Combining the energy and diversity of a college community with plenty of
sophistication is the secret to this small-town jewel. Athens, Georgia's
much-touted music scene continues to thrive, while great restaurants,
shops, and galleries flourish alongside the clubs. This month, students
say good-bye for the season, and the city readies for summer fun.
(Graduation takes place Saturday, May 14, so you might want to avoid
that weekend.)
Fabulous Friday
The Foundry Park Inn and Spa with its updated boutique rooms remains our
favorite lodging (295 East Dougherty Street, [706] 549-7020 or
www.foundrypark inn.com; rates $109-$130). Situated on the north edge of
the business district, it's built around the 1850s foundry that forged
The University of Georgia's famous Arch. Or select from other hotel
chains that are closer to the college. The Holiday Inn Athens serves as
a long-standing option for visiting parents (197 East Broad Street,
[706] 549-4433 or www.hi-athens.com; rates $79-$110) as does the newer
Athens Courtyard by Marriott (166 North Finley Street, [706] 369-7000;
rates $72-$99). Both offer comfy rooms at low rates.
Go to the Athens Steam Company Pub at the Foundry Park Inn for music and
dinner tonight. Start with an order of spinach-artichoke dip with
tortilla chips ($6.95), and then choose from a burger with mushrooms and
Swiss cheese ($7.50) or a Brat Sandwich--a thick stack of grilled bratwursts and beer-braised onions on marbled
rye ($7.50). Afterward, listen to the sounds of a jazz or bluegrass
band. It's one of the best early-evening club scenes.
If you're feeling like a late night, slip into one of the lively spots
for legendary music.
Satisfying Saturday
For breakfast, select from one of Athens's coffeehouses. We prefer the
local Jittery Joe's on Milledge Avenue in Five Points for a tasty pastry
and excellent coffee.
Spend the rest of your morning exploring the shops around town. Dress
like a co-ed with fancy threads from Heery's on College Avenue and
Fortsons Clothing on Clayton Street. Elsewhere on Clayton, find Georgia
Bulldog paraphernalia at The Red Zone. Go to Helix for great gifts; the
shop specializes in handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and handmade note
cards.
Of course, Athens offers some of the best music stores around. Don't
miss Wuxtry Records, where the members of R.E.M. first met.
