A Romantic Valentine's Evening at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

First in a series of Valentine's Day ideas in Athens, Georgia!

To me, the conservatory at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is the most romantic spot in town. In his most romantic gesture -- perhaps ever -- my now-husband drove to the Garden on our first Valentine's date. Valentine's was on a Saturday that year, and vendors were in the midst of setting up for a wedding reception. We'd been dating less than six months, so marriage hadn't crossed our minds. From the first moment we ducked into the conservatory, this uber-practical girl who'd never daydreamed about weddings was convinced. This was going to be my reception spot. Three and a half years later, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia was the center of my Athens wedding!

Long story short, I can think of no better place to spend Valentine's Day. Better yet, no one will have to be a wedding crasher to be in the Garden's conservatory this year!

Check out what the Garden has planned for Valentine's 2012:

Andrew Pearson of Dondero's Kitchen, has created a special menu for this distinctive atmosphere.

A buffet menu includes appetizers and a salad, plus sautéed shrimp, pork tenderloin medallions, stuffed chicken breast, side dishes and an assortment of rich desserts. In addition to dinner, couples will be serenaded by live music and can stroll through the gardens, a charming quilt exhibit in the visitor center, and the garden gift shop.

Guests are invited to bring their own wine to enjoy with dinner. Seating will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Call 706-542-6359 or 706-389-7955 to make reservations or for more information.

For $70 per couple or $40 per person (add $10 per person if reservations are made after February 10th) guests can enjoy broad selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Appetizers:
Vegetable stuffed Vol au Vents
Amaranth Blinis w/ Honey Cream Cheese & Smoked Grapes
Prosciutto & Fig Rolls

Salad:
Spinach and roasted beet salad with goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette

Mains:
French –Tropical shrimp sautéed with hearts of palm and cognac
Port tenderloin medallions braised with cherries
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Roasted Butternut Squash Strudel
Leek & Potato Gratin
Moroccan Spiced Quinoa Stuffed Portabellas & Zucchinis
Fruit & Nut Biryani
Dinner rolls

Dessert:
Red Velvet Cake
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate Éclairs
Mini Seasonal Fruit Tarts
Chocolate Truffle Heart Pies
Raspberry Mousse

Beverages:
Coffee, Tea
Guests are invited to bring their own bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.

Make plans now to bring your sweetheart to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia this Valentine's Day!

Tell us about YOUR favorite romantic spot in Athens! We're listening!

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 Music and Art in the Garden!

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, in Athens, is one of our city's most scenic spots and is one of our most popular attractions year-round.  In summer, the Garden comes alive with music during the Sunflower Music Series, which brings some of Athens' best performers to the lovely lawn of the Flower Garden.  Spread out a blanket and relax with friends and family for a perfect summer evening. 

Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau intern Amanda Reyes headed out to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and caught the sights and sounds of Modern Skirts, plus the new Garden Gates art exhibition.

Take a look, and we bet you'll save the date for the next concerts in the series:  Grogus will bring Latin flair on August 23, and the Arvin Scott Jazz Quartet performs on September 27!

June Delivers a Fantastic First Weekend!

Rejoice and welcome the glorious month of June in Athens, GA. With plenty of great options for the family or friends, this sunny weekend is in no short supply of exciting summer activities.

If it’s thrills you seek, then take a walk on the wild side, or at least the scientific side, at the 33rd annual Snake Day this Saturday at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. This beloved Athens event examines the anatomy and life of nature’s most infamous reptiles. Snake Day is packed full of slithery-fun crafts and games, but most importantly the event will center on hands-on, educational activities. Trained caretakers will be guides through the exciting world of snakes. Take advantage of the opportunity to get familiar with a wide assortment of snake variety, learn to identify them both venomous and non, and finally (gasp!) touch a scaly guy for yourself. So, don’t be shy, get acquainted with some serpentine friends this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.

If the idea of a day of snakes still makes your hair stand on end, then brush it back and get your hands dirty with a ball of clay instead. Bring the family out to the Georgia Museum of Art this Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, to Go Figure!, the museum’s Family Day event. Get inspired by Icelandic sculptor Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir’s installation, “Horizons”, in the Jane and Harry Wilson Sculpture Garden before heading inside to form a sculptural creation of your own. Admission and refreshments will be free thanks to Family Day sponsors. For more information about this event, visit our event listing.

Make some classic memories of these sweet summer nights the best way we know how in Athens, GA- with a drink, fantastic food and great music. Find these 3 essential ingredients for a classic Athens night out at the Melting Point this weekend. Start the month and your weekend off right this Friday night with Swingin’ Medalions, a timeless and well-respected group with an ear for tradition. And Saturday don’t miss a true veteran of the blues, the Nighthawks’ Jimmy Thackery will perform a musically emotional journey almost as heady as his career. Come enjoy food and drink around 6 p.m. until the artists take the stage at 8:30 p.m. For more information about who’s on stage at the Melting Point this June, visit our calendar listing.

Take on the Garden Geology adventure of examining the Georgia Piedmont rock types in the State Botanical Garden of Georiga this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

Check out our weekend calendar listing for more great ideas and events happening in Athens, Ga this weekend!

Two Great Gardening Weekends

This post is courtesy of Guest Blogger Connie Cottingham, from her Georgia Gardening blog.  Thanks, Connie!

OK plant nuts, listen up! If you are looking for a road trip or are lucky enough to live nearby, clear your calendars for two special gardening weekends in Athens Georgia.


The first is Apriil 9th, when the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, UGA Trial Garden and the UGA Horticulture Club decided to have their plant sales from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on the same day – a Plantapolooza!So if you want to find unusual plants, ask horticulturists and Master Gardeners their advice (bring a few photos of your garden – that helps communication), or just feel like celebrating spring by plant shopping, then come to Athens. The State Botanical Garden will emphasize native plants, food crops and Georgia Gold medal winners among their wide selection. Allan Armitage will be leading tours and signing books at the UGA Trial Garden. Find out more about these sales at www.ugatrialgardens.com.

If you are a Friend of the State Botanical Garden, you can start shopping Friday night at the preview sale (a few of the best things sell out that night), plus members receive 10% off purchases at the State Botanical Garden sale and in the new gift shop. The Friends of the Garden “Members Only” Preview Sale will be held Friday, April 8, 5:00pm-7:00pm in the Visitor Center & Conservatory. If you aren’t a Friend of the Garden, you can buy a membership outside of the sale that night. That leaves Saturday open to not only shop the other two sales but… (insert drumroll here):

Several area nurseries are offering discounts to people who have been to these three plant sales. The more you shop, the more you save. For visiting one, two or all three of the Plantapalooza sites, you earn 5%, 10% or 15% (respectively) off your total purchase that day at the following participating local retailers. Participants will receive a card which will be stamped at the Botanical Garden, Trial Gardens and Horticulture Club sales.

Cofer’s Home & Garden Showplace
1145 Mitchell Bridge Road
Athens, GA 30606-6411
(706) 353-1519
Store Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm
www.cofers.com

Goodness Grows
332 Elberton Road
Lexington, GA 30648
(706) 743-5055
Store Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
www.goodnessgrows.com


Thyme After Thyme
550 Athens Road
Winterville, GA 30683-1535
(706) 742-7149
Store Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
www.thymeafterthyme.com

Thomas Orchards, Greenhouse and Giftshop
6091 Macon Highway
Bishop, GA 30621-1468
(706) 769-5011
Store Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm
www.thomasorchardsandnursery.com

Specialty Ornamentals
3650 Colham Ferry Rd,
Watkinsville, Georgia 30677
(706) 310-0143 ‎
www.specialtyornamentals.com

Eastside Ornamentals
120 Walter Sams Road
(Off Highway 78 East)
Winterville, GA 30683
(706) 543-5500
Store Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm

The following weekend will be a great weekend in Athens for gardeners too. Saturday, April 16th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm will be The Piedmont Gardeners 18th Annual Garden Tour of Athens. See www.piedmontgardeners.org for photos of the 5 lovely gardens on tour this year. This is a very successful and popular annual garden tour. I’ve been to many of these tours and have always had a wonderful time. I’ve toured two of this year’s gardens and - oh my! – they are amazing – so worth the $20 ticket price ($15 in advance)! Bring a camera, plus paper and pen. Then once you have that list of plants you cannot live without, go back to the nurseries listed above, because Thomas Orchards in Watkinsville, Cofer’s in Athens and Thyme After Thyme in Winterville (maybe more) will have open houses in their nurseries, including specials and Master Gardeners to answer questions. Specialty Ornamentals will offer special discounts to Master Gardeners.

Athens is a great gardening town. If you feel like taking a breather, stroll the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (www.uga.edu/botgarden) to see Forged from Nature: An Exhibition of Garden Gates. You’ll view amazing sculpted gates by Andrew T. Crawford that are 6’-10’ tall among the many plants in bloom.

Five Shamrockin' Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Athens

The Classic City is celebrating St. Patrick's Day all week with exciting events and specials!

1. Take advantage of St. Patty's deals at local Irish pubs and breweries. Landsdowne Road Irish Pub, The Globe and Cutters Pub will all have celebrations you do not want to miss.
2. Listen to authentic Irish music at the Melting Point while drinking a few Guinness and Killians beers to truly honor the Irish tradition.
3. Enjoy and appreciate green beauty around Athens by participating in the St. Patrick's Day Ride.
4. Become a beer activist! Check out The Art of: Brew to see how you can truly learn the art behind brewing award-winning beer.
5. Grab some dinner and drinks at Molly O'Shea's Irish Pub and Restaurant.

5. _________________Insert YOUR ideas here -- Comment Away!

Click here to see more St Patrick's Day events in Athens, including kids' festivities.

Cheers!

Athens This Weekend: March 5 - 7

Friday, March 5:

• Everybody have fun tonight! Travel back in time to the era of shoulder pads, bangle bracelets and living to excess. The Melting Point presents The Highballs in Concert. The Highballs will be putting on a totally awesome show so you can party to the max. Like, for sure! Duran Duran, Madonna, Journey, the Bangles...all the best of the '80s in a high energy live show.

Saturday, March 6:

• The UGA Performing Arts Center is proud to present Narek Hakhnazaryan, a 19-year-old cellist who won first prize in the 2008 Young Concert Artists International Auditions! His two rewarding debuts were in Carnegie's Zankel Hall in New York and at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater in Washington, D.C. According to San Francisco Classical Voice, "he produces a powerful and colorful sound in all registers, nails every big shift and flashes all the virtuoso's tricks with insolent ease. He should have a stellar career."

• Treat your family to Exotic Birds & Animals on Planet Earth: Family Day at The State Botanical Garden! Roy Hodge from Exotic Paradise, Atlanta will travel to the State Botanical Garden this Saturday to educate and entertain families with his menagerie of exotic forest animals! Attendees will discover amazing facts and adaptations of exotic animals in a live animal presentation. Children and their parents can pet and take pictures with cockatoos, parrots, owls, monitor lizards, anacondas, boa constrictors and more!

Sunday, March 7:

• Head over to The State Botanical Garden this Sunday for the opening reception of Claire Clements' paintings exhibition Bottlebrush Buckeye and Beyond! Participate in a fun art critique exercise and interpret artworks currently on display. Claire's process, cut paintings, involves cutting mixed media painting on paper. Free to the public.

Ongoing Events:

• Do not miss your opportunity to view a colorful display of late winter flowers at the 18th Annual Hellebore Days at Piccadilly Farm in Bishop, Georgia! The public is invited to stroll the gardens and view thousands of Lenten Roses in full bloom in the 2.5 acre display garden. Hellebore Days has been featured in the New York Times and numerous other publications. For those unable to attend the event, the gardens will be open on Fridays and Saturdays during the spring season.

• Athens Creative Theatre presents "Bull in a China Shop," a Women's Repertoire Show and Dessert Theatre. When a houseful of sweet little old ladies discovers that a handsome bachelor lives across the street, they are delighted! When they learn that he is none other than Detective Dennis O'Finn, of Homicide, they are faced with the problem of how to attract his attention. The answer is simplicity itself: a nice, genteel homicide with a cup of tea as the murder weapon! Patrons will enjoy a dessert buffet at intermission.

• Paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, large and small sculpture, works in clay and in fiber, jewelry, photographs, drawings, prints, and other works! The 35th Juried Exhibition at Lyndon House Arts Center showcases a wealth of Athens area talent. Over 740 art works by 291 artists were entered in the competition this year and 142 pieces were selected by this year's juror Ron Platt, the Hugh Kaul Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Win Family Admission to Exotic Birds and Reptiles on Planet Earth

One lucky Facebook winner will win family admission to Exotic Birds and Animals on Planet Earth: Family Day, this Saturday, March 6 at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia! Special guest Roy Hodge from Exotic Paradise, Atlanta will educate and entertain family members with his menagerie of exotic forest animals in a live animal presentation.

Families will discover amazing facts and adaptations of exotic animals including cockatoos, exotic parrots, spectacled owls, monitor lizards, anacondas, boa constrictors and more. After the presentation, children and their parents can pet and take pictures with the exotic animals! There will also be several hands-on discovery stations focusing on forests and their importance in our lives.

How to participate in the Facebook contest:

Log in to Facebook and type in "Visit Athens, Georgia" or use this link. Become a fan! (You must be a fan of Visit Athens, Georgia on Facebook to win.)

Reply to my post with a comment about your favorite family activity in Athens and let us know why is it your favorite? Perhaps you have a favorite memory or you attend an event annually with your family- let us know!

After midnight on Wednesday, March 3, a random number generator will select the winner.

For official contest rules, click here.

Good luck!

Athens This Weekend: February 26 - 28

Friday, February 26:

• History comes alive at the State Botanical Garden this Friday. You will have the opportunity to meet John Bartram, America's first botanist and horticulturist- John Bartram Lives! Okay, so it is actually Pennsylvanian Kirk R. Brown. Enjoy this first-person biographical and historical presentation on the life of John Bartram. Prepare to be entertained, amused and educated as history comes alive! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet John Bartram at a reception from 6:30-7:30pm. The program will follow. $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• This Friday is your last chance to see the "Not Since You" movie premiere and screening at Beechwood Cinemas on Alps, and you do not want to miss out. This film was shot in large part in Athens and potrays Athens as itself! It is a film about a tight-knit group of college friends who graduated from NYU just prior to 9/11 and reunite years later for a weekend wedding in Georgia. Unresolved conflicts and love affairs spark again.

Saturday, February 27:

• America's most successful black stage play, "Beauty Shop," comes to the Classic Center Theatre this Saturday! This production served as inspiration for the recent film "Beauty Shop," starring Queen Latifah. The story continues as the curling irons get hotter, the gossip is juicier, the backstabbing is deeper, and the he-said/she-said tipping the scales. Get ready to fall out of your seat, because you'll be rolling in the aisles with mascara-running laughter.

Sunday, February 28:

• The UGA Performing Arts Center is proud to present "Coppelia," a charming and comic ballet performance by the Moscow Festival Ballet! Their tours throughout the world have presented many of ballet's greatest works featuring the highest artistic elements within the framework of Russian classic ballet. Enjoy lush melodies, beautiful costumes, and stunning virtuostic and athletic dancing.

• Over 20 of northeast Georgia's premium wedding vendors will be on hand at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa Bridal Open House! Vendors will include photographers, florists, formal wear, wedding panners, pastry chefs, entertainment, transportation companies and more! Sample the cuisine of our award winning culinary team while persuing the latest bridal fashions for the entire wedding party.

Ongoing events:

• It is the last weekend to enjoy the stunning works of Amy Jenkins at ATHICA! "Nurture: Video and Photography by Amy Jenkins" features works from her "Cradle Series" in which the artist films herself and members of her family in order to reveal salient aspects of familial relationships. Great for families and art lovers alike!

• There are only 10 seats left for the unique African-American History Tour this Saturday! Enjoy a special 2-hour bus tour with stops including the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and the Morton Theatre. Call 706.353.1820 for more details or visit the Athens Welcome Center Web site.

• In these tough economic times, sales are greatly appreciated! The 26th Annual Athens-Clarke County Library Book Sale features thousands of books including fiction, non-fiction, children's books, hardbacks, paperbacks, audio books, CDs and more. All proceeds from the Book Sale benefit the Athens-Clarke County Library.

• Considering remodeling your home, landscaping your yard or even building or buying your dream home? Stop by the 15th Annual Home and Garden Show at The Classic Center on Saturday and Sunday to get your questions answered on topics such as decor, landscaping, lighting and more!

Athens This Weekend: February 19 - 21

Friday, February 19:

• Join us for the 2010 Southern Garden Heritage Conference at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia! Robin Salmon will open the conference with a lecture about garden sculpture and close the conference with a lecture about garden sculpture and close the conference with a presentation about Brookgreen Gardens, one of America's finest sculpture gardens. Amateurs and professionals alike are sure to find this conference interesting and informative. Preregistration is required- call 706.542.6359 today! $95 for members, $110 for non-members.

• Great event for all ages! Sandy Creek Park and the Athens Astronomical Association will host Starwatch: Winter Night Skies tomorrow from 7- 9 p.m. Starwatch is a unique event where participants can enjoy views of the winter constellations, Mars, and the crescent moon. Pre-registration is recommended. Only $2 for ACC residents and $3 for non-residents!

Saturday, February 20:

• Take a trip to Kingpins Bowl and Brew this Saturday from 2 - 5 p.m. for Bowling for the Bard and great prizes! They will be raffling off a framed, autographed poster from REM! Season tickets, restaurant gift certificates and more are also up for grabs. All proceeds help produce this summer's free production of The Taming of the Shrew. Only $5 to participate!

• In celebration of Black History Month, Classic City Tours is offering a special 2-hour bus tour at 2 p.m. of Athens' most significant African-American heritage sites. Stops include the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and Morton Theatre.

Sunday, February 21:

• "Eat, Drink, and Help Many" by attending the 17th annual A Taste of Athens! Over 50 restaurants and beverage distributors are participating for your chance to sample local cuisine, sip on wine & beer from regional distributors, bid on amazing silent auction items, and mix & mingle with other community supporters. This event benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia, who empowers our community to GET HELP, GIVE HELP, and GROW HELP.

• Support Sandy Creek Nature Center by walking or running in the Frog Hop 5K! The one-mile Tadpole Fun Run starts at 2 p.m. with the 5K race set for 2:30 p.m. Race entry forms are available around town, at Sandy Creek Nature Center or at the nature center's Web site. You can also register here. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome!

Ongoing Events:

• SEC Swim & Dive Championships: The Georgia swimming and diving teams are proud to host the 2010 Southeastern Conference Championships at Gabrielsen Natatorium. The four-day competition features seven men's teams and six women's squads that are ranked in the Top 25 by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America! See schedule here.

• Town and Gown presents Mame: Town and Gown presents Mame, a Tony-Award winning musical, at the Athens Community Theater! From mountain climbing related deaths to Massachusetts boarding schools, Mame is a musical that has it all. The musical, based on Patrick Dennis' novel Auntie Mame, chronicles the tumultuous and often hilarious life of the titular character. Mame made its broadway Theatre debut in 1969, and it features Georgia as a prominent setting. 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

• UGA Sports: UGA tennis has two home matches this weekend, taking on Southern Cal. on Friday and Arkansas on Sunday. Also, cheer on the Hoop Dawgs as they take on Alabama!

• Not Since You Movie Premiere and Screening: This film was shot in large part in Athens! Not Since You is an ensemble film about a tight-knit group of college friends who graduated from NYU just prior to 9/11 and reunite years later for a weekend wedding in Georgia. It premieres this Friday, and screening for only one week at Beechwood Cinemas.

Athens This Weekend: February 5-7

Featured Event (Friday, February 5): The Classic Center welcomes George Jones, Country Music Hall of Fame vocalist and industry icon! He is known for dozens of hits over the past 40 years, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "The Grand Tour" and ever-popular duet with former wife Tammy Wynette, "Golden Ring." Opening for George Jones will be Country duo Wilson Fairchild - sons of Harold and Don Reid of the Statler Brothers. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 5:

• Travel to the UGA Performing Arts Center this Friday to enjoy award-winning pianist Benjamin Moser perform works by Mendelssoh, Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. According to Suddeutsche Zeitung (Germany), "[Benjamin] is already a master of color, atmosphere and delicate nuance, with technical mastery and youthful exuberance." The show starts at 8 p.m. in the Ramsey Concert Hall.
  

Saturday, February 6:

• The UGA Performing Arts Center presents an extraordinarily brilliant performance this Saturday at 8 p.m. The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet captures the writings of great composers with music that will stir your emotions! This group continues to astonish audiences worldwide with its range of expression, total spectrum and conceptual unity. A pre-concert lecture will be given by Thomas Taylor Dickey, a doctoral student in orchestral conducting at UGA.
  


• Come meet Old Man Spruce (a puppet with personality!) during the Arbor Day Celebration at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and discover all the important things trees provide. Learners will gain a better understanding of the importance of trees through tree games, tree identification, "tree cookie" investigation and air quality sampling. A great event for all ages!

Sunday, February 7: Are you ready for some football?! Athens offers multiple venues and parties to watch the Saints vs the Colts play in the Super Bowl XLIV!

• Watch the game and celebrate with giveaways, a raffle, and drink and food specials in Buffalo's Georgia Room. Party starts at 6 p.m.
  


• Come on down to the Melting Point for the big game plus tailgate food, beer specials, and plenty of giveaways and prizes. No cover! Doors open at 5 p.m.

If you are still looking for great Valentine's ideas, treat your sweetheart to a romantic weekend in Athens! Click here to view special packages and offers just in time for Valentine's Day.

Here Come the Holidays!

The Classic City kicks off the Holiday Season this weekend with a number of festive events that will certainly get you in high spirits.

• Athens' annual Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights ushers in the holiday season this evening at 7 p.m. Over 60 floats, bands, and other groups parade through downtown streets awash in twinkling lights. The theme for the 2009 parade is "A Gift from the Heart." The parade begins on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Streets ending in front of City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony, hosted by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come early for the Downtown Open House, with great deals and extended hours by great downtown retailers! For more information, visit http://www.accleisureservices.com/.
• The UGA Symphony Orchestra will perform a series of holiday favorites tonight, December 3rd, and tomorrow the 4th. Hear their smooth holiday tunes at 8 p.m. on both days at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall in the UGA performing arts complex. The concert is free admission.
• Celebrate the history of Athens this holiday season as The Athens Historic House Museum presents its 2nd annual “Christmas Spirits Holiday Tour” on December 5th and 6th. Visitors will enjoy guided tours of each residence while noshing on delicious seasonal refreshments. Two original theatre vignettes by Rose of Athens Theatre are sure to delight tour-goers of all ages. Come and see the four historic house museums in all their festive splendor! Tours will leave from the Ware-Lyndon house on Hoyt Street at 6 and 7 p.m. on the 5th and 2 and 3 p.m. on the 6th. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 for children under 10. It is sure to be unforgettable holiday fun for the whole family. Call (706) 353-1820 for tour reservations.
• The Classic Center hosts an evening of holiday jazz with Grammy jazz vocalist nominee Nnenna Freelon. Joining Ms. Freelon will be The Jon Faddis Quartet, plus percussion. Mr. Faddis is one of the finest jazz trumpeters in the world. In addition to the wonderful holiday music, Jon will feature his renowned tribute to Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. The show begins at 8 p.m. on December 5th. Tickets are available at the Classic Center box office or at http://www.classiccenter.com/.
• The State Botanical Garden’s Holiday Open House on December 6th offers free, festive, family entertainment inside the tropical Conservatory, This year’s holiday décor will keep with the theme of “An Audubon Christmas”, celebrating the Garden’s birds. Musical entertainment includes performances by The Georgia Children’s chorus, The Solstice Sisters and The Classic City Band. A professional photographer will take posed photos as Santa and Mrs. Claus listened to children’s wishes. Special holiday drinks and treats will be available for sale at the garden-side Café. The event begins at 2 p.m. and is free admission. For more information call 706-542-1244 or log on to the Garden's website.

This weekend's events are sure to please Athens holiday revelers of all ages... so enjoy!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Weekly Freebie: Whigs download!

Rock band The Whigs are one of many bands to come out of Athens, GA. The band has performed alongside local favorites such as the Driveby Truckers as well as superstars like Franz Ferdinand & Kings of Leon.

The newest CD from The Whigs, In The Dark, will be released in early 2010. To tide you over until then, the band is offering up the title track for free. To listen to the single, click here. You can also download it off the band's Website here.

For more from The Whigs, check out their 2008 performance on The Late Show with David Letterman below.

Athens this Weekend

Check out the usual suspects of art, live music, and entertainment throughout the Classic City this weekend.

Friday

• Looking for a new form of fun this weekend? Check out Effie's Club Follies at the 40 Watt. This local "slap-strip comedic burlesque" troupe combines the best elements of sketch comedy, musical theatre, drag and striptease. The show starts at 10 p.m. & tickets are $10 for the 21 & over set, $12 for 18+.
• The Michael Guthrie Band will be performing at the Melting Point at 9 p.m. For nearly 40 years, Athenian Michael Guthrie and his various bandmates have delved into the world of melodic, jangly British-sounding throwback rock. The latest incarnation is a family affair with brother Herb and son Jon. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door.
• Check out a large lineup at the new Tasty World Uptown this Friday. Against All Odds, Heroes for Tonight, Leaving Araby, Lost Heritage, Shootout the Stars, and The Wristbandits will all grace the new stage. Tickets are $5.

Saturday

• Taste Your PLACE Kickoff at the Athens Farmers' Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. To learn more, checkout this week's freebie.
• With football season so close yet so far, get your dawg fix at the Classic Center with the Dawg Derby Flyball Tournament. This year's tournament features 64 teams of dogs and handlers from 10 states competing in a fast-paced relay race that involves sprinting, jumping and retrieving. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $1.
• Want to see how UGA's gardens grow? The Gardens at UGA Open House runs from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Guided tour led by the founder of UGA's Trial Gardens, which are nationally known for trialing annuals and perennials for the Southeast. $5.
• Swing by Caledonia Lounge to hear The Buddy System's final show. Check out the adorable projected animation of Lauren Gregg's illustrations to go along with the gently grooving indie-pop tunes delivered by Kindercore stalwarts in their last performance. Also featuring Allison Weiss, Attractive Eighties Women, and ExcaliBrah. 10 p.m. $5.

Sunday

• Enjoy a lazy Sunday at Memorial Park with a free community picnic. Featuring music, yard games, face painting, ice cream, performances and more. Bring a blanket and picnic basket. 5 p.m.
• Square One Restaurant and Bar's weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch features rotating local jazz artists out on their patio. Enjoy it before the heat index goes back up! 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Exercise your brain and gear up for the work week with sports-themed trivia at Allen's Bar & Grill. 9 p.m.

For more information on these events or to see more calendar listings, visit our website here.

Twitter Contest: Sunflower Music Series

We have another great contest lined up for our Twitter followers tomorrow(July 9)!

The 9th annual Sunflower Music Series at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will feature local band Five Eight on Tuesday, July 14. The three-piece rock band has been a a warm-up band for R.E.M. and were featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered. Weather permitting, Five Eight will play outside in the new flower garden from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Tickets include beverages and light snacks.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia has given us 4 tickets to give away. We are giving them all away to the same lucky person tomorrow, so keep in mind if you win you will get to attend the concert with 3 guests you choose.

How To Participate

The same format that we used for our first 2 contests still applies. Simply re-tweet my post tomorrow about the Sunflower Music Series until 8 p.m. After 8, a random number generator will pick the winner!

New to our Twitter contests? Not sure how to retweet? For examples click here or here.

The tickets will be available at will call at the botanical gardens.

Remember the contest is 1-day only, tomorrow July 9, and you can retweet until 8. Good luck!