Spend Valentine's Day in Athens, Georgia

Athens' unique and charming culture provides the perfect romantic setting for you and your Valentine! Witness the Classic City come to life through an array of entertainment, fine dining and first-rate accommodations. Athens, Georgia will provide you and your loved one with unforgettable memories and a one-of-a-time Valentine's Day experience. We're not only one of the most exciting Valentine's getaway in Georgia, but also one of the best values around!

A Night on the Town

For those looking to make one call to take care of every romantic detail, the Foundry Park Inn and Spa has again come through for a Dinner and Evening with Jazz Legend Francine Reed.  Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by award-winning chef Steve Vining followed by a soothing jazz performance at The Melting Point. Couples seeking a luxurious getaway may even select an overnight deluxe package. Several ticket options range from the show-only price of $25 to the all-inclusive overnight package for $245 per couple. 

The Colonels Bed and Breakfast is one of Athens' finest overnight retreats. The grand antebellum mansion is offering a romantic two-day getaway package that includes champagne or Belgian beer, fresh flowers and snacks in a lovely candlelight setting. Couples may start their morning with a "Tete a Tete Breakfast" with the Colonel's finest Wedgwood china, Bohemian crystal and French Chateau silverware. The romantic getaway package is $500 per couple for the weekend of February 14 - 17.  

Check into bliss for a romantic "Day after Valentine's Day" retreat at Hotel Indigo. The luxury hotel is offering a special holiday package, which includes one night of accommodations and two general admission tickets to the exclusive Songwriters in the Round concert. The show will feature Nashville Hall of Fame Songwriters Mike Dekle, Pat Alger, Byron Hill and Wayland Holyfield. This special Valentine's package is $199 per couple and will begin on Friday, February 15 as early as 3 p.m. 

Couples seeking a luxurious getaway may enjoy the Valentine's Romance Package at the Hilton Garden Inn. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy in-room sparkling wine or cider and access to the hotel's fitness center, pool and whirlpool. Couples will also enjoy a full breakfast for two in the hotel's designated restaurant. If dinner is preferred, couples may even exchange their breakfast for a special dinner discount. Late check-out is also available upon request. 

Entertainment

What could be more romantic than an evening movie with your sweetheart? This Valentine's Day, the Georgia Museum of Art will screen the classic 1953 film, Roman Holiday. The film follows an American reporter as he escorts a runaway princess through Rome. Before and after the film, couples can decorate valentines and place them by their favorite works of art in the museum's collection. The most popular valentines will be shared via the museum's social media channels. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free. Parking is also free after 5 p.m. 

Couples can let loose and  enjoy live music while experiencing a great meal at Buffalo's Cafe. On Thursday, February 14, David Prince returns to perform couples' favorite love songs. There will be a Prix Fixe menu available featuring 3 courses for $30 per couple, as well as Buffalo's full menu and beverage services. The event will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is $8 per person. On Friday, February 15, couples can enjoy the annual Elvis Valentine's Day Show, starring Chris Shuppe as Elvis. Both Prix Fixe menu and full menus will be available, along with a full bar service in the Big Back Room. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 

  

Merle Haggard will perform at The Classic Center Theatre on February 14. Known as the godfather of country music, Haggard is sure to put on a fun show for Athens couples. Admission is $52 for pit seats and $45 for all other seats. Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Couples can dance the night away on February 14 with the revolutionary sounds of Papadosio at the Georgia Theatre. Melding progressive rock with psychedelia, folk with electronica, and dance music with jam, Papadosio has amassed a dedicated following of thousands of individuals. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the band will perform at 10:15 p.m. Tickets are $10. 

For a special day-after-Valentine's-Day event, couples may enjoy the music of Jonathan Richman at the 40 Watt. Featuring Tommy Larkins on the drums, this performance includes guileless honesty and playfully catchy compositions. Doors open at 8 p.m. on February 15, and the show will begin at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $12. 

Fine Dining

  

Athens is definitely making a name for itself on the dining scene. Talented chefs take pride in locally-sourced ingredients to craft amazing plates and they'll be bringing out all the stops for Valentine's.

Heirloom Cafe is offering a variety of romantic dining options the week of Valentine's Day. For an early celebration. couples can attend the Heirloom Tuesday Tasting on February 12 at 6 p.m. The tasting will feature five "Romantic Red" wines for only $15. On Valentine's Day itself, Heirloom will offer an intimate Prix Fixe dinner with a la carte options available at the bar. 

Couples can enjoy a romantic evening dinner at Athens famous Five & Ten. Owned by award-winning author and Top Chef judge Hugh Acheson, the restaurant will feature a variety of delicious dinner options, ranging from poached Maine lobster to dry-aged ribeye. The Valentine's special will cost $75 for food and $35 for wine pairings. 

The National will be serving an elegant three-course Prix Fixe meal on Thursday, February 14. The National is known for its 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. Tickets will be $50 per person.  

Why pick just one Athens restaurant, when you can taste over 50?  True foodies won't want to miss Taste of Athens, on Sunday, February 17, makes for a wonderful way to round out Valentine's weekend. Over 50 local restaurants will have food samples and wine and beer tastings; the event also features live music and a silent auction. Taste of Athens weekend benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia. Admission is $50 presale/$60 day of event for general admission and VIP tickets are $80 presale/$90 day of event. More details are provided at www.tasteofathens.com.

Local Gifts  

     

Athens' artisans make it easy to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. Bee Natural is offering special Honeypot luminaries featuring a plethora of flowers and carvings. To sweeten the deal for Valentine's Day, customers will receive a free 12 ounce bottle of North Georgia wildflower honey and an extra tealight candle refill with every order between now and February 14. To place a Honeypot order, visit www.beenatural.com and enter "FREE HONEY" in the comments section on the shopping cart check-out page. Orders may also be placed at 706-354-0645.

Travel Information

The Athens Welcome Center is open daily to provide maps, brochures, self-guided tours, and visitor information. Guided bus tours of historic Athens depart daily from the Welcome Center at 2 p.m. For more information on a Valentine's Day getaway to Athens, Georgia, contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, or visit www.visitathensga.com/valentine.