Athens originals

A 3 day tour of Georgia
from our Southeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: Athens CVB
	The University of Georgia Chapel was built in 1832 and features six massive Doric columns.

Homegrown is the all the rage in this energetic college town — a real hub of artistic expression. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 70 miles from Atlanta, Athens is the home of the University of Georgia and is the city that nurtured music legends R.E.M. and the B-52s. 

Day One

Morning — You need not be a townie to become intimately acquainted with Athens’ greatest export: music. 

The Athens Music History Tour is an accompanied jaunt around town with insider commentary about all the famous figures and features of the local scene. 

Eclectic downtown Athens is a history hub, scattered with shops, galleries and African American heritage sites. 

From the center of the college music scene, cross Broad Street and pass through the famed arch to the University of Georgia’s tree-shaded North Campus, site of the first state-chartered university in the United States (1785). 

Afternoon — Enjoy lunch in downtown Athens. At The Grit or The Last Resort Grill, groups marvel at the art on the walls as well as the food on their plate. Many of the staffers are musicians themselves. 

Next, browse the wares of downtown shops. Find a rare recording in Athens’ renowned downtown local music stores. 

Evening — A true farm-to-table experience, Farm 255 features locally grown food for groups to savor. Most of the ingredients travel fewer than 10 miles to the eatery’s plates. 

Following dinner, learn why Athens is a live music hub. Visit Georgia Theatre, which has reopened following a complete post-fire restoration. It’s now Athens’ largest nightlife venue and features a rooftop restaurant and bar.  

There’s a good chance of catching a national touring act or notable regional artists at the 40 Watt Club or the Melting Point. 

Be on the lookout for upstart performers at smaller clubs such as Little Kings and the Caledonia Lounge. 

For a uniquely Athens experience, consider visiting the Chase Park Warehouse complex, home to Trace Gallery, Athens Institute for Contemporary Art (ATHICA) and Canopy Trapeze Studio. 

Stay overnight in your Athens accommodations.

Day Two

Morning — After a late night, nothing is finer than freshly roasted and brewed coffee. Experience a behind-the-scenes tour at Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roasting Facility downtown and learn the ins and outs of coffee production. 

Next, meet up with a guide from Athens Food Tours for a relaxing ramble taking your group to locally owned restaurants for a sampling of the offerings and a chance to meet the people who have made Athens a foodie’s paradise.

Afternoon — Stop at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The 313-acre preserve features a stunning three-story tropical conservatory and gardens showcasing both native and international flora. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the cafe overlooking the International Garden. 

On the way back toward the city center, visit the artists in the barn-like shop of R. Wood Studio ceramics, where hand-molded dinnerware is produced in accordance with their motto: “Beauty everyday.”

Evening — Dine at Five and Ten in the Five Points neighborhood, the well-known restaurant of acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson, to see why he is a five-time James Beard Award nominee for the Southeast. 

Return to your accommodations.

Day Three

Morning — Break away from downtown for a visit to the Georgia Museum of Art or perhaps a private viewing at one of Athens’ many galleries. Check out contemporary art shows or stop in a studio for a glimpse of an artist at work. 

If you’re in the mood to raise your heart rate, line up a workshop in belly dance, beginner trapeze or tai chi and get a feeling for the way the city moves. 

Afternoon — Enjoy lunch and a tour at Terrapin Brewery. Learn the beer-making process and see how local boys made good on the ultimate college town business. Taste testing of the establishment’s award-winning beer is the way to go.

Athens CVB
(706) 357-4430
www.visitathensga.com

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