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!

Athens This Weekend: Feb. 18 - 20

There is so much to do this weekend in Athens! Whether you want to get outdoors and enjoy the weather, or spend time inside learning more about food, yourself, and other cultures, Athens, GA has it all!

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1. 18th Annual A Taste of Athens 2011 - Spend your Sunday evening sampling the best food and drinks that Athens restaurants have to offer! There will be over 50 restaurants offering food samples, a wine and beer tasting, and a silent auction. The best way to attend this amazing night guilt-free is to take part in the Taste of Athens 10K on Saturday! All proceeds from these events benefit the Community Connection of Northeast Georgia, who for more than 25 years has encouraged our community to GET, GIVE, and GROW HELP!

For more information visit: http://www.tasteofathens.com/

2. Total You Northeast Georgia Women's Expo - Saturday is the ultimate spa party at the Classic Center! It's time to finally be the better you that you've been planning for! Come check out healthy food, facial massages, waxings, exercise, scrapbooking, and self-defense workshops.

New this year is a special Little Princess area that includes face painting, nail painting, and a chance to meet Disney princesses! Stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and pamper yourself!

Learn more at: http://www.totalyouexpo.com/

3. The 3rd Annual Jewish Film Festival - This festival opens Saturday at Ciné with a reception, dinner (Sold Out), and screening of The Infidel to get you ready for the rest of the cultural festival! Throughout the 5 day festival, there will be 10 feature film screenings plus other short films and children's classics. This year's theme is "Bridging Cultures through Film Screening and Discussion." No excuses because parking is free! For the festival schedule and other important information check out: http://www.athensjff.org/

That's not all that's going on in Athens this weekend! Are you among the select few who will see the B-52's back home in concert?

There is so much more to do so check out our event calendar and fall in love with this great city!

A Taste of Athens Ticket Giveaway

Win tickets to A Taste of Athens on February 20 just by retweeting!

Contest: February 16 - 18; 1 winner each day

A Taste of Athens and the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau have joined forces to give away 3 pairs of tickets to this delicious sampling of the best fare in Athens, GA. All you have to do is check out the VisitAthensGA twitter page and retweet our post about the 2011 Taste of Athens.

"RT @VisitAthensGA Send me to @TasteofAthens Feb. 20! RT to win"

A Taste of Athens has given us all the info you need about this amazing event:

It is a simple idea really. Eat…Drink…and Help Many... In its 18th year, A Taste of Athens 2011 will bring together over 50 local restaurants, along with beverage providers, for an evening of the kind of gluttony where no one should feel the need to repent. Aside from the opportunity to sample delicious dishes from all of your favorite local eateries, old and new, your attendance alone to this unique event benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia.

As guests wander from table to table in the Grand Hall of The Classic Center listening to the live sounds of the Athens A-Train Band, they will be able to sample food from some of this year’s participating restaurants including A Tavola, East West Bistro, Five & Ten, Graze Burgers & Salads, Gymnopedie, Harry’s Pig Shop, Hilltop Grill, Mama’s Boy, Five & Ten, Porterhouse Grill, Speakeasy, Thai Spoon, Square One Fish Co., and The Grit just to name a few. All restaurants are local, with a few chains, such as Barberitos, Locos, Your Pie, and Zaxby’s, invited since these chains are based in Athens.

Guests can mingle and raise a glass filled by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Georgia Crown Distributing, Leon Farmer & Company, Red Brick Brewery, or Terrapin Beer among others. Afterward, grab some dessert from Silver Lining Cupcake Company and then head on over to browse the Silent Auction or purchase your Stay-Cation Raffle tickets with a pick me up in hand from Jittery Joes.

A Taste of Athens will take place on Sunday, February 20th at The Classic Center from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 for General Admission or $75 for VIP Admission. Group discounts are available. VIP guests are provided with earlier entry to the event starting at 4:30 p.m., a souvenir plate and glass, and exclusive access to the VIP Sponsor Garden during the event. To purchase tickets, get the latest updates, and see a full list of participating restaurants and beverage providers, visit http://www.tasteofathens.com/.

So stop reading and start retweeting! We'll randomly pick one winner each day Wednesday - Friday.  Each winner will receive a pair of tickets for the event on Sunday, Feb. 20. No purchase is necessary.
We will contact the winners via their twitter accounts. All you have to do is retweet! For additional contest rules visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/about_us/contest_rules.