Ready for a Spooky Halloween Weekend? No Finer Place than Athens, GA!

As Halloween approaches, Athenians are ready to face their fears and transform through costume for a terrifyingly good weekend. Already known for its party atmosphere, Athens is taking the fun to the next level for this spooky celebration. Don't miss out on the spine-chilling and exciting Halloween festivities this weekend!

1. Lead by a mystery tour guide, the Athens Haunted History Tour visits haunted history, legends, ghostly lovers, restless Confederate soldiers and unearthed coffins. Folklore and history come alive beneath the Greek columns and magnolias of the Classic City. Follow your guide on a journey of Athens' darker history on this two-hour tour of downtown Athens and UGA's North Campus on Friday, Saturday or Monday at 7 p.m.

2. On Saturday, the annual Wild Rumpus Parade is ready to thrill and frighten the streets of Athens. For those who have never experienced it, the parade and festivities is truly mayhem and excitement in the streets. Come experience the vibrant Athens fun and self-expression in this parade full of costumes and spooky energy.

3. Held on Sunday at Sandy Creek Park, the 11th Annual Jack-O-Lantern Jog and Goblin Fun Run is a four-mile road race and one-mile fun run fundraiser that is sure to spark the Halloween spirit. The event benefits the Sandy Creek Nature Center and includes a costume contest for runners age 10 and under and prizes for the top finishers in each age division.


Still looking for something to do? Check out some other fun things around town this weekend!

• The Rose of Athens Theater presents Huckleberry Finn at the Seney-Stovall Chapel on Friday and Saturday. This classic adventure down the Mississippi River is sure to be fun for the whole family! The show performs at 7 p.m. on Friday and both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
• Don't miss the exciting talent that will thrill the audience at the Eggs and Jam Talent Competition on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Morton Theatre stage will light up with the performances of kids aged 9 to 18 at this talent competition presented by Leading Role Productions.
• If you love the nightlife around Athens, you're sure to have a spook-tacular time all weekend. The night scene doesn't get any better than on Halloween, when bands and fans dress in wild costumes. Make a weekend out of this ultimate adults-only Halloween party, all weekend long!  Check Flagpole.com for performance schedules. 

Pick any combination of these fun and frightening events, and let the Halloween fun begin!

Athens' Greenery is Truely One of Kind

Standing proudly in his distinguished splendor, Jackson Oak peers down at passersby in the historic and gorgeously green neighborhood of Athens, GA. As he shields neighbors, students, and visitors from the Georgia sun, his unique legend often goes unnoticed by the casual observer. Little do they know that Jackson is one of a kind, the only tree in the world that owns itself.

Originally located on Professor William Henry Jackson's property in the 1800s, the tree was full of childhood memories and cherished by Jackson. In hopes of protecting the tree, Jackson deeded to it the ownership of itself and the nearby surrounding land. To this day, the area remains untouched, even jetting out into part of the adjacent street, and the property rights of the location have never been questioned.

While other trees in Athens, GA may not own themselves, they share the same deep-rooted majesty and time-enriched significance. As the sun shines through the colorful fall leaves and magnificent trunks of the old trees on University of Georgia's north campus, people walking by are transported through the classic architecture to the leisurely days of historic Georgia. Students and locals relax beneath the cool shade, lost in a good book, or tossing a football across the sheltered green grass as they share the same land once used by University of Georgia scholars of the past. To experience the most of north campus, the university's Arboretum tour offers a walking tour of north campus that provides historical insight into area's landmarks and treasures.

Of course Athens' scenic landscape is not limited to the university's campus. Athens is also home to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Upon entering the gardens, guests are completely surrounded by the grandeur of Georgia's natural forests and the true beauty of the property's gardens. The fall season is especially breathtaking in both the woods and gardens of the property with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows speckled throughout the trees. As a public educational facility, the area is a living laboratory with seasonal and topic specific workshops that attract nature enthusiasts of all ages. From family festivals, science nights, ecology clubs, walking trails, and a diverse selection of adult workshops, this natural areas in Athens, GA is truly an area to experience.

Other trail-lovers in Athens enjoy the serenity of the North Oconee River Greenway. Perfect for cyclists, joggers, skaters, and walkers, this 3.5 mile-long, paved pathway is an amazing natural getaway on cool fall days. The pathway is lined with historical panels, illustrating Athens' rich history providing insight on the background of the Oconee River, the former Cook and Brother Amory Mill, Dudley Park, and the Athens' railroad. Combining the beauty of the natural landscape of the area and interesting insight on its background, this pathway experience is uniquely Athens in its preservation of the town's scenery and history.

Those that know Athens know that I could go on and on about its amazing green spaces and their fall beauty. But, where you love to go to enjoy the falls leaves this season? Any amazing grassy areas and parks I should try?

Going the Distance - Athens, GA This Weekend: Oct. 21-23 Events and Things to Do

Have the rain and chill earlier this week been getting you down? Don't worry, the weekend is nearly here! And there are some really exciting events planned that will bring guaranteed fun to your day no matter what the weather may bring!

1. From Friday through Sunday, the Canopy Studio Company will be presenting their Fall Aerial Show "What Flies Beneath". This family-friendly show will feature zip lines, bungees, flying cubes, circus poles, straps, tight-wire, Spanish web, and more! The show will be at Canopy Studio at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Matinees will be 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available online or thirty minutes prior to showtime. Watch the preview video here to get a little sneak peek of what you can expect!

2. Are you a fan of jazz or bluegrass? Then make sure to go see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Del McCoury Band perform at the Hodgson Concert Hall at the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center this Saturday at 8 p.m.! These two legendary bands have between them such achievements as performing for royalty all around the world as well as winning a Grammy for Best Bluegrass album. Get your tickets today, and look forward to a night of authentic and uniquely American music; this will definitely be an unforgettable experience!

3. Calling all runners -- have you registered to participate in the 2nd Annual AthFest Half Marathon yet? Make sure to sign up because this run benefits AthFest, a non-profit organization in Athens, Ga., that supports arts and music education. While you run for this great cause on Sunday morning at 7 a.m., you can enjoy the beautiful scenery Athens has to offer; the run goes through several historic areas, by Sanford Stadium, and along the Oconee River Greenway. Also, don't miss out on the Health and Fitness Expo which will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Holiday Inn Express. You can register at the Expo on Saturday. Participants will receive a t-shirt and those who pick up their packet early gain access to some neat giveaways and sales.

If none of those fit in your schedule or will bring you out of your gloomy weather funk, take a look at the following events.

• Bring your family out on Friday night for Family Campfire and Storytelling at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. and is limited to 40 participants, so register now! You will learn to build a fire, hear fun tales, and, best of all, enjoy that lovely treat known to all as S'mores!
• If you enjoy the art of dance, don't miss out on DanceAthens 2011's 11th Annual Dance Concert on Saturday. Many regional dance companies will come together for a night celebrating dance in Athens. It will take place at the Morton Theatre at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets soon!
• Check out the beauty of the North Oconee River during this Sunday's Athens Heritage Walk. However, you won't just be walking on this tour -- a portion of the tour takes place on a canoe! The tour will begin at 1 p.m.; get your tickets quickly before the tour hits its capacity (only 14 people!).

Any of these events will be a good start to a great weekend. Here's hoping for fair weather, so you can enjoy a variety of events, whether they be indoors or outdoors!

- Debbie

A Beer-y Good Time: Terrapin Brewery Tour and Tasting

Honestly, I have never been able to truly appreciate a cold glass of beer. I find this unfortunate, since Athens has a variety of great breweries, bars, and pubs - all of which serve quality beer - and I feel like I have been missing out on a refreshing way to kick back and relax on a beautiful day.

I've resisted many of my friends' efforts to take me to breweries, mainly because I simply could not believe my taste

buds would ever be able to handle what I thought was a bitter beverage. So I was a bit hesitant about agreeing to my friend's proposal that we go to the Terrapin Brewery Tour and Tasting -- ultimately, I said yes because she was visiting from Atlanta and the price of the tour was only $10. Also, I've heard from friends, as well as through the Athens, GA website, that Terrapin beer is really good and the tour and tasting was a must-do while in Athens.

I'm so glad that I decided to go. Not only have I found a couple of beers that I actually like, but I was able to see what all the hype is about.

You begin by paying your entrance fee for the tour and receiving a stamp on your hand if you are

of drinking age. I wasn't aware of this earlier, but the $10 you pay includes a choice of glass cup that you can take home afterwards; pay an extra $2 and you receive a nice jar instead of cup. They also give you a handful of tickets to be used towards the tasting of the numerous beers they have on tap that day. In the same room, they have a lot of Terrapin paraphernalia and souvenirs, perfect as gifts for any beer-loving friends; you can opt to spend some time in there shopping around or you can go straight into the brewery.

Once you step inside the brewery, the smell of beer, both being made and being served, hits you. Now, if you aren't familiar with this smell, I don't want you to think that it is something gross or unwelcome; in fact, I was surprised at how pleasant I found it to be. Your senses are quickly overtaken; you hear the beats of the live music outside and see the groups of people coming in from outdoors to quickly get another taste of the beverage that is the center of attention here. And then, suddenly, your taste buds are telling you (yes, even me, who doesn't even like beer) to go up to that bar and start using your tasting tickets.

4 Tickets will get you a full glass, while 1 ticket will get you a small taste. My friend got 1 ticket worth of the peach beer, while I decided upon the pumpkin beer. Both flavors were absolutely delicious, and the perfect accompaniment to a fun and informative tour. The tour guide, like the rest of the guides and bartenders, are there purely for a love of beer. She enthusiastically shows us the inner workings of the brewery and lets us in on some fun facts -- if you thought the Terrapin Brewery was named after a turtle, you're wrong!

When the tour is over, you are free to get more beer (I went to get a full glass of the peach beer. It's my favorite!) and roam outside to enjoy the music and atmosphere. People bring their dogs and children to this exciting and social environment. The music is good, and the people are lively. My friend and I stayed for about an hour, pleased to have found such a great way to spend our Saturday late afternoon.

So, if you feel like you just can't enjoy beer, I would encourage you to head over to Terrapin and try it out. If you do enjoy beer and have already been, go again! It's a great price for a great time and great beer.

Now, for those of you that have had awesome beer experiences in Athens, I'd love to know about them! Where is the best place to go, and what is the best beer to try?

- Debbie

Athens as Seen Through a 19th Century Lens

Sometimes its amazing how different things appear from a new perspective. This past week, as the Welcome Center's Classic City Tour took me up and down streets of Athens, GA that I travel so routinely, I was transported back in time, discovering the history and stories that lay in the foundation of the buildings I normally nonchalantly pass by. For locals and visitors to locations throughout the city to narrate the tale of tenants who lived in the regal and alike, the Classic City Tour offers insight into Athens' 19th century roots, taking guests to stately homes scattered throughout the city.

The first stop on the tour, the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, is where the Welcome Center is located. Before hopping onto the tour bus, my group was led through this historic early 1800's home. Furnished with fixtures from the time period and accurately modeled after the era, the home was the first step in my time travel back to the 19th century. The antique home, once located down the street and moved to avoid demolition, was home to notable Athens families, such as early past presidents of the developing University of Georgia.

Once on the tour bus, our knowledgeable guide took us to the long-standing Lyndon House. The well-preserved late Greek revival home with Italian influence remains standing in its classic splendor and is now home to a house museum and acts as the centerpiece of the Lydon House Arts Center. Recognized as a part of the National Register of Historic Places, this home 1856 has an amazing exterior that is perfectly tucked away on the edge of downtown Athens.

As we made our way through downtown, we passed fascinating sites, such as the double-barreled cannon, which is always pointed north, just in case, and the historically African American side of town. Our tour guide was full of interesting facts and Athens trivia, and we learning interesting facts about the area. For example, the first floor offices of the Morton Theater once played host to the first African American dental practice in the state of Georgia.

The tour bus then slowly took the group through the historic neighborhoods of Athens. Taking frequent stops for photographs and explanation of the structures' architecture and significance, I even became distracted and turned around as I discovered new areas of town. Streets lined with homes full of time-enhanced beauty and individual personality reaffirmed and expanded my love for the historic charm of Athens.

Seasoned Athens residents and tourists alike will leave this historic Athens experience with a heightened appreciation for the city's stories and background as seen through a 19th century lens. Classic City Tours offers an Athens heritage tour at 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and their $5.00 coupon gives everyone a chance to experience Athens' history. If you've ever been in awe of the grandeur and dignified appearance of the stunning homes and buildings located throughout Athens, this is the tour for you.

Poppin', Ridin', and Walkin' - Athens, GA This Weekend: Oct. 14-16 Events and Things to Do

As we get closer to the weekend, I personally am anticipating many fun things to do in Athens, GA. The skies have cleared and there are really great outdoor offerings coming up that will give you, your friends, and family the perfect opportunity to begin enjoying the cooler autumn weather. So grab your fall coats and start planning your weekend schedule!

1. Have you gotten your tickets to the 7th Annual Athens Popfest yet? This event is a four-day music festival featuring around 70 rock and pop bands both from the U.S.and overseas. All the events are held at either 40 Watt, Caledonia Lounge, or the Classic Center, and all events are open to all-ages! The festival goes from Oct. 11-15 and you can purchase full festival passes or individual tickets to the shows. This is definitely something to check out for all music-lovers! Make sure to check the show lineup on the Popfest website to see what bands are playing, and when and where they will be performing. This is a great way to enjoy a weekend full of music as well as support the arts. The non-profit Athens Popfest Foundation grants scholarships to a number of Athens high school graduates who intend to pursue a degree in visual or performing arts.

2. Habitat for Humanity is holding its 4th Annual Jittery Joe's Fall Classic Century and Fall Festival. This bicycle race and Fall Festival will be held at Terrapin Brewery on Saturday starting at 10 am. All cyclists 21 and over will receive a t-shirt, special edition Terrapin pint glass, as well as a Terrapin tour; all younger participants will receive a t-shirt and water bottle. The race will begin and end at Terrapin and will circle around Clarke County. For the non-cyclists, the Fall Festival will have music, food, games, and a lot of fun! If you haven't registered for the race yet, and you want to participate, don't worry -- event day registration is available. Make sure to check out this event and spread awareness of the effort to achieve community home-ownership!

3. Don't miss out on this Sunday's Athens Heritage Walk: Downtown Athens. Hal Cofer and Jones Drury will take you through 40 years of the heart and soul of Athens, and you'll be able to get a little taste of how it was like when Broad Street attracted the farmers coming into town to buy their needed goods and the city folk headed over to Clayton Street to shop at the many clothing and department stores. Downtown Athens has changed quite a bit with urban renewal and the growth of the University, and this is a great way to learn of its interesting history! Make sure to book your tickets in advance. The tour begins at 2:00 p.m.

If these don't match up with your weekend schedule, try looking at some of the following events!

• Bring your family to the Southeast Clarke Park on Friday night to enjoy the Family Movie Under the Stars. The movie will be Rio, starting at 7:00 p.m. but the fun begins at 5 :00 p.m. with games and music. A concessions stand will be available with great movie snacks available for purchase, but other than that, this event is free! So bring your lawn chairs and your blankets and enjoy some fun family time.
• The Timothy Road Elementary Roadrunner Rally 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run is this Saturday! The race begins at 8:00 a.m., and there will be a free pancake breakfast provided for all registered runners. Hurry and register, and start stretching those legs - awards will be given out for different categories!
• Love Shakespeare? Ever wondered what a play incorporating all his works would be like? Then you should not miss out on The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Quinn Hall at Memorial Park. The Circle Ensemble will be compressing all 37 plays by the famous playwright into less than two hours of hilarity that will be full of fun and laughter! Get your tickets now!

Find anything of interest? If not, what are you planning on doing this weekend in Athens, GA?

- Debbie

Adventures and Fun in 5 Points

As a local resident of the Five Points area in Athens, I get to enjoy the picturesque charm of the neighborhood on a daily basis. Families walking hand-in-hand enjoying a beautiful day is an everyday siting, and there are always visitors of unique shops and restaurants laughing and enjoying the company of friends. After living the in Five Points for over a year, I finally decided it was about time I experienced all of the adventures of my area.

My exploration began with a productive study session at Two Story Coffeehouse. The sense-awakening aroma of coffee welcomed me as I opened the door, and I immediately realized why the coffeehouse was such a hot spot. Tucked away in the trees off of Lumpkin St., the

comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff provided me with an inviting local twist in comparison to the normally intimidating national coffee chains. The Athens feel of the establishment was relaxing, and I could feel the sense of community and local loyalty to the store. With a first floor and porch that are perfect for conversation and a peaceful second floor for a quieter environment, Two Story is the ideal place for both chit-chatters and book-readers.

Next stop? Yoforia of course. While this delicious frozen yogurt bar may be a national chain, the Five Points location has definitely become a newly recognized Athens landmark. Because of the immense popularity of the store, I even provide directions to my house based on the shop's location. No matter the time of day or day of the week, the corner of Lumpkin and Milledge is buzzing with friends and family enjoying their large cups of Yoforia treats. With its seasonal flavors, self-served portions, and endless choices of toppings, this dessert corner has provided five points with a delicious sweet tooth.

After brainstorming for a new place to grab dinner and catch some football on Saturday, my friends and I decided to visit the Royal Peasant. The uniqueness of the restaurant and bar had attracted our curiosity many times in the past, and the quaint version of a English pub surpassed our expectations. Everything from the decor to the food and drink menus provided an authentic English experience. The walls were full of English sports paraphernalia, highlighting team achievements, team photos, and spirited scarfs. Once glance at the menu, and guests know this is not a typical American establishment. With extensive beer selection, featuring both regional options and European choices, the drinking atmosphere is well-suited for the beer connoisseur and sports fanatic alike. The food also offered distinct European entrees, such as their fish as chips or bangers and mash. But the more American offerings are delicious as well. I personally enjoyed a cheese burger and left pleased and very full. All in all, the Royal Peasant is a delightful and one-of-a-kind neighborhood pub that is full of culture, beer, and scrumptious food.

Last on my list for the weekend - Sunday brunch at the fairly new Local Jam. Located in the former Five Points Deli storefront, The Local Jam offers a new breakfast and deli experience for the area. The restaurant opened this past summer, and everyone is beginning to take notice of the deli's Athens' vibe and delectably simple fare. Proudly supporting its community, The Local Jam serves its neighbors' products, such as Jittery Joe's Coffee and Alfred's Bread using Terrapin spent grain. The family-friendly feel of the restaurant provides a strong sense of community as well. Tables topped with paper for coloring and decorated with mini pumpkins for the season gives guests a light-hearted dinning environment. I know I personally found my inner child when I noticed a cup of crayons on my table and began doodling all over the brown paper table cloth. But, once my meal was served, I was too distracted by my amazing macaroni experience to even remember I hadn't finished my flower drawing. As what one would normally consider a seemingly effortless dish, the

combination of twisted noodles and cheesy taste elevated the my well-crafted side into a full-blown macaroni experience. My dinning crew and I agreed- it was some of the best macaroni and cheeses we had ever tasted. The entire meal was simple and scrumptious, and I cannot wait to return to try out their more expansive breakfast and lunch menus.

The Five Points area has so much more to offer than just these locations. My Five Points experience will not be complete until I try the renowned culinary excellence at 5 & 10 and stop by some of the antique and clothing stores as well. What do you recommend trying around Five Points?

Fun Free Finds in Athens for the Empty Wallet

There are times when I want to leave my apartment and experience the fun and character of Athens, GA...and then I remember I have very little funds to do so (this usually occurs after having to purchase textbooks -- fellow college students, I know you understand this feeling!). Usually, when this situation arises, I find myself sitting on the couch, flipping through TV channels, and longingly looking out the window at the clear blue sky.

However, this behavior stops now! I've finally discovered a number of things to do that take very little toll on the wallet, all of which do not skimp on the fun despite the fact they do not require too large a chunk of your change. These super free and cheap deals are great for everyone and are a must-do for all Athens GA  residents and visitors. Ready to save money and still have a good time? Turn off that TV and read on!

1. The Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Wildlife

Trail is a unique facility in Athens. There are around 120 species of Georgia wildlife in the zoo - including bears, otters, bobcats, and more!) - and a mile-long nature trail also located on the grounds. This is a great place for kids to go, and the area even has an exhibition hall in which younger guests can enjoy different kid-friendly exhibits as well as interact with some of the animals. The facility hosts many special events and programs, and you can even book your next birthday party with them if you're feeling like doing something a little different for your birthday celebration!

2. Love food and music? Don't miss out on the Athens' Farmers Market that takes place twice a week in two different locations. On Saturday morning, it is located at Bishop Park, and on Tuesday night, you can find the market at Little Kings Club. This is a fun way to get your grocery shopping done, check out some local Athens vendors, or even just enjoy some local musical talent. No matter what you go for, you will be guaranteed to have a good time - and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that only fresh Athens produce is up for sale! This is definitely one of the best ways to support your community every week.

3. Looking to enjoy the outdoors? Be sure to make some time for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, one of Athens' most visited attractions. You will be surrounded by beauty no matter where you are in this 313-acre attraction, and there's always something new to see. There is five miles of nature trails to walk, a wonderfully tropical Visitor Center and Conservatory to visit, and plenty of differently-themed gardens to enjoy. This is a great place to visit on a pretty day, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Bring a book or a friend, and enjoy all that nature has to offer!

4. If you're interested in the beauty of the skies during the nighttime, be sure to mark your calendar for the once-a-month viewing at the UGA Observatory. No matter whether the night is cloudy or clear, you will be able to gain a very informative experience learning about astronomy and the night sky. The telescope is placed on top of the physics building at the UGA campus. Keep the next viewing date open!

5. Those who have an appreciation for the arts definitely should check out the Georgia Museum of Art. The museum is constantly showing exciting travelling exhibitions; it also boasts around 9,000 pieces in its permanent collection. They offer tours, including those for kids, and often host fun events including film festivals and showings as well as classes and educational programs. The museum recently underwent a huge expansion, so if you haven't visited yet, be sure to check it out!

These five free finds are only a few of the many great things to do you can find going on around Athens, GA. You can find more at the Athens CVB website. What are some wallet-friendly adventures you've been on in the Classic City, and what were some of your favorites?

- Debbie

Athens, GA This Weekend: Oct. 7-9 Events and Things to Do

Hopefully, a lot of you have a good amount of free time this weekend, because there are some really fun, big events going on! If you've been wondering about what you should do to enjoy a really great weekend in Athens, GA, then you've definitely come to the right place. Grab your agenda and start marking dates!

1. New Belgium Brewing, the maker of Fat Tire Golden Ale, is bringing its travelling Clips of Faith Beer and Film Tour to Athens, GA this Friday. The

outdoor festival will feature independent comedic shorts, adventure documentaries, and music animation. It will also feature tastings from New Belgium's Brewing's Lips of Faith series and their regular offerings as well as food from local Athens vendors. The best part about it? There is no admission cost! However, plan to bring some cash anyway because all proceeds from food and drink sales will go to Bike Athens. The event will start at 7:00 p.m. on the corner of N. Hull Street and W. Washington Street, so make sure to get out there and have a great evening of watching movies and drinking beer while supporting a local non-profit organization.

2. Beer-lovers will be happy all weekend, because the beer festivities continue through Saturday and Sunday with the Athens Craft Beer Festival. Hosted by Trappeze Pub and Hotel Indigo, this festival was established in order to support local, independent brewers as well as celebrate the distinctly unique beer culture in Athens, GA. The event, located at Hotel Indigo, will feature over one hundred craft beers, live music, delicious food, numerous giveaways, cask releases, demonstrations, and more! General admission is $45 and VIP admission is $65 -- with the VIP ticket, you get access to special beers, a reception, as well as certain amenities and facilities within the hotel. Get your tickets now, and look forward to indulging your love for beer this weekend!  Special overnight packages are also available-- check them out here!

3. If you're looking for a refreshing form of exercise, make sure to check out the 30th Annual Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate this Sunday. This famous tradition allows participants to choose between a 38, 52, or 87 mile skate (the 87 mile choice will take you all the way to Atlanta!). Those skating the 38 and 87 will start off at The Classic Center in Athens and skate through the beauty of the Northern Georgia countryside before hitting the 38 mile checkpoint, where they will be given a choice to skate ahead, bus ahead, or bus back to Athens. People all around the world come to this event, so make sure to register on Saturday at The Classic Center from noon to 6 p.m.! Skaters will depart from the Center at 7:30 a.m.

That's not all! Keep reading to see what other exciting things are occurring in Athens.

• On Friday, check out Nuçi's Space 11th Anniversary celebration. This resource center for musicians will celebrate its birthday an open house featuring a silent auction, refreshments, and live music. This event is family-friendly, open to all, and free, so make sure to stop by anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.!
• Saturday brings us the Inaugural Pulaski Street Art Crawl, hosted by the Georgia's Sculptors Society. Head out to Pulaski Street from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. and check out the 20+ businesses showcasing Athens artists! There is no admission charge.
• It's time to bring out the kids on Sunday, because Disney's "My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto's Musical Tale" is coming to Morton Theatre! This magical musical will warm your heart with its story surrounding a father-son relationship. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors; the magic begins at 3:00 p.m.!

These are just a few of the happenings scheduled for the weekend, but hopefully you have a better idea of how you'll be spending your three nights and two days! For those of you who are already planning a weekend of fun in Athens, let me know what you plan to do. I'm looking forward to the weekend!

- Debbie

Getting to Know Historic Athens: Classic City Tours

When getting to know people, I feel it is important to learn about their history and background to better understand how they have come to be who they are today, and I think this applies to places as well. Take Athens, Georgia, for example. This city has such a vibrant and diverse environment and is home to one of the nation's finest universities; where and how did it all start? Surely such an interesting place must have a history worth learning about.

It is with this thought in mind that I went on the Athens Heritage Tour, offered daily and one of the many Classic

City Tours made available by the Athens Welcome Center. This particular tour takes you through the historical districts of Athens, which I thought were probably areas that I didn't really pay attention to or pass through during my day-to-day life. How wrong I was!

This tour begins in the Church-Waddel-Brumby House which is home to the Athens Welcome Center; it is also believed to be the oldest residence in Athens, GA. The house itself is designed to take you to the time period of 1820-1829. As you walk through its rooms decorated in hand-painted wallpaper as well as period furniture, you are truly taken back through time. After exploring this memory-filled home, it's time to board the shuttle and see other historical buildings and sights.

It was during this portion of the tour that I was astounded by how much of Athens' beautiful sights I had missed or taken for granted while driving around these past three years. The historical neighborhoods were a really special visual experience, and, for me personally, quite inspirational as I now know that I must have Victorian lace ironwork for my future home (it's gorgeous!). You are also able to see some unique Athens landmarks such as The Double-Barreled Cannon as well as The Tree that Owns Itself. While driving through areas more familiar to me, I realized how interesting it was to learn about the origins of these preserved buildings and homes that are now used to house local businesses, museums, event space, and more.

And speaking of interesting things, some of the facts we learned on the tour were pretty neat! Did you know that the University of Georgia was not originally supposed to be built in Athens? Actually, the decision-making factor was that Watkinsville, the other city in consideration, had a pub (which was something Athens did not have at the time, surprisingly), and people didn't want the students to be distracted from their studies. It's tidbits like this that make the tour so interesting as well as visually-appealing.

I do wish I had been able to take personal pictures to share with you the beauty of the tour, but unfortunately, my camera battery decided to malfunction on the day of the tour. However, if you are a proud Athen-ian, and you haven't looked into this tour yet, I would strongly encourage you to check it out! It is very reasonably-priced, and as a nice deal, you can even get $5 off through www.VisitAthensGA.com.

So find some free time, and book your tour by calling the Athens Welcome Center at 706.353.1820 to learn about our great city today!

- Debbie