Athens Visitors Guide by Online Athens

VisitAthensGA.com VisitAthensGA.mobi ÂŠ2012 Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau

Road Trip Visit

Athens

Before You Go

Loosen up your collar.

Plan your visit, find deals, sign up for e-mail newsletters for tips, packages & specials, and big events notices. Follow @ VisitAthensGA on Twitter or Like us on Facebook/VisitAthensGA for all the latest savings and happenings.

VisitAthensGA.com • VisitAthensGA.mobi Take a hip trip to Athens. Let your hair down and let your mind run free through historic Southern streets pulsing with creative energy. From eclectic galleries to UGA athletics, historic house museums to world-famous music, funky boutiques to exquisite cuisine, we think every dog should have his day and his night!

Local Experts • Free Maps & Brochures Guided, Self-Guided, Podcast, & Audio Tours of Athens Athens Welcome Center & Classic City Tours House Museum, Gift Shop, & Visitor Information 280 E. Dougherty St., Athens, GA 30601 706-353-1820, toll free 866-455-1820 Classic City Tours: 706-208-8687 AthensWelcomeCenter.com – download our tours! Open: Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. noon – 5 p.m. Guided tours daily; reservations strongly suggested. See map, p. 17, for coupon and tour schedule! Map: Downtown, D1

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University of Georgia Visitors Center Four Towers Building, 405 College Station Rd. 706-542-0842 Visit.uga.edu Open: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., selected Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed on Sundays, UGA holidays, & home football gamedays. Free guided tours daily; reservations strongly suggested. Map: UGA,

The Visitors Guide is produced by the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that errors have not occurred or that dates, times, phone numbers, and other information have not changed. Published August 2012.

Contents

6 Dawg Days & Nights

16 Maps

7 Local Products

20 Sports, Outdoors

8 Music

23 Gardens

10 Arts

24 Dining

12 Heritage

26 Annual Events

14 Free Finds &

27 More Info

Family Fun

28 Accommodations

Dawg Days & Nights Whether you have just a few hours or several days, we’ve got plenty of ideas for experiencing the Athens vibe. Let these suggestions stimulate your imagination, then build them into your schedule as time allows to get the most out of your visit!

Music & Nightlife

Breakfast with local musicians at The Grit or Mama’s Boy. Shop at Wuxtry for records.

Choose a selfguided or guided Athens Music History Tour through Classic City Tours.

Lunch on soul food from Weaver D’s, of R.E.M’s “Automatic for the People” fame.

Live music nightly at dozens of acclaimed clubs: 40 Watt, Georgia Theatre, The Melting Point, & Caledonia.

Arts

View the state’s art collection & traveling exhibits at the newlyexpanded Georgia Museum of Art.

Head downtown to the Lyndon House Arts Center & other local galleries & shops like Good Dirt, Aurum, & R. Wood Studio.

Spread your wings with contemporary exhibits at ATHICA, trapeze at Canopy, & cutting-edge film at Ciné.

Take in a variety of local theatres & top world performers at UGA’s Performing Arts Center, or headliners at The Classic Center.

Heritage & Gardens

Walk through UGA’s North Campus, home to America’s first state-chartered university. Bring along the UGA Arboretum Guide.

On UGA’s campus, discover the Trial Gardens at UGA & Founders Memorial Garden.

Stroll through the expansive State Botanical Garden of Georgia, stunning tropical conservatory, & Garden Club of Georgia HQ.

Explore four antebellum house museums along our Museum Mile. Take a guided Athens History Tour from Classic City Tours.

UGA

Take a tour of campus offered by UGA Visitors Center student guides. Catch the scene at Tate Student Center, dining halls, or many green spaces.

Discover UGA & 1996 Olympic sports heritage at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. Cheer on the Bulldogs in 21 sportsmost are free!

Campus Culture! Georgia Museum of Art, Performing Arts Center, & Fine Arts Theatre host amazing exhibits & performances.

Pick up UGA gear at UGA Campus Bookstore or downtown at Clubhouse, RedZone, or DawgFanz.

Family Fun

Each block represents 2 hours. These are approximate times & may not include travel to & from locations.

Enjoy expansive playgrounds & an animal trail at Memorial Park. Pack a picnic!

Dive in to interactive animal exhibits at Sandy Creek Nature Center & outdoor experiences at Sandy Creek Park.

Little ones will ooh & aah over Georgia’s largest community-built playground. Older kids will love the Tony Hawkdesigned Skate Park, both at SE Clarke Park.

Active Climbing’s indoor climbing walls are suited for any weather, any age group.

Life Unleashed

Local Products

Athens Purebreds: A Homegrown Itinerary. The creative energy of Athens is evident in the number of individuals and enterprises creating truly unique artwork, home goods, and a range of good eats. Sample a taste of local bounty at our local restaurants, take a tour of the local coffee roaster or brewery, and browse through local galleries, potteries, and boutiques.

Afternoon n Relish some local garden goodness at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Trial Gardens at UGA (p. 23), showcasing an amazing selection of native flora. n Discover how award-winning brews are crafted at Terrapin Brewery. Public tours and tastings from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. every Wed. – Sat., featuring live music. 265 Newton Bridge Rd. 706-549-3377. TerrapinBeer.com. Map: G2, 25 n Meet local chefs, farmers, and restaurateurs while sampling local favorites on an Athens Food Tour (p. 24).

Morning n Stop by Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roaster for a tour and inside look at coffee roasting while you savor the aroma and taste of freshly roasted beans. Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m.– 6 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. 780 East Broad St. 706-227-2161. JitteryJoes.com. Map: H3, 20 n Browse downtown for local creations! Pick up ceramics and pottery at Good Dirt or R. Wood Studio; jewelry at Athena Jewelers, Native America Gallery, or Aurum Studios; and Bee Natural beeswax luminaries, paintings, sculpture, and other media from the Visual Arts Guild of Athens at Lyndon House Arts Center (p. 11). n Don’t miss the Athens Farmers Market Sat. mornings Apr. Plus Wed. – Dec. at Bishop Park, 705 Sunset Dr. Map: F2, afternoons 4 – 7 p.m. May – Oct. downtown at City Hall, 301 College Ave. AthensFarmersMarket.net. 31

Evening n Enjoy the fruits of local sustainable land stewardship with a meal at The National or Five & Ten, or opt for Farm 255, which features farm-to-table seasonal fare and live music. n Stay out late with Athens’ most famous local product – our music! (p. 8).

want more?

VisitAthensGA.com/local

for more ideas from our local creative community

800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

Music

Hear some hot licks. Acoustic or amplified, hear hot Athens tops licks and cool tunes in hip spots the charts! where hundreds of hometown Athens is “Live Music bands got their first gig, including Central.”— The New York Times R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and “#1 College Music Town the B-52’s. Hundreds of new in America” — Rolling Stone bands play live music nightly Paste magazine’s in intimate downtown clubs, “40 Best Music Venues in classic concert halls, and bustling America:” 40 Watt Club, bars. With jazz, classical, blues, The Melting Point country, hip hop, rock, and every kind of alternative genre playing on a regular basis, Athens provides one of the most diverse and affordable music scenes in the world.

A “Bands and Brews” Itinerary. Day One • Download the Athens Music Walking Tour from VisitAthensGA.com/music_tour or pick up a copy at the Athens Welcome Center to discover some of the most significant spots in Athens’ rich musical heritage.

Life Unleashed

Back & Better in August 2011, after a June 2009 fire. • Have a hearty lunch of soul food at Weaver D’s Fine Foods, the inspiration for the title of R.E.M.’s 1992 release Automatic for the People. • After an afternoon of walking the rest of the tour, you’ll be ready for a nice hand-crafted beer. Tour the Terrapin Brewery (Wed. – Sat.) to see how gold medal-winning beers are created (p. 7). • Pick up a free copy of a Flagpole magazine on your way in to Copper Creek Brewing Company. Over dinner and micro brew, start perusing the performance calendar to select your evening entertainment. • Or, head to The Melting Point for dinner and drinks before catching one of their early (8-ish) shows. • You might catch a national touring act or a large regional draw at the 40 Watt Club, The Melting Point, or The Georgia Theatre or a local singer-songwriter or underground upstart band at clubs like Caledonia Lounge. You’ll find an amazing array of venues and musical acts on any given day.

| the athens banner-herald john curry

jeff montgomery

Redneck GReece

WWW.ATHFEST.COM

R.E.M.

175+ bands, every June

Day Two • Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast at The Grit, The Grill, or Mama’s Boy, just a few local favorites for musicians and fans alike. • Browse for that rare recording at Athens’ downtown local music stores, Wuxtry and Lo Yo Yo Stuff Records. • Maybe you’ve been inspired to start your own band? Pick up your new instrument at Chick Piano and your funky wardrobe at Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother, both downtown.

want more?

VisitAthensGA.com/live_music Venues, Music Heritage Walking Tour, and more

The Athens Sound 800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

Arts Canopy Studio This non-profit community art center offers flying dance trapeze and other performances, plus workshops and classes for all ages and abilities. Guest artists have included members of the famed Cirque du Soleil troupe! 160 Tracy St. 706-549-8501. CanopyStudio.com. Map: G2, 15 Ciné The art house cinema screens a variety of intriguing films and features an exhibit gallery for local visual art. Ciné Bar offers cocktails and tasty treats. Check out the early week Dinner & Movie combo with neighboring restaurant, The National. 234 W. Hancock Ave. 706-353-3343. AthensCine.com. Map: Downtown, B3 The Classic Center Theatre This state-of-the-art 2,100-seat theatre is home to nationally touring Broadway productions, headline entertainers, concerts, and the Athens Symphony. 300 N. Thomas St. 706-357-4444, 800-864-4160. ClassicCenter.com. Map: Downtown, D3

Paint the Town Red. Discover Athens’ creative energy in our galleries and theatres and see why we’ve been named one of America’s Top 25 Arts Destinations every year since 2002! World-class entertainment. No big-city hassles. ATHICA: Athens Institute for Contemporary Art This non-profit institution is dedicated to exhibiting innovative, contemporary art by regional, national, and international artists. Area writers, performance artists, and musicians also bring events of an experimental nature to the space. Wed. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Thurs. 1 – 9 p.m., Fri. – Sun. 1 – 6 p.m., and by appt. 160 Tracy St., Unit 4. 706-2081613. Athica.org. Map: G2, 15

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Georgia Museum of Art After a two-year expansion project, the state’s official art museum reopened in February 2011 with triple the gallery space and a new outdoor sculpture garden. FREE. Tue., Wed., Fri., and Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thur., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun., 1 – 5 p.m. Closed Mon. Ike & Jane Café, Tue. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 90 Carlton St. 706-542-4662. Georgiamuseum.org. Map: UGA, 8

Athens Galleries:A Sampler. Agora 260 W. Clayton Street 706-316-0130 Facebook.com/agoravintage

The Gallery @ Hotel Indigo 500 College Ave. 706-255-3224 IndigoAthens.com

Athena Jewelers-The Art of It All 228 East Clayton St. 706-549-6869 AthenaJewelers.com

Native America Gallery 195 E. Clayton Street 706-543-8425 facebook.com/NativeAmericaGallery

Aurum Studios 125 E. Clayton Street 706-546-8826 AurumStudios.com The Gallery at Good Dirt 510 N. Thomas St. 706-355-3161 GoodDirt.net

R Wood Studio Ceramics 450 Georgia Dr. 706-613-8525 RWoodStudio.com Visual Arts Guild of Athens at Lyndon House Arts Center 293 Hoyt Street 706-613-3623 athensclarkecounty.com/lyndonhouse

Arts and Thur. noon – 9 p.m.; Wed., Fri., and Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Sun. and Mon.). 293 Hoyt St. 706-613-3623. AthensClarkeCounty.com/LyndonHouse. Map: Downtown, C1

Lamar Dodd School of Art The galleries at UGA’s art school host revolving shows of established and emerging contemporary artists. Free. Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed weekends and UGA holidays. 270 River Rd. 706-542-1511. Art.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 11 Local Theatre Athens Creative Theatre 706-613-3628 AthensClarkeCounty.com/act Map: G4, 17 Circle Ensemble Theatre 706-362-2175 CircleEnsembleTheatre.com Rose of Athens Theatre 706-340-9181 RoseofAthens.org Town and Gown Players 706-548-3854 TownandGownPlayers.org Map: G2, 16 Lyndon House Arts Center This community visual arts complex includes large airy galleries, a children’s wing, artists’ workshops, and a gift shop. Free. Tue.

Get your Art On! (paint your own)

ARTini’s 296 W. Broad St. Ste. 3, 706-353-8530, ArtinisArtLounge.com Uptown Art Uncorked 3061 Atlanta Hwy. Ste. D, 706-208-7337, UptownArt.com/Athens/ Pints & Paints 675 Pulaski St. Ste. 600, 706-850-7200, PintsandPaints.com

want more?

VisitAthensGA.com/events for exhibit & performance schedules

The Morton Theatre One of the first vaudeville theaters in the United States built, owned, and operated by an African American, The Morton opened in 1910 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fully restored Morton hosts a wide range of dramatic and musical performances. 195 W. Washington St. Tickets: 706-613-3771. Info: 706-613-3770. AthensClarkeCounty.com/Morton. Map: Downtown, C3 The University of Georgia Departmental Productions Student and guest artist performances range from the classics to contemporary and original works. Department of Theatre and Film Studies: Fine Arts Building, corner of Baldwin and Lumpkin. Tickets: 706-542-4400. Info: 706583-0045. Drama.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 25 Department of Dance: Dance Building, 1030 Sanford Dr. 706-542-4415. Dance.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 3 Hugh Hodgson School of Music: 250 River Rd. 706-542-3737. Music.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 10 The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center The University’s superb concert halls showcase the world’s best performers in classical, jazz, and world music, plus ballet folk dance and innovative and cutting-edge programming. Last-minute tickets are frequently available. 230 River Rd. 706-542-4400. Pac.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 16 800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

Heritage

Discover your pedigree. In 1785, the University of Georgia was chartered as America’s first state college. The city of Athens, named after the ancient Greek center of higher learning, was incorporated in 1806. Today, Athens is home to 16 neighborhoods on the National Register, including four house museums open for public tour. Daily Guided Tours; see map p. 17 for coupon. Church-Waddel-Brumby House/ Athens Welcome Center (1820) This Federal-style house is believed to be Athens’ oldest surviving residence. Its rescue from demolition and restoration in the early 1970s as a house museum and welcome center sparked the historic preservation movement in Athens. Free. Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., Sun. noon – 5 p.m. 280 E. Dougherty St. 706-353-1820, 866-455-1820. AthensWelcomeCenter.com. Map: Downtown, D1 T.R.R. Cobb House (1852) T.R.R. Cobb was a UGA graduate, co-founder of its School of Law, Confederate general, and principal author of the

Life Unleashed

Confederate Constitution. Athens’ newest house museum, with its distinctive color and octagonal wings, was moved to Stone Mountain Park in 1985, then returned to Athens in 2005. Donation of $2 per adult is suggested. Tue. – Sat. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. (closed Sun. and Mon.) 175 Hill St. 706-369-3513. TRRCobbHouse.org. Map: Downtown, A3 Georgia’s Civil War Heartland Leaders Trail Dozens of sites in and around Athens reveal the lives and legacies of the leaders of the Confederacy. Maps are available at the Athens Welcome Center (p. 4) or visit CivilWarinGeorgia.com. Taylor-Grady House (ca.1844) This Greek Revival home and National Historic Landmark was the collegiate home of acclaimed newspaper editor Henry W. Grady, credited with establishing the view of the New South after the Civil War. $3 per person. Mon., Wed., and Fri., 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., Tue. & Thurs. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. 634 Prince Ave. 706-549-8688. TaylorGradyHouse.com. Map: Downtown, A3

Heritage

Athens Welcome Center

University of Georgia’s Historic North Campus Walk through the landmark Arch onto the original campus of the nation’s first state-chartered university, highlighted by Greek Revival architecture, beautiful gardens, and stately trees. The self-guided “A Walking Tour of Old North Campus” and guided tours are available at the UGA Visitors Center (p. 4). Map: Downtown, D4 Ware-Lyndon House (1856) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the few antebellum homes with Italianate elements remaining in the Athens area, this house museum is the centerpiece of the Lyndon House Arts Center. Free. Tue. and Thur. noon – 9 p.m., Wed., Fri., and Sat. 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. 293 Hoyt St. 706-613-3623. AthensClarkeCounty.com/LyndonHouse. Map: Downtown, C1

VisitAthensGA.mobi

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VisitAthensGA.com/heritage

for self-guided driving tours of historic sites and African American heritage.

Athens info

ON THE GO!

Athens Historic House Museum Association Member. A collective ticket for an interior tour of all four house museums is offered through Classic City Tours; see p.17.

800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

Free Finds & Family Fun Georgia Museum of Natural History This working research museum displays samples from over 6 million objects in the Museum’s bird, fish, insect, mammal, and zooarchaelogy collection. Free. Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m – 4 p.m., Sat. noon – 3 p.m., closed home football games. Check website for updates. 101 Cedar St., at corner of E. Campus Rd. 706542-1663. NaturalHistory.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 9

Bear Hollow Zoo Athens is incredibly affordable... spend a full day of fun without spending a dime! Check out these free events and attractions.

Special Collections Libraries Discover historical and cultural treasures at the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, including the University Archives; the Richard B. Russell, Jr., Library for Political Research and Studies; and the Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Collection. FREE. Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m – 5 p.m., Sat. 1 – 5 p.m. Appointments required to view the Media Archives. Guided tours each Tues. at 2 p.m. 300 S. Hull Street, UGA Campus. 706-542-7123. libs.uga.edu/scl. Map: UGA, 26

Grab your phone

➊ Church-Waddel-Brumby House: Athens’ Welcome Center is also a house museum (p. 12) ➋ Georgia Museum of Art: The state’s official art collection and traveling exhibits (p. 10) ➌ State Botanical Garden of Georgia: 313-acre preserve (p. 23) ➍ Free music: Farm 255 patio, Hugh Hodgson School of Music @ UGA, Farmers Market, Highwire Lounge ➎ UGA Athletics: Many sports are free, including equestrian, soccer, softball, tennis (p. 22)

and grab Special Offers

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VisitAthensGA.com/free

➏ AthFest: Over 150 bands in late June; outdoor stages are free. AthFest.com ➐ Lyndon House Arts Center: Modern art gallery plus antebellum house museum (p. 11) ➑ Tours: Download print, audio, and pod tours from www. AthensWelcomeCenter.com (p. 4) ➒ UGA Campus Tour: Student guides from the UGA Visitor Center (p. 4) ➓ Bear Hollow Zoo: Native wildlife, pond, and playground (p. 20)

Life Unleashed

VisitAthensGA.com The Complete Source for Athens Visitor Info • • • •

Events & Nightlife Accommodations Tour Ideas & Special Offers Free Wedding & Reunion Help

Day Trips

• Northeast Georgia Mountains • Arts • Outdoor adventure GeorgiaMountains.org

441

• Athens

Athens is perfectly positioned for quick and easy excursions to nearby areas that showcase the best of Georgia’s natural resources, attractions, and Southern culture and heritage.

Head SOUTH on the Antebellum Trail to explore history and beauty in communities that escaped Sherman’s march. See AntebellumTrail.org for events; spring Pilgrimage dates are April 18 – May 21, 2013.

• Watkinsville (9 mi.)

• Arts, Summer Music Series • Eagle Tavern, Elder Covered Bridge

706-769-5197, VisitOconee.com

• Madison (35 mi.) • Eatonton (53 mi.) 129

• Milledgeville (70 mi.)

Old Clinton (80 mi.) •

441 Macon (93 mi.) • 800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

accommodations

1 America’s Best Inn

2 Best Western Athens

3 Bulldog Inn

Budget Host Inn

B4 32 Candlewood Suites C3

5 Comfort Inn & Suites

6 Comfort Suites

F3 F3

7 Country Inn & Suites 8 Hampton Inn

9 Howard Johnson

H4 10 InTown Suites E3 11 Microtel C4 12 Perimeter Inn H3 13 Travelodge B4 33 Sleep Inn & Suites H4 14 UGA Hotel J6

The Colonels on Angel Oaks Farm

G2 15 Art Complex: ATHICA, Canopy Athens Community Theatre

G2 16 Town & Gown Players

attractions

Athens Creative Theatre

G4 17 (Memorial Park)

H1 18 Sandy Creek Nature Center H3 20 Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roaster State Botanical Garden of

H5 21 GA/Garden Club of GA G3 22 Taylor - Grady House G3 23 Tree That Owns Itself G3 24 TRR Cobb House G2 25 Terrapin Brewery

Park, Bear Hollow Zoo, G4 26 Memorial Fred Birchmore Trail

I3,H2 27 N. Oconee River Greenway

parks

H4 28 Oconee Forest Park H1 29 Sandy Creek Park Clarke Park, WOW Playground, K4 30 SE Skate Park of Athens

F2 31 Bishop Park E3 34 Ben Burton Park

misc.

H3 36 Dudley Park J1 K3 G3 F3

Athens Technical College Athens Ben Epps Airport Athens Regional Medical Center St. Mary’s Hospital

accommodations

attractions

Sports & Outdoors

athens twilight CRITERIUM

Venture Out. Athens offers a great selection of athletics, natural resources, parks, and recreation. Take a walk (or hike, or climb, or kayak) that’s a bit off the beaten path.

Active Climbing

This indoor rock climbing gym features state-of-the-art climbing walls for all ages and experience levels, spectacular bouldering routes up to 20 feet high, and terrain you’ll only find at pro competitions. 665 Barber St. 706354-0038. ActiveClimbing.com. Map: G2, 35

Big Dog’s on the River

Enjoy the beauty of the Middle Oconee River and take a one- to twohour kayak trip right here in Athens! No need to travel north; Big Dog’s on the River offers kayaking rental and river trail service, plus a peaceful picnic and recreation area. $20 per person. 2525 Atlanta Hwy. 706-3536002. BigDogsontheRiver.com.

Leap Flying Trapeze

Bring your sense of adventure and let these high flying experts send you soaring. Within the first 20 minutes of a two-hour group class you will be flying and practicing basic tricks for execution and timing. By the end of class you may even be ready to attempt a catch! Class schedule and reservations online. 160 Collins Industrial Blvd. 706-705-2055. LeapTrapeze.com.

Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo

Experience 72 acres of rolling hills, a lake, picnic shelters, and playground area, plus a nature trail and designated 1.5-acre Dog Park. A small zoo includes many species of Georgia’s native wildlife. On Saturdays, the exhibit hall is open 1 – 4 p.m., featuring projects for young visitors and live animals to see and touch. Free; donations accepted. Open daily, 9 a.m.– dusk. 293 Gran Ellen Dr. Zoo: 706-613-3616. Park: 706-613-3580. AthensClarkeCounty.com/memorial. Map: G4, 26

Life Unleashed

North Oconee River Greenway

This 3.5-mile-long linear park is open sunrise to sunset to all types of non-motorized uses, including dogs on leashes. Connects with Cook’s Greenway Trail at Sandy Creek Nature Center and follows the North Oconee River south toward downtown Athens. Don’t miss the 50+ interpretive markers along the half-mile Heritage Trail from Dudley Park to Wilkerson Street. Picnic and recreational areas are located along the trail. FREE. 706-613-3801. AthensClarkeCounty.com/greenway. Map: I3/H2, 27

Oconee Forest Park

This 60-acre natural area has walking trails, a 1.2-mile mountain bike trail, and a 15-acre lake. Free. Trails open daily sunrise to sunset. College Station and East Campus Rds., at UGA Intramural fields. 706-542-4287. Warnell.uga.edu. Map: H4 28

Sandy Creek Nature Center

Miles of trails run through 225 acres of woodland, fields, and wetlands. The Environment, Natural Science and Appropriate Technology (ENSAT) Center features live animal exhibits and ADA-accessible trails. Free. Trails open daily until sunset; center open Tue. – Sat. 8:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. 205 Old Commerce Rd. 706-613-3615. AthensClarkeCounty.com/ sandycreeknaturecenter. Map: H1, 18

Sandy Creek Park

This 782-acre park surrounds Lake Chapman and features picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, camping, dog runs, disc golf course, sports areas, and rental facilities. $2. Open Tue. – Sun. sunrise to sunset. (Closed Mon.) 400 Bob Holman Rd. 706-613-3631. AthensClarkeCounty.com/sandycreekpark. Map: H1, 29

Skate Park of Athens

This state-of-the-art facility has 14,000 square feet of ramps, edges, rails, steps, and bowls. BMX bikes and in-line skates also welcome. Free. Open Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. noon – 9 p.m. Southeast Clarke Park, 4440 Lexington Rd. 706-613-3871. AthensClarkeCounty.com/southeast. Map: K4, 30

World of Wonder Community Playground

Georgia’s largest communitybuilt playground is almost two acres of playscape mazes, slides, swings, bridges, tunnels, climbing wall, and enclosed toddler area, plus gardens and outdoor children’s art. FREE. Southeast Clarke Park, 4440 Lexington Rd. (use Whit Davis Rd. entrance). 706613-3871. AthensClarkeCounty.com/ southeast. Map: K4, 30

More ACC Parks:

•Bishop Park: 705 Sunset Dr., 706-613-3589. Map: F2, 31 •Wiggly Field Dog Park: Southeast Clarke Park ,4440 Lexington Rd. (use Whit Davis Rd. entrance). 706613-3871. Map: K4, 30

: off-leash dog area

Athens Area Golf Public and Semi-private Golf Courses The Chimneys Golf Course 338 Monroe Hwy., Winder 770-307-4900 Eagle Greens Sandy Creek Golf Course 3100 Ila Rd., Commerce 706-335-8100 The Georgia Club 1050 Chancellors Dr., Statham 770-725-8101 Jennings Mill 1500 Chambers Ct., Bogart 706-548-1852. Lane Creek Golf Club 1201 Club Dr., Bishop 706-769-6699. Sunrise Golf Club 5225 Colbert-Danielsville Rd., Colbert. 706-788-2720 UGA Golf Course Home to the Stadion Classic at UGA. 2600 Riverbend Rd., Athens 706-369-5739. Map: F8 800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

UGA Sports

Hunker Down with the Dawgs. Don’t miss championship sports action while in Athens! Visit GeorgiaDogs.com or call the UGA Athletic Association at 706-542-1231 to see which sports are in season. Admission to most UGA sports events is free! When you’re not at the game, get your sports fix with these touring ideas: Take a UGA campus tour offered by the UGA Visitors Center (p. 4), and check out venues such as Sanford Stadium, the nation’s seventh-largest on-campus college stadium, and Stegeman Coliseum, home to the 10-time National Champion GymDogs and site of UGA basketball. The Coliseum was also site of 1996 Olympics competition in volleyball and rhythmic gymnastics. Look for the Olympic memorial on the grounds. Map: UGA, 21

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Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall houses memorabilia, touchscreen displays, and video highlights of the long and proud heritage of Georgia athletics. Exhibits include the 1980 national championship football trophy and Heisman trophies won by Frank Sinkwich and Herschel Walker, as well as items from the 1996 Olympics competition in Athens. Free. Mon. – Fri. 8

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UGA Athletic teams have won 38 national championships and 135 SEC championships! a.m. – 5 p.m. 1 Selig Circle. Car parking is available. Groups should call ahead for bus/motorcoach parking guidance. 706542-9036. Map: UGA, 1 Stop by the ITA Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex, open during tennis tournaments and to group tours by appointment, to see more sports memorabilia. 518 D.W. Brooks Dr. 706-542-8064. Map: UGA, 4

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Walk through historic North Campus, home to Herty Field, where early Bulldog football teams played under Coach Pop Warner in the 1890s. The Chapel Bell is traditionally rung after all Bulldog victories. Map: UGA, 2

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Pick up red and black gear on campus at the UGA Bookstore, or cross Broad St. through the famed Arch to Downtown Athens and check out The Red Zone, The Clubhouse, or Dawg Fanz.

•

want more?

VisitAthensGA.com/ugasports to see which sports are in season!

Life Unleashed

Gardens

Athens is home to America’s first garden club as well as one of the most diverse collections of specialty nurseries and gardens in the Southeastern United States. Founders Memorial Garden A trickling fountain, rare flora, winding walkways, and ornamental shrubbery are a grand memorial to the founders of America’s first garden club. Free. Behind Brooks Hall, UGA North Campus. 425 S. Lumpkin St. Ced.Uga.edu. Map: UGA, 6

want more?

VisitAthensGA.com/gardens

Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., State Headquarters The stately neoclassical building, with museum-quality furnishings and decorative arts, overlooks the Heritage Garden on the grounds of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Guided tours available by appointment. $2 per person. Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed noon - 1 p.m. 2450 South Milledge Ave. 706-227-5369. GardenClub.Uga.edu. Map: H5, 21 The State Botanical Garden of Georgia This 313-acre preserve features five miles of trails, a stunning tropical conservatory, and themed gardens showcasing native and international flora. Special events and programs held year-round. The garden has recently been named an Important Birding Area by the Georgia Audubon Society. Gift shop and Café. Free; donations welcome. • Grounds: open daily except UGA holidays Oct. – Mar. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Apr. – Sept. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. • Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Café hours: Tue. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All buildings closed on Monday and official UGA holidays. 2450 South Milledge Ave. 706-542-1244. Botgarden.Uga.edu. Map: H5, 21 The Trial Gardens at UGA Come see the horticulturists in action as they determine the “best of the best” plants for our region’s high heat and humidity that will go on to receive the Athens Select label for sale in garden centers, such as the bestselling Homestead Verbena. Free. Open to the public daily during daylight hours. 220 W. Green St., across from UGA Coliseum. 706-542-2471. UgaTrial.hort.uga.edu. Map: UGA, 15

Dining James Beard Foundation Honorees Hugh Acheson, chef/owner of Five and Ten: Best Chef: Southeast 2012 Best Cookbook: “A New Turn In the South” 2012 Weaver D’s: America’s Classics Award, 2007 4 Coursemen: Finalist, “The Four Coursemen” Best Television Special/Documentary 2011

Give yourself a treat. Athens Food Tours Venture off the beaten path to much-loved locally owned eateries and markets for samples of delicious specialties as restaurant owners, chefs, and farmers share their stories. Tours also offer a glimpse into the past and living history of Athens music, architecture, and lifestyles during an easy-paced walk. 24-hr. advance notice. $28-$48. 706-338-8054. AthensFoodTours.com

Whet Your Appetite

hugh acheson, 5&10

On the Menu Athens Bagel Company 268 N Jackson St Athens, GA 30601 706-543-5001 www.facebook.com/athensbagelcompany Athens’ only place for kettle boiled New York-style bagels, baked each morning in Downtown Athens. Be sure to check out homemade cream cheeses, delicious sandwiches, and the full bar! Hours: Mon-Thur: 7am-10pm Fri: 7am-12am Sat/Sun: 9am-12am

Life Unleashed

pa i d a d v e r t i s i n g

Buffalo’s southwest CafÉ 196 Alps Road, Suite 49 Beechwood Shopping Center 706.354.6655 www.buffaloscafe.com More than great WINGS! Steaks, Pasta, Salads, Burgers, Wraps, Vegetarian and Lunch Menus. Live Music & Trivia, Sports & NFL Ticket on 42 TV’s. Private Rooms for meetings, parties, weddings & special events. Large Groups and Buses Welcome. Delivery Available. events@buffaloscafe.com

Dining Video DePalma’s Italian Café 401 E. Broad St. Downtown Athens (706) 354.6966 1965 Barnett Shoals Rd. Eastside Athens (706) 369.0085 2080 Timothy Rd. Westside Athens (706) 552.1237 depalmasitaliancafe.com Serving homemade pasta and hand tossed pizzas for over 24 years. Daily Specials. Party trays available. Reservations accepted.

Dining Food & Wine Adventures. Seasonal (April – December):

•Athens Farmers Market. Our soil, our farmers, our food, our music! Saturdays at Bishop Park, Wednesdays Downtown at City Hall. (p. 7) •Roots Farm. Indulge in a SlowDown dinner or volunteer for the harvest. 46 Beaver Trl., Winterville. 706-742-0010. RootsFarm.org

All year:

•Terrapin Brewery. Discover the art of award-winning brewing, Wed. – Sat. (p. 7) •Four Coursemen. Grab Athens’ most exclusive dinner reservation, monthly. FourCoursemen.com.

February:

•Athens Wine Weekend, 3rd Annual. Two days of tastings & seminars. Feb. 1–3, 2013. AthensWineWeekend.com. •Taste of Athens, 20th Annual. Athens’ best culinary fare on display. Feb. 17, 2013. TasteofAthens.org.

April:

•Classic City Brew Fest, 18th Annual. Sample regional and world beer styles. April 7, 2013. Buy tix in Dec. ClassicCityBrew.com.

May:

•Tour de Farm. Three-day, 100-mile bicycling tour of area farms. May 25–27, 2013. Limited spots; reserve well in advance. LocalPlace.org

Athens Restaurant Listings

Harry’s pig shop (706) 612-9219 2425 Jefferson Road www.harryspigshop.com Voted “Best BBQ” in Athens, Harry’s celebrates the tradition of great BBQ sauces & rubs from all over the country. In addition to a range of sandwiches and side dishes, specialties include Pork Tenderloin Sliders, BBQ Nachos, salads and vegetarian options. On Jefferson Hwy (aka Prince Ave.) just off Loop 10.

Heirloom Cafe & Fresh Market 815 N Chase St. (706)354-7901 www.heirloomathens.com Farm to table dining and retail. Breakfast M-F 7:30-10:30, Lunch M-F 11:003:00, Dinner M-Th 5:30-9:00, Fri-Sat 5:3010:00, Brunch Sat-Sun 9:30-2:30. BLD MC

Mama’s Boy 197 Oak St. Athens, GA 30601 706.548.6249 www.eatatmamasboy.com Southern Fun Dining Voted Athens’ Best Breakfast! We serve breakfast every day from 7:00- 3:30 pm and if you like our breakfast you’ll love our lunch menu monday-friday. We cater!

Annual Events

twilight criterium

April 2013 • UGA International Street Festival, April 6 • Plantapolooza! April 6 • Piedmont Gardeners Garden Tour, April 20 • Classic City Brew Fest, April 7 International street festival

ANNUAL EVENTS: 2012-2013

• Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage, April 18-21 • Athens Twilight Criterium, April 26-27 • Pro Golf: Stadion Classic at UGA, TBA May 2013

September 2012 • Insectival, Sept. 29 October 2012 • North Georgia Folk Festival, Oct. 6 • Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate, Oct. 7 • AthFest Half Marathon, Oct. 20-21 • Halloween in the Clubs, Oct. 31 (& weekend prior)

• Athens Human Rights Festival, TBA (typically 1st Sat.-Sun.) June 2013 • AthFest, June 19-23 July 2013 • Classic City American Music Festival, TBA (typically 1st Sun.)

Seasonal:

November 2012

• Athens Farmers Market, Apr. – Dec.

• Downtown Parade of Lights, Nov. 29

• Sunflower Music Series, June – Sept.

December 2012 • Museum Mile Holiday Home Tour, Dec. 8 February 2013 • Athens Wine Weekend, Feb. 1-3 • Taste of Athens, Feb. 17

Life Unleashed

want more? For the latest event news, follow us on Twitter @VisitAthensGA or Like us on Facebook (VisitAthensGA).

For a full list of events, see VisitAthensGa.com/events or VisitAthensGA.mobi

Events Calendar

Dawg Bytes

Quick Facts Area: 122 square miles, the smallest county in

Ground Shuttle to/from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. Airport

Population: 117,344 (2011 U.S. Census

• Groome Transportation 706-410-2363 GroomeTransportation.com

Georgia

estimate)

Elevation: 802 feet Tax: 7% local/state sales tax; additional 7% hotel/

motel occupancy tax

Government: In 1991, the Unified Government

of Athens-Clarke County became the 28th consolidated city-county government in the United States and the third in Georgia.

Weather: July: 69ºF (avg. low), 90º F (avg. high)

January: 33º (avg. low), 51º (avg. high)

Avg. Rainfall: 48” Avg. Snowfall: 2.5”

Bus

Taxi

• Athens Transit System 706-613-3434 AthensTransit.com

• 5 Star Taxi 706-549-2224

• Mega Bus (Atlanta-Athens) 877-462-6342 MegaBus.com • Southeastern Stages 706-549-2255 SoutheasternStages.com

Numbers to Know Police, fire, ambulance emergencies: 911 Non-emergency police dept.: 706-613-3330 Hospitals: Athens Regional Medical Center: 1199 Prince Ave., 706-475-7000; St. Mary’s Hospital: 1230 Baxter St., 706-389-3000 Walk-In Medical Centers: Regional First Care: 485 Hwy. 29 N., Athens, 706-353-6000; and 1960 Experiment Station Rd., Watkinsville, 706-769-0000

• Golden Taxi 706-543-5646 • United Taxi Cab 706-549-0808 • Your Cab Taxi 706-546-5844

Justin Timberlake was here! Georgia is a new film mecca and Athens is part of the action! See which Athens scenes you can spot in these movies, then check them out while you’re here!

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce: 706-549-6800

Transportation Airport • Athens-Ben Epps Airport 706-613-3420 AthensAirport.net • Georgia Skies Airline 877-849-4997 FlyGeorgiaSkies.com

Trouble with the Curve (Sept. 2012) Starring Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, & Justin Timberlake

Not Since You (2009)

Athens Map 800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

Information in this Guide was current as of July 2012. The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, while making every effort to keep this guide as accurate as possible, assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. Please call in advance to confirm information before making any reservations. Rates may be higher during UGA home games and other special events.

Refers to downtown map p h o ne / w e b

map

rooms

r at e s

America’s Best Inn - 2715 Atlanta Hwy.

706-549-1530 / 800-237-8466 www.americasbestinnathens.com

45 rooms

Best Western Athens - 170 N. Milledge Ave.

706-546-7311 / 800-592-9401 www.bestwestern.com

70 rooms

Budget Host Inn - 3425 Atlanta Hwy.

706-549-0251

38 rooms

Bulldog Inn - 1225 Commerce Rd.

706-543-3611

51 rooms

706-548-9663/888-226-3539

97 rooms

Comfort Inn & Suites - 3980 Atlanta Hwy.

706-227-9700/800-4CHOICE www.choicehotels.com

69 rooms

$$$

Comfort Suites - 255 North Ave.

706-995-4000 / 800-4CHOICE www.choicehotels.com

73 rooms

706-612-9100, 800-830-5222

81 rooms

Courtyard by Marriott - 166 N. Finley St.

706-369-7000 / 800-321-2211 www.courtyard.com

105 rooms

$$$

Days Inn - 230 N. Finley St.

706-543-6511 / 800-329-7466 www.daysinnathens.com

75 rooms

706-549-7020

119 rooms

$$$

706-583-4500

75 rooms

$$$

Hampton Inn - 2220 W. Broad St.

706-548-9600 / 800-426-7866 www.hamptoninn.com

112 rooms

Hilton Garden Inn - 390 E. Washington St.

706-353-6800 / 877-STAYHGI www.stayhgi.com

185 rooms

$$$

Holiday Inn - 197 E. Broad St.

706-549-4433 / 888-465-4329 www.hi-athens.com

222 rooms

Holiday Inn Express - 513 W. Broad St.

706-546-8122 / 888-465-4329 www.hi-athens.com

160 rooms

706-546-0430 / 888-9athens www.indigoathens.com

130 rooms

$$$

Howard Johnson - 2465 W. Broad St.

706-548-1111 / 800-446-4656 www.hojo.com

100 rooms

InTown Suites - 2044 S. Milledge Ave.

706-355-3121 / 800-553-9338 www.intownsuites.com

139 rooms

Microtel Inn - 1050 Ultimate Dr.

706-548-5676 / 800-771-7171 www.microtelinn.com

61 rooms

Perimeter Inn 3791 Atlanta Hwy.

706-548-3000 / 800-934-2963 www.perimeterinn.com

33 rooms

706-850-1261

65 rooms

Travelodge 898 W. Broad St.

706-549-5400 / 800-578-7878 www.travelodge.com

40 rooms

UGA Hotel & Conference Center - 1197 S. Lumpkin St.

706-542-2134 / 800-884-1381 www.georgiacenter.uga.edu

200 rooms

lodging

Candlewood Suites - 156 Classic Rd.

Country Inn & Suites - 236 Old Epps Bridge Rd.

Foundry Park Inn & Spa - 295 E. Dougherty St. Georgia Gameday Center - 250 W. Broad St.

Hotel Indigo - 500 College Ave.

Sleep Inn & Suites 109 Florence Dr.

www.candlewoodsuites.com/athensga

www.countryinns.com/athensga

www.foundryparkinn.com

www.stayatgameday.com

www.sleepinnathens.com

a m e ni ti e s

Kitchenette

800.653.0603 • VisitAthensGA.com

Pet Friendly

Banquet Facility

Restaurant/ Lounge

Suites

Meeting Facility

Exercise Facility

Pool

$<$79 $$=$79-$109 $$$=$110+

Free WiFi

Refers to area map

Complimentary Breakfast

Special Offers

Handicapped

Accommodations

lodging

Country Boy’s RV Park - 5473 Mt. Olive Rd., Commerce

Fort Yargo - 210 S. Broad St., Winder

Pine Lake RV & Campsite - 5540 High Shoals Road, Bishop

Watson Mill Bridge State Park RV & Campsite - 650 Watson Mill Road, Comer

p h o ne / w e b

Bunkhouse

Cottage

Yurt

Tent

RV PARKS & CAMPSITES

Cabin

Accommodations

a m e ni ties

706-335-5535 countryboysrvpark.com 770-867-3489/800-864-7275 gastateparks.org/FortYargo 706-769-5486 pinelakervcamp.com 706-783-5349 • 800-864-7275 gastateparks.org/watsonmillbridge/

Check out VisitAthensGA.com for online reservations, packages, and specials!

Candlewood Suites

B e d & B r e a k fa s t

The Colonels on Angel Oaks Farm 3890 Barnett Shoals Rd. 706-559-9595 www.thecolonels.net 7 rooms, 3 suites, $$$ Call for pet policy details and restrictions.

Hotel Indigo

Foundry Park Inn