Athens is truly a city where you can find it all! It's a great mix of history, networking, music, local industry, great customer service, and excitement. Sometimes all in the same event. The Foundry Park Inn & Spa delivered on all of those things tonight as I took a tour of the historic Foundry buildings and Hoyt House. We were given a very detailed historical timeline, but I'll just hit the high points here.
Some of the buildings we toured were built as far back as 1829, most were built for the original site except for the Hoyt House which was moved down the Oconee River at the owner's request. In true Athenian style, they have all been re-purposed many times during wartime, for industrial reasons, or just for fun. Currently the buildings collectively make up the hotel, spa, conference center, restaurant, and music venue. The upscale amenities make it a tourist hot spot right in the heart of downtown Athens. It has raised the standard of hospitality and customer satisfaction, winning numerous awards, since opening in August of 2001. Here are some pictures from the Hoyt House: 
Here is part of our tour group talking to our tour guide (right).
Here is a picture of what the Hoyt House looked like before its recent renovations.
Inside the 2nd story of the restaurant, which opens for breakfast and lunch.
The original Foundry buildings have been restored several times. Previously, arms and munitions were manufactured here during the Civil War. Around 1862 John Gilleland designed the most famous double-barreled cannon which he forged right here in Athens. The symbol of UGA, the arch, was also forged in this building. 148 years later students are still walking through those same arches (and working on that whole "Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation" thing). Shortly after a fire devastated the Foundry, it was abandoned for almost 100 years. It's okay though. Partying is way better in cool, previously abandoned buildings. Everyone knows that.
Currently, The Melting Point is a popular concert venue specializing in jazz, bluegrass, and local acts. Bluegrass band, Exception to the Rule, is warming up on stage tonight complete with banjo, guitar, violin, and cello. The chick on the violin is playing crazy fast. She is definitely on par with that white-bearded guy who plays the violin downtown on the weekends (look for him near General's).
I'm sitting right in front of the stage because I got here early for the tour. I see my fellow tourgoers ordering fancy sounding dishes and complicated drinks. Despite the weird names, I'm totally jealous. The guy next to me has received his plate of fabulous $2 tacos from the chatty waitress. Whatever. I'm just going to sip my Terrapin Sunray Wheat and write this blog.
If you're looking for pizza AND trivia, I suggest Johnny's on the East side. The food is pretty standard for a pizza place, but the weekly trivia game is a must. The vibe is relaxed due to a healthy rotation of regulars, locals, and upperclassmen. They have appetizers and domestic pitchers ($4.95!!) on sale that night as well.
We've been going to Johnny's almost every Tuesday since February and have gotten to know a bunch of the regular teams. Invariably, we can always count on at least one of them to shout out the answer, one to pull out their smart phones on every question, and one to have the coolest name. This week ours was "Sorry for Partying..." (aka: Focusing on Italian homework and watching the Braves/Nationals game) Apparently we were doing a little too much partying, coming in dead last this week. It's cool though, we always have a great time. Below is a picture of our score card.
I like this weekly game for two BIG reasons.
1. You can sometimes weasel a few extra points out of the trivia master if you come up with the most creative answer.
-"Sequoia is the wrong answer."
-"No, that's the Latin name for Redwood."
My plea for points was like pulling up for that half-court shot with 2 seconds left on the clock, 68-67. I am not Lebron James.
2. Controversial questions usually end in an iPhone battle of epic proportions. Like this question:
"What is the name of the princess in the Super Mario series?"
The answer to this question is obviously Princess Peach Toadstool. Every single team wrote this answer, and every team got it wrong. You can imagine the uproar.
Hope to see you there next week! Bring your game face :)
First Day of Classes in The Classic City
Hello! My name is Claire. I'm currently the Social Media Intern at the Athens CVB. I'll be handling your blog experience for the next few months. If you read a post here that reminds you of some awesome downtown night in Athens or a great restaurant that you went you recently, let me know. I'd love to hear all of your cool Athens stories.
I'm a student at The University of Georgia in my senior year. Originally, I'm from Norfolk, Virginia (757). I do miss the beach, but this area has an equally unique vibe. After living in Athens for 3 full years, I've finally gotten in the swing of its seasonal cycles. When all of the students have gone for summer break, everything around town is more laid back. Locals start venturing out more often and the restaurants serve the freshest local meats and produce from area markets. In the fall, the pace of living is much more up tempo. Students fill restaurants, bars, and shops. Fans fill the streets (and lawns) in the fall wearing the colors of the Dawgs.
This is the pulse of The Classic City.
If you haven't felt it yet, there are plenty of students and locals that would love to point you in the direction of the best that Athens has to offer. We can show you the best hiking trails. We can direct you to the cutest boutiques. And we might be able to describe how good the fried chicken is at Weaver D's.
I realized that in the past three years, I've amassed a wealth of knowledge about this place that no guide book or website can give you. You just have to ask. I'm excited to tell you some of the secrets I've picked up along the way. So get ready as I fill you in on all of the festivals, shows, and hotspots you need to go to. I'll take pictures and video so you can go on this adventure with me, but if you like what you see go check it out! Let me give you the insider scoop.
Cool Ways to Stay Active
I've been in a rut at the gym lately. It seems like no matter how hard I try to incorporate new moves into my workout, I end up with the same cardio and core routine. Yawn.
This aversion to treadmills, free weights, and TVs that are permanently set to the Speed channel and MTV has forced me to attack swimsuit season from a different angle.
Athens is full of cool, unique ways to get in shape. I've listed some of my top picks below. All of these would be great options for this upcoming week, but I would love your ideas as well.
Beginner Trapeze Workshop
This workshop, held at Canopy Studio in Athens, sounds like a blast! No experience is required to come and learn a few basic moves from Canopy's movement artists. It will be a great workout because it combines strength and flexibility. I'm sure you will use muscles you never knew you had! Hurry and register online for tomorrow's workshop because spots are sure to fill up fast.
Family Fishing at Sandy Creek Nature Park
This weekly family event caught my eye as an easy way relax and get up off the couch. What could be better than fishing? In an article written for the Athens Banner-Herald, Glover Housman practically guarantees that even novice fisherman will be able to keep the fish biting all evening long. Sandy Creek and ACC Leisure Services will provide the equipment you'll need. In order to add this event into your workout schedule try biking to and from the park.
The Tree Trail (and other nature checklists)
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located off of Milledge Avenue (map), has 8 naturally wooded trails available for hiking. That's more than 5 miles of trail just waiting to help you get your heart rate up. Print out the handy information on local flora and fauna to help guide your hike. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a camera to document your discoveries.
Trivia!
Flex your mental muscles too! Categories like Sports, Pop Culture, History, and Music will keep you in top form for the start of the school year. Athens is great because you can find trivia at multiple locations every night of the week. I suggest playing at a few different places first because the vibe is different everywhere you go. Here are just a few that I've been to personally:
Monday: Blind Pig Tavern, 8 pm
Tuesday: Johnny's Pizza, 8 pm
Locos Grill and Pub, 8:30 pm
Wednesday: Your Pie, 7:30 pm
Most of these places offer prizes to teams with the most points. These are usually awesome things like gift certificates or appetizer vouchers. Since there will likely be questions about Athens history and UGA get your facts straight before you go so you cash in at the end. Having a cool team name won't hurt your chances either.
Let me know if you have been to any other places in Athens that are great for getting in shape so we can give them a shoutout too.
