Alternative Athens

2 Day/ 1 Night  Group Tour Itinerary

Day One

Morning:  Make the Athens Welcome Center your first stop for travel information and tours.  The Athens Music History Tour affords you an accompanied jaunt round the town with commentary about all the musical figures and happenings that have made The Classic City famous.  Eclectic Downtown Athens is the hub of history and is scattered with shops, galleries, and African-American heritage sites.  Cross Broad St. and pass through the famed Arch onto UGA's historic North Campus, site of the first state-chartered university in the country (1785).

Afternoon: Lunch at The Grit or The Last Resort Grill lets you marvel at the art on the walls as well as the food on your plate. Then browse in the shops or search for that rare recording you've been looking for at Athens' renowned downtown local music stores.  After an afternoon of soaking in the Athens scene, you'll be ready for a relaxing dinner.  East West Bistro will tempt your palette with fusion flair.

Evening: Athens is "Live Music Central!"  Pick up a Flagpole Magazine or check out flagpole.com to to select your evening entertainment.  You might catch a national touring act or a large regional draw at the 40-Watt Club or the Georgia Theatre or a local singer-songwriter or underground upstart band at smaller clubs like DT's Down Under or the Caledonia.  Or for a uniquely Athens experience, ask about visiting the Chase Park Warehouse complex: home to Mercury Art Works, ATHICA and Canopy Studio (ever been to a live flying dance trapeze show)? 

Day Two

Morning: After a late night, nothing could be finer than freshly roasted and brewed coffee.  Ask Charlie at Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Facility downtown to show you the ins and outs of coffee production and roasting.  Break away from downtown for a visit to the Georgia Museum of Art or perhaps a private viewing at one of Athens' many galleries.  Local artists abound and welcome you to their atelier.

Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the café overlooking the International Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.  The 313-acre preserve features a stunning three-story tropical conservatory and gardens showcasing both native and international flora. 

Contact Amy Clark at the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau to make itinerary and accommodation arrangements, 706.357.4430, toll free 800.653.0603.