Athens is a vibrant college town known for its local music scene and diverse & interesting restaurants. To the north lie mountains and the start of the Appalachian Trail, and to the southeast are the the beautiful coastal cites of Savannah and Charleston. Atlanta is only about an hour drive.
In Athens
Athens has a diversity of restaurants, breweries, and bars to explore. Creature Comforts downtown (pictured) is a lab favorite. Athens has regular events, including trivia nights, farmers markets, and historical tours. Georgia’s state art museum is also housed at UGA and is free to the public!
Athens has a great live music scene! The Georgia Theater, 40 Watt Club, and Foundry regularly host live music. Athens also has annual music and arts festivals, including AthFest and PorchFest. Some of our lab members have hosted bands during PorchFest! Another favorite is the Wild Rumpus, the Halloween parade/costume party/dance party.
Outdoor Activities
Athens is full of parks and outdoor spaces. The State Botanical Garden is beautiful year round and hosts the fall insect festival, Insectival, in conjunction with UGA. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the nearby southern Appalachians, as well as opportunities to bike, walk, and kayak in Athens and along the Oconee River.