Athens This Weekend: January 15-18

Unfortunately, I was so busy traveling over the holidays and preparing for the new year that I was not able to take advantage of the great opportunities around Athens. This weekend, however, I plan on taking full advantage of the exciting opportunities the classic city has to offer...and so should you! After all, you deserve a break.

Saturday: Speaking of a break...what could be more relaxing than manicures, facials, massages and fashion shows? You can enjoy all of these treats (plus more!) at the Total You: Northeast Georgia Women's Expo this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Classic Center. Admission is only $5.00. Don't forget to enter to win a pair of tickets to the event by "retweeting" my twitter post by midnight Thursday!

Sunday: American Idol is back! And not just on television. American Idol Elliott Yamin, one of three contestants left standing at the end of season 5, will deliver a soulful performance this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Melting Point. Advanced tickets for the show start at $15.

Monday: "Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?" -Martin Luther King, Jr.

After you have relaxed over the weekend, I invite you to volunteer in the community on MLK day as many people around the nation make it a "day on, not a day off". There are many local non-profits to volunteer with and Athens-Banner Herald lists volunteer opportunities here. You can also join Hands on Northeast Georgia for the Athens Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Volunteers will work on different local service projects in the morning then celebrate in the afternoon at the Lyndon House Arts Center with live music, variety shows, poetry readings and hands-on art activities.

What are your plans for the weekend? Feel free to leave comments with other event/volunteer opportunities and suggestions in Athens!