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. 

A Getaway to Athens! Drive a Little. Live a Lot.

Just over an hour from Atlanta, the quintessential college town of Athens is a wise choice for a quick getaway. Visitors are immediately struck by the town's creative energy.  Well-known as a hotbed of live music, hundreds of bands call Athens home and perform in a wide variety of genres to suit many tastes.  More recently, Athens has arrived on the culinary scene with chefs such as Hugh Acheson of Five & Ten (James Beard finalist, Top Chef Masters contestant, Top Chef judge), Whitney Otawka of Farm 255 (Top Chef: Texas contestant), and Peter Dale of The National (Food & Wine Magazine's People's Best New Chef Southeast) receiving national acclaim.  Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Athens, for patio dining, outdoor music stages and blooms at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the gardens of Athens' four historic house museums. With the beautiful weather out in full force, a weekend getaway to Athens,GA is perfect for enjoying time with loved ones and friends!

Athens' Music Scene

Home of the The B-52's, Pylon, R.E.M., and Widespread Panic, Athens' music scene offers entertainment suited to every taste. The newly-renovated Georgia Theatre hosts a wide variety of musical performances. Enjoy the wide open floor space in front of the stage, or spacious seating in the balconies. You can check out the Georgia Theatre's upcoming performance calendar here. The Georgia Theatre's new rooftop bar is sure to impress. The rooftop bar also offers a menu including a delicious array of their signature sandwiches and salads. The Georgia Theatre has recently launched a new rooftop dance party series named Get Up Get Down. This series takes place every Tuesday night from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in April and May, and runs through June 5th. The focus of Get Up Get Down will be on the aesthetic of "music people can dance to" showcasing local, regional, and national talent. Guests 18+  can attend the weekly showcase for just $2.00 a cover and will be able to enjoy $2.00 drink specials.The Georgia Theatre is located at 215 N. Lumpkin Street in
 Athens, GA. 

The Melting Point is another popular local music venue. The Melting Point is a blend of old and new: vintage modern decor in the oldest building on the Foundry Park Inn & Spa property. A 30 foot smoke stack anchors the venue's entry tower while three glass and metal garage doors blend the exterior patio with the interior space for al fresco dining and listening in pleasant weather. Savor, sip and socialize in style with a mix of locals and travelers alike in an atmosphere like no other.This intimate music venue hosts a variety of music styles and is a favorite of a wide range of fans. Why end your night here? With the beautiful Foundry Park Inn & Spa next door you can enjoy a night of luxury in their boutique hotel, or melt away stress and restore the soul at the spa. 

There are even more local music venues in Athens, GA. A complete list of the live music venues can be found here http://www.visitathensga.com/live-music/where-to-hear-live-music/.

Athens Dining

Athens is also known for their local dining selections. The creative energy of Athens, Georgia is alive and well in local Athens restaurants, with masterful artwork on both the walls and the plate. Dozens of unique independent eateries offer a distinctive culinary experience, from traditional southern soul food to trendsetting nouveau southern cuisine. Relax in ambient settings from sidewalk and courtyard cafés to dining rooms overlooking the University of Georgia's historic North Campus, with menus that feature exceptional wines and Italian, Sushi, Steak, Cajun, and farm fresh offerings from local Athens growers. Farm 255 is a unique and local dining location that  serves local, seasonal & sustainable food. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean & Southern influences and changes daily. And, the music is as homegrown as the food, with performances typically held on the patio. Farm 255's Executive Chef is Whitney Otawka who competed on Top Chef: Texas in 2011. With patio dining available you can enjoy delicious food and the beautiful weather. There are several other delicious restaurant spots to satisfy any craving including the Cajun favorite, NONA, the vegetarian based menu from The Grit, delicious fresh seafood from Square One Fish Co, and many more! A complete listing of local Athens restaurants can be found at http://www.visitathensga.com/restaurants/. 

Athens Welcomes Pets

Athens also welcomes those who want to visit with their dogs! There are several dog-friendly places and events around the Classic City. You can enjoy a delicious meal on the patio with your dog at several restaurants including Five Star Day Cafe, Mama's Boy, Farm 255, Big City Bread Cafe, East West Bistro, Square One Fish Co, and several other unique and local places. Terrapin Brewery is also a fun and exciting dog-friendly location. Terrapin Brewery offers brewery tours and tastings every Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Experience live music and tastings of Terrapin's full line of award winning beers while observing the brewing process first hand. For only $10, you'll get a Terrapin beer glass for tastings, a tour of the brewery, and access to their lively atmosphere. Their spacious outdoor area is perfect for enjoying Terrapin's wide selection of beer and the company of your dog. As a completely pet-friendly hotel, The Hotel Indigo in Athens also has a unique opportunity for you and your pup! Every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., they host a Canine Cocktail Hour where your beloved pet can hang out with other pets, and you can enjoy $3 special Salty-Dogs or Greyhounds. 

Upcoming Events

There a several upcoming events and festivals taking place in Athens,GA, including:

• Professional golf returns to Athens April 30 - May 6 during the Stadion Classic at UGA. This is one of two Nationwide Tour stops in Georgia. The Stadion Classic at UGA is the only event on the Nationwide Tour that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education.  All net proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students through the Arch Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program which supports non-profits in Georgia and nationwide. 

• The 34th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival will be May 5 - 6. This is a springtime political and cultural tradition in Athens. The festival features a dynamic, educational, and family-friendly weekend of oratory, music, activities for the children, and street theater performances in an outdoor setting. 

• The Athens live music scene is ready to kick off the 16th Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival June 20 - 24. This has been named a Top 20 Event by The Southeast Tourism Society. AthFest features more than 150 bands on outdoor stages and in Athens' renowned clubs. Between the live music, art, local film screenings and KidsFest, there is entertainment for all ages. 

With so many exciting things to do in Athens, make your visit a weekend getaway to ensure you get the full Classic City experience! Athens has many beautiful and accommodating hotels to make your visit even more special. With many convenient downtown locations, you can enjoy both the music scene and the famous local restaurants without even driving! A complete listing of hotels in Athens, GA can be found at this website, http://www.visitathensga.com/places-to-stay/.

For more information about spring events taking place in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.visitathensga.com/spring or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, toll-free 800-653-0603. 


What festivals and events that are taking place in Athens,GA are you looking forward to?

Plant & Garden Events in Athens,GA

Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Athens, especially for garden enthusiasts. You can enjoy the blooms at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the gardens of Athens' four historic house museums, a wide variety of nurseries, and the fascinating horticulture Trial Gardens at UGA.  and several exciting events. This April will provide added inspiration for your own garden. Here are a few ideas that hopefully will spark your interest. 

Plantapalooza: April 14

Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state to attend the  Plantapalooza plant sale from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Held at the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA, a wide array of garden plants will be available at each location, combined with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections. Gardeners who participate in the 2012 Plantapalooza will be able to explore two gardens, chat with horticulturists, and choose from a large selection of plants at the three venues. All the plants are selected to thrive in Southeastern gardens.

Plantapalooza Stop 1:

• The Trial Gardens at UGA, which grows and tests the newest annuals and perennials from plant breeders throughout the world, will focus on offering unique plants that are difficult to find anywhere else. They will also offer Athens Select Plants, plants that have successfully survived and thrived in the hot and humid climate. Dr. Allan Armitage will be available to sign his books (which will be for sale) and lead tours of the Trial Garden. Profits from all sales help fund the continuation of the Trial Gardens research and student employees in the gardens. The Trial Gardens are located at: 1111 Plant Sciences Building at the University of Georgia,Athens, GA 30602

Plantapalooza Stop 2:

• The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, headquarters of the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program, will have Gold Medal plants noted among its broad selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and more. This sale will also offer many native plants grown at the State Botanical Garden, which has a successful Certificate in Native Plants program and has recently launched a Native Plant Initiative. The Garden Gift Shop, with a large selection of books and locally crafted items, will be open.The newest building at the State Botanical Garden is the Garden Club of Georgia State Headquarters.  Both the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance and the Garden Club of Georgia are headquartered at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This garden can be found at the following address:  2450 South Milledge Avenue  Athens, GA 30605

Plantapalooza Stop 3:

• The UGA Horticulture Club will be selling a wide range of garden and landscape plants near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road.  Profits from all sales fund projects for students in the Horticulture program.

Piedmont Gardener's Garden Tour

Another event perfect for plant enthusiasts is the 19th Annual Piedmont Gardener's Garden Tour. This spring garden tour features an inside look at the Athens area's most inspired private gardens. Five gardens will be featured on April 21, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. A variety of plants will be found at each garden. These gardens are not usually open for visitors to tour. This event will help visitors enhance garden skills and knowledge. More information about the gardens participating in this event can be found here. 

With all of the Spring Plant Sales in full bloom, make your visit a weekend getaway! There are several beautiful hotels, shops, and dining locations around Athens,GA. For more information about events taking place in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/spring  or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430. 

What about the Spring Plant Sales are you looking forward to?