Athens, Georgia is the quintessential college town, bursting with life and things to do. The home of the University of Georgia is also a bit of an antebellum enclave.
This gives Athens a unique profile. Its music scene is terrific. R.E.M. and Michael Stipe have their creative roots here. The very soil of this mid-size Georgia city seems to nurture talent. On the flip side, it’s steeped in southern and Civil War history. Put the perspectives together and you get an idea of why so many folks flock here.
When you make it to Athens you don’t have to spend a ton on entertainment. Here’s a rundown of free and inexpensive things to do.
Go to the garden: This time of year the flowers in the 313-acre State Botanical Garden are just beginning to stir. Wait a few more weeks and they’ll be downright serious about life. There are miles of trails, and thousands of smells – most all of them good. The gardens are free.
Wander the Warehouse District: In search of cutting-edge art and a bit of down home Bohemia? Head to the Chase Street Warehouse District. The biggest draw is ATHICA – the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art. Save for a few select events, admission is free.
Browse Five Points: Go to the intersection of Milledge Avenue and Lumpkin Street, a hectic five-stoplight hub of culture and creativity. Athens’ Five Points neighborhood is home to galleries, antiquing, coffee shops and such. It’s also packed with consignment shops. This is where locals, students and visitors sit in the same space to quaff coffee and talk Georgia Bulldog football.
Feed the dawgs: If you live in a Southeastern Conference state you viscerally understand how much folks down here revere football. If you don’t, you will after a couple of days in Athens. All around you’ll see three-foot fiberglass bulldogs painted from head to toe – three dozen of them scatted in the city and county. The dawgs are one of the biggest tourist draws in town.
Ogle the odd: College towns contain their share of characters. Athens is no different. But it’s not just some of the artists and academics that tend to be offbeat here, it’s the objects. On the lawn of city hall sits what’s reputed to be the planet’s only double-barreled cannon. Then there’s the “Tree that Owns Itself,” on Dearing Street. In 1890 one Colonel William Jackson deeded the land surrounding his favorite childhood tree, well, to itself. The original tree is gone. But its replacement thrives.
Tour Jittery Joe’s: Jittery Joe’s supplies the buzz for countless students before exams. Named by Rolling Stone as one of the top 24-hour coffee shops in the country, Jittery Joe’s offers free behind-the-scene tours of its roaster. You’ll find the shop on Broad Street.
See Civil War History: The nine counties surrounding this southern city was not immune to the ravages of the Civil War. Athens is epicenter of The Heartland of the Confederacy Trails. Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of this turning point in our country’s history. A driving map is available at the Athens welcome center.
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Story by Jerry Chandler
Photo by dianagurley
