Spooky Stories? or True Events? Find Out.

Have you ever wondered if the rumors are true? Is there a haunted sorority house on Milledge? What's the story behind Joe Brown Hall? Find out the truth tomorrow.

Recently named one of the nation's 12 Most Distinctive Destinations for 2009 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Athens is home to endless historic spots, each with its own story.

The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, a nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation, NAPC provides education, advocacy and training to local commissions throughout theU.S. As a kick-off to National Preservation Month, NAPC is hosting a“Pre-Game for Preservation” week featuring trivia nights, a scavenger hunt, and culminating with a ghost tour.

The free Haunted Ghost Tour will be held on April 1 at 8 p.m. The group will meet at the arch across from downtown. Tours will leave every 5 minutes, and the tour should last about 25 minutes. While guests are waiting for their group to leave, there will be tailgate games- like cornhole, root beer pong and ladder golf- and snacks. Tour guides will frighten the attendees with haunted tales as they walk from the UGA arch to several haunted Athens locations. Be sure to
look out for NACP's very own Ghostbusters , too!

NAPC also invites everyone to participate in an online, week long
scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt can be found at http://tinyurl.com/NAPCHunt and answers can be submitted between March 27 and April 2. On April 2 three winners will be selected at random to receive prizes from businesses located in historic Athens buildings.

Athens Cine Turns Two

Birthday and anniversary wishes are in order this week as Cine, Athens downtown, art house cinema celebrates its second anniversary.

The cinema not only features film, but also contains a bar and cafe. This week the they will be showcasing a variety of foreign films representative of the films usually shown.

This week's festivities includes a line up of film's including: SILENT LIGHT with an introduction by Dr. Diego Del Pozo on Tuesday, March 31 at 4:15, 7:00 and 9:45; OUR CITY DREAMS with an introduction by Judith McWillie Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:30; and IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE with an introduction by Dr. Ari Levine Thursday, April 2 at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:30 on the theater's actual anniversay.

If you have not yet made your way to Cine, this is the perfect opportunity. With its unique European feel, out of the box movie selections and charming atmosphere, Cine is the perfect place to learn all about Athen's hidden gems. Click here for more information about this event.

To learn more about Cine's past, present and future, watch the clip below. You may be surprised to find the eclectic history behind its walls.

Travel Around the Globe in One Weekend

Can't find the time or funds to travel around the globe quite yet? Never say never.

This Saturday, April 4, the University of Georgia International Student Life Office will host the 11th annual International Street Festival, “Bringing the World to Athens.”

The festival, scheduled to take place from noon to 5 p.m. in the College square downtown, will bring music, dance and cultural displays from around the world. Dozens of student organizations will be present and there is no cost involved with attending or participating in festival activities.

Visitors will have an opportunity to collect “passport” stamps from each of the countries represented; those who collect all available stamps will receive a ticket for a prize drawing.

A children’s corner will include activities such as coloring international paper dolls, creating their own flags and crafting African necklaces, to name a few.

For more information about the festival, or to volunteer, call 706/542-5867 or visit www.uga.edu/isl.

Out in Athens This Weekend

This weekend is all about the arts this weekend in Athens. From music to theater and everything in-between there is something for everyone. Check out some of this weekend's great ideas.

UGA Performing Arts Center

You won't want to miss these classics live.
Friday: The Best of Andrew Loyd Webber. Performers have appeared on Broadway, in Carnegie Hall, and at the White House. 8 p.m. tickets range in price from $23-$28.
Saturday: Academy of Ancient Music. One of the world's foremost period-instrument orchestras, will perform the Complete Brandenburg Concertos. 8 p.m. tickets are $34 for students and $39 for non-students.
Sunday: Charles Wadsworth and Friends. Hosted by UGA Alumnus and founder of the Chamber MusicSociety of Lincoln Center. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Theater

Frederico Garcia Lorca's House of Bernarda Alba. March 25-28: 8 p.m. March 29: 2:30 p.m.
$10/Adult; $7/Student

MacBeth presented by Rose of Athens Theatre. Thursday, March 26: 10 a.m. school matinee Friday, March 27: 10 a.m. school matinee, 8 p.m. public performance Saturday, March 28: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students and age 25 and younger.

A Bag Full of Fables presented by Athens Little Playhouse. Friday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 pm; Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for students, children, seniors, and ALPS members. On Sunday, children’s tickets are $5.

UGA Sports
Men's and Women's tennis vs. LSU. 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

AthFest Headliners Announced

AthFest, the annual arts and music festival held each June in downtown Athens, is almost here and this year's headlining bands have just been announced.

AthFest has showcased the best in local, regional and nationally recognized music for the past 12 years and this year will be no different.

More than 175 bands and artists will perform throughout the festival which will be held June 25-28 2009. All performances will take place on two outdoor stages and are free of charge to the public. The festival features music, arts, food and an evening "club crawl."

On Friday, June 26 at 9 p.m. the main stage will feature The Black Lips, a self described "flower punk" band from Atlanta known for their frenzied live shows. Dead Confederate, who recently preformed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, will co-headline at 7:50 p.m.

On Saturday, the main stage will feature Patterson Hood & the Screwtopians. The line-up includes Drive By-Trucker's Patterson Hood, John Neff and Brad Morgan; Centro-Matic's Will Johnson and Scott Danbom; and David Barbe.

Closing the festival on Sunday at 7 p.m. will be the Randall Bramblett Band, a legendary Athens musician who has performed and/or recorded with Steve Winwood, The Allman Bros. Band and Widespread Panic, just to name a few.

Add to that the "club crawl." What would Athens be without its nightlife of course? The "club crawl" will take place Friday and Saturday night and guests may purchase wristbands in advance for $15 or $20 at the festival to gain entrance into almost 20 music venues across town.

Mark your calendars and visit here for more information!

Thanks and Praise for Robert Osborne

After talking about the Robert Osborne Film Festival for quite some time now, it finally arrived in Athens last weekend!

I hope everyone got a chance to get out and see at least one movie. I myself attended the Friday showing of Rear Window and LOVED it. I am a huge Hitchcock fan and to finally see one of his most famous films on the big screen was incredible.

I was so excited to see a packed house and people of all ages. It really is amazing to see how film has changed, yet how simple camera angles, little special effects and few actors can create such cinematic magic.

Everyone from the film goers and volunteers to Robert Osborne, panel experts and Grady College, made this event one for the story boards.

It is not something to miss next spring. Be sure to check back here later this week. I will be posting a short video summary of the weekend!

Out and About in Athens this Weekend

There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy all Athens has to offer this weekend. Take a look at some of this weekend's top events:

Robert Osborne Film Festival
March 19-22.

The festival features special guest and Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne at the Classic Center. Movies they were meant to be seen--on the big screen. This year's lineup includes, Goldfinger, King Kong, Rear Window, Funny Girl, Sunset Boulevard, For Your Consideration, The Godfather, and E.T. Each film also includes a Q & A session.

Click here for more information and ticket options.

Running on Empty: The Fossil Fuel Addiction: Closing Day Symposium
Sunday, 2:30 - 6 p.m.
This art exhibition addesses the pressing issue of global climate change with passion, humor and urgency. The symposium includes an artists' panel discussion, presentations and a silent auction.

Click here for more information.

Laugh Out Loud Presents: A Night of Improv Comedy
Sunday, 2:30 - 6 p.m. at the Melting Point
This interactive, improv performance invites the audience to help out and even participate. Get ready to laugh at things even your grandparents wouldn't find the least bit hilarious.

Click here for more information.

Sustaninapalooza
Friday, March 20 4-11:00 p.m. Legion Field
Featuring seven bands, 50 sustainably organizations. This event is free and features door prizes and giveaways as well!

Music lineup includes: The Sustainability String Band, Allison Weiss, Jazzchronic, S2 (formerly Surise), Five-Eight, the Wydelles, Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings.

Georgia Athletics

Don't forget about UGA sports this weekend! Baseball, track and field and Women's tennis are all in full swing this weekend!

Click here for schedules and tickets.

Go Behind the Scenes at the Robert Osborne Film Festival this Weekend

Looking for a way to make the most out of your cinema packed weekend in Athens? Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet some of the festival's most important guests.

Saturday, March 21 at 11:30 attendees are invited to attend a special brunch with special guests and other film goers.

The brunch will take place in the Athena Ballroom at the Classic Center. A limited number of $30 tickets and $90 festival passes that include brunch are available at the Classic Center box office.

The second special event to look forward to, “Curtain Call with Fred and Friends” will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Classic Center theater lobby.

Guests can enjoy coffee and light refreshments and mingle with guest host and actor Fred Willard and fellow film fans. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 at the Classic Center box office.

The movie lineup for the festival includes Goldfinger, King Kong, Rear Window, Funny Girl, Sunset Boulevard, For Your Consideration, The Godfather and E.T.

Remember, ticket options include an unlimited pass including brunch, $90 ($75 with UGA student/ alumni association ID), a festival pass including tickets to film discussions, $60 ($45 with UGA student/ alumni association ID) and individual film passes, $10 ($8 with UGA student/alumni association ID).

This is one weekend, you will not want to miss! For more details, click here.

St. Patrick's Day in Athens

Looking for ways to bring out the Irish in yourself tomorrow night while enyoing the Classic City? Here are some pretty lucky ideas:

Terrapin Tuesday St. Patrick's Day celebration with Short Road Home and Green Flag

Enjoy live music, performances and great food at the Melting Point. Entertainment includes Short Road Home, a six-piece Athens-based ensemble inspired by the music of Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and Appalachia; Green flag, a quartet focusing on traditional Irish music; and Irish Riverdance performances.

This event starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are avalible online for $5 or $8 at the door.

St. Patrick's Day at Harry Bissetts' on the Westside

"We may be Cajun, but there is a bit of Irish in us all."
Enjoy Irish Bayou food and drink specials, plus a live Bagpiper on the patio from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Visits UGA this Wednesday

Ever wondered what it would be like to meet a Nobel Peace Prize winner? This Wednesday you will have that opportunity.

Mohamed ElBaradei was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and is currently Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

ElBaradei will speak on a panel concerning nuclear weapons Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Masters Auditorium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

The event is free and open to the public and is in celebration of the 20th-anniversary commemoration of UGA's Center for International Trade and Security which seeks to ensure nuclear energy is used in a peaceful manner.

R.E.M. Gets to Carnegie Hall!

This week marked yet another milestone for Athens' own R.E.M., as 20 musical acts played tribute to the pioneering, Hall of Fame band at the venerable Carnegie Hall. Fittingly, the evening was more than a personal tribute, but also benefitted a great cause. Read all about this awe-inspring evening at Paste Magazine's blog.

Five Dollar Five Star Dining

Looking for an excellent, yet affordable, restaurant for your next meeting or lunch date? Who isn't trying to save money in today's economy.

Luckily, fine dining and a small bill may go hand and hand in one Athens area restaurant.

East-West Bistro, one of Athens most popular downtown restaurants known for its fine dining and exquisite meals is now offering a daily lunch special...for five dollars.

Consider this, a five dollar meal is less than you would more than likely spend at a local fast food chain--but I promise you it's on a whole other level at East-West.

The "five spot" deal is available Monday-Friday during lunch and is different everyday of the week, leaving plenty of room for second visit--or perhaps dessert?

East-West Bistro is located on Broad Street in downtown Athens, stop by and see what the menu offers today--because you already missed yesterday.

Spring is in the Air

Spring is nearly here...or at least we hope this time! The warm weather sends me straight outside, whether it is to run, study or just hang out, Athens is full of places to take advantage of the bea-u-tiful weather.

If you are looking for a way to get outside whether it is to relax, exercise or make convince the kids to play outdoors, here are some great Athens options.

Sandy Creek Park:
Sandy Creek boasts a nature center home to a diverse group of animals, plants, and ecosystems. The forests, fields, and wetlands full of life are ready for you to explore. The park is also home to numerous playing fields, running and biking trails and picnic tables for the perfect afternoon outside!

Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail:
Athens has a zoo?! Yes. Avoid the rush of traffic in bigger cities and plan to visit Bear Hollow while in Athens. The zoo features animals native to the Athens area and seeks to educate visitors about wildlife. Black bears, woodchucks and bald eagles are only a few of the residents in this zoo. The park is open everyday from 9 a.m. to sunset and is free.

Broad river Outpost:
Rent a kayak, canoe or camp out! Rentals are only $20 a person on weekends and offer a whole new experience as you tread down the river on your own for the day!

For more ideas click here!

Out and About in Athens this Weekend

Athens is never short of places to visit, people to see and things to do. And this weekend is no different.

There are a host of events in Athens this weekend for every type of person. For a complete list of ideas click here.

Here are a few of my picks for the weekend:

OK so we all LOVED the snow right? But what beats the warmer weather we are all accustomed to? Spring is almost here, so why not stop by the 15th annual Athens Home and Garden Show.

Held at the Classic Center, the show will also include area builders, retailers, Realtors(R), bankers and other professionals to answer questions. A Kids' Corner includes activities, arts and crafts, and other family events.

The cost is $5 adults/$4 seniors/$3 ages 3-12/under age 3 free. For more information click here.

Looking to stay inside? The Georgia Men's Basketball team will take on South Carolina Saturday at Stegemen Coliseum. We all still bleed red and black and after a very impressive game vs. Florida a few weeks ago, anything is possible. Tickets are $15 and the game starts at 2:00 p.m. For tickets click here.

Don't forget to take advantage of the many FREE events going on at UGA. This Friday be sure to stop by the African American Film Festival. It starts at 9 p.m. at the main library!

For more ideas visit Flagpole Magazine's event calender by clicking here.

Classic Film, where else but the Classic City

Last year more than 1.3 trillion tickets were purchased to see movies in the United States alone.

But every year, there are the same movies, the ones maybe your mom, dad or a friend told you to see get put on the back burner. The classics.

March 19-22 at the Classic Center in Athens you will get the chance to experience some of the best, and believe me, this time you're not going to want to say "maybe later."

The Robert Osborne Classic Film Festival, sponsored by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at UGA is hosted by...well...Robert Osbourne of course!

Robert Osborne, the primetime host of Turner Classic Movies and a columnist for The Hollywood Reporter, has picked eight classic films that he reports on the event's website, "represent the breadth and variety of classic cinema from the 1930s to the 2000s."

The three-and-a-half day film festival will include a 60-foot motion picture screen and fan favorites such as Rear Window (my personal favorite), ET and King Kong. For the full list of all eight movies click here.

Tickets are only $10 per film for adults and $8 for students, but passes with extras such as access to film discussions and brunch are available here or at the Classic Center box office.

Looking for a place to stay over the weekend? Click here for ideas to jump start your planning.

Not sure if you are quite ready? Check out pictures from last year's event.

Get ready to dust off that list of "must-see movies" and check them off March 19-22!

When it Rains it Pours...but When it Snows...

Weather update as of 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning when I got up to go teach first graders at Sunday school...snow showers in the afternoon.


In first grade the word "snow" takes on a life of it's own. I got to Sunday school and heard detailed plans of just how each one of my students was going to spend their afternoon in the snow. Sledding, snowmen, even a planned embankment where to keep all of the snowballs for the snowball fight. I smiled, nodded my head and silently said to myself "too bad it will never happen."

Fast forward to 9:00 p.m. There is nearly eight inches of snow on the ground and I have been playing in it since 2:00 p.m. Just like the little ones said.


I am still in a bit of shock, first that the weather man was right and that this day had actually happened.

Power outages, snowball fights, sledding...really anything my Sunday school class had told me was going to happen did.

The best part? I am 20 years old, a junior at the University of Georgia and I had one of the best days of my life...snow...in Athens, Ga.


What did you do yesterday to become a kid again? How did March 1, 2009 shape your memories of Athens, Ga.?

Music Notes

When most people think of Athens, Ga. two things come to mind: The University of Georgia and a world famous music scene.

With favorites such as the B-52's and REM to call Athens home, Athens music has become more than just a small town with a few music venues for local bands. Bands are born here, strive here and become famous here everyday.

With so many different venues, artists and genres present every weekend, it's hard to miss out on the experience of concerts in Athens.

Last weekend I attended two concerts in two nights, seeing three of my favorite artists, (Citizen Cope, Eric Hutchinson and G. Love and Special Sauce).

It really reminded me how amazing it is to live in such a diverse college town where some of most thriving music in the country lives and thrives.

Each concert took on its own persona, but the one thing I found in all was that the crowd was not simply a "college student" fan base. My best friend's parents even came out with us Saturday night and they were by no means the only "adults" in the crowd.

What makes Athens music so different that is draws bands from all over the world here? Do you have a stand out "ah-ha!" concert that made you realize that there is no place quite like the classic city?