Taste of Athens Weekend! Feb.18-19

Taste of Athens Weekend is upon us! Thanks, Tracey at Community Connection, for this Guest Blog entry!

It is a simple idea really.  Walk…Run…then Eat…Drink…and Help Many…at Taste of Athens Weekend 2012. Kick off the weekend on February 18th by lacing up your running shoes and join us downtown for the Taste 10K, a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. Or grab the family for the 1 mile Family Walk/Run through beautiful Downtown Athens.  Reward yourself for crossing the finish line by joining us for even more fun at A Taste of Athens at The Classic Center on February 19th.  In its 19^th year, Taste of Athens will bring together over 50 local restaurants and beverage providers for an evening of the kind of gluttony where no one should feel the need to repent.  Aside from the opportunity to sample delicious dishes from all of your favorite local eateries, old and new, your attendance alone to this unique event benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia. 

As guests wander from table to table in the Grand Hall of the Classic Center listening to the live sounds of the Athens A-Train Band, they will be able to sample food from some of this year’s participating restaurants including Butt Hutt, Chops & Hops, East West Bistro, Farm 255 Five & Ten, George’s Low Country Table, Harry’s Pig Shop, Heirloom Café & Fresh Market, Five & Ten, Taste of India, Square One Fish Co., and The Local Jam just to name a few.  All restaurants are local.  Attendees may notice a few chains, such as Barberitos, Keba Spitfire Grill, Locos, Your Pie, and Zaxby’s --- they're all based in Athens!

Guests can mingle and raise a glass filled by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Boutier Winery, Quality Wine & Spirits, or Terrapin Beer among others. Afterward, grab some dessert from Cecelia Villaveces Cakes, Kumquat Mae Bakery, and Silver Lining Cupcake Company and then head on over to browse the Silent Auction or purchase your Four Seasons Raffle tickets with a pick me up in hand from Jittery Joes.

Proudly Presented by Georgia Neurological Surgery & Comprehensive Spine, Athens Banner Herald, and Magic 102.1, Taste of Athens Weekend 2012 includes Taste 10K will on Saturday February 18^th in Downtown Athens followed by A Taste of Athens on Sunday, February 19th at The Classic Center from 5pm-8pm.  Taste 10K Registration is $25.  A Taste of Athens tickets are $45 for General Admission or $75 for VIP Admission.  VIP guests are provided with earlier entry to the event starting at 4:30pm, a souvenir plate and glass, and exclusive access to the VIP Sponsor Garden during the event.  To register for the race, purchase tickets, get the latest updates, and a full list of participating restaurants and beverage providers, visit www.TasteofAthens.com. 

Valentine's Ideas: Let Loose and Have Fun.

For this Valentine's Day, create fun and lasting memories with your loved one.Enjoy a night of  live music while experiencing a great meal at Buffalo's Cafe in Athens, GA. Buffalo's Cafe offers a delicious and diverse menu. 

If you and your sweetheart are fans of the King, this event is perfect for you! On Saturday, February 11, Elvis returns for a Burning Love Valentine's Show. Enjoy your favorite timeless songs, and let the King romance you! Tickets for this show will be $5, at the door. 

Buffalo's Cafe is featuring another Valentine's event on Tuesday, February 14. David Prince, a longtime Athens musician, will be doing a special performance. Tickets for this show will be $10, at the door. 

There will  be a full menu and beverage service available for each event to make your night special. Early seating for each event begins at 6:00 p.m., and shows will start at 7:00 p.m. 

Athens also has plenty of romantic hotel packages and other Valentine's ideas to complete your romantic getaway!

Valentine's Ideas: A Romantic Dinner

To me, nothing says "I Love You" like a romantic dinner, and Athens, GA is definitely the place to make this happen. Athens' talented chefs take pride in locally-sourced ingredients to craft amazing plates and they'll be bringing out all the stops for Valentine's. 

Farm 255

Farm 255 is a restaurant that seeks to reconnect food to its roots & people to their food. Bring your Valentine's date to their locally-sourced Prix Fixe Valentine's Day on February 14. Their Valentine's Menu has been created by Farm 255's Whitney Otawka of Top Chef fame! This unique and organic atmosphere creates the perfect setting for a romantic evening. A ticket for this four-course meal can be purchased for $48 per person. For more information about this romantic dinner, including a menu, visit here.

The National -- They will be serving an elegant four-course Prix Fixe meal on February 14. The National is known for their Mediterranean inspired food and wine while providing a casual neighborhood gathering spot reminiscent of European bars and cafés. A variety of choices will be offered for each course, including a decadent dessert. Their unique menu and atmosphere guarantees a special evening for you and your loved one. Tickets will be $50 per person. For more information about this special offer, including a menu, visit here.
Update: Peter says there's wait list, but there will be a la carte at the bar.  Great scene and highly recommended for singles looking for a Valentine!

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This Valentine's special event is one you won't want to miss! Andrew Pearson of Dondero's Kitchen has created a special buffet menu for this distinctive atmosphere. You and your sweetheart can enjoy live music, as well as take stroll through the captivating gardens. Bring your own favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with the broad selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Tickets for this amazing offer are only $70 per couple or $40 per person (add $10 per person if reservations are made after February 10th). More information about this romantic offer can be found here.

Trapeze 
Trapeze's Chef Eddie has prepared a wonderful Valentine's Day menu that has been inspired by their most delicious beers, wines, and cocktails. Come out and enjoy a delicious menu in a fun and romantic atmosphere! Reservations are available. More information about this offer, including a menu, can be found here.

Buffalo's Cafe

You and your loved one should come and let loose and enjoy live music while experiencing a great meal at Buffalo's Cafe. On Saturday, February 11, Elvis returns for a Burning Love  Valentine's Show. Come listen to all of your favorite Elvis hits while enjoying a delicious dinner and fun atmosphere!

Tuesday, February 14, features David Prince, a longtime Athens,GA musician. There will be a full menu and beverage service available. 
Early seating for each event begins at 6:00 p.m., and shows will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Elvis and $5 for David Prince, at the door. 


For more Valentine's ideas, check out our Valentine page at www.VisitAthensGA.com/valentine.

Athens This Weekend: February 10-12

It's finally the weekend! After a long week, I know I am ready for an exciting and eventful weekend, and I'm sure you are too! Luckily, there are so many exciting events taking place this weekend in Athens,GA. Get your planners ready, because the Classic City will guarantee you a great time!

1. Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers 

The Classic Center Theatre presents the legendary Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers! Jake and Elwood Blues will be accompanied by the sassy Bluettes to perform all of your favorite songs including, "Everybody," "Shake Ya Tail Feather," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Think," "Respect," "Gimme Some Loving," along with so many more. So don the sunglasses, dig out your best pork pie hat, and buff up those dancing shows for a night of the best music, moves, and comedy! The show will be Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $9-$65.

2. Athens Kids Expo

Athens Kids Expo is a fundraising event benefiting the Wee Read Program of United Way of Northeast Georgia. This event is perfect for a family-fun day! Your children will be beyond excited when they hear what this event has to offer. The Athens Kids Expo will feature fabulous entertainment, face painting, bounce houses, balloon artists, a petting zoo, and more! There will be products and services for the entire family including educational products, toys and hobbies, health care services and products, cosmetics, jewelry, apparel, music and entertainment, arts and crafts, safety products and services, schools and daycare services, summer camps, and much more. Whew! This exciting event will be taking place Saturday, February 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. So bring out the entire family and enjoy a fun-filled day! 

3.UGA Women's Softball Red & Black Showcase

The University of Georgia's Softball Team will open its 2012 season by hosting the Fifth-Annual Red & Black Showcase this weekend at Jack Turner Stadium! The first game will be against Army on Friday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. You can enjoy additional games throughout the weekend as well vs. Utah State, St. John's, Campbell, and North Carolina State. So come out and support Georgia Softball for another exciting season! 

Additional Events taking place in Athens,GA:

• Bring the family out to the "Owl Prowl" Friday, February 10 from 6:30-8:00 a.m., for an evening hike. You will search for the owl that inhabit the woods of Athens, GA, while learning about these fascinating feathered nocturnal animals. This event will take place at the Sandy Creek Nature Center.
• Grains of Sand will be performing at The Melting Point Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m. This band's desire is to keep the great music of the 60's and 70's around for everyone to enjoy-the young and old! Tickets are $10 in advance and will be $12 the day of the show. You can also reserve seating on the mezzanine level on a first-come first-serve basis. There will be tables of two available for $30 and tables of four available for $60. Come out and enjoy a night of fun, great music, and dancing! 
• Let the King romance you on Saturday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. Buffalo's Southwest Cafe in Athens, GA,  will be featuring the Elvis-Burning Love Valentine's Show. Enjoy a romantic evening with delicious food from their full menu.
• The Senior Adults Sweetheart Prom will be Sunday, February 12, at 4:00 p.m. This romantic event will be held at Lay Park. Come and enjoy an evening of dancing, listening to soft music, socializing and light refreshments.This is guaranteed to be a good time!
These were just a few of the many exciting events happening in Athens,GA. Hopefully you've read something that will be of interest to you! Be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar for a full list of even more events and activities! 

To stay in the know about what's coming up in Athens, join our mailing list!

What are you looking forward to doing this weekend in Athens,GA?

Valentine's Ideas: A Classical Night in the Classic City

If you and your Valentine are looking for a relaxing and romantic evening in Athens GA, this event will be perfect for you! 

The Emerson String Quartet will be performing at UGA's Hodgson Concert Hall, on February 14. The Emerson String Quartet have an amazing list of achievements and continue to perform with the same integrity, energy, and commitment that it has demonstrated since it was formed in 1976. This dazzling performance will create the perfect romantic atmosphere for you and your loved one. 

For more information on dining specials and romantic hotel accommodations to complete your special Valentine's getaway to Athens, visit the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau's Valentine's page  here.

Valentine's Ideas: An Evening With the Blues

What could be more romantic than An Evening With the Blues at the Georgia Museum of Art? 
On Thursday, February 16, you and your loved one can admire beautiful artwork while enjoying cocktails and a romantic dinner catered by the National. This will be followed by a gallery talk on Jay Robinson's "Billie Holliday Singing the Blues," as well as a special performance by Kyshona Armstrong. 

Tickets will be $40 per person and reservations must be made no later than February 9. This event combines culture and romance to create the perfect Valentine's Day evening!

To complete your Athens Valentine's getaway, check out the romantic hotel accommodations and other special events being offered in Athens!

Valentine's Ideas: The B-52's Concert!

If you can't make it to Athens, GA on February 14th, why not come and celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one earlier?

The B-52's are performing  live at The Classic Center on Thursday, February 9th! This would be the perfect "early" Valentine's Day idea, that you and your sweetheart are guaranteed to enjoy. The B-52's originated in Athens,GA and are excited to bring their cosmic dance party back to the town where it all began. This exciting and fun event will keep smiling and light on your feet all night! The show begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $38.50 - $58.50.

To complete your special night in Athens, check out the Valentine's Day dinner specials, as well as the romantic hotel packages here.