/restaurants.
4. TERRAPIN BREWERY: While in Athens, fans will want to try local Athens beer. Known for its unsurpassed flavor and character, Terrapin beer is quickly winning over the nation. Adding to their collection of awards, Terrapin Beer Co. recently claimed a spot on The Best 25 Craft Breweries in the U.S. list, and visitors will understand why. The whole family, including leashed four-legged friends, is invited to tour the brewery on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Live outdoor music, free tastings, lawn games, and brewery tours every half-hour make for a pleasant, relaxing environment for all. A $10 souvenir beer glass secures eight four-ounce tasting tickets for visitors ages 21+. More information is available at www.TerrapinBeer.com. A second local brewery, Creature Comforts, is scheduled to open in downtown Athens this fall, which along with acclaimed pubs such as Trappeze and The Globe makes Athens a great stop for beer aficionados.
5. ATTRACTIONS & TOURS: Athens is home to many interesting attractions, including the state's official museum, the Georgia Museum of Art, which houses traveling exhibits in addition to the official state collection. Hours and current exhibits are detailed at www.GeorgiaMuseum.org. The 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia is open seven days a week and is the perfect place to have a picnic, take a walk on miles of nature trails, or participate in an interesting lecture, class, or hike. More information can be found at www.BotGarden.uga.edu. Both of these locations are free to the public and accept donations. For visitors interested in learning about Athens heritage, guided tours are available. The Classic City Tour of Athens is offered daily through the Athens Welcome Center, along with free self-guided brochures/maps, audio tours, and podtours. Details can be found at www.AthensWelcomeCenter.com. Athens Food Tours are a delicious and exciting option for those wanting to learn about and taste local and regional cuisine. Reservations can be made online at www.AthensFoodTours.com. Lastly, the Music History Walking Tour focuses on the history of Athens music and the locations that made the music scene such a success. The self-guided tour brochure is available at the Athens Welcome Center on East Dougherty Street or online at www.VisitAthensGA.com/live-music.
This fall, visitors should expect much more from Athens, Georgia than just a good football game. With the beautiful downtown, award-winning food, beer, and music, and interesting cultural elements, the Top Five Things To Do in Athens on a football weekend may require a second trip! For information on last-minute hotel availability, parking, tailgating, plus an event calendar and special deals, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/football |
