Spend Valentine's Day in Athens, Georgia

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

A Night on the Town

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

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

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

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

Entertainment

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

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

  

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

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

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

Fine Dining

  

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

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

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

The National will be serving an elegant three-course Prix Fixe meal on Thursday, February 14. The National is known for its Mediterranean inspired food and wine, while providing a casual neighborhood gathering spot reminiscent of European bars and cafés. A variety of choices will be offered for each course, including a decadent dessert. Tickets will be $50 per person.  

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

Local Gifts  

     

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

Travel Information

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

Athens This Weekend: June 10 - 12

This weekend in Athens is jam-packed with lots of fun events! There are several special events we think are really worth checking out, so clear your weekend calendar and head over to Athens!

Thursday: At 7 p.m., go to the inaugural screening for the Lyndon House Speakeasy Movie Club, where the legendary film Koyaanisqatsi will be presented in the LHAC Community Room. There is no admission charge, and refreshments will be available! This is the first of many films to be shown at the Lyndon House, so be sure to be there for this awesome, free event! There are also concerts going on at Go Bar, Caledonia, and Farm 255.

Friday: The Town and Gown Players bring Carousel, a Rogers and Hammerstein classic and Time magazine's Best Musical of the 20th century, to the Classic City this weekend! Come to the Athens Community Theater on Friday at 8 p.m. to enjoy a night of theatric fun! There is also a great show at the Melting Point on Friday, Sensational Sounds of Motown, so head on over there at 9 p.m. for some classic Motown beats. Tickets are only $12, so splurge on an appetizer and cocktail while you listen!

Saturday: The FIFA World Cup starts Saturday, so be sure you get up early, go to the Farmers Market, then head to a watering hole to watch the World Cup games! Games start at 10 a.m., and team USA takes on England at 8:30 p.m. I recommend going to either Farm 255, the Globe or Royal Peasant in Five Points to cheer our team on, but beware that places are sure to be full of plenty of rowdy football fans! If you’re not into soccer, be sure not to miss The Carolina Chocolate Drops live at the 40 Watt at 9 p.m.! The young string band plays in the centuries-old Piedmont banjo and fiddle musical tradition, and has been nominated for the Americana Music Award for Duo or Group of the Year. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the show. You can’t beat a venue like the 40 Watt, so it’s sure to be a great show.

If these suggestions can’t suffice, visit our calendar of events to see what else is going on this weekend!

Not Since You

This weekend I attended the premiere of "Not Since You" at Athens Cine. I cannot stop bragging about the film- I was truly impressed with everything from the characters, the scenery and the music to the story line itself.

"Not Since you," produced by Epting Events' Ashley Epting, is a film that everyone will enjoy. It is the story of a group of once tight-knit college friends coming back together for a wedding-and having unresolved issues resurface even after years apart from one another. It addresses issues that we have all dealt with such as tensions in distant relationships, reevaluating life, finding love, growing up, getting married and even the tragic events of September 11.

Most importantly, it is set in this beautiful and historic town of Athens. Not only is the film set in Athens, it portrays Athens as itself- a unique and diverse town filled with great music and art.

Several historic landmarks and familiar faces are featured in the movie, including The Hill, The Arch, The Tree That Owns Itself, Jackson Street Bookstore and Athens-Ben Epps Airport, to name a few. You will immediately recognize cast members from well-known film and television shows including Desmond Harrington of "Dexter" and Kathleen Robertson of "90210." Other actors include Christian Kane, Sara Rue, Jon Abrahams and Will Estes.

"Not Since You" will be at Athens Cine until April 15. Every night this week from Monday - Thursday, patrons can elect for one dollar from each ticket to go to the designated charity of the day. On Friday, April 9, Epting Events will host a VIP Cocktail which will include a ticket to the screening, drinks, a cocktail buffet and a meet and greet with Ashley Epting.

Please spread the word about this movie around Athens and other communities, and most importantly, buy a ticket! I promise you will not be disappointed.

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 Cine Turns Two

Birthday and anniversary wishes are in order this week as Cine, Athens downtown, art house cinema celebrates its second anniversary.

The cinema not only features film, but also contains a bar and cafe. This week the they will be showcasing a variety of foreign films representative of the films usually shown.

This week's festivities includes a line up of film's including: SILENT LIGHT with an introduction by Dr. Diego Del Pozo on Tuesday, March 31 at 4:15, 7:00 and 9:45; OUR CITY DREAMS with an introduction by Judith McWillie Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:30; and IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE with an introduction by Dr. Ari Levine Thursday, April 2 at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:30 on the theater's actual anniversay.

If you have not yet made your way to Cine, this is the perfect opportunity. With its unique European feel, out of the box movie selections and charming atmosphere, Cine is the perfect place to learn all about Athen's hidden gems. Click here for more information about this event.

To learn more about Cine's past, present and future, watch the clip below. You may be surprised to find the eclectic history behind its walls.

Go Behind the Scenes at the Robert Osborne Film Festival this Weekend

Looking for a way to make the most out of your cinema packed weekend in Athens? Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet some of the festival's most important guests.

Saturday, March 21 at 11:30 attendees are invited to attend a special brunch with special guests and other film goers.

The brunch will take place in the Athena Ballroom at the Classic Center. A limited number of $30 tickets and $90 festival passes that include brunch are available at the Classic Center box office.

The second special event to look forward to, “Curtain Call with Fred and Friends” will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Classic Center theater lobby.

Guests can enjoy coffee and light refreshments and mingle with guest host and actor Fred Willard and fellow film fans. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 at the Classic Center box office.

The movie lineup for the festival includes Goldfinger, King Kong, Rear Window, Funny Girl, Sunset Boulevard, For Your Consideration, The Godfather and E.T.

Remember, ticket options include an unlimited pass including brunch, $90 ($75 with UGA student/ alumni association ID), a festival pass including tickets to film discussions, $60 ($45 with UGA student/ alumni association ID) and individual film passes, $10 ($8 with UGA student/alumni association ID).

This is one weekend, you will not want to miss! For more details, click here.

I am... McLovin

For those of you who missed it, Christopher Mintz-Plasse (better known as "McLovin" from Superbad) was in Athens

Tuesday night for a publicity tour for his new movie, Role Models (costarring Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott).  The tour started with free food for the first 100 guests at the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house, followed by a free advanced screening of Role Models at Beechwood Cinemas.  After the screening, he headed to Sideways downtown.

I happened to be working at Village Idiot downtown Tuesday night and "McLovin" ended up in my bar after his appearance at Sideways.  He's a really cool kid, and exactly as goofy and lovable as his character in Superbad.  Yes, I was completely starstruck and took a million pictures with him - as soon as I get them (they weren't on my camera) I'll post a few!

I got to spent a lot of time talking to him and his publicists about how they were enjoying Athens and they asked me for recommendations of what to do the next day before they had to jet off to Omaha for the next leg of their tour.  They kept saying how much they loved Athens and wished they could have spent more time here to see everything the town has to offer.  They also said the people were great, they had fun at the bar scene, and it's just a generally friendly town.  

It's nothing new to hear how much students and Athens natives love our town, but it was cool to hear it from a Hollywood movie crew, not to mention one that's in the middle of a nationwide college town tour! How's that for a celebrity endorsement...