The City of Athens is well-known for one of its longest-standing landmarks – the iconic circa 1858 wrought iron arch that serves as the gateway to the University of Georgia. It may be even more renowned for its jam-packed stadium, epic tailgate parties, and the highly acclaimed football team they celebrate. However, the city that first sprung up around the first public land grant university in the U.S. continues to evolve and grow in exciting new directions today. Whether you’re an incoming freshman, a first-time visitor, a local, or a long-time fan of what has been dubbed “The Classic City,” the City of Athens has a LOT more to offer than merely a great game day experience.

“Athens delivers big town amenities without losing that small town feel,” said Shannon Dominy, Communications Manager for Visit Athens. “From amazing food to an incredible music scene, this city is always changing, always in a state of flux. You can go rock climbing indoors, tour a museum, enjoy a stellar dining experience, and catch a trapeze show – all within the span of a day… minus the Atlanta traffic.”

The Sights

Imbued with a certain sense of “chill,” Athens makes it easy to stop and smell the roses, whether literally at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia or metaphorically as you peruse the galleries of the Georgia Museum of Art.

When you’re ready for something a little more thrilling, The Classic Center in the heart of downtown invites you to “Be Impressed” by its regular roster of A-list concerts, musicals, stand-up comedians, Athens Symphony performances, and more. And with the addition of the NEW Akins Ford Arena next door – with the capacity to hold 8,500 screaming fans – you can add even larger concerts and pro hockey games featuring the newly minted Rock Lobsters to the list of must-see events. 

For those Athens visitors seeking a family-friendly experience, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia features an experiential and immersive Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden. There’s also a scavenger hunt for kids at the Georgia Museum of Art, a unique game board café experience at The Rook & Pawn, lots of exploring to be had at Sandy Creek Nature Center and Sandy Creek Park, and a chance to visit the owls, otters, and other rehabilitated animals at Bear Hollow Zoo. Happy to add to the mix, Akins Ford Arena has loads of family-friendly programming on its calendar, including Disney on Ice, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Monster Jam®. 

No matter the age, capitalize on Athens’ public art scene while making memories for some second-to-none photo ops you can cherish for years to come. Go on a hunt for the more than 30 (and climbing) painted bulldog statues throughout the city. Pose in front of the HOPE mural next door to The Rook & Pawn or the Greetings from Athens postcard mural at 230 West Clayton Street. As you explore Bear Hollow Zoo, be on the lookout for its series of animal-themed murals.

The Sounds

While legendary bands like The B-52s, R.E.M., and Widespread Panic put Athens on the music scene map, an ever-growing number of rising stars coming out of the Classic City continue to help maintain its stature as a music-fueled mecca. With over two dozen music venues of all sizes in the Downtown area alone, it’s virtually impossible to stroll down the streets without hearing a distant guitar, drums, keyboard, and the occasional electric violin on any given night. A performance at Georgia Theatre or the famed 40 Watt signals that a musician has “arrived.” 

Although, venues like The Foundry, Hendershots, Athentic Brewing Company, Terrapin Beer Co., and Normal Bar are quickly gaining favor among musicians and music lovers alike. Year-round, you can find ridiculously talented up-and-comers that range from the folk-rock sound of Family and Friends and the alt-rock tunes from Futurebirds to the indie pop group Of Montreal and the psychedelic singularity of Kishi Bashi. If you have a chance to catch A.D. Blanco or Hotel Fiction the next time you’re in Athens, don’t miss it!

FUN FACT: The famed B-52s played the opening concert at the ALL-NEW Akins Ford Arena!

HOT TIP: Enjoy cocktails, a great meal, and unsurpassed views of Downtown Athens before the curtain rises at Georgia Theatre at The Rooftop, perched atop this longstanding landmark.

The Sips

In keeping with the music scene, nightlife in Athens is ever-changing, wildly energetic, and utterly diverse. Whatever your vibe may be for the evening, you’ll find a scene to match your energy. Some bars – like Boars Head Lounge and Paloma Park – often offer music to enhance your experience. Walkers Pub oozes a chill vibe – as a coffee shop by day, bar by night. If it’s too chill for your mood, climb the stairs up to the Blue Sky Bar. For an authentic fan experience, head to Dooleys, Creature Comforts, Magnolias, and countless other Athens watering holes on game days. You can drink a toast to your inner Picasso at ARTini’s, catch a drag show at the hidden gem that is Hendershots, while away a “crafternoon” at Athentic Brewing, or perfect your axe-throwing talents at Lumberjaxe.

If you pride yourself in being a true craft beer and cocktails aficionado, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Athens is home to FIVE breweries and ONE distillery (with another not far behind). Oak House Distillery is a true Athens success story. Marking the first legal distillery in Athens in more than a century, it is helmed by UGA scientists “with a passion for crafting artisanal spirits.” Since opening in 2020, it has been doling out its signature brand of botanical gin, Jamaican-inspired rum, and organic vodka to cheering crowds of 21 and older patrons.

If beer is more your speed and you’re in search of your new “hoppy place,” be sure to order a craft beer flight from Terrapin Beer Co. (est. 2008), Creature Comforts (est. 2014), Akademia Brewing Company (est. 2017), Normaltown Brewing Co. (est. 2020), or Athentic Brewing Company. (est. 2020). To encourage visitors to have fun while drinking responsibly, Athens offers a beer trolley to pick up and drop off at select breweries given the “loop” on Thursdays or Fridays. A digital passport is also in the works for true cerevisaphiles so you can take a tour of the renowned Athens Beer Trail and gain points along the way as you knock each craft brewery off your list, ultimately earning prizes at your journey’s end. 

The Sups

Like everything else in Athens, the food scene is HOPPING. While cheap eats may be the popular choice among the college crowd, true foodies will revel in the city’s treasure trove of chef-driven experiences. James Beard finalist Pete Amadhanirundr and his partner Ally Smith offer up cool hand-crafted cocktails and superlative Thai food at Puma Yu’s, while Top Chef Season 21 contestant Kenny Nguyen helms the kitchen at Pretty Boy with his unique take on modern Vietnamese cuisine. Krista and Jerry Slater are building an epicurean empire around their modern Italian Expat and the sleek and sublime Slaters Steakhouse. Ryan Sims offers a swank aperitivo and small bites experience at Bar Bruno, along with a selection of pies that are redefining the concept of pizza at his ZZ & Simone’s. Not to be outdone, Peter Dale turned a hobby into a homerun with concepts like SeaBear and The National. He recently purchased the established and much-loved Five & Ten, and we can’t wait to see, smell, and taste the results. For one of the most sublime date nights on record, make overnight reservations at The Rivet House and dine by candlelight at the new Osteria Olio – both owned by James and Jessica Whitley.

Embracing its role as a gastronomic go-to, the Classic City regularly hosts food-centric events like the Athens Wine Weekend with pairings and classes, the Classic City Brew Fest with craft beer and street food, the Hot Corner Festival with a focus on Black History and soul food, the celebrated collection of food trucks and vendors that enhance AthFest, and – of course – the true celebration that is Athens Restaurant Week each July. 

The Shops 

From gameday gear to vintage finds, Downtown Athens is filled to overflowing with unique boutiques and fun shops. Indie South has a vibe all its own, showcasing locally sourced crafts and home goods. Community features upscale vintage fashion and accessories, with even more time-honored treasures to be explored at Mother Lode, Vics Vintage, Dynamite Clothing, and Cillies. For a more traditional Main Street shopping experience, look to Athens’ landmark Heery’s Clothes Closet. For the latest red and black garb, you can brave the crowds inside the University of Georgia Bookstore or leisurely stroll through Downtown’s Fan Outfitters and The Red Zone.

The Sleeps

As a beloved destination for Parents Weekends, football rivalries, and special events, Athens is home to several well-known hospitality brands, such as Marriott’s SpringHill Suites, Hilton’s Hampton Inn or Homewood Suites, and Radisson’s Country Inn & Suites. However, if you’re looking for a hip hospitality experience that’s every bit as distinctive as the city where it’s based, check out Rivet House, The Athenian, ATH B&B, The Abacus, and Hotel Indigo.

Hot Tip: Headed to The Classic Center for a concert or Akins Ford Arena for a hockey match? Hyatt Place is connected to the venue, and it offers an incredible rooftop bar overlooking the Athens skyline, aptly named Hybar, which you can enjoy before or after the show.

The Shindigs

While ANYTIME is a great time to visit the City of Athens, you’ll thank us if you schedule your stay around one of its signature events. Spring is for cycling in the annual Athens Twilight Criterium and going globe-trotting without ever leaving town during the UGA International Street Festival. Visit in the Summer during AthFest or the Hot Corner Festival for a weekend filled with music, fun, and food. Don your craziest costume and hit the streets in the Fall during the Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle. Or gaze in awe at the Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to kick off your holiday season. For the definitive calendar of events and a complete catalog of all there is to see and do in The Classic City, make VisitAthensGA.com your next stop!

1710 words
KB 11/16/24
Reviewed by Stephanie Alsop of Athens CVB and Olivia Lamme of Lou Hammond Group 11/14/24