Your R.E.M. Athens Itinerary 

If you've been an R.E.M. groupie since the beginning, you probably know the importance Athens had in fostering their success.  Check out some of the most R.E.M. things to do here in Athens, where it all started.

Live music icon Retro Vibes

Stop by Wuxtry Records to be in the presence of where it truly all began.  Wuxtry is the very place Peter Buck and Michael Stipe met. Buck was working, and Stipe came in to browse...and the rest is history.  So, pop into Wuxtry to take in all the history, and maybe even pick up a record or two

Explore icon Iconic Sights

Don't forget to stop by and take in the history of four major R.E.M. landmarks: the St. Mary's Steeple, the Georgia Theatre, their current office in Downtown Athens, and the murmur trestle.  The St. Mary's Steeple, sometimes more commonly known as the "R.E.M. Steeple", is known to be a pilgrimage site of sorts for R.E.M. fans or music fans in general exploring Athens.  The church, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, was the very first place R.E.M. ever played a show, on April 5, 1980.  Make your way over to the Georgia Theatre, an iconic venue for R.E.M. for the many shows they have played here, as well as the site of numerous "Athens only" ticket sales for shows in Atlanta over the years.  Basically, the GATH has been one of a few "home-bases" for R.E.M. since its establishment here in Athens.  Stop by, take in the scenery, and maybe even go up to the Rooftop for a drink or two.  Also, be sure to stop by and see R.E.M.'s current office Downtown.  You can't miss the log cabin-looking building among the Athens streets. Last but certainly not least is the R.E.M. Murmur Railroad Trestle.  This large railroad trestle in Dudley Park is another Athens claim to fame when it comes to R.E.M. This railroad trestle was featured on the back cover of the 1983 album "Murmur".  Persisting as a magnet for R.E.M. pilgrims, the land including this trestle was sold to developers in 2000, much to the dismay of fans. The city of Athens and R.E.M. fans alike had to fight to have the land purchased back, and so it was.  Millions have been spent to preserve it, so it is definitely worth seeing.

R.E.M. Murmur Trestle on Athens Music History Tour

restaurant icon Lunch

To round out your R.E.M.-filled afternoon, stop into Weaver D's for lunch.  After all, this establishment is responsible for "Automatic for the People".  This phrase started out as the simple motto for Weaver D's Delicious Fine Foods, but soon turned into the name of an R.E.M hit album when, in 1992, they strolled into the restaurant and asked Dexter Weaver himself.  Not only is this place iconic for being the namesake of the album, but it serves up some seriously good soul food - it is a must try.

 

Take in the nostalgia and history of being in a truly special place when it comes to R.E.M. and their climb to fame - we are proud to be the birthplace of such a legendary band!

Plus, enjoy an Athens Music History Tour while you're here. Download this self-guided tour of local music heritage spots from VisitAthensGA.com/music-tour, or pick up a copy at the Athens Welcome Center or Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau.