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 this Weekend: April 2 - 4

Spring is in the air, and the warm weather is here! Start enjoying the month of April with the great events that Athens has to offer this weekend.

Friday, April 2:

• A parade of dog breeds, farrier and horseback riding demonstrations, hospital tours and exhibits- these are just some of the activities available to the young and old alike at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Open House! Guided tours of the College and Teaching Hospital facilities will be available throughout the day, and interesting exhibits will focus on topics such as animal behavior, equine reproduction and herd health.

Saturday, April 3:

• Great exercise, great fun and a great cause! Join the Athens' Habitat for Humanity and the Athens' Homeless Shelter for the 17th Annual Run/Walk for Home 5K! The race will start at the Classic Center in downtown Athens, run through the downtown area, the North Oconee Greenway and finish behind the Classic Center on Foundry Street. The race will start at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine, and is an event for walkers and runners alike. Proceeds benefits Athens Area Habitat for Humanity and the Athens Area Homeless Shelter.

• The Athens Symphony will present its FREE Spring Concert this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Classic Center! The Symphony will perform movements from famous fifth symphonies and will feature a former UGA professor and a Monroe band teacher as soloists.

Sunday, April 4: Happy Easter!

• You're invited to celebrate Easter at The Georgia Center, with Easter Lunch served in the Magnolia Ballroom. Reservations required. Entree selections include leg of lamb, honey-glazed ham, sirloin of beef, chicken Key Largo and pecan crusted tilapia. Call 706.542.6341 to reserve today! Only $19.95 for adults, $6.95 for children and children under 6 are free!

Ongoing Events:

• Happy 30th birthday, R.E.M.! April 5, 1980 marked the very first time Bill, Peter, Mike and Michael took the stage together in Athens, GA. It has been 30 years since R.E.M. made its debut, and the Classic City is ready to celebrate with a weekend full of very special events! Take a music heritage tour with scenster Paul Butchart, celebrate at a very special party at The Melting Point, view a 90-minute retropective at Cine and listen to WUOG 90.5 fm for 5 STRAIGHT HOURS of R.E.M. music!

• Now is your chance to see Athens on the big screen! Produced by Athens native Ashley Epting, Not Since You is the story of a group of once tight-knit college friends coming back together for a wedding. This movie was filmed and set in Athens! One screening per day brought to you by Epting Events and Harry's Pig Shop. Monday through Thursday, each night will have a charity designation for which patrons can elect for one dollar from each ticket to go to the designated charity of the day.

• UGA Sports: UGA Tennis has two home matches this weekend and Top Ten-Ranked UGA Softball takes on Arkansas.

DON'T FORGET! Spring means festivals, and Athens has over 10 annual events/festivals just this month! We are offering 18 web coupons and 5 great getaway packages to make your planning easier! We also have a calendar of events with a list of all music, festivals, etc. Click here to see what we have to offer.

Weekly Freebie: Terrapin Brewery

Terrapin Brewery is an Athens, GA staple. Looking back on Kaitlyn's post, Terrapin has obviously gained a following! Similar to going to The Grill or a football game, if you live in Athens, you must go to Terrapin at least once.

Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was released in Athens in April 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Six months later, this beer, which was sold only in Athens, was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious competition in North America. Founded by two brewers who share a commitment to creating world class beers unsurpassed in character and flavor, Terrapin brews its Golden Ale, Rye Squared, All-American Imperial Pilsner and several others.

For this week's freebie, I am cheating just a little bit. You can take a free tour of the Terrapin Brewery every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. However, if you want to taste the beers, it will cost you an $8 glass. But throw in the fact that there is live music, the tour is free, and that $8 also secures you tasting tickets for up to 32 oz. and I think it more than qualifies!

For more information on Terrapin, check out this latest video from Here for the Beer!

Summertime and the Living is Easy (and Free!)

One of the best benefits of living in a college town is the large selection of things to see and do for free. In Athens, GA there is always a concert, art exhibit, or weekend festival to check out. Bored and low on cash this summer? Each week this blog will highlight one fun freebie sure to keep you entertained and out of the red!

First up, free Classic City tours are being offered in conjunction with National Tourism Week. You can choose between the Museum Mile or Athens Heritage Tour.

The Museum Mile tour is a two hour tour of Athens’ four unique house museums. In each house, you will see a different era of Athens history, from the 1820 Church-Waddel-Brumby House, to the 1840s Taylor-Grady House, and the 1850s Ware-Lyndon and T.R.R. Cobb Houses. Catch the tour for free on Wednesday, May 13 or Friday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m.



The Athens Heritage Tour covers 200 years of history in a 1.5-hour bus tour: from Athens' downtown to its historic homes and neighborhoods to the University of Georgia. Your tour will begin in the oldest house in Athens and you will see the world’s only double barrel canon. The Athens Heritage Tour is offered Wednesday, May 13 and Friday, May 15 at 2 p.m.

For more information on these tours as well as other tours offered in Athens, visit the Athens Welcome Center.

Do you know a fun, free event or activity going on in Athens this summer? Please share below!

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Visits UGA this Wednesday

Ever wondered what it would be like to meet a Nobel Peace Prize winner? This Wednesday you will have that opportunity.

Mohamed ElBaradei was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and is currently Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

ElBaradei will speak on a panel concerning nuclear weapons Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Masters Auditorium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

The event is free and open to the public and is in celebration of the 20th-anniversary commemoration of UGA's Center for International Trade and Security which seeks to ensure nuclear energy is used in a peaceful manner.