Athens This Weekend: September 13 - 15

While the UGA football team is taking a well-deserved break after beating down on the Gamecocks last Saturday, this weekend offers plenty of other fun things to do in Athens, Georgia! We are already half-way through September and that means that there are an abundance of cool events to keep boredom at bay! With so much going on, take the opportunity to grab your friends and family and try something new in the Classic City!

Last year's UGA team went undefeated in this two-day tournament and is back to defend their title in this year's Benson's Hospitality Group two day Invitational! Catch the UGA Volleyball team in their games against North Florida, Louisiana-Lafayette, and UNC Greensboro. All dedicated fans will be rewarded for their promptness, with prizes being given out each day to the first couple hundred fans to arrive at each game. Bring the whole family because the tournament with also be featuring a Carnival Day! Kids can enjoy carnival games, balloon animals, face painting and a bounce house on the concourses. Sports, carnival games, prizes, and halftime performances...what more could you ask for? The games are free so get there early and show your support!

 

If you're looking to see some good music this weekend, look no further than the Dirty Dozen Brass Band! They were once asked to play the main stage at the VERY FIRST Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival back in 2002, and I think that says all you need to know about this unique musical experience. Come witness the magic of this captivating act as they spread their authentic New Orleans sound and preach their brass blend up and down the country to the delight of audiences young and old. Head over to The Melting Point on Sunday night for a chance to breath in the rich sounds of the French Quarter! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.! Get your tickets here!

 

From the Beginning: The Art of Jack Davis is an all-new exhibit opening Thursday at the Gallery @ Hotel Indigo, with works by acclaimed illustrator Jack Davis, known for his masterful pen and ink work for MAD Magazine, EC Comics, TIME, Newsweek, TV Guide, and Esquire magazines, dozens of movie posters, hundreds of album covers, and of course beloved sports caricatures.

Other Events

Fit Family Fun Fest , Sat., 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Bishop Park 3rd Annual Keepin' It Clean Dirty Dance Party, Sat. 5:30 - 9 p.m., Little Kings Shuffle Club Galactic at Georgia Theatre, Sat. doors 8 p.m., show 10:30 p.m.; Georgia Theatre

 

Other Athens Events

Fit Family Fun Fest , Sat., 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Bishop Park 3rd Annual Keepin' It Clean Dirty Dance Party, Sat. 5:30 - 9 p.m., Little Kings Shuffle Club Galactic at Georgia Theatre, Sat. doors 8 p.m., show 10:30 p.m.; Georgia Theatre

There's so much going on this weekend so make sure not to miss out on the many things you can do around the Classic City! Take advantage of the UGA football bye week and check out all that Athens has to offer before North Texas comes to town next Saturday! Have a great weekend and GO DAWGS!

Fun & Free Family Destinations: Athens, GA

Looking for free family summer activities? Search no further, because the current issue of Georgia Magazine features a great article titled "North Georgia on a Dime: 10 Fun and Free Places to Take Your Family," and Athens, Georgia was thrilled to land not one, but two spots on the list!  The two selected Classic City attractions are the Georgia Museum of Natural History and Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park.  We agree that these are indeed great, free spots for the family, as the Georgia Museum of Natural History contains a wealth of unique items, and Bear Hollow Zoo offers a quaint home to a wide array of wildlife.  For more ideas for the family in Athens, Georgia this summer, see our family blog post and website page!  The following information is directly from the Georgia Magazine article, which was written by Jacqueline Rosser.

#7: Georgia Museum of Natural History

"You'll find everything from bugs to birds to mammals and more in the large collections at the Georgia Museum of Natural History on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. The University's many specimens comprise the most comprehensive selection in the state. With so much to see at the museum, you'll find there is something for everyone. Tours are available by appointment, or you can stop by the Exhibit Gallery free of charge at any time the museum is open. 101 Cedar St., University of Georgia Campus, Athens. naturalhistory.uga.edu. (706) 542-1663."

If You Go:  The museum is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m.-3 p.m. For visits less than 45 minutes, park in the green-marked spaces in lot S06, which is accessible from East Campus Road and Cedar Street. For guests wishing to visit for longer than 45 minutes, please see the museum's front desk attendant to purchase a $2.00 parking pass for the day.

#10: Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park

"Before leaving Athens, head on over to Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park to see Georgia's native wildlife up close. The zoo and wildlife preserve are home to many animals, including the bald eagle, great horned owl, wild turkey, black bear, white-tailed deer, American alligator and more.

      'Bear Hollow Zoo is one of the most popular places in Athens for families and a great deal because it is free of charge and open seven days a week. Everyone loves the shaded paths that lead them from one area of the zoo to the next. It is a particularly special place because all of the zoo residents have been deem unreleasable, so they couldn't survive in the wild, including two of our bears who were orphaned as cubs' says Cathy Padgett, public information coordinator, Athens Clarke County Leisure Services.

      The zoo itself is open daily, and the Exhibit Hall, complete with projects for younger visitors and animals to touch, is open on select weekend days. 293 Gran Ellen Dr., Athens. athensclarkecounty.com/bearhollow. (706) 613-3616."

If You Go:  The park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to sunset on weekends and holidays, and the zoo 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Thanks again to Jaqueline Rosser, who wrote the original article in Georgia Magazine. Plan your family visits to Athens' Georgia Museum of Natural History and Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park along with North Georgia's eight other featured destinations! For other family fun activities in the Classic City, see our Family Fun in Athens this Summer blog post.

One Tank Trip Summer Getaway: Athens, GA

With the arrival of summer comes the desire to trade in high-paced city life in exchange for a relaxing getaway.  Luckily, located just 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia awaits.  Whether you want to get your fill of nature, heritage, music, food, beer, or just fuel your creative juices, Athens' summer schedule provides an amazing value for your entertainment dollar and makes the short drive well worth your time!

Get outside and take advantage of sunny Georgia summers at the State Botanical Garden! Within its 313 acres, there are five miles of walking trails, various themed gardens, a conservatory full of tropical and subtropical plants, and a café and gift shop, making the garden an ideal destination for any summer day.  The grounds are the perfect place to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon laying in the shade or to get some exercise among gorgeous scenery.  Full Moon Hikes and cooking in the garden workshops are favorite special events for all ages this summer.  

Also, don't miss the Sunflower Music Series at the State Botanical Garden!  The luscious garden environment may be the most enjoyable setting imaginable for a concert.  The schedule is as follows:

• June 4- Shonna Tucker and Eye Candy (musicians from the Drive by Truckers; Alternative Country)
• July 9- Caroline Aiken (Folk/Blues/Rock)
• August 20- Grogus (Latin Jazz)
• September 17- Arvin Scott Quartet (World Beat/Jazz)

For just $15 per adult/$5 for kids, light snacks, beer and wine (for those of age) are included-  that's a steal!   Tickets for all of the shows are currently available for purchase online.  Grab your friends and family, pack a picnic blanket, and come ready to enjoy good music!

For some educational fun, Classic City Tours offers a variety of themed tours that celebrate Athens' heritage and are sure to teach you a few things.  We recommend including the Athens Heritage Tour on the top of your to-do list; it's offered daily at 2 p.m.  Featured on the tour are the world's only remaining Double Barreled Cannon, Athens' oldest house, and the only National Historic Landmark in the area, the Taylor-Grady house.  Other tours to consider are the African-American Heritage Tour and the Museum Mile Tour of Athens' four historic house museums.  If you're feeling more independent, self-guided and audio tours are available as well!  Reservations may be booked via phone at 706-208-8687.

As Hunter S. Thompson said, "Good people drink good beer."  We're sure that his Athens getaway would include touring Terrapin Brewery free of charge.  A $10 souvenir glass comes with eight tickets that may be redeemed for half-pours of their award-winning beer. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come taste and learn about award-winning beer while enjoying live outdoor music.  Tell your pets that they're invited to join the fun as well, so long as they agree to stay on their leash!  For more information on the performers, events, and Terrapin beer, see the Terrapin website.

Perhaps good beer's biggest rival is good food, and Athens keeps the competition alive with its growing culinary status and multiple Top Chef and James Beard winners.  With all of the delicious dining options in Athens, choosing just a few restaurants to experience during your visit can be challenging.  Fortunately, Athens Food Tours not only eliminates the decision, but the tours make an event of sampling locally sourced foods and beverages from five to seven local eateries and shops.  You'll join a guide on an easy-paced walk through a designated area of town.  In addition to the scrumptious locally-grown, sustainable food and drinks included in the ticket price, ranging from $28-$44, hearing from local chefs and business owners along the way offers a unique and entertaining touch. 

Athens' annual summer festival, AthFest, is scheduled for June 19th-23rd, and we cannot wait!  Taking over gorgeous downtown Athens,  AthFest is a music, art, kids, and film-focused event.  More than 150 bands and artists will perform during the five-day celebration- and it's free!  Among other AthFest activities are an artists' market, a club crawl, film screenings, and KidsFest, which is an area especially for children and features kid-focused performances and interactive activities.  AthFest wristbands are only $20, and they provide unlimited access to participating club crawl venues and discounts for other affiliated events. Show schedules can be viewed and wristbands may be purchased on the AthFest website.  AthFest packages at Hotel Indigo Athens, Holiday Inn Express, and Foundry Park Inn & Spa start at a reasonable $105 per couple and make planning your one tank summer getaway a cinch!  The packages include everything you need for the weekend: your hotel room, wristbands, AthFest CDs, and t-shirts.  Find out more and purchase your AthFest package here. 

For a constant update of live music events, be sure to keep up with the calendars of favorite Athens venues, including 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge, The Melting Point, and The Green Room.  Seeing a show at the iconic Georgia Theatre is an absolute must for lovers of music and Athens.  Their rooftop bar is a great place to kick back and relax and is now serving food from their neighbor, The Branded Butcher, from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays.  The Flagpole music calendar is another great tool to keep up with Athens' music scene.

Decompress with some artistic therapy at Good Dirt Studio, Artini's, and Pints and Paints- all located in the heart of downtown Athens.  Good Dirt Studio offers an assortment of clay classes, including "Try Clay" clay sessions on the wheel from 7-9 p.m. every Friday (ages 8+) and "Try Clay" hand-building classes for all ages every Sunday from 2-4 p.m.  If you're more of the painting type, fuel your inner Monet and check out Artini's and Pints and Paints for a fun guided art lesson.  The $20-$35 fee covers the supplies and guidance, and you'll surely to be impressed with your masterpiece!

For more ideas to satisfy your Georgia road trip cravings, visit the Athens Visitors & Convention Bureau website or call 706-357-4430.  The possibilities in Athens, Georgia are endless this summer, so mark your calendars and plan your summer getaway as soon as possible!   

Athens This Weekend: April 19 - 21

Spring is in full bloom this weekend in Athens, Georgia, and there's no better place to be than the great outdoors! Enjoy the warm weather in all of its glory with a breathtaking journey through the Georgia Antebellum Trail, a calm stroll through the Piedmont Gardeners' Tour or even at the UGA baseball game against Vanderbilt. No matter what you choose, you're bound to have fun in the Classic City sun!

5th Annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage

The award-winning Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage features a 100-mile trail filled with breathtaking views and historic landmarks. Journey through some of Georgia's most interesting cities, such as Eatonton, Madison and Milledgeville, where a love of the past and southern hospitality await you. This exciting Pilgrimage will take place April 18 - 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.each day. Tickets are $25 and include unlimited access to all events. 

20th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour

The 20th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour features five inspiring gardens in the Athens, Georgia area. Grab your walking shoes, bring a friend and immerse yourself in this self-guided tour filled with garden creativity and ideas. The Piedmont Gardeners' Tour will take place Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. 

UGA Baseball vs. Vanderbilt

The Georgia Bulldogs are back in action this weekend as they play back-to-back home games right here in Herty Field! Come support the UGA baseball team as they take on SEC rival, Vanderbilt, in the final two games of a three-game series. The two games will take place Saturday, April 20 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. Admission ranges from $5 - $8! 

More events...

• AlanFest 2013, Tues. through Sat., times vary
• UGA Softball vs. Texas A&M, Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
• Saturday Morning Paddle at the Sandy Creek Park, Sat. 9 a.m.  

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities going on in Athens? Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia. Join the mailing list to stay in the loop about exciting events going on in the Classic City!

The UGA Special Collections Library

If you're looking for a fun and affordable (not to mention, educational) activity to keep you entertained in the Classic City, then look no further! The UGA Special Collections Library is the perfect location to learn all about the unique culture and history of Georgia. Featuring a variety of rare materials, the Special Collections Library is bound to impress!

(UGA Historical Display)

The Library is home to the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, and my personal favorite, the Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection. (As a Grady student, it's no surprise that I'm a fan of the latter.) 

 

(A sneak peak of the Peabody Collection)

Favorites aside, however, there's no denying that the Library has something for everyone. But don't just take my word for it -- See the exhibits for yourself Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitor Parking is available in the Hull Street Deck. 

For more information, be sure to visit the CVB website or the Special Collections Library's website!

Spring Festivals and Events in Athens, GA

We've brushed off the last gasp of winter (and brrrr, that last week of March was a doozy) and can now say, finally, that Spring has sprung in Athens, Georgia.

Springtime in Athens brings a whirlwind of life and activity back to the Classic City, especially after a long, cold winter. As spring blossoms, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery via historic tours and numerous outdoor events. The Athens live music scene also comes to life with concerts and festivals celebrated throughout the city. Between the renowned sporting events, beautiful gardens and exciting festivals, springtime in Athens, GA is a unique and captivating time for people of all ages!

UGA's Annual International Street Festival 

  

UGA's Annual International Street Festival showcases a variety cultures from throughout the world and will take place Saturday, April 6. Dozens of UGA international organizations and groups from the local Athens community will bring their cultures to life in the heart of downtown from noon - 5:00 p.m. Live musical and dance performances, informative and interactive displays, as well as children's activities help showcase the many cultures of Athens. For more information about this wonderful event and the international student organizations represented, please visit www.uga.edu/isl. 

Plantapalooza

  

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, The UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA are coming together again to host Plantapalooza, a combined plant sale.  This event will take place Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state for the wide array of beautiful garden plants that will be available. Horticulturists, volunteers, and Master Gardeners will be available to assist with plant selections.  More details are available at www.ugatrialgardens.com.

Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage

Georgia's 5th Annual, award-winning, Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage will be April 18 - 21. Visitors who travel down Georgia's Antebellum Trail enter a magical place where time has stood still. Each community, from Macon to Athens, holds hidden treasures from the past. This event features events and tours along the Trail as well as entrance into private, historic homes not generally open to the general public. A $25 Pilgrimage Pass will provide unlimited access to participating events and attractions throughout the weekend in all Antebellum Trail communities. For more information about the event, please visit www.atpilgrimage.com. 

  Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour

Athens' 20th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour Saturday, April 20 offers visitors  an inside look at the Athens area's most inspired private gardens. Five gardens will be featured in this event. Tickets include maps and directions to the gardens. The Garden Tour  happens rain or shine. More details about the five featured gardens are available at www.piedmontgardeners.org/GardenTour.html.

Terrapin Twilight Criterium

Athens will host its 34th Annual Terrapin Twilight Criterium April 26 - 27. This professional cycling event and festival provides fun for fans, families and racers. The Terrapin Twilight Criterium is a popular spot on the national cycling tour circuit. In addition to the marquee men's and women's races Saturday evening, there will be kids' activities and races, live music performances, an all ages 5K run/walk, and a BMX Jam. More than 30,000 fans pack the exciting streets of downtown Athens every year to witness the best in American criterium racing. For more information about the event, please visit www.athenstwilight.com.  

Indie South Fair

The Indie South Fair will be held on May 4. This bi-annual handmade market brings together an eclectic selection of emerging artists and crafters from the South and beyond. For more information including applications, visit www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com.

Stadion Classic at UGA

Professional golf returns to Athens April 29 - May 5 during the Stadion Classic at UGA. This is one of two Nationwide Tour stops in Georgia. The Stadion Classic at UGA is the only event on the Nationwide Tour that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education.  All net proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students through the Arch Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program which supports non-profits in Georgia and nationwide. Ticket and event information can be found at www.stadionclassic.uga.edu.

  

AthFest Music and Arts

The Athens live music scene is ready to kick off the 17th Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival June 19 - 23. This has been named a Top 20 Event by The Southeast Tourism Society. AthFest features more than 150 bands on outdoor stages and in Athens' renowned clubs. Between the live music, art, local film screenings and KidsFest, there is entertainment for all ages. More event information is available at www.athfest.com.

Athens Human Rights Festival 

The 35th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival will be May 4 - 5. This is a springtime political and cultural tradition in Athens. The festival features a dynamic, educational, and family-friendly weekend of oratory, music, activities for the children, and street theater performances in an outdoor setting. More information about the event is available at www.athenshumanrightsfest.org. 

For more information about spring events taking place in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.visitathensga.com/spring or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, toll-free 800-653-0603.

Athens This Weekend: March 22 - 24

Spring has officially sprung in the Classic City! Kick off the new season right with Athens' biggest thrift sale, a relaxing outdoor gathering at Terrapin and the famous Dancing with the Athens Stars Competition. If this is only the beginning of Spring, we can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the season. Come see us, folks!

Bargainza Thrift Sale

Spring weather means new clothes, and what better time to go shopping than during the Classic City's biggest Thrift Sale? Bargainza is the perfect opportunity to stock up on the latest fashion trends for remarkably low prices! This exciting event begins Friday night (March 22) at 6:30 p.m. where guests can preview all of the items for sale. The big sale will then be held Saturday (March 23) from 8 a.m. to noon. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to stock up on all of your Spring needs!

BreastFest Athens

In honor of raising breast cancer awareness in the Athens community, Terrapin Brewery is hosting Athens' annual BreastFest Saturday, March 23! Join us for a day of local beer, food and live music from Kinky Waikiki, Dangfly and The Heap. This exciting event will even feature a special kids carnival with delicious food from Zaxby's, not to mention kids get in FREE! Beginning at 1:30 p.m. and extending to 8:30 p.m., this outdoor event is the perfect way to kick off the Spring season! 

Dancing with the Athens Stars

We've all watched Dancing with the Stars on T.V., and now it's time to bring that entertainment right here to the Classic City! Dancing with the Athens Stars has entertained thousands of people since it first began in 2008. Featuring 11 talented teams, the money raised at this annual event supports services for survivors of domestic violence. Don't miss out on this exciting dance competition Sunday (March 24) at 7 p.m. Admission is $20.

More events...

• 5th Annual EcoFocus Film Festival, March 20 - 24
• Athens Aviation: Then, Now, Next, Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Spring Bird Ramble at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Sat. 8 a.m.  

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities going on in Athens? Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia. Join the mailing list to stay in the loop about exciting events going on in the Classic City!

Athens This Weekend: February 22 - 24

The Valentine's Day festivities may be over, but there's still plenty to do this weekend in Athens, Georgia! With one-of-a-kind cultural performances and exciting bowling tournaments, we're certain you'll want to gather up your family and friends and head to the Classic City ASAP. Here are just a few fun ideas to mark on your weekend calendar!

Avid Poetry Reading

What a great opportunity to be a part of the Avid Poetry Series, where a variety of creative authors will read aloud from some of their best work. Featuring poets Cynthia Arrieu-King, Kate Greenstreet and Lily Brown, this relaxing event is sure to inspire. The reading will take place at 8: 30 p.m. at 145 Grady Ave., and admission is free! 

India Night

The magnificent culture, heritage and traditions of India are making their way to Athens, Georgia! Sponsored by the UGA Indian Cultural Exchange, India Night features amazing performances of dance, music and comedy. With more than 2,000 expected audience members, this show is bound to impress! The show will begin at 7 p.m. in the Classic Center, and tickets are $14 in advance and $16 at the door. 

The 2nd Annual Puppy Bowl

The Super Bowl may be over, but the 2nd Annual Puppy Bowl is just around the corner! Benefiting the Athens Humane Society, the Puppy Bowl focuses on special needs adoptable cats and dogs. Join us at Ten Pins Tavern on Sunday, February 24 for an exciting raffle, delicious cocktails and a special Red Pin Bowling Challenge! The event will be held from 2 to 7 p.m., and admission is $12.50 per team member. 

More events...

• Free Tastings and Tours at Terrapin Beer Co., Fri. and Sat. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Journey Through the Stars at Sandy Creek Nature Center, Sat. 2 - 3 p.m. 
• UGA Equestrian vs. Delaware State, Sun. 10 a.m. 
• Bridal Show and Menu Tasting, Sun. 2 - 5 p.m. 

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities going on in Athens? Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia. Join the mailing list to stay in the loop about exciting events going on in the Classic City!

The Welcome Center's Fabulous Classic City Tour

As the newest intern of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, I had the amazing opportunity to go on the Welcome Center's famous Classic City Tour last week. Although I thought I knew everything there was to know about the Classic City, I was surprisingly mistaken. This exciting 90-minute tour delved behind every corner and crevice within Athens, ranging from campus to the historic downtown area. Below are just a few of my favorite sites highlighted on the tour!

The Double-Barreled Cannon

One of Athens' most prized possessions is the Double-Barreled Cannon, a weapon built in 1863 when the Athens community feared attack by invading northern armies. The concept of the cannon was to load two balls connected by a chain into the barrel, which would then cut down approaching enemy soldiers. Legend has it that when the cannon was first tested, the only victims of the weapon were a field of very unfortunate cows. The cannon was never used again, but it still sits in downtown Athens facing north today. (Just in case!)

The Tree that Owns Itself 

We've all HEARD of the Tree that Owns Itself, but do you actually know the story behind it? Legend has it that in the early 1800s, Professor William H. Jackson devised a peculiar plan to protect his favorite tree. He enjoyed the tree's shade so much that he wanted to ensure its survival, even after his own death. Jackson deeded the tree in his will, as well as all of the land within eight feet of its sides. Today, the tree continues to be surrounded by chains, and it's property rights have never been questioned.

If you're interested in learning more about some Athens' best-kept secrets, be sure to schedule a Classic City tour of your own! The Classic City tour runs five days a week at 2 p.m. Tickets are generally $15, but the Athens Convention and Visitor's Bureau is currently offering coupons online for $5 off! For more information about the Classic City tour, please visit the Welcome Center online or call 706-353-1820. 

Athens This Valentine's Weekend: February 15 - 17

Love is in the air this weekend in Athens, GA! Celebrate Valentine's Day the right way in the Classic City with soothing jazz performances, lively grand openings or even the famous annual Taste of Athens. No matter what you and your loved one choose do, we're certain you'll fall in love with Athens, GA this weekend!

Valentine's Dinner  and Evening with Francine Reed

Attention lovebirds! In honor of Valentine's Day, the Melting Point is offering a special three-course dinner this Friday (February 15) followed by a one-night-only performance by jazz legend Francine Reed. Known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Reed has become one of Atlanta's most treasured artists, performing favorites from Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald to Billy Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. This event is perfect for hopeless romantics, so be sure to get your tickets today! Event begins at 6 p.m. 

Classic Center Grand Opening Community Open House

Put on your party hats, Athenians! The Classic Center's $24 million renovation is finally complete, and now it's time to celebrate! Join us for a special Community Open House this Saturday (February 16) featuring performances by Athens Symphony Orchestra's Woodwind Ensemble and the New Columbian Brass Band. Admission is free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry and can be picked up at both The Classic Center Theatre box office and the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center box office. Tickets are limited to four per person. 

20th Annual Taste of Athens

It's that time of the year again! Sample more than 50 of the Classic City's finest restaurants this Sunday (February 17) at the 20th Annual Taste of Athens. Featuring live music, wine and beer tastings and a fabulous silent auction, this annual event is always a major hit in Athens, GA. Not only is Taste of Athens loads of fun, but it also benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia who, for more than 25 years, has empowered the Athens community to GET, GIVE and GROW HELP. 

More events...

• Elvis' Hunka Hunka Burning Love, Fri. 7:30 p.m.
• Taste 10K, Sat. 8 a.m.
• UGA Gym Dogs vs. Florida, Sat. 4 p.m. 

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities going on in Athens? Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia. Join the mailing list to stay in the loop about exciting events going on in the Classic City!

GQ Magazine Features: Hugh Acheson's Guide to Athens Georgia

In an article in GQ Magazine, Athens' own award-winning and highly acclaimed chef, Hugh Acheson, guides readers through his personal list of what he thinks are some of the Classic City's best food and entertainment hot spots! From upscale restaurants to unassuming eateries to fantastic night-life locales, Acheson lets you know where to hit up for your next Athens outing.

Read about it here:  http://www.gq.com/food-travel/restaurants-and-bars/201207/chef-hugh-acheson-athens-georgia-guide-short-order

--Elizabeth Bertrand