New Year's Eve in Athens

It's almost time to bid adieu to our good friend 2013. We've had some good times, but we're moving on to something bigger and better... 2014! New Year's Eve plans are of the utmost importance because how you spend that night is said to be how you'll spend the rest of the next year. No one knows how to party better than Athens, Georgia, and with so many parties to choose from, they've got you covered for December 31st. So pop open that bottle of champagne, start belting out the lines of "Auld Lang Syne," and get on down to Athens to ring in the New Year in style!

Forget about stressing over your New Year's Eve plans! Spend your night dancing away at The Melting Point, and you won't have to worry about a thing because Foundry Park Inn & Spa has it all covered with New Year's Eve's biggest bash. They're offering two special packages, beginning at just $199! Enjoy a night of live music with The Swingin' Medallions, including dinner package options, champagne at midnight, and the area's largest balloon drop. 

If you're looking for a good time this New Year's Eve, look no further than Hotel Indigo's party in the the Rialto Room. The Hotel Indigo will be offering a special NYE package including a one-night stay in a luxurious room, two tickets to the exclusive party in the Rialto Room, and champagne at midnight! Athens' own band, The Highballs, will be rocking the stage all night to make sure no one forgets their last moments of 2013!


There can be no more exciting place to count down those last seconds of the old year, than at Athens' famous Georgia Theatre. Make it a night to remember when you toast to the new year with all your friends among the backdrop of some fabulous live music. New Madrid takes the stage at 9 p.m., followed by Velveteen Pink at 10 p.m. and then The Whigs take over at 11:15 p.m. to rock the house for the last time in 2013.


If you're considering celebrating 2014 in Athens, then a trip to the internationally-renowned 40 Watt Club should definitely make your list. No party in Athens would be complete without some great live music, and 40 Watt does it up right this New Year's Eve with Radiolucent. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m.

Athens This Weekend: March 29 - 31

Come celebrate Easter weekend in Athens, Georgia, with a one-of-a-kind Spring Concert at the Classic Center, a fun, backyard party at Terrapin Brewery and a delicious Easter Brunch at Foundry Park Inn & Spa. We can't wait to see you there! 

Athens Symphony Spring Concert

The Athens Symphony is proud to present its annual Spring Concert at the Classic Center Theatre! We hope you got your free tickets when they were distributed, because this concert is sold out! This Spring Concert features operatic performances by the impeccable Athens Symphony Chorus. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Terrapin Brewery Backyard Party

Join Terrapin Brewery this Saturday for a fun, family-friendly event benefiting BikeAthens! Featuring live music from Like Totally!, kids' bike contests and great prizes from The Hub and Sunshine Bicycles, this backyard party is perfect for kids of all ages. And don't worry about lunch - pizza, pb&j sandwiches and lemonade will be provided. The party begins at 11 a.m. and kids get in free! 

Easter Brunch at Foundry Park Inn & Spa

After the eggs are found and services attended, gather your family together for the annual Easter Brunch at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa! Featuring a variety of dining and dessert options, this is a feast you and your family won't want to miss! The entire feast is only $26.50 for adults, 1/2 price for kids 6 to 12, and no charge for children 5 and under. Hop to it and make your Easter reservations by calling 706-549-7020. 

More events...

• The Grains of Sand at the Melting Point, Sat. 8 p.m.
• Radiolucent at the Georgia Theatre, Sat. 8 p.m.
• Zoo Exhibit at Bear Hollow Zoo, Sat. 1 - 4 p.m.  
• UGA Men's Tennis vs. Texas A&M, Sun. 1 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!

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. 

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!

Athens This Weekend: Feb. 25 - 27

If you are still undecided about what to do this weekend, Athens, GA has a lot to offer for every budget and taste!

The highlights:

1. Saturday and Sunday you can check out the 16th Annual Athens Home and Garden Show at the Classic Center. This is a great event for anyone thinking about remodeling their home, redoing their landscape, or anyone who just likes to dream big! The show is presented by the Athens Area Home Builders Association and there will be plenty of professionals to answer all your questions about home decor, landscaping, lighting, cabinetry, construction, financing, and much more. There will even be a kid's corner for arts and crafts and other family activities! Stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.

For more information visit: http://www.onlineathens.com/homeshow/

2. The Foundry Park Inn & Spa is hosting its 7th Annual Bridal Show and Tasting to help you plan your Athens wedding! There will be more than 20 northeast Georgia premium wedding vendors including photographers, florists, wedding planners, pastry chefs, entertainment, transportation companies and more! You'll also have a chance to sample food from the Foundry's award winning culinary team. Check it out Sunday between 2 - 5 p.m to get all the information you need to make your wedding perfect!

3. If you'd like to kill two birds with one stone, get your food and entertainment at the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Dinner Theatre at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at UGA. There are four chances to attend Friday - Sunday and you can even choose from a dinner show in the evening or a desert show in the afternoon! Characters from the show will mingle with guests while they are dining and then everyone will move upstairs for the classic production.

For more Athens weekend ideas, check out our event calendar.

Valentine's Ideas: Jazz Vocalist Francine Reed

Nothing says romance more than a beautifully performed jazz concert for Valentine's weekend, right here in Athens, GA! The boutique Foundry Park Inn & Spa has teamed up with the Melting Point to bring you jazz legend Francine Reed on February 12. You can buy just the concert tickets or take advantage of the Foundry's Valentine's special that includes two concert tickets, a four-course, pre-concert dinner at the Melting Point, and breakfast at the historic Hoyt House restaurant.

Known to most people as Lyle Lovett's duet and back-up vocalist, Francine Reed will be performing the best of jazz legends like Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn. This event embodies everything that is Valentine's Day so don't miss out on this romantic evening!

The Foundry Park Inn & Spa gracefully combines old southern charm and modern convenience in a great downtown location. Take a look at all the Foundry has to offer at www.foundryparkinn.com. Located on the grounds, the Melting Point is a local favorite for food and music. In addition to Francine Reed, the Melting Point has a number of other special live music performances on tap for Valentine's weekend; check them out at www.MeltingPointAthens.com.