Say Good-Bye to July: Athens, GA This Weekend: July 29-31

Well Friends, the time has come to begin bidding farewell to the glorious summer season as July comes to an end this weekend in Athens, GA. The heat may stick around a while longer, but the days of summer freedom are dwindling quickly... so let's make the most of them! Athens, GA is up for one last fun, free adventurous weekend of July- are you?

If you answered yes, proceed to the following paragraphs for details of the excitement awaiting you this weekend in Athens, GA:

1) Veer off the beaten path and take a culinary adventure to Roots Farm this Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31, for the Beaverdam SlowDown Dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. each night. Discover the source of all your favorite Athens dining. Roots Farm is dedicated to growing fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables through natural and sustainable methods- they aim to distribute mainly to local establishments and to Community Supported Agriculture (kind of like a season pass to the farms produce- pay predetermined amount at beginning of season and receive fruit and vegetables throughout the year accordingly) The Beaverdam SlowDown Dinner at Roots Farm consists of two hour gourmet five course meal prepared by local chefs using locally grown foods, a short tour of the farm, and an open discussion about sustainable farming.

2) Stay up late at Terrapin for a late night tour and movie on the lawn beginning at 9:00 p.m., Saturday, July 30th, for a cause benefiting Film Athens- a non-profit dedicated to supporting and encouraging video production and digital media arts in the Athens community. The percentage night at Terrapin this Saturday night will cost $12, but will include eight ticket vouchers for 4-ounce brews and invitation to view "Planet 9 From Outer Space" on the lawn. So gather your friends and your favorite summer picnic blanket and prepare for lift-off at Terrapin Brewery!

3) Experience the signature sounds of the Athens, GA music scene this Friday and Saturday at The Melting Point with musical events like The 30th Anniversary Reunion of Phil and the Blanks (Friday) and Nomad Artists Present: Bomber City, Klezmer Local 42, and Ken Will Morton (Saturday). Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for food and drink service, so best show up early and make an entire evening of food, drink, and music fun!






But of course, these are just a few of the many other happenings taking place around town- so venture on to your final July hurrah and check out some of these other events as well:

Live! at the Library with The Triskelion , July 31 3 p.m., free concert of Celtic music on Sunday- after Saturday's Family Fun Day and End of Summer Party, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the ACC Library 

Frontier UPFRONT presents final days of Byram Family local artwork, July 29 & 30, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 

Concerts on the Lawn : Sons of Sailors: Jimmy Buffet tribute, Saturday, July 30, 5:00 p.m. at Ashford Manor

If this weekend is approached correctly and fully, saying goodbye to July will be a breeze because summer adventure will have been fulfilled in Athens, GA!

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!

Athens This Weekend: June 10-12

It's going to be another busy, fun weekend in Athens, GA! With options that appeal to every age and interest, the Classic City is the place to be this warm, summer weekend!

1) Spend your Saturday exploring the beauty of both nature and art in the State Botanical Garden with an Artist Walk of Forged from Nature: An Exhibition of Garden Gates. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Andrew T. Crawford, the Atlanta-based artist responsible for the six finely-crafted, iron gates, will guide the walk. Attendees of the Artist Walk will follow Mr. Crawford through the gardens to each gate as he describes his nature-inspired designs and metalworking process. The six gates are appropriately named and themed after some basic natural elements: Bird Gate, Vine Gate, Sunflower Gate, Threaded Bar Gate, Corn Gate, and Tool Gate. So take a walk on the artist's side this Saturday to learn more about the exhibit and the art of metal working during the Artist Walk commencing from the conservatory at 11:00 a.m. in the State Botanical Garden. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.

• And if one free, guided art exhibit tour just isn't enough, head to the Georgia Museum of Art at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday to enjoy a spotlight tour of "The Art of Disegno: Italian Prints and Drawings" exhibit being featured. For more details about the exhibit, visit our event listing.

2) The family days of summer continue this Saturday as the Athens-Clarke County Library hosts Explore Harry Potter's World Family Day from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. The Family Day event is set in celebration of the traveling National Library of Medicine exhibit, "Harry Potter's World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine." With storytelling, trivia, crafts, madrigal singers, and more, Harry Potter's World Family Day is sure to be nothing short of magical. Costume dress is encouraged so dawn your Hogwarts robes or your Medieval suit of armour and head to the ACC Library this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for a family fun day of Harry Potter magic and Renaissance science. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.

3) There are few ways to better start off a full weekend in Athens, Ga than by visiting Terrapin Brewery on a Friday afternoon for lots of delicious beer, live music, and fun with friends. This Friday evening, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., head to Terrapin to hear the musical styling of Macon-native, Louise Warren. Playing original and cover songs, the 20-year old singer-songwriter will serenade you with some passionate acoustic melodies as you sip your favorite summer ale. Bring a Frisbee or a blanket and take advantage of the beautiful weather in the outdoor area of the brewery. With tours running at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00, enjoy a little educational insight into the brewing process. So start your weekend the best way we know how in Athens, GA, with a few good beers, friends, and some live music. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.    


And there is plenty more where these came from, check out more events happening in Athens, GA this weekend on our event calendar.

Looking Forward to a Fantastic Summer in Athens!

Dearest Athens, GA,

For the last 3 years, I have been happily wandering through your glorious streets and parks, excitedly immersing myself in your own unique culture of Southern charm, and well frankly, just generally falling in love with your every quirk. And during that time, we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well, but now that I’ll be taking on the P.R. and Social Media internship position for the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau this summer, I think it’s time I properly introduce myself.

My name is Morgan Capps and I will be a senior at The University of Georgia in the fall, soon completing my studies in Psychology, Geography, and New Media. My unusual combination of studies allows me to explore a wide range of interests, a personal tendency that extends to my non-academic life as well. From hosting my own show on UGA’s student radio station, WUOG 90.5 fm, to acting in a production with Town & Gown Players, the local community theater, I am certainly no stranger to taking advantage of the awesome opportunities you have to offer, Athens. But even after 3 years here, I still constantly find myself discovering new places, people, and events existing throughout town.

I can think of no better way to spend the summer than by assisting Athens CVB in diligently seeking out and sharing information on the who, what, and where that combine to make life here so uniquely interesting. I genuinely cannot wait to provide information on your many wonderful restaurants, attractions, special events, and festivals. I promise to blog and otherwise report my many adventures, observations, and ideas, but I’ll need your help, Athens community- I want your feedback and suggestions. So don’t be shy, send me somewhere new and let me know what’s on your mind so we can make the most of this beautiful summer in Athens, GA.

Sincerely Yours,

Morgan Capps

Summer in Athens: Video Post

This weekend I hit the streets of AthFest with my marker board and a flipcam to find out what makes Athens, GA special during the summer. Check out the video below!

Weekly Freebie: AthFest Sampler

Can't wait for AthFest? Wish you could have a preview now?

Good news: you can! The Melting Point is hosting an Athfest Sampler Hoot tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m.


The event will feature music from Betsy Franck, Goodman Brown and The Corduroy Road plus Lombard, Norman & Hunter.

In addition to the music, they'll be handing out AthFest goodies!

Most importantly, the whole thing is free. Shows at the Melting Point cost a little something, so don't miss out on a great atmosphere & great preview!

Can't make it to the preview or want more after the preview? Don't forget to visit our website & take advantage of the AthFest package. It includes a hotel stay for two, two AthFest wristbands, CDs, T-shirt vouchers, and Music Heritage Tour tickets as well as a Downtown Gift Certificate ($10 value) and other cool AthFest gear delivered right to your hotel. Click here to reserve your package!

Summertime and the Living is Easy (and Free!)

One of the best benefits of living in a college town is the large selection of things to see and do for free. In Athens, GA there is always a concert, art exhibit, or weekend festival to check out. Bored and low on cash this summer? Each week this blog will highlight one fun freebie sure to keep you entertained and out of the red!

First up, free Classic City tours are being offered in conjunction with National Tourism Week. You can choose between the Museum Mile or Athens Heritage Tour.

The Museum Mile tour is a two hour tour of Athens’ four unique house museums. In each house, you will see a different era of Athens history, from the 1820 Church-Waddel-Brumby House, to the 1840s Taylor-Grady House, and the 1850s Ware-Lyndon and T.R.R. Cobb Houses. Catch the tour for free on Wednesday, May 13 or Friday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m.



The Athens Heritage Tour covers 200 years of history in a 1.5-hour bus tour: from Athens' downtown to its historic homes and neighborhoods to the University of Georgia. Your tour will begin in the oldest house in Athens and you will see the world’s only double barrel canon. The Athens Heritage Tour is offered Wednesday, May 13 and Friday, May 15 at 2 p.m.

For more information on these tours as well as other tours offered in Athens, visit the Athens Welcome Center.

Do you know a fun, free event or activity going on in Athens this summer? Please share below!

AthFest Headliners Announced

AthFest, the annual arts and music festival held each June in downtown Athens, is almost here and this year's headlining bands have just been announced.

AthFest has showcased the best in local, regional and nationally recognized music for the past 12 years and this year will be no different.

More than 175 bands and artists will perform throughout the festival which will be held June 25-28 2009. All performances will take place on two outdoor stages and are free of charge to the public. The festival features music, arts, food and an evening "club crawl."

On Friday, June 26 at 9 p.m. the main stage will feature The Black Lips, a self described "flower punk" band from Atlanta known for their frenzied live shows. Dead Confederate, who recently preformed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, will co-headline at 7:50 p.m.

On Saturday, the main stage will feature Patterson Hood & the Screwtopians. The line-up includes Drive By-Trucker's Patterson Hood, John Neff and Brad Morgan; Centro-Matic's Will Johnson and Scott Danbom; and David Barbe.

Closing the festival on Sunday at 7 p.m. will be the Randall Bramblett Band, a legendary Athens musician who has performed and/or recorded with Steve Winwood, The Allman Bros. Band and Widespread Panic, just to name a few.

Add to that the "club crawl." What would Athens be without its nightlife of course? The "club crawl" will take place Friday and Saturday night and guests may purchase wristbands in advance for $15 or $20 at the festival to gain entrance into almost 20 music venues across town.

Mark your calendars and visit here for more information!