Fun Free Finds in Athens for the Empty Wallet

There are times when I want to leave my apartment and experience the fun and character of Athens, GA...and then I remember I have very little funds to do so (this usually occurs after having to purchase textbooks -- fellow college students, I know you understand this feeling!). Usually, when this situation arises, I find myself sitting on the couch, flipping through TV channels, and longingly looking out the window at the clear blue sky.

However, this behavior stops now! I've finally discovered a number of things to do that take very little toll on the wallet, all of which do not skimp on the fun despite the fact they do not require too large a chunk of your change. These super free and cheap deals are great for everyone and are a must-do for all Athens GA  residents and visitors. Ready to save money and still have a good time? Turn off that TV and read on!

1. The Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Wildlife

Trail is a unique facility in Athens. There are around 120 species of Georgia wildlife in the zoo - including bears, otters, bobcats, and more!) - and a mile-long nature trail also located on the grounds. This is a great place for kids to go, and the area even has an exhibition hall in which younger guests can enjoy different kid-friendly exhibits as well as interact with some of the animals. The facility hosts many special events and programs, and you can even book your next birthday party with them if you're feeling like doing something a little different for your birthday celebration!

2. Love food and music? Don't miss out on the Athens' Farmers Market that takes place twice a week in two different locations. On Saturday morning, it is located at Bishop Park, and on Tuesday night, you can find the market at Little Kings Club. This is a fun way to get your grocery shopping done, check out some local Athens vendors, or even just enjoy some local musical talent. No matter what you go for, you will be guaranteed to have a good time - and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that only fresh Athens produce is up for sale! This is definitely one of the best ways to support your community every week.

3. Looking to enjoy the outdoors? Be sure to make some time for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, one of Athens' most visited attractions. You will be surrounded by beauty no matter where you are in this 313-acre attraction, and there's always something new to see. There is five miles of nature trails to walk, a wonderfully tropical Visitor Center and Conservatory to visit, and plenty of differently-themed gardens to enjoy. This is a great place to visit on a pretty day, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Bring a book or a friend, and enjoy all that nature has to offer!

4. If you're interested in the beauty of the skies during the nighttime, be sure to mark your calendar for the once-a-month viewing at the UGA Observatory. No matter whether the night is cloudy or clear, you will be able to gain a very informative experience learning about astronomy and the night sky. The telescope is placed on top of the physics building at the UGA campus. Keep the next viewing date open!

5. Those who have an appreciation for the arts definitely should check out the Georgia Museum of Art. The museum is constantly showing exciting travelling exhibitions; it also boasts around 9,000 pieces in its permanent collection. They offer tours, including those for kids, and often host fun events including film festivals and showings as well as classes and educational programs. The museum recently underwent a huge expansion, so if you haven't visited yet, be sure to check it out!

These five free finds are only a few of the many great things to do you can find going on around Athens, GA. You can find more at the Athens CVB website. What are some wallet-friendly adventures you've been on in the Classic City, and what were some of your favorites?

- Debbie

Pack Up Your White Clothes - Athens GA This Weekend: Sept. 2-4 Events and Things to Do

Why are we not supposed to wear white after Labor Day? A quick search on Google provides many, varying answers, but there is only one answer that matters to me: after this weekend, I'll only be needing my red and black, because football season is coming!

Fortunately, we have a holiday weekend before then, and if you're like me, you are looking forward to a great weekend of fun and relaxation. Where better to spend such a weekend than in Athens, GA? The Classic City has a variety of awesome events going on, and no matter what your interests are, there is something for you!

1. Do you love bluegrass and Americana music? If so, be sure to check out the Del YEAH! Festival on Friday, Sept. 2nd. For $20, you can enjoy an amazing lineup of musicians such as The Welfare Liners, the David Mayfield Parade, Drew Emmitt and Danny Barnes, Cornmeal, and the legendary Del McCoury Band. The event will take place, rain or shine, right outside the Terrapin Brewery starting at 5 p.m., but be sure to get there early to get a good view. This is a great family event, and any children age 10 and under get in free! Bring your folding chairs, but leave the coolers at home - there will be concessions, including your favorite Terrapin beer, for sale.

2. If you're a foodie like me, you will absolutely love visiting the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Head over to Bishop Park Saturday morning to peruse the freshest Athens-grown produce, sample delicious prepared foods, do some art and craft shopping, and enjoy the live music. They do accept debit and credit cards, so don't worry if you aren't in the habit of carrying around cash. Support your local farmers and artisans, bring your grocery list, and beat the heat of the afternoon!




3. Haven't had the chance to visit the newly-expanded Georgia Museum of Art yet? This weekend is your perfect opportunity since they are holding a temporary exhibition to introduce the public to 3 of their 4 new Study Centers in the Humanities! Enjoy all the paintings, prints, drawings, photos, and letters; some of the archival materials on display are related to Alfred Heber Holbrook, the founder of the GMOA. The museum is open from 12-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.


These are only three events out of many going on in Athens GA this weekend, however! Be sure to check out the following events if you're looking for more experiences to pack into your holiday.

• Music lovers should look into an Evening of Motown and R&B at The Melting Point this Friday. The Splitz will be bringing their fun and funky stage show to Athens; this all ages event should not be missed. Get there before 9 p.m. and bring your dancing shoes!
• Looking to enjoy the great outdoors? Join the free Naturalist's Walk from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday. Go to the Sandy Creek Nature Center and ENSAT Center for a refreshing hike around the property. Don't forget your binoculars and cameras!
• If you're trying to find something different, check out the Classic City Rollergirls Hollerin' Hootenanny on Saturday night. This night of fun and entertainment includes games, music, and dancing for only $3. It starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Little Kings Club and lasts all night. Don't miss out on the Watermelon Seed Spittin' Contest!

Hopefully, you can now start planning for your weekend for fun. If you already have plans, I would love to hear about them! Where are you going and what are you planning to do over the coming weekend?

- Debbie

Athens This Weekend: July 22-24

It's going to be one of those weekends in Athens, GA. You know, the kind of weekend with enough exciting events taking place around town for you to be able to customize your days specifically to your own interests. I suggest you start creating your itinerary now- so as not to miss the fun happenings going on in Athens, GA this weekend. There is:

1) Art to be discussed; If you haven't yet had the chance to visit the first Resident Studio Exhibition at ATHICA, featuring 30 oil paintings by Maxine Youngblood, then it's time to get out there and check it out  in its final weekend. The exhibit's Closing Reception will take place Sunday, July 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will include an artist & curator Panel for open discussion and finally, a reception with the artist. Having not started creating art until the age of 52, Maxine Youngblood, now around 73 years old, nevertheless, creates vivid, rousing works of art. The 30 oil paintings being featured in ATHICA's Resident Studio exhibit are of that same nature, bright, colorful, and passionate, often likened to the style of French and German Expressionism. Curator Lizzie Zucker Saltz and Assistant Curator Ashley Westpheling largely selected works that were figurative in nature- representing pop culture icons like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Donald Trump, as well as other local artists, performers, and models. If you already had the pleasure of visiting this exhibit or will be visiting for the first time this weekend, be sure to remember to come out for the closing reception on Sunday to hear about the works from the artist and curators themselves! Open 1-6 p.m. Thursday- Sunday! For more information about ATHICA or the event, visit our calendar listing. 

2) Music to be danced to; In its seventh consecutive year, the Annual Darius Goes West Benefit Concert will feature huge acts, such as Bubba Sparxxx and the Nappy Roots who will be accompanied by Georgia Gurlz and Elite Tha Showstoppa- doors open at 8:00 p.m. Saturday night at the 40 Watt. Tickets will be $10 in advance and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Darius Goes West: The Roll of his Life is an award winning documentary that followed Darius Weems, a teen with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, on a 7,000 mile journey across the U.S. to spread awareness about the fatal DMD disease and raise money for researching a cure. The film was widely praised and raised over one million dollars for research. Since the film, a Darius Goes West Foundation continues to spread awareness and raise money through events such as the one taking place in Athens, GA this weekend. Other Darius Goes West Day affiliated events taking place this weekend are: 

• Dealing For Darius/ Casino For a Cure: Poker Tournament at Lucky Dawg Billiards, Thursday July 21 
• Family Fun Night/ Carnival: The Body Shop of Athens, Friday, July 22, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
• Darius Goes West screening: Cine, Saturday, 7:00 p.m. See trailer below-

For more information about the benefit concert, visit our calendar listing.

3) Local commerce to be supported; The Athens Farmers Market is still in full swing, all local produce and crafts at their freshest and finest, Saturday at Bishop Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Your beautiful morning of perusing the displays of the healthy produce and delightful crafts in the sun will be set to a Celtic soundtrack this Saturday morning as Repent at Leisure will play at 8:00 a.m., but the track will flip with the soul folk sounds of local singer/songwriter Kyshona Armstrong at 10:00 a.m. I know it'll be Saturday, but the Athens Farmers Market is worth setting your alarm for this weekend! For more information, check out our event listing.   

4) Theater to be enjoyed; Opening night of The Circle Ensemble Theater performance of Metamorphoses will take place Thursday and run through the Saturday night, July 21-23, beginning each night at 8:30 p.m. in the pool at Ashford Manor. The play transforms ancient myth and lore into contemporary language in a story that takes place completely in and around a large pool of water. This performance is sure to be one of the most interesting theatrical events of the summer! Read more about it on our calendar listing. 

5) and much more to do in Athens, GA this weekend! Be sure to check out our weekend calendar for other fun and exciting events on the schedule, like the secret passageway opening and Slop Fest 2011!

Athens This Weekend: July 15-17

The summer heat has been a huge and steady companion to all venturing outdoors in Athens, GA these last couple of weeks- greeting all who exit the relief of air conditioning with an enthusiastic, all-consuming hug of humidity. But our good friend, Sweltering Heat, will be giving us some much needed space this weekend in Athens, GA, so let's make the most of it! With a varied calendar of options for all ages, plan on getting out and about for multiple weekend events!

1) Spend your Saturday morning in the midst of renewed classical antiquity and in the company of the little ones you love most at the Georgia Museum of Art Family Day event running from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The Family Day of July 16th will feature the Kress Collection, which includes 12 Italian Renaissance paintings donated in 1961 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. The valued collection, which includes pieces from as far back as the 14th and 17th century, has been integral to the museum's educational function as university students, faculty, and art historians from all over the world come to study the works. The Family Day activities will include refreshments and the crafting of Renaissance-inspired picture frames in the first-floor classroom following an educational tour of the Kress Collection. This highly informative and engaging Family Day event at the Georgia Museum of Art will entertain parents and kids alike, so come out and see how you and your family will be inspired! For more information on this event, visit out calendar listing.

2) The museum isn't the only place to enjoy displays of inspired cultural expression in Athens, Ga this weekend- The Rialto Room will feature the latest segment of their "Go Green" Series benefitting the Oconee River Land Trust- A Songwriters in the Round event is set to take place this Friday night, July 15, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The evening will feature songwriters of a Southern persuasion as all musicians fall under the country genre. Some past credits of the performers include: Mike Dekle, writer of hits "Scarlett Fever" and "Someone Must Feel Like a Fool Tonight" by Kenny Rogers;  Will Nance, writer of #1 Billboard hit "She's Everything" for Brad Paisley; John Ford Coley, writer and performer of hits "Love is the Answer," "Gone Too Far," and "Sad To Belong"; Byron Hill, writer of classics such as "Fool Hearted Money" by George Strait and many others. This unique and intimate event could only be made better by making it last all night- reserve a room for the night at Hotel Indigo- offering a special deal of one standard room and 2 concert tickets for $145.00. Single tickets are on sale for $15 here. Come escape for a unique evening at the Rialto Room this Friday night! For more information on this event, visit our calendar listing.

3) Connect with the Athens community through the delicious shared experience of enjoying some local food at events sponsored by the Taste Your Place Local Food Extravaganza, a couple of which will take place this Saturday and Sunday. This two week event, running from July 9 - 21, is sponsored by P.L.A.C.E., an Athens non-profit committed to maintaining and fostering the growth of a healthy, well-connected local food culture, seeking to unite the Athens community in an appreciation of good food from local vendors.  The Taste Your Pie Contest event will take place this Saturday at the Athens Farmers Market around 10:00 a.m. Contest entry is open to all who provide $5, a pie and the recipe, contest tasting of all pies costs only $5 as well. Prizes will be awarded to the most delectable pies. On Sunday from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., a driving tour of 3 local farms will take place around Athens, seats can be reserved for $30 each- contact Amanda Tedrow (atedrow@uga.edu) to save your spot. For more information about past and upcoming Taste Your Place events, visit our event listing.

These three fantastic events are just the start of your fantastic weekend in Athens, GA- check out some other notable events taking place:

• View and partake in the creation of fairy homes in a Fairy House Workshop, Friday 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., at the State Botanical Garden.  

• Hear Native American Folk Tales at the ACC Library, Friday at 2:30 p.m., in a storytelling concert of Cherokee legends.

• Kayak or Canoe through Lake Chapman by the moonlight during Full Moon Paddles at Sandy Creek Park, Friday or Saturday from 9:00- 11:00 p.m.

Don't stop here--visit our weekend calendar for an even more comprehensive guide to this weekends events! Take advantage of the brief relief from the heat this weekend, get out and enjoy summer in Athens, GA!

Memorial Day Weekend in Athens - Great Deals & Events!

This Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one for all Athens, GA, folks and friends! With a great lineup of options for fun and lots of savings, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy this holiday weekend.

Maintaining the true spirit of Memorial Day, many Athens Businesses will offer special deals to our amazing men & women in uniform.

• Active Climbing is happy to offer a free climbing session to any and all holders of military I.D from 4-8 p.m. this Monday.
• Hotel Indigo will be running a Memorial Special, Friday through Monday, with rates of only $59 a night for members of the military. Be sure to mention the special when calling ahead to make a reservation.
• Hampton Inn is offering a rate of $80/night with military ID.
• At Sweet Peppers Deli this Memorial Day, all men and women in uniform will receive a free entrée of their choosing upon arrival. If your uniform is a bit more snug than it used to be, just bring along a jacket or article of insignia instead and enjoy your free lunch!

• Other Memorial Weekend hotel specials available to all visitors include:
• Candlewood Suites, $59/night, Thursday to Sunday
• Georgia Gameday Center, stay one night get one night 1/2 off
• Holiday Inn, $75/night, book here;
• Holiday Inn Express, rates starting at $69/night, book here; and

Come one, come all to the annual Memorial Day in Memorial Park celebration this Monday from noon to 3 p.m. If you are looking to stay true to Memorial Day tradition, then the Memorial Park celebration is sure to satisfy. Bring a blanket and the whole family out for a day of wholesome American fun. Have your face painted with the kids before sending them to bounce to their hearts content in the many inflatables provided for the celebration. Then indulge in your favorite concession food items as you relax in the grass and enjoy live music all afternoon. The weather will be warm and the company will be warmer. Keep in mind the park pool will not be open, but the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail certainly will be so don’t forget to say ‘Hello’ to these little cuties:

For more information on this event, visit our calender listing.

If you’re looking to get a little less traditional before your all-American Memorial Day or if you’re just looking to get a little culture, then don’t miss your chance to see ATHICA’s spring exhibit, The Way Things Work, in it’s closing weekend. The exhibit ends in celebration starting this Friday in a reprise of The Way Things Go 2, a video art experience, with outdoor screenings of short video artworks on the ATHICA porch from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, the closing ceremony will consist of an artist and curator discussion panel followed by a picnic on the porch provided by White Tiger and Trumps from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. With 12 artists from around the country and abroad, this highly stimulating exhibit includes artwork in forms ranging from large-scale installations to pencil drawings. The works featured focus around a theme of systems and norms within culture and society. With pieces like the one pictured below, Trivialities of Deportment by Will Pergl, this exhibit is sure to get you thinking! So try your hand at non-conformity and do something a little different this Memorial Day weekend!

For more information about this exhibit, visit out event listing.

Get fresh at the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday at Bishop Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Local foods, crafts, and works of arts from area farmers and volunteers will fill the park along with music from 2 very different groups of performers. Starting the day off right will be the all-female folk trio, Maiden Radio, performing at 8:00 a.m. Then prepare yourselves for a trip to the deep South when Maculele Capoeira take the stage in a traditional Brazilian performance of dance, martial arts, singing, and instrument playing. The Athens Farmers Market is always a great option for your weekend plans, as you’ll get to mingle with the community, enjoy the beautiful morning, and support local commerce.

Learn more about the Athens Farmers Market by visiting our event listing.

The city of Winterville will host Veteran Appreciation Day this Saturday. A complimentary BBQ lunch in Pittard Park will be provided for veterans and spouses following a ceremony at the Winterville United Methodist Church.

And in case you didn’t already have enough to choose from, here are a few other Memorial Day weekend options:

• ACC Library will be kicking off its new “Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine” exhibit this weekend with an opening reception on Sunday and a movie screening on Saturday. The travelling National Library of Medicine exhibit will explore the relationship between Harry Potter’s wizarding world and foundational Renaissance science and medicine.
• Get crafty at The Native America Gallery on Friday night with a beginner earrings class from 6-8 p.m.
• Enjoy the sounds of the city this Memorial Day weekend with fantastic musical acts happening around town. Big name artist, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, will be headlining at the 40 Watt Club this Friday night. Or catch the soon-to-be-big-name Athens’ band, Reptar, at Little Kings Shuffle Club this Saturday night before they embark on a summer tour at hot spots and festivals around the country.

Bring your family, bring your friends, it’s going to be a very exciting Memorial Day weekend in Athens, GA. Visit our calendar for even more information on Athens’ events this weekend and beyond! Have a great one, friends!

Weekly Freebie: Taste Your Place Conclusion

The final event in the 2-week Taste your PLACE event will be this Saturday at the Athens Farmers' Market.

Local Food Award recipients will be announced so come out and see who represented the Classic City best!

In addition to awards and the chance to check out the local products of Athens, the event will also feature music performances by Michael Eudy, Sean Arington, & Mad Whisky Gin.

The awards begin at 10 a.m.

After you experience the Athens Farmers' Market, don't forget to vote for it in the Care2 contest! For more information on that, click here.

Vote for the Athens Farmers Market!

Care2 is a large action site dedicated to helping people make a difference in their lives and world. The Web site is currently carrying on a contest called Love Your Farmers Market.

Each week until September 17, Care2 will donate $250 to a random market. After September 15, the top 5 Farmers markets all win cash.

First place: $5,000
Second place: $3,000
Third place: $2,000
Fourth place: $1,000
Fifth place: $1,000

Vote for the Athens Farmers Market by clicking this link.

Athens this Weekend

Looking for great shows? You know Athens is famous for its music scene. Need something else? Check out a few alternatives this weekend.

Friday

• Darius Goes West Day at the Student Presbyterian Center. Check out one of UGA's most famous alums. Everyone gets 10 free activity tickets. Make sure to see the Darius Goes West RV that's traveled 50,000 miles since Sept. 2008. 6-10 p.m.
  
• Check out the comedic routine of Lisa Mende and Stephanie Astalos-Jones at Cine. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15.
• Check out 4 great shows for the price of 1 at Tasty World Uptown. Celerity, Groove Stain, The K-Macks, and So It Goes are all set to perform. Tickets are $5 and the show starts at 10 p.m.
• Looking for a fun blast from the past? Head over to the Melting Point and check out The Splitz. They perform classic Motown, '70s funk, R&B, and disco hits. 8 p.m. Tickes are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

Saturday

• Slow Food Pie Contest at the Athens Farmers' Market. 10:30 a.m. $5 (to taste all pies)
• Head over to Cine for a screening of Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life . See it in full at 7:30 p.m.
• Can't wait for football season? UGA's Countdown to Kickoff might ease the pain of waiting. Present and former UGA football players run drills, throw passes, play games, sign autographs and take pictures with fans. 3-6 p.m. $25.
• Killer Mike, Pastor Troy, and The Nappy Roots will be performing at The Classic Center at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Sunday

• Comedian Carl Hurley will be performing at The Classic Center at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Drawing from his roots in the tradition of such other American humorists as Andy Griffith and Garrison Keillor, Hurley delights audiences with his reflections on life as viewed by a native of Appalachia with a singular sense of the absurd.
  

Athens this Weekend

Check out the usual suspects of art, live music, and entertainment throughout the Classic City this weekend.

Friday

• Looking for a new form of fun this weekend? Check out Effie's Club Follies at the 40 Watt. This local "slap-strip comedic burlesque" troupe combines the best elements of sketch comedy, musical theatre, drag and striptease. The show starts at 10 p.m. & tickets are $10 for the 21 & over set, $12 for 18+.
• The Michael Guthrie Band will be performing at the Melting Point at 9 p.m. For nearly 40 years, Athenian Michael Guthrie and his various bandmates have delved into the world of melodic, jangly British-sounding throwback rock. The latest incarnation is a family affair with brother Herb and son Jon. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door.
• Check out a large lineup at the new Tasty World Uptown this Friday. Against All Odds, Heroes for Tonight, Leaving Araby, Lost Heritage, Shootout the Stars, and The Wristbandits will all grace the new stage. Tickets are $5.

Saturday

• Taste Your PLACE Kickoff at the Athens Farmers' Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. To learn more, checkout this week's freebie.
• With football season so close yet so far, get your dawg fix at the Classic Center with the Dawg Derby Flyball Tournament. This year's tournament features 64 teams of dogs and handlers from 10 states competing in a fast-paced relay race that involves sprinting, jumping and retrieving. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $1.
• Want to see how UGA's gardens grow? The Gardens at UGA Open House runs from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Guided tour led by the founder of UGA's Trial Gardens, which are nationally known for trialing annuals and perennials for the Southeast. $5.
• Swing by Caledonia Lounge to hear The Buddy System's final show. Check out the adorable projected animation of Lauren Gregg's illustrations to go along with the gently grooving indie-pop tunes delivered by Kindercore stalwarts in their last performance. Also featuring Allison Weiss, Attractive Eighties Women, and ExcaliBrah. 10 p.m. $5.

Sunday

• Enjoy a lazy Sunday at Memorial Park with a free community picnic. Featuring music, yard games, face painting, ice cream, performances and more. Bring a blanket and picnic basket. 5 p.m.
• Square One Restaurant and Bar's weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch features rotating local jazz artists out on their patio. Enjoy it before the heat index goes back up! 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Exercise your brain and gear up for the work week with sports-themed trivia at Allen's Bar & Grill. 9 p.m.

For more information on these events or to see more calendar listings, visit our website here.

Weekly Freebie: Taste Your Place

One of the many advantages of living in Athens, GA is the importance placed on local products. Whether it's Five and Ten serving up food straight from their garden or a boutique selling Athens-based art, the Classic City likes to keep it local.

In accordance with that local promise, P.L.A.C.E. (Promoting Local Agriculture and Cultural Experiences) is launching a 2-week event throughout Athens this Saturday, July 11. The free kickoff will be at the Athens Farmers' Market from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

In addition, many P.L.A.C.E. events during the next 2 weeks will be free and open to the public:

July 14th: Tour of Home Kitchen Gardens.

July 16th: Book Club with Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.” The event will be held at the Jittery Joe's Roaster on Broad Street at 6:30pm. Light refreshment will be provided.

July 25th: 2009 Athens Local Food Awards at the Athens Farmers’ Market.

Other events, including a slow food pie contest, will only set you back $5 or $10. Check the full calendar listing here for complete details.

Several restaurants will be adding local food specials to their menu during the next 2 weeks. Casa Mia, DePalma's (Downtown), Doc Chey's, East/West Bistro, Farm 255, Five and Ten, Five Star Day (Downtown and Eastside), Ike and Jane, Last Resort, Lindsey's Culinary Market, Lumpkin Cafe, Mama's Boy, The National , and White Tiger Gourmet are all slated to serve up Athens fare.

So get out and enjoy the free upcoming P.L.A.C.E. events and consider using the money you are save to support the restaurants committed to keeping Athens homegrown!

Athens This Weekend

Travel around & party like a local throughout Athens, GA this weekend! Or practice for football season by cheering on some local sports teams!



Friday

• See where your beer comes from (hint: it's not the tap or fridge). Terrapin Brewery Tours & Tastings. If you can't make it Friday, Terraphin hosts tours on Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. See the brewing process first hand, get tastings of Terrapin's full line of award winning beers, and stick around for local live music!
• Abbey Road LIVE! at the Georgia Theater on Friday, 10 p.m. This high-energy local band will cover the Beatles' Abbey Road and other late-era Beatles rockers from Sgt. Pepper, the White Album, and more. Don't miss out on the special family show on Saturday afternoon!
• Fiction Family, the alternative rock duo that features Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek, will be perfoming at the Melting Point. 9 p.m. Tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door.
• Looking for a country night? Jot 'Em Down Country Store & BBQ will be serving up their famous dishes alongside local country legend Redneck GReece. The show starts at 6 p.m. Traditionally the show features 2 sets- one the whole family can enjoy and a second set that might make you want to leave the kids at home.

Saturday

• Athens Farmers' Market. Come celebrate treasures that are uniquely ours. Our food grown in our soil by our farmers. Our crafts made in our homes by our artists. Our music, our merriment, and our memories. This week's music lineup: Leralynn, and the Athens Folk Society Band.
  
• Come out & support the Classic City Rollergirls as Athens own female flat-track roller derby league takes on Charleston in the first home meet of their season. The meet will be held at Skate-A-Round USA at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults & $5 for kids. A portion of the proceeds will help support Hands On Northeast Georgia. Then join the Rollergirls for the after-party at Kingpins.
• For more sports action, check out the Classic City Tigers, Athens' own semipro football team in their second season, as they face the Atlanta Red Villains. Home games are played at Billy Henderson Stadium at Clarke Central High School. Kickoff is 7 p.m. & tickets are $5.

For more information on these events or to see more calendar listings, visit our website here.

Weekly Freebie!

With Memorial Day rolling in on Monday, we will all need that classic summer staple- watermelon- for our pool parties and barbecues!

The Athens Farmers' Market is the perfect place to find that plus more. While technically the produce and crafts aren't free, the atmosphere, booth shopping, and music will be. In addition, prepared food from local favorite such as Big City Bread and 1000 Faces Coffee will be available.

The Athens Farmers' Market runs from May 9-November 14. So, even if your Memorial Day plans don't allow you time to check out the market you have plenty of time.