Athens This Weekend: July 20-22

Get excited, because the weekend is just around the corner! Bring the family to enjoy great outdoor events, as well as cool, indoor activities. Athens, Georgia is certainly the place to be this weekend, with exciting events for all ages!

1. Splashdown 2012

In honor of the 43rd anniversary of mankind's first mission to the moon, Bishop Park in Athens will host Splashdown 2012 from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20. The evening's activities will include a swim in the pool under the moon, arts & crafts, music, and fun astronomy games, all while snacking on free Moonpies and Tang! All ages are welcome and admission is free. It's one small splash for man, one giant splash for mankind!

2. Shape Up in the Park

Start your Saturday off right with a morning full of exercise! On Saturday, July 21, Southeast Clarke Park will host Shape Up in the Park from 7-11 a.m., a half-day of free outdoor fitness and wellness classes. The morning's itinerary includes back-to-back classes of Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, and more, as well as raffles and prize give-aways! All ages are welcome, and admission is free. Be sure to dress appropriately for exercise, and don't forget to bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Get movin' in the park!

3. ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind

Saturday, July 21 marks the opening of the Athens Institute of Contemporary Art's most recent exhibit, ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind. The exhibit displays nine artists' works, which synthesize perception and awareness from a variety of approaches, from the neurobiological to sociological. The opening reception on July 21 will be from 7-9 p.m. at ATHICA art gallery. Tour the exhibit once again anytime on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursdays from 1-9 p.m., or Fridays through Sundays from 1-6 p.m. The exhibit will be open through Sunday, September 9. Admission is free and open to all ages!

For even more awesome events happening in Athens, GA this weekend, go check out our calendar at Visit Athens, GA!

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How does your family enjoy the outdoors during these warm, summer months?

On the right track: Antebellum Trail Pilmgrimage

If you are looking to a way to enjoy the beautiful weather and explore some of Northeast Georgia's most quaint southern towns.

Georgia's award-winning, antebellum pilgrimage will take places during three consecutive weekends, April 16-19, 2009, April 23-25 and April 30-May 2. Each weekend has its own itinerary, so be sure to check out what is going on over the next few weeks.

Activities include historic home tours, cemeteries, restaurants and much more. Tickets are $25 each and include entrance into all activities on each city tour, including access to seven attractions and/or events.

The pilgrimage travels from Athens to Macon and includes seven different cities including Athens, Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Jones County and Macon.

To learn more about each city click here.

Can't afford the $25 ticket? Don't worry, many of the attractions along the trail are free or fairly cheap and still offer much of the same guidance and assistance.

The pilgramige is great for young and old alike, so don't count yourself out just yet. Look at this article from the Red & Black and see what event fits you best!