Excited for a new internship...and a summer in Athens!

It's hard to say what my favorite thing is about Athens. It might be the restaurants downtown that serve up local, home-grown fare from a farm only a few miles down the road. It could be the eclectic mixture of music, from bluegrass to jazz, that you can hear coming from inside clubs and music halls as you walk through town on a warm Friday night. It might also be the wonderful, southern hospitality of the people who live here, who always greet you with a smile on their face.

Or maybe my favorite thing about Athens is that I can't actually pick a favorite thing about Athens. My name is Sarah Varner, and I'm a few months away from beginning my senior year as a public relations major at the University of Georgia. I'm writing to you as one of the new PR and social media interns for the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, and I hope that this internship will allow me to find out even more things that I love about this town.

In my three years as a student living in Athens, I've taken advantage of many of the opportunities that the city has to offer. From walks through the State Botanical Garden to tubing down the Broad River, from trips to the Athens Farmer's Market and shows at the 40 Watt, I have gotten a taste of the wide range of activities that go on year-round in Athens. But there's still so much more that I want to do, and try, and eat, and visit while I'm here.

As an intern for the Athens CVB, I will be writing about all of the events going on in Athens, and hopefully giving you a better glimpse at all this city has to offer. And if you're like me, you're going to find out about events and activities you didn't even know existed, and you're going to want to try them all.

So it's time to start making your Athens "To-Do" list, because I'm going to be giving you things to put on it all summer long!

Until next time,
Sarah Varner

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!

Looking Forward to a Fantastic Summer in Athens!

Dearest Athens, GA,

For the last 3 years, I have been happily wandering through your glorious streets and parks, excitedly immersing myself in your own unique culture of Southern charm, and well frankly, just generally falling in love with your every quirk. And during that time, we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well, but now that I’ll be taking on the P.R. and Social Media internship position for the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau this summer, I think it’s time I properly introduce myself.

My name is Morgan Capps and I will be a senior at The University of Georgia in the fall, soon completing my studies in Psychology, Geography, and New Media. My unusual combination of studies allows me to explore a wide range of interests, a personal tendency that extends to my non-academic life as well. From hosting my own show on UGA’s student radio station, WUOG 90.5 fm, to acting in a production with Town & Gown Players, the local community theater, I am certainly no stranger to taking advantage of the awesome opportunities you have to offer, Athens. But even after 3 years here, I still constantly find myself discovering new places, people, and events existing throughout town.

I can think of no better way to spend the summer than by assisting Athens CVB in diligently seeking out and sharing information on the who, what, and where that combine to make life here so uniquely interesting. I genuinely cannot wait to provide information on your many wonderful restaurants, attractions, special events, and festivals. I promise to blog and otherwise report my many adventures, observations, and ideas, but I’ll need your help, Athens community- I want your feedback and suggestions. So don’t be shy, send me somewhere new and let me know what’s on your mind so we can make the most of this beautiful summer in Athens, GA.

Sincerely Yours,

Morgan Capps

Athens this Weekend

Check out great local theatre, great local food, and the inaugural "All Park Scavenger Hunt" throughout our local parks in Athens this weekend!

Friday

• Check out the Town & Gown Players in Butterflies Are Free at the Athens Community Theatre. The show starts at 8 p.m. & tickets are $5.
• It's a 3-for-1 deal at the 40 Watt Club this weekend as the Adam Payne Band, Brad Downs & the Poor Bastard Souls, and Theomataras are all set to perform. The show starts at 9 and tickets are $5 (21+) or $7 (18+)
  
• American Cheeseburger will perform their first show with new lead singer Jeff Rapier at Go Bar. The show starts at 9 and tickets are $5.

Saturday

• All Park Scavenger Hunt. Teams of 2-5 participants will be led to clues throughout all the parks in Athens. The first clue will be emailed out to everyone simultaneously. Prizes will be award to the top 2 teams. The hunt starts at 8 a.m. and registration is $10.
• Teen Film Festival. Come out to see our local talents as films made by Athens teens are displayed on the big screen. The audience wil choose the winners. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the ACC Library.
• The Athens Creative Theatre presents Bye Bye Birdie at Morton Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 (adults) and $12 (students, children, and senior citizens).
• Slopfest. This event at Little Kings Shuffle Club begins at 5 p.m. and features performances by '92 Dreamteam, Bodapop, Christophers Liver, Circle in Flight, Daffodil, Dead Dog, Die Benny, Jungol, Laminated Cat, Lazer/Wülf, Pride Parade, and Tendaberry . The best part? Tickets are only $2.

Sunday

• Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: "Until Death" at Buffalo's Southwest Café. The dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include dinner, champagne, and wedding cake.
• Kenosha Kid performs Steamboat Bill, Jr at Cine. Two chances to catch this show- at 4 p.m. ($8) or 7 p.m. ($10). Band leader Dan Nettles, Neal Fountain and Jeff Reilly, who is flying in from Los Angeles for tonight's performance, score Buster Keaton's silent film Steamboat Bill, Jr.
  
• Opening reception for "Botanical Fantasy," at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The exhibit features contemporary brightly colored floral canvases by award-winning Southeastern artist Veva Dunckel. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  

Summer in Athens: Video Post

This weekend I hit the streets of AthFest with my marker board and a flipcam to find out what makes Athens, GA special during the summer. Check out the video below!

Athens this Weekend

Whether you're heading to AthFest or looking for a break from the music scene, check out what's going on around Athens this weekend.

Friday

• AthFest. Bands, art, film, and KidsFest activities for the whole family! This is the best opportunity of the year to experience the local music and arts scene. Outdoor stages are FREE; wristbands are $20. So whether you bought a wristband (or won it!) or are just looking forward to the free shows, check out the complete schedule on the AthFest website. Highlights of the night include The Incredible Sandwich, Dead Confederate, and The Black Lips.
• Looking for a more relaxed atmosphere? Check out Kate Morrissey at Two Story Coffeehouse. 8-10 p.m. Cover is $5
• Move to Improve Block Party. A block party in celebration of National Home Ownership Month featuring live music, a dunking booth, a moonwalk, hot dogs, face painting, workshops and more. Between Paris St. and Minor St. 4-7 p.m. Free.

Saturday

• Athens Heritage Walks: Henderson Ave. Tour Henderson Avenue with guide John Whitehead. This peaceful residential enclave amidst the bustling Milledge Avenue/Baxter Street corridors presents an attractive mixture of late-19th and early-20th century dwellings. 10 a.m.
• AthFest. Stroll around the local booths before heading over to the main stage for perfomances by Futurebirds, Plume, and The Interns.
• Inspired by the music at AthFest? Check out the vinyl record sale at the corner of Oconee and Carr. Features LPs, 45s and 78s. 9 a.m.–5 p.m

Sunday

• AthFest. Highlights include the Holman Autry Band, Dreams So Real, and the Randall Bramblett Band.
• Iron AthChef. Love a good food competition? Head downtown to watch as two local chefs battle it out in a head-to-head cooking competition. West Washington street serves as "Kitchen Stadium" for Eric Wagoner of Athens Locally Grown and Craig Page of Promoting Local Agriculture and Cultural Experiences (PLACE). 5 p.m. Free.
  
• Mountain Music Medicine Show. Experience Doc Johnson's traveling Miracle Medicine Show, with musical acts and humor from the early 1950s. Set in Dahlonega, Doc promotes his "Wizard Water" elixir for improving lives. DISCOUNT for AthFest wristband holder. 8 p.m.

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

Weekend Fun in Athens, GA

Looking for something fun to do in Athens, GA this weekend? I've got you covered for Friday & Saturday

Friday

• Looking to relax from the work week? Normaltown Flyers Duo will perform at the Melting Point. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. but the Melting Point's doors open at 6 for dinner & drinks. Ticket are $5 in advance or $7 at the door
  
• Love Tractor is performing at Cine at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5.
• Want your own shot at stardom? The Incredible Sandwich is performing as well as shooting a live video at Tasty World. The show & shoot start at 10 p.m. & tickets are $5.
• Think you have more talent than these artists? Show off your skills at karaoke at the Office Lounge. $5 cover.

Saturday

• 31st Annual Snake Day: Yes, that's right- snake day. Slither on down for presentations about the misunderstood world of snakes. Explore venemous snakes and snake identification, the opportunity to touch a snake and snake-related crafts and games for the whole family. 12-4 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center (205 Old Commerce Road). $2 for ACC residents, $3 for out-of-county residents.
• After you finish getting creeped out by snakes, visit historic Five Points for an art sale on the lawns of local merchants. Featuring paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramics, drawings and photography. The 2nd Annual Five Points Art Fest is from 2-7 p.m.
  

For more information on all these events and more, check out our website here.

Athens, GA Voted a "Best City of 2009"

Athens, GA was recently voted #5 on Kiplinger's Personal Finance's 10 Best Cities of 2009. Kiplinger's chose cities that offered solid employment and the talent to create new, well-paying positions. UGA provides a multitude of jobs for Athens residents, a reason Athens is steadily climbing into polls of top cities during current economic conditions.

According to Jessica Andrews, the journalist covering Athens for Kiplinger's, reporters were sent out to 10 different cities and, once reassembled, would be responsible for advocating for the best 5- who would receive expanded coverage. Obviously Athens did a great job charming Jessica, and she did a great job charming her editors and Athens is a featured city!

The Kiplinger's article states:

"The Classic City is home to the University of Georgia, the city’s largest employer. It is also a hub of regional medical services, including Athens Regional Medical Center, St. Mary’s Health Care System, and Landmark Hospital, providing health care and jobs not only for the community but also for nearby counties. International manufacturing companies, such as Carrier and DuPont, also have operations in Athens."

Kiplinger's video/slideshow of Athens:




For more information or to read the full article click here.

While college students like myself would put Athens atop any "favorite city" list, it's nice to see publications doing the same. It's also great to see that Athens is stepping outside its' college town label and gaining noterity for more than bars and football games.

Athens Top 10 ... For Now

So finals week has turned into two weeks...and thus I have neglected to share as much about this classic city as I would like. Next week, my time as the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau will come to an end, but not my time in Athens at UGA.

One year left. In my past three years in Athens I have come to love everything about this town, which led me to make a list of my top 10 favorite Athens outings. With a year left, I'm sure I have a lot to see, do and learn, and I don't want to miss a beat.

If you haven't seen or done any of these I suggest you do, whatever I am missing, please let me know, I plan on making the most of my short 4-year span here!

In no particular order, with the exception of how they came to mind, here are my top 10:

1. 5 & 10
Sunday brunch is to die for, I have yet to make it here for dinner, but the service, atmosphere, fresh fruit and french toast are the highlights of my weekends.

2. Memorial Park
Athens has a zoo?! Yes indeed, and it's free. Though you may not find hundreds of exotic animals, seeing some of the creatures that call Athens home is reason enough to make the trip.

3. North Campus Quad
I have yet to find a season that I can't find a big oak to sit under and enjoy. Not to mention the squirrels are unusually friendly. This one isn't just for the day either, visit North Campus late at night and you are sure to find students playing a game of frisbee golf on a course of random objects throughout.

4. Morton Theatre
I fell in love with this one this first time I stepped through the doors. It has maintained all of the charm and architecture, feeling as if you were in another time. Most shows are local and relatively inexpensive.

5. Last Resort Grill
The wait may be long, but there is a reason. The praline chicken is my favorite, and I seldom leave without leftovers for the next day.

6. Sanford Stadium
The center for all life in Athens in the fall. It would be hard to picture this town without football. Trying to explain the way Athens transforms on Saturdays in the fall is nearly impossible to do...I've tried for three years now.

7. Helix
If I ever need a card, a gift or a reason to window shop, this store takes the cake. From handmade crafts, to quirky kitchen utensils, finding the perfect one-of-a-kind gift is far from hard here.

8. Two Story Coffeehouse
A rather new addition to the Athens coffeehouse scene, the charm here is what gets me. To describe this one as a house in 5 points converted into a coffeehouse would almost seem to take away from the fact that it is still a house: full of chairs, tables and aroma perfect for studying or socializing.

9. Mama's Boy
Just like mom makes it. Sounds cliche, but this little spot is just that. Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this one is quite popular on the weekends, so get there early. You won't be disappointed.

10. Georgia Theatre
The quintessential college campus venue, the Georgia Theatre combines local bands and fan favorites. The seating upstairs/pit downstairs accommodate all and don't miss the giant fan on the ceiling keeping everyone cool.

This is only 10 and Athens has hundreds. Let me know what I'm missing and where I should be next, even if only to help me procrastinate during finals week!

"Museum Mile" House Tour: 1850s

The final stop on our tour is the former Ware-Lyndon House, which is now actually known as the Lyndon House Arts Center.

See this video for more information on its history and the features of the visual arts complex.

"Museum Mile" House Tour: 1850s

The third on our tour of Athens' house museums is the T.R.R. Cobb House.

Check out this video for information and tour hours.

"Museum Mile" House Tour: 1840s

The second on our tour of the four house museums in Athens will be the Taylor-Grady House, which dates back to the 1840s.

Watch this video to find out more about the history and hours it is open to the public.

"Museum Mile" House Tour: 1820s

When you visit Athens, one of the first stops you should make is at the Athens Welcome Center for information, tours, and brochures. One of the tours offered by Classic City Tours is called the Museum Mile Tour of Historic Interiors.  This tour takes you to each of the four unique house museums in Athens.  In each house, you will see a different era of Athens History, from the 1820s Church-Waddel-Brumby House, to the 1840s Taylor-Grady House, and the 1850s Ware-Lyndon and T.R.R. Cobb Houses.  

Throughout the week I will be posting videos from each of the houses (just the exterior - you have to take the tours to see the insides!).

Let's start at the beginning with the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, which now houses the Athens Welcome Center.

The Athens Welcome Center is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m.  During daylight savings months (April - October), it stays open util 6 p.m.

Terrapin Brewery

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Athens' own Terrapin Brewery gives tours and tastings. For $8, you get a pint glass (which you can keep), you can take a guided tour to see how Terrapin is made, you get 8 drink tickets to taste the different beers they have on tap, and there's live music. They usually have 6 beers on tap at once and they change seasonally.

I went last night, and took this short video just so yall could see what the atmosphere is like.

Overall, it's a really cool experience. It's neat to learn a little bit about one of Athens' most famous local products, and it's a fun social gathering - I ran into so many people I knew!

It's also a great price for everything you get - the tour, glass, beer, AND music! Doing all that downtown could easily run you $50, and Terrapin offers it all for $8. Next time you have a few hours to kill on a weekend afternoon, or if you're visiting and are looking for an alternative to the typical bar scene, definitely check out the brewery! Click here for directions.

Off the Beaten Path in Athens

Since today was such a beautiful day I went out and shot a few videos of a few of my favorite landmarks in Athens - the Double Barreled Cannon and The Tree That Owns Itself.

Hopefully next time you're in Athens you'll make it over to these two quirky attractions to see them in person!