Holiday Spirits House Museum Tour returns to Athens December 14

Here's the latest on the 2013 edition of the Athens Historic House Museum Association's award-winning Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour on Saturday, December 14: 

Taylor-Grady House

This special holiday version of the Museum Mile Tour will transport participants to Christmases past with a focus on Southern holiday traditions spanning the 19th Century in Athens, Georgia. 

The tour includes live period music at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, professional theatre with a Rose of Athens Cobb Family performance at the T.R.R. Cobb House, light

Ware-Lyndon House

refreshments provided by the Junior League of Athens at the Taylor-Grady House, and culminates with a glorious Victorian Christmas at the Ware-Lyndon House. During this festive tour of four house museums, participants will experience music, theatre, and delicious fun, along with an opportunity to learn more about the Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian periods in Athens from a professional tour guide. 

Athens Welcome Center

The Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour will depart by bus on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 each for the two-hour tour and are available with reservations through the Athens Welcome Center at 706-353-1820 or online at www.athenswelcomecenter.com.  Space is limited, so you are encouraged to reserve your seats early.  This tour is hosted by the Athens Historic House Museum Association, a committee of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. 

T.R.R. Cobb House

What a great Georgia Christmas season outing for anyone who loves house tours, architecture, Antebellum culture, and seasonal decorations!

Holiday Season in Athens

It's time to deck the halls of the Classic City because everyone's favorite time of year is fast approaching... the holiday season! Nobody does winter holidays better than Athens, Georgia. The reason for the season is family and with SO much going on in December, you are certain to find something festive and fun that you and all your loved ones can enjoy. With "The Nutcracker" and ice skating in addition to returning favorites such as the parade and holiday markets, this year is the perfect opportunity to take a break and make a Georgia getaway to Athens this Christmas season.

For the first time ever in The Classic Center Theatre, audiences will be able to celebrate the season with a very special version of the Second Thursday Concert Series. The University of Georgia's Holiday Concert brings together the UGA Symphony Orchestra, Hodgson Singers, and University Chorus for a night of holiday music magic. Come and enjoy this unique community tradition on December 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. More information can be found here!

It wouldn't be Christmas in Athens, Georgia without the Parade of Lights. This popular annual event allows spectators the opportunity to view an evening parade and to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Downtown Athens while it is all decorated for the holiday season. This year's theme, the "Sounds of Christmas," will have Christmas cheer ringing through the Classic City on December 5.  The parade begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Street and ends an hour later in front of City Hall. The traditional tree lighting ceremony, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, will follow. Kick off the 2013 holiday season in classic Athens style and don't miss the chance to see your favorite city lit up like a tree, a Christmas tree that is. 

Athens is well-known for its art scene, making holiday artist markets and special events the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts. This year the Indie South Fair (formerly Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa) is expanding to a 2-day festival. The Holiday Hooray! on December 7th & 8th brings an eclectic selection of emerging artists and crafters from the South and beyond to downtown Athens. If you're an artist, the fair provides a venue for you to directly connect with the community in a street-fair atmosphere that is always free and open to everyone. So whether you're looking to share your craft or shop for loved ones, the Holiday Hooray! is a seasonal experience everyone should have. More information about the fair is available here.

The holiday season is all about the spirit of giving. Rather than racking your brain for the perfect gift for that special somebody, head on over to Handmade for the Holidays: Athens Artist Market at The Classic Center. With 60 local artists displaying their unique, one-of-a-kind crafts, you're sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list. With everything from pottery and paintings, to jewelry and skincare, no one will be leaving empty-handed! Handmade for the Holidays will be at The Classic Center December 14 from noon - 8 p.m., and December 15 from noon - 6 p.m. There are even more shopping opportunities in Athens, including the Lyndon House Arts Center's Deck the Walls Holiday Shop and Heirloom Café's Holiday Market.

Allow yourself to be transported to Christmases past. On December 14, the Athens Historic House Museum Association will host the Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour which will focus on period holiday traditions spanning the 19th century by exploring four unique historic houses from the Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian periods. The tour will culminate with a glorious Victorian Christmas at the Ware-Lyndon House. The tour begins at 2 p.m. and tickets are $25. Make your reservations today by calling 706-353-1820. 

No holiday season would be complete without the twinkle of Christmas lights. From December 12 - 21st, the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will host Deck the Hollow Holiday Lights at Bear Hollow Zoo. Everyone is invited to celebrate the holiday in lights from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. nightly. Other festive activities will include live music, animal encounters, and photo opportunities in the zoo illuminated by lights. Admission is $2 per person, free for ages 2 and under. More information can be found here.

From December 14 - 22, Christmas at The Classic Center will transform the Grand Hall into a winter wonderland complete with a series of ongoing events including a festival of trees, ice skating, pictures with Santa, and more. Bring your family and y'all can enjoy a special breakfast with Santa and other holiday characters on Saturday December 14 or December 21 at 9 a.m. In Santa's workshop, the kiddos will be able to decorate cookies and create holiday crafts. Other highlights of the festival include professional gingerbread houses on display, local choral group performances, and holiday story and movie time. Additional information can be found here or by calling 706-357-4444.

For generations, no other holiday activity has represented the spirit of Christmas as memorably as a family outing to see "The Nutcracker." This holiday season, The Classic Center will host State Ballet Theatre of Russia's "The Nutcracker" for three special performances. On December 21-22, the magic of Christmas will come alive as audiences enjoy the spectacular sets, beautiful costumes, and enchanting choreography. You have three chances to catch this holiday classic come to life: Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. What would Christmas be without "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy?" Don't miss out this year! Ticketing information can be found at here. Overnight packages including tickets to see "The Nutcracker" are available for December 21st.

The year is almost over and 2014 is on its way! Finding the perfect plans for New Year's Eve can be really stressful, so take a load off and come to the Classic City. With tons of live music all around town and several hotels offering special holiday packages, Athens has all you need to ring in the New Year just right! 

The holidays will be over before you know it; try to soak up all the end of the year activities while you still can! Grab some hot cocoa and all your loved ones, and make some lasting memories during the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful city of all: Athens, Georgia! The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help you while you plan your holiday visit to Athens. Visit them at visitathensga.com or call them at 706-357-4430 for information. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

Holiday Spirits Museum Theatre Tour

Even in the Holiday season, Athens finds a way to add its special touch to traditional events! The Holiday Spirits Museum Theatre Tour on December 8th is part house tour, part theatrical show, and full of Holiday celebration of southern heritage. It's the perfect event for those heritage buffs looking to treat themselves or loved ones to a special night in Athens. 

The tour consists of four stops at the four House Museums in Athens. Theatrical performances at three houses give glimpses into the holiday celebrations of 19th century Athenians.  

At the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, enjoy a vignette (a brief evocative description, account, or episode; in theatrical form) of UGA President Moses Waddel's troubles with playful UGA students. At the T.R.R. Cobb House, watch the story of the Cobb family slaves. The Taylor-Grady House will act as the tours intermission with an opportunity to sample and purchase the Beyond the Hedges Cookbook by the Athens Junior League. This year, the Circle Ensemble Theatre Company has created an entirely new vignette for the Ware-Lyndon House focusing on the life-long friendship between Dr. Lyndon and his family's slave companion "Uncle Peter". 

You'll be lead by tour guides, but the professional actors and the houses interiors will speak for themselves. Prepare to feel transported through 100 years of Southern arts. This very special, one-day event brings out the best of Athens' unique blend of southern heritage and energetic entertainment by adding live theatre vignettes at stops along the tour!

The two-hour Holiday Museum Mile Tours will depart from the Ware-Lyndon House Parking Lot at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 12.  Find more information or make reservations at the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation website.

Holiday Markets in Athens! Local Shopping Part 2

Shoppers enjoy Holiday Markets because of the personal experience and high-quality products. Athens Georgia is hosting several markets again this season, giving residents and guests a wonderful opportunity to buy special gifts for loved ones! Here are some of our recommendations!

Holiday Market on Jackson Street

November 30th at Jackson Street Shops

Community, Dynamite and Whole:Mind.Body.Art are teaming up to host a sustainable artist market with meet & greets, holiday specials, and treats for all!

Heirloom Holiday Market

December 2nd at Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market

From 4-7 p.m., sip, snack, and shop for Linens, Prints, Jewelry, Ceramics, Photography, Painting, Knitted Items, and More at Heirloom's Holiday Market.

Holiday Artist Market at Treehouse Kid and Craft

December 1 at Treehouse

HOLLYDAY, the 3rd Annual Handmade Artist Market will feature Locally Made Arts and Crafts. Come out and show your support and support local artists and small independent businesses! 

Athens Artist Market Handmade for the Holidays

December 8th - 9th at The Classic Center

Over 75 local artists will display their work for purchase with everything from jewelry and pottery to skin care from noon to 8 p.m.!

We hope you enjoy these special events! 

 

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities and goings-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!

Keeping it Athens for the Holidays! Local Shopping, Part 1

While the weather cools down, holiday cheer is heating up in Athens, GA! Whether you live in town or love the local products that make Athens unique, we think your loved ones will be thrilled with special gifts from our local retailers, growers, artists, and more! This holiday season, the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau will highlight some local products, local stores, and artist market events to feature the best of Athens, Georgia.  What better time to head out than Small Business Saturday, November 24?

State Botanical Garden of Georgia:

You can find a spectacular variety of gifts from artists and artisans at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia's Gift Shop! They've recently expanded, so go check out the Garden and strike some items off your Christmas list! 

Here are just a few of the goodies we found at the Garden Shop:



Honey made from the Garden's own bees!

Local Pottery



Local Pottery

Jewelry from the Garden Growers

Just Wick, Handcrafted Candles



Verdae Skin Therapy is an Athens-based company providing all your natural skin care needs!

If you're planning on experiencing the excitment  of Black Friday shopping, make sure you visit Downtown Athens! On Friday, parking for the two downtown decks are free! Check out this article from the Athens Banner-Herald about the expected holiday boom for Downtown Athens and support our local businesses!

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities and goings-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!

“Deck the Hollow” Holiday Light Show at Athens' Bear Hollow Zoo

Don't miss this great new holiday event for families!  Deck the Hollow Holiday Lights takes place nightly from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Bear Hollow Zoo from Saturday, December 10 through Sunday, December 18. The community is invited to celebrate the holidays in lights. Activities include live music, story telling, animal encounters, concessions available for purchase, and photo opportunities in the zoo illuminated with holiday lights.

Admission fee is $3 per person, ages 2 and under free. Registration is not required.

For more information call 706-613-3580 or visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/bearhollow.

Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park, located at 293 Gran Ellen Drive, are facilities of the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.

Holiday Exporation in Athens' Artsy and Eclectic Shops

There is truly not a thing that compares to strolling down the streets of downtown Athens with nothing but sunshine and time. In it's winter decor, downtown's beautiful, historic buildings twinkle with holiday lights, welcoming the season and all of it's splendor. Athens' trendy but classic holiday vibe offers holiday shoppers and winter outings a vibrant mix of local art eclectic shops.

My personal favorite part of holiday shopping downtown is the unpredictable and amusing local shops that end up catching my eye. The variety of unique stores in the area offers shoppers and gift givers everything from fashion to food and art. As a professional window shopper, I've done my fair share of downtown shopping and have discovered some of the best original shops, for the perfect gift and interesting pieces. Among the many wonderful boutiques downtown, I've narrowed the options down to my two favorites: Helix and The Junkman's Daughter's Brother.

I originally stumbled on Helix four years ago during my first visit to Athens, and it still never ceases to spark my creativity. Upon entering the store, visitors are immersed into an atmosphere of imagination and fun. Offering customers everything from well-designed and artistic stationary to innovative local art pieces, such as recycled record coasters or bottle cap picture frames, its no wonder I can spend so much time in this one shop. But don't worry. Helix isn't just for the creative at heart. The cleaver saying and gag gifts found scattered throughout the store adds a uniquely hilarious Athens personality to the shop as well. With arts and crafts, creative pieces, goofy knick nacks, stunning originals, and interesting creations, Helix is the perfect place to find a gift for a friend or a treasure of your own.

Junkman's Daughter's Brother, on the other hand, is an entirely different experience. Related to the Junkman's Daughter in Atlanta, the store was actually founded by the brother of the daughter of a real-life junk man. A little crazy? So is the store. Filled with both the weird and the wonderful, the incredible clutter of the store overwhelms shoppers with the childish and exciting feeling of a scavenger hunt. Life-size posters and flags fill the walls and manikins wearing masks, vintage pieces, and anything flamboyant greet customers throughout the store. If you're looking for entertainment or shopping for a completely unique gift, this is the place to go. The bizarre but amazing accumulation of everything from unusual gifts and retro knick nacks to collectibles and toys, this store has everything and anything you could ever imagine.

Even though I've roamed in and out of all sorts of stores in downtown Athens, I'm sure there are stores that I've overlooked. What are some of your favorites downtown shops for holiday gifts? For more Athens holiday fun and plenty of options for shopping Athens local, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/Holiday.

A Weekend of Holiday Cheer! Dec. 9 - 11 Athens Special Events

If you are like me, you have been looking forward to the holiday season all year. Something about the crispness of the cool air as winter approaches and the unpacking of warm winter clothes immediately brings to mind the images of twinkling holiday lights, the steam curling up from a mug filled with hot cocoa, family sitting around the dinner table staggering under the weight of a holiday feast, fireplaces, familiar holiday tunes, and lots and lots of gift-giving. There is also the fact that with the holiday season comes a variety of exciting holiday events, such as concerts, plays, parades, family activities, and much more!

Luckily for us, Athens GA is no exception, and as we get closer to the end of the year, there are plenty of events and things to do to help get us even more in the holiday spirit. If that is something you are interested in, I would advise you to mark off the weekend of Dec. 9 - 11 in your calendar because that weekend will be completely full of great holiday activities perfect for you and your family and friends!

1. Head over to Clarke Central High School on Friday, Dec. 9 for the 4th annual Not So Silent Night, where you can participate in a silent auction of items from some of Athens' finest establishments. There will be great food provided as well as lively music from Panablaze, Atlanta's renowned steel drum band. Enjoy this night of unique holiday shopping, food, and music, and support award-winning journalism staff of The Odyssey Newsmagazine and the Illiad Literary Journal. Admission is $20 and the event lasts from 7 - 9 p.m.

2. Friday is also the opening night for Overnight Christmas at the historic Morton Theatre. Cornerstone Productions proudly presents this unforgettable musical journey, where Frank Green, the main character, travels the world on the last delivery run before Christmas. This grand musical will fill your evening with delight, Broadway-style production numbers, and fun for the whole family. Overnight Christmas will show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission can be purchased in advance for $10 for adults and $8 for students, seniors, and children 10 and under. Tickets purchased at the door are $15/$12.

3. On Saturday, Dec. 10, stop by the Sandy Creek Nature Center for Breakfast with Santa. Bring your children and chat with Jolly Old St. Nick himself! There will be crafts and activities for your family to enjoy. The breakfast runs from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. and admission is $5 for Athens Clarke County residents and $7 for non-residents.

4. Make sure you have reserved a spot for the 4th annual Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour held on Saturday night. This festive tour will provide you a chance to step back intohistory and experience antebellum Athens as you experience theatrical vignettes in four house museums that show you holiday traditions back in the day. Seasonal refreshments and period music will also be provided, completing your experience of historical fun. 2-hour tours will depart at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. There are a limited number of seats, so get your tickets today!

5. Those lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the Athens Symphony Community Christmas Concerts on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. will enjoy a wonderful night of holiday music. Held at the Classic Center, the concert will feature many well-known Christmas pieces, such as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, Carol of the Bells, and The Christmas Song.

6. Bring your children with you to the 3rd Annual Holiday Tea, held at the historic Harris Room on Sunday, Dec. 11. Enjoy time spent and pictures taken with Santa, and eat your fill of of sweets, sandwiches, gourmet cookies, and hot chocolate. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for children and $20 for adults and helps support the programs of the Athens Community Council on Aging.

7. When you have a free moment on Sunday, make sure to drop by the Athens Artist Market First Annual Holiday Showcase. Over 40 local artists will be selling their work at the Athens Art Gallery at Hotel Indigo, allowing you to choose from a variety of quality selections of jewelry, pottery, home decor, skin products, mixed media, and more! Support local while getting a few things crossed off your gift shopping list. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Just thinking about all these holiday events makes me excited to spend my holidays in Athens, GA. What will you be doing the weekend of Dec. 9 - 11?

For other great holiday activities and events, check out www.VisitAthensGa.com/holiday.

- Debbie

Downtown Athens Christmas Parade of Lights is Thursday, Dec. 1

 So much of my Christmas spirit comes from seeing strings and strings of sparkling Christmas lights go up on houses, buildings, and all around Athens as the holidays draw near. Something about the colors and the twinkling of those decorative lights at nighttime really puts me in a happy, festive mood. I especially love the lighted reindeer, candy canes, and other holiday decorations that can be found in many yards.

If you understand this feeling, then you must make it out to the Athens Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights this year! Located in downtown Athens, this annual parade truly ushers in the holiday season with over 60 floats, bands, and other groups bringing the festivity through the downtown streets. The twinkling lights brightening up the downtown area at night will fill you, your friends, and your family with awe and wonder. The parade begins at 7 p.m. on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Streets and will end in front of City Hall. Be sure to stay for the whole time so you don't miss out on the traditional tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Christmas celebrities themselves: Santa and Mrs. Claus!

This is the perfect event to share with your family, and children and adults will be consumed by the magic and beauty of the lights. Another great reason to go and make a night of it is the Downtown Open House; if you head downtown prior to the parade, there will be awesome deals and extended hours offered by retailers!

With no admission charge and a night full of fun, this parade makes the list for one of the best holiday events out of the many that Athens has to offer. Mark it on your calendars, and prepare to be amazed and entertained!

For more Athens GA holiday events, check out www.VisitAthensGA.com/holiday.

- Debbie

Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour

There's still time to reserve your spot for this Saturday's Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour of Athens, Georgia's four historic house museums. This is NOT your typical home tour, or even holiday tour of homes. This very special, one-day event brings out the best of Athens' unique blend of southern heritage and energetic entertainment by adding live theatre vignettes at stops along the tour!

You'll experience an afternoon-evening of theatre, music and delicious fun, along with an opportunity to learn more about the history of each house from professional tour guides. Rose of Athens theatre has done an amazing job of writing, producing, and costuming three vignettes. Each is set during the Christmas holidays and reflects 19th century holiday traditions. Sparks of humor and insight will delight audiences of ALL ages.

If you've not had the opportunity to tour all of Athens' house museums: Church-Waddel-Brumby, Ware-Lyndon, T.R.R. Cobb, Taylor-Grady, you should definitely check this out. Even if you've "seen 'em before," trust us, you've never seen them like this, decked out for the holidays and alive with music and theatre.

The Holiday Museum Mile Tours will depart from the Ware-Lyndon House on Saturday, December 11, at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person for adults and $15 for children under the age of 10. Transportation between the homes is included in the ticket price. Advanced reservations are required. Spaces are going fast, so better hurry!

For more information and tour reservations, please call the Athens Welcome Center at 706-353-1820.

Overnight packages are being offered by the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, including a great selection of bonuses from the spa, Hoyt House restaurant, and Melting Point Pub. For complete details and reservations, visit the hotel's website.

Downtown Athens Christmas Parade of Lights

Downtown Athens is already a parade of lights- the trees lining the street are twinkling each night along with wreaths and garland. However, Thursday, December 3 marks the official start of the Christmas season in Athens with the annual downtown Christmas parade of lights. 

Over 60 floats, bands, and other groups parade through downtown streets awash in twinkling lights. The theme for the 2009 parade is "A Gift from the Heart."

The parade begins at 7 pm on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Streets ending in front of City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony, hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Start your Christmas shopping early with the Downtown Open House before the parade starts and enjoy great deals and extended hours by downtown retailers.

This is my favorite time of year, and there is no better place to celebrate than in the Classic City!

Scoop on Idols in Concert Tickets

Just got word from The Classic Center that there are some prime seats available at the last minute for this weekend's Idols in Concert for the Holidays, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. American Idol finalists who will be appearing in Athens are Diana DeGarmo, David Hernandez, Kimberly Locke and Chikezie Eze. Tickets start at just $10, and there are discounts for groups over 20. So come out and bring your friends! Call the Classic Center box office at 800.918.6393 or buy online.