Athens, Georgia

The Classic City: Tradition with Progress

As home to the country’s oldest state-chartered university, Athens is steeped in rich cultural heritage. It’s also one of the most progressive and diverse places you’re likely to encounter. It’s not uncommon to find yourself driving past stately antebellum mansions and magnolia-shaded formal gardens on your way downtown to see one of the hottest bands on the current music scene. This unique combination of old and new makes Athens an interesting place to live and work.

The University of Georgia lies in the center of Athens, making the city a true “college town.” With a population of approximately 100,000, the Athens-Clarke County metropolitan area is large enough to provide a wide range of social and cultural resources. At the same time, the Classic City is small enough to offer a relaxed, casual lifestyle. It’s truly a place where Old South meets New South, and the blend can be delightful.

The city is also in a prime location for indulging in Georgia’s cultural and natural amenities. If you’re looking for shopping, concerts, sports events or fine restaurants, Atlanta is only an hour’s ride to the west. For natural relaxation, the Blue Ridge Mountains are less than two hours north. A four hours’ drive southeast will put you in the middle of sun and surf on Georgia’s beaches. Athens’ downtown area features a vast variety of restaurants, bars, coffee houses, art shops, and other businesses. Many of these businesses are operated by “Townies,” that is, former UGA students who liked it here so much they stayed on after graduation and joined the community. Athens literally has something for everybody.

Interested in nightlife?
You’ve come to the right place.

Athens has been the birthplace of some of the most famous bands in popular music, including R.E.M., the B-52’s, Love Tractor and Pylon. Athens is a Mecca of the alternative rock scene, with hundreds of acts in town. The members of R.E.M. still live in Athens and occasionally make surprise appearances. Many major national bands play here, as well. On any given night in Athens, your options for live music run the gamut from bluegrass to thrash. Check out this guide to local bars in the weekly Flagpole magazine.

And don’t forget those autumn Saturdays when 92,000 Georgia Bulldog fans descend on the city for home football games. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it in Athens.

Weather and Climate

Find out about current weather conditions and Athens climate.

Explore Athens

Explore Athens on the Web. See what life in Athens is like. Click on the links below to find out:

• UGA Visitor Information
• Visit Athens, GA
• Yahoo’s Athens City guide

Athens News

For news/info on Athens check out the links below:

• Online Athens
• Red & Black

History

The Double Barreled Cannon, currently standing on the City Hall grounds, was the invention of John Gilleland, who intended to use it in the Civil War. It was only fired once. This relic is believed to be the only one of its type in the world.

The “Tree That Owns Itself,” as legend has it, together with eight feet of land on all sides, was deeded to itself by Professor W. H. Jackson around 1875. The original tree died in 1942, but was replaced by a sapling from an acorn of the original tree. Standing over fifty feet tall and at the top of the only remaining Belgian block street in Athens, the tree is famed as the world’s most unusual heir and property owner.

The Morton Theatre was America’s first African-American built, owned and operated vaudeville theatre. Built in 1910 by Monroe Bowers Morton, the theatre is now owned by the Athens-Clarke County government and has been restored for performing arts space and community events. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A National Historic Landmark, the Taylor-Grady House is a Greek revival mansion with 13 regal Doric columns surrounding three sides. Each column is said to represent one of the 13 original colonies. Henry W. Grady, famous editor of the Atlanta Constitution, and the namesake of the University’s College of Journalism and Mass Communication, lived in the house when he was attending the University of Georgia.

Built in the 1940’s and located directly behind the Terry College, the Founders Memorial Garden is a memorial to the founders of the first garden club in America, the Ladies Garden Club of Athens, founded in 1891.

Although steeped in history, Athens is progressive in its culture and activities. Each year the city hosts the Twilight Criterium, one of the nation’s largest bicycle races, with Olympic and international riders competing. Other festivals and events are held throughout the year and provide students and residents alike with many cultural experiences.