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Athens, Georgia

What do Bulldog spirit, the b52s and R.E.M. all have in common? If you said Athens, Georgia, you would be correct. Located slightly northeast of Atlanta, Athens is home to the University of Georgia, the birthplace of great bands, and southern traditions.

When you visit Athens, your trip would not be complete without a trip to the campus of the University of Georgia and the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. It is here that Georgia’s sports history can be relived through the displays, memorabilia and trophies of the great moments in Bulldog sports history. Other items included are T-shirts, caps and bumper stickers with the famed bulldog, Uga, the school’s mascot. For the Georgia Bulldog’s fan, this is a place sure to please!

The University is open to the town, which helps maintain a relationship with many benefits for everyone. As commerce grew in Athens, it was strongly supported by the students, faculty, and staff at the University. Along Broad Street, you will find numerous cafes, bookshops and espresso bars frequented by the college students and town’s people alike. While visiting the UGA campus, don’t forget to check out landmarks like New College, Demosthenian Hall -the chapel which was used for the early commencement activities-, and the Phi Kappa Hall which was once the campus library.

The Founder’s Memorial Garden allows you to relax while surrounded by gorgeous flower beds, modern trees and planting arrangements, as well as fountains and ponds. To the east of the campus is the Georgia Museum of Art and the Performing Visual Arts which focuses on drama, music, and the visual arts. It is also the home of the state official art collect. Visitors will see the 19th and 20th American paintings, the Kress collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, as well as European, American, and Oriental prints and drawings.

When you are in Athens, your visit will not be complete, unless you check out the music scene. Home to Georgia Theatre and the 40 Watt Club, Athens gave birth to R.E.M. and the B52s. The clubs in Athens are fun places to sample new bands and music.

Athens is home to the Morton Theatre which is thought to be the only remaining black built vaudeville theatre in America. Built in 1911 by Pink Morton, it has been restored and re-opened as a cultural performing arts center. Its programs range from gospel singing to operetta. In its heyday, Jazz figures like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Bessie Smith graced its stage with their talent.

Downtown Athens, GA

While in Athens, be sure to travel down Millege Avenue. Here you will see numerous homes with incredible antebellum architecture and beautiful yards decorated with massive magnolias and iron work. Many of these mansions are now used as sorority and fraternity houses. Athens has many restaurants boasting of southern and international flavor. From beer and burgers at Allen’s on Prince Avenue to fusion cuisine at the East West Bistro on East Broad Street, and anything in between, you are sure to find foods to satisfy your senses.


Game Day in Athens on the UGA Campus