It is summer in Athens, Ga., so we know what that means... it is sunny and hot! While the weather is perfect for the pool, staying cool and hydrated are critical while exploring Athens. If you are anything like myself, an hour or two in the sun and you are in dire need of a cold popsicle or beverage! Well, lucky for you, Athens has got you and your family covered! I've tasted and explored many refreshing popsicles and drink for myself, and these below are my favorite refreshing stops this summer!
For the Kiddies (or a treat for yourself as well... you know you want to):
1. King of Pops
You will see the King of Pops cart at various locations around Athens during the summer. The cart is at most events in Athens and on the streets of Downtown Athens. When you see it, always stop and get a popsicle! I love these popsicles because of the unique flavors from Peaches & Cream to Blackberry Ginger Lemonade to Chocolate Sea Salt. Be sure to grab a napkin!
Athens Website: https://www.facebook.com/kingofpopsathens
Address: Various Downtown and Event Locations
Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/kingofpopsathens
2. Hip Pops
Hip Pops is an Athens local business similar to King of Pops with its own flavor. Literally. Hip Pops are unique with flavors from Purple Drank (Lavender Lemonade) to Fifty Mint (Chocolate Thin Mint). You can get Hip Pops at their permanent home in the Chase Street Warehouse or at the Daily Co-Op on Prince Avenue.
Website: hippopsathens.com
Address: 160 Tracey Street, Suite 13 Athens, GA 30606
Photo Source: hippopsathens.com
Victor "Beau" Shell is the youngest entrepreneur in Athens and a member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. At age 10, he has a successful ice cream business for a year now. His cart offers 12 flavors, his favorite being the Ice Cream Sandwich. By following the Lil' Ice Cream Dude Facebook page, you can find out where he will be and when! You should definitely check this cool kid out!
Website: https://www.lilicecreamdude.com/home.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilicecreamdudecool
Address: 160 Tracey Street, Suite 13 Athens, GA 30606
4. Kat Kat Icee
"Kattilac Coupe Devill" is the captain of the Classic City Roller Girls knows how to draw a crowd. From skating to ice cream, she is embracing the Athens scene with her ice cream stand debut Father's Day weekend this summer. She is located across the street from the Georgia Theatre. Check out this cool girl and her refreshing treats!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/katkaticeetreats
Address: Hull Street and Clayton Street Intersection, Across from Georgia Theatre
Drinks for Adults (food and entertainment for everyone):
5. The National
After an afternoon outdoors with the family, take a walk through downtown and head over to The National for a refreshing cocktail. I suggest the Georgia Ginger Mojito! The National also has a fabulous Watermelon-Strawberry Ague Fresca that you can drink as it is or add your favorite liquor for a little more spunk!
Website: thenationalrestaurant.com
Address: 232 W Hancock Ave. Athens, GA 30601
6. Highwire & Trappeze Pub
Highwire is connected with Trappeze Pub and it has incredible cocktails for you to sip on from the Corduory (mcivor scotch, mint, lime, apple cider and blenheim ginger ale) to the Almond Branch (bulleit bourbon, amaretto, blackberries, lemon, blenheim and ginger ale). The drink selection at Trappeze Pub makes beer lovers mouths drop wide open! Trust me, I've seen it for myself when going to Trappeze Pub with my boyfriend, a brewmaster himself. He was shocked by the selection and couldn't believe that Trappeze Pub carried some of the most obscure beers you can otherwise never find. This is a pub after all, and the food is the best. You have to get their Rosemary and Garlic fries and dip them in all the wonderful sauces: Raspberry Ketchup, Roasted Garlic Aioli, and Blue Cheese. A beer and some fries makes for a great afternoon snack, but if you are feeling really hungry and are ready for lunch or dinner, I suggest the Pub Burger with gruyere and arugula!
Website: highwirelounge.com/drinks
Address: 269 North Hull Street #6, Athens, GA 30601
Photo Source (above and below): Alicia Muzzy
Terrapin is a name you have probably already heard of many times when you go to the store to buy your Brew. Terrapin is an Athens Brewery that has truly made a name for itself. Outdoor brewery tours and tastings are Wednesday - Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This makes for a great late afternoon with your family with great music, food trucks, King of Pops, and beer for the adults! Terrapin offers its classic favorites at these events such as the Rye Pale Ale and Hopsecutioner, but it will also serve its seasonal beers. For the summer, you can taste its Maggie's Peach Farmhouse Ale. Also at these brewery tours and tastings will be Terrapin beers infused with fruit such as orange peel or blueberry or apricots. These beers are cool and refreshing, and definitely keep you in touch with the summer season, so bring your frisbee, cornhole, etc. and enjoy the afternoon!
Website: terrapinbeer.com
Address: 265 Newton Bridge Road Athens, GA 30607
Photo Source: Alicia Muzzy
8. Copper Creek Brewing Co.
This small brewery serves food as well. Each day there are three to four brews of their own brews on tap for you try. Eat and drink in this old traditional brewery in Athens on Washington Street. I personally enjoy the look of this place on the inside from the copper brewing equipment displayed at the front window to the copper skillets hanging from the ceilings. This is a great place to escape a couple hours of the summer heat.
Website: coppercreekathens.com
Address: 140 E Washington Street Athens, GA 30601
9. Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
This is a new brewery here in Downtown Athens in the old tire shop on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street. This is such a unique spot in Athens and a great location to walk afterward to dinner or a move at Cine. Creature Comforts is quickly becoming a big hit in Athens and it has only been opened a few weeks! Brewery tours and tastings are Tuesday - Thursday 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Friday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. The setting is perfect for the summer with open air windows and a cool atmosphere. Try Creature Comforts light summer beers such as the Bibo Pilsner and the Tropicalia American IPA.
Website: creaturecomfortsbeer.com
Address: 271 W Hancock Ave Athens, GA 30601
Photo Source: Alicia Muzzy
10. Rooftop Bar by The Branded Butcher
Other than its fabulous views of Downtown Athens, the Rooftop Bar by the Branded Butcher also has some wonderful food and drink for you to enjoy. This place has everything, and you certainly won't disagree once you go for yourself! Get a drink, a snack, and enjoy the summer views in Athens.
Website: georgiatheatre.com/rooftop
Address: 215 North Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30601