Wander Woman

I’m a girl who loves proponent travel more than anything. I spend my days dreaming about all the places I long to explore…

I love to travel—to discover new places, explore unfamiliar streets, and soak in the distinct character each destination holds. Athens, Georgia is no exception. Whether you’re just passing through, spending an unforgettable few months (or years), or planting roots for good, Athens stands out as one of the most unique and memorable cities you’ll ever experience.

When the Georgia heat is at its peak, there’s no place cooler than Athens. This vibrant college town—home to the University of Georgia—has inspired Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and launched world-famous rock bands. I fell in love wandering the charming downtown streets, where historic Victorian buildings now house a colorful mix of indie coffee shops, creative eateries, and quirky boutiques. Known as “Live Music Central,” Athens pulses with energy, and its legendary music venues draw fans from around the globe. Check out The 40 Watt Club, where The B-52s and R.E.M got their start.

Athens’ prominent role in the state of Georgia can be attributed primarily to the University of Georgia, for which Athens was originally established. In 1785, the Georgia legislature made the pioneering decision to establish the nation’s first state-supported university. The university’s trustees chose the name Athens, honoring the ancient Greek city renowned for its dedication to learning. Abraham Baldwin, who drafted the university’s charter, became its first president. Despite these plans, no concrete action was taken to realize the university for sixteen years. The town of Athens was officially incorporated in 1806 and later rechartered in 1872.

At first, the land for its growth came from lots sold by the university, which thereby generated money for campus buildings. The first building on the campus was named for Benjamin Franklin and is now known as Old College.

Athens was fortunate to avoid major attacks during the Civil War, but as the conflict progressed, the Cook and Brother Armory supplied the Confederacy with cannons and rifles. The renowned double-barreled cannon still stands today on the grounds of City Hall. Local textile mills produced Confederate uniforms, many sewn by the Ladies Aid Society. University enrollment steadily declined, leading to a complete closure in 1863. During this time, campus buildings served as shelters for soldiers and refugees. The University of Georgia did not reopen until 1866.

The Athens area expanded steadily throughout the 20th century. The University of Georgia was integrated in 1961, marking a significant milestone. By 1980, the population of Athens and its surrounding suburbs had grown to nearly 63,000. During the 1996 Olympics, Athens proudly hosted the women’s soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, and volleyball events.

Other places to visit include The Georgia Museum of Art, which houses nine galleries. The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center complements the Classic Center. The 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia serves as headquarters for the Garden Club of Georgia, and offers nature trails, gardens, a conservatory, and a chapel. On campus, the Georgia Museum of Natural History has collections in archaeology, as well as biological and earth sciences.

Many antebellum houses still survive. The Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum, built in the Federalist style, is thought to be the oldest remaining building in Athens. Just west of downtown stands the mansion of Ross Crane, the builder of the university’s 1832 Greek Revival Chapel. Also located on the west side is the Taylor-Grady House, a striking Greek Revival home featuring thirteen columns—one representing each of the original colonies. This was the childhood home of Henry W. Grady, a prominent spokesman for the “New South.” In 1834, John Addison Cobb, a wealthy plantation owner who moved to Athens in 1824, developed Cobham, the city’s first suburb.

The Georgia Theater is a proud part of both the Downtown Athens National Register Historic District and the Downtown Local Historic District, which was designated in 2006. Originally built in 1935 as the Elite Theater, it was constructed on the site of the original YMCA building from 1889. The upper portion of the YMCA was demolished in 1920, and over the years, the building served various roles including the Majestic Hotel, Masonic Temple, Dorsey Furniture Company, and Burnstein Brothers Furniture Company before the Elite Theater was established. It remains unclear how much of the original YMCA structure was incorporated into the theater. After a devastating fire in 2009, the Georgia Theatre was rebuilt and reopened in August 2011, once again becoming a cornerstone of the Athens music scene.

The Things that Made Me Love Athens:

Honestly, the food scene in Athens deserves its own dedicated article. But here’s a quick take: it’s amazing! The diversity is incredible. While some spots can be pricey, they’re absolutely worth it. I discovered every type of cuisine imaginable, with delicious farm-to-table offerings and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. Athens is home to several breweries, mircopubs, and even bike tours to local farms. My favorite local restaurants include Little Italy (the best and only place you can order single slices of pizza), Clocked (Retro style diner with killer cherry cokes), Last Resort Grill, Mama’s Boy, Cali & Titos and DE Palmas.

History. Georgia is packed with incredible history waiting to be explored. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal city of Savannah, you’ll find a wealth of fascinating sites—including the nation’s first insane asylum, Civil War battlefields, historic cemeteries, abandoned plantations, Native American mounds, and ghost towns. The state is truly rich with captivating stories from the past.

Whoa, how many bars? There are how many bands playing tonight? UGA took the #1 spot in Princeton Reviews’ Party School rankings for a reason. The nightlife. Oh, did I mention that cover charges are non-existent and even fancy beers rarely top $3. Some of the most popular and recognized establishments are: The Globe, Georgia Theatre, Bourbon Street, Walkers, Sister Louisa’s Church, and Max Canada.

Music. Athens is known for a few small bands like R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Neutral Milk Hotel and the B-52s. But what is surprising is simply the amount of local talent and the volume. Every night of the week there are tons of small bands and individuals playing for free at the 100 or so bars in the two square mile radius that makes up downtown.

I’m not much of a sports fan, so not knowing who the Bulldogs were definitely earned me a few laughs in Athens. One thing I quickly learned: the locals are absolutely obsessed with football. Everywhere you turn, football is the main topic of conversation. You know sports run deep in a town when the football stadium can hold more people than the entire population. GO DAWGS!

Athens, even hosts one of the coolest downtown criterium bike races in the country. Twilight is a professional race with monster prizes, a wonderful accompanying festival and an awesome downtown atmosphere.

Athens, Georgia is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway with friends or a cozy retreat for you and your loved one. The job market can be tough—unless you’re a bartender or a professor at UGA. Experiencing Athens like a local is a whole different adventure. When the students head home for break, the town transforms into a completely different place.