Athens This Weekend: Feb. 25 - 27

If you are still undecided about what to do this weekend, Athens, GA has a lot to offer for every budget and taste!

The highlights:

1. Saturday and Sunday you can check out the 16th Annual Athens Home and Garden Show at the Classic Center. This is a great event for anyone thinking about remodeling their home, redoing their landscape, or anyone who just likes to dream big! The show is presented by the Athens Area Home Builders Association and there will be plenty of professionals to answer all your questions about home decor, landscaping, lighting, cabinetry, construction, financing, and much more. There will even be a kid's corner for arts and crafts and other family activities! Stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.

For more information visit: http://www.onlineathens.com/homeshow/

2. The Foundry Park Inn & Spa is hosting its 7th Annual Bridal Show and Tasting to help you plan your Athens wedding! There will be more than 20 northeast Georgia premium wedding vendors including photographers, florists, wedding planners, pastry chefs, entertainment, transportation companies and more! You'll also have a chance to sample food from the Foundry's award winning culinary team. Check it out Sunday between 2 - 5 p.m to get all the information you need to make your wedding perfect!

3. If you'd like to kill two birds with one stone, get your food and entertainment at the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Dinner Theatre at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at UGA. There are four chances to attend Friday - Sunday and you can even choose from a dinner show in the evening or a desert show in the afternoon! Characters from the show will mingle with guests while they are dining and then everyone will move upstairs for the classic production.

For more Athens weekend ideas, check out our event calendar.

Vote for Athens Top 25 Arts Destination



CLICK HERE TO VOTE



Every year American Style Magazine lists their top 25 Arts Destinations.  Each year since 2002 Athens, Georgia has made the list! Athens boasts a newly expanded Georgia Museum of Art, a growing contemporary arts presence through ATHICA, a supportive Athens Area Arts Council, local galleries such as the Lyndon House Arts Center, Aurum Studios, Good Dirt, and many others. While we all know how amazing art is in Athens, it's time to tell everyone else! The American Style Magazine takes votes every year to determine who makes this list and we can't let Athens drop off! To vote: go here and check Athens, GA in the mid-sized cities category!

For more reasons why Athens is great, check out all the accolades from around the country!

Athens This Weekend: Feb. 18 - 20

There is so much to do this weekend in Athens! Whether you want to get outdoors and enjoy the weather, or spend time inside learning more about food, yourself, and other cultures, Athens, GA has it all!

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1. 18th Annual A Taste of Athens 2011 - Spend your Sunday evening sampling the best food and drinks that Athens restaurants have to offer! There will be over 50 restaurants offering food samples, a wine and beer tasting, and a silent auction. The best way to attend this amazing night guilt-free is to take part in the Taste of Athens 10K on Saturday! All proceeds from these events benefit the Community Connection of Northeast Georgia, who for more than 25 years has encouraged our community to GET, GIVE, and GROW HELP!

For more information visit: http://www.tasteofathens.com/

2. Total You Northeast Georgia Women's Expo - Saturday is the ultimate spa party at the Classic Center! It's time to finally be the better you that you've been planning for! Come check out healthy food, facial massages, waxings, exercise, scrapbooking, and self-defense workshops.

New this year is a special Little Princess area that includes face painting, nail painting, and a chance to meet Disney princesses! Stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and pamper yourself!

Learn more at: http://www.totalyouexpo.com/

3. The 3rd Annual Jewish Film Festival - This festival opens Saturday at Ciné with a reception, dinner (Sold Out), and screening of The Infidel to get you ready for the rest of the cultural festival! Throughout the 5 day festival, there will be 10 feature film screenings plus other short films and children's classics. This year's theme is "Bridging Cultures through Film Screening and Discussion." No excuses because parking is free! For the festival schedule and other important information check out: http://www.athensjff.org/

That's not all that's going on in Athens this weekend! Are you among the select few who will see the B-52's back home in concert?

There is so much more to do so check out our event calendar and fall in love with this great city!

A Taste of Athens Ticket Giveaway

Win tickets to A Taste of Athens on February 20 just by retweeting!

Contest: February 16 - 18; 1 winner each day

A Taste of Athens and the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau have joined forces to give away 3 pairs of tickets to this delicious sampling of the best fare in Athens, GA. All you have to do is check out the VisitAthensGA twitter page and retweet our post about the 2011 Taste of Athens.

"RT @VisitAthensGA Send me to @TasteofAthens Feb. 20! RT to win"

A Taste of Athens has given us all the info you need about this amazing event:

It is a simple idea really. Eat…Drink…and Help Many... In its 18th year, A Taste of Athens 2011 will bring together over 50 local restaurants, along with beverage providers, for an evening of the kind of gluttony where no one should feel the need to repent. Aside from the opportunity to sample delicious dishes from all of your favorite local eateries, old and new, your attendance alone to this unique event benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia.

As guests wander from table to table in the Grand Hall of The Classic Center listening to the live sounds of the Athens A-Train Band, they will be able to sample food from some of this year’s participating restaurants including A Tavola, East West Bistro, Five & Ten, Graze Burgers & Salads, Gymnopedie, Harry’s Pig Shop, Hilltop Grill, Mama’s Boy, Five & Ten, Porterhouse Grill, Speakeasy, Thai Spoon, Square One Fish Co., and The Grit just to name a few. All restaurants are local, with a few chains, such as Barberitos, Locos, Your Pie, and Zaxby’s, invited since these chains are based in Athens.

Guests can mingle and raise a glass filled by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Georgia Crown Distributing, Leon Farmer & Company, Red Brick Brewery, or Terrapin Beer among others. Afterward, grab some dessert from Silver Lining Cupcake Company and then head on over to browse the Silent Auction or purchase your Stay-Cation Raffle tickets with a pick me up in hand from Jittery Joes.

A Taste of Athens will take place on Sunday, February 20th at The Classic Center from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 for General Admission or $75 for VIP Admission. Group discounts are available. VIP guests are provided with earlier entry to the event starting at 4:30 p.m., a souvenir plate and glass, and exclusive access to the VIP Sponsor Garden during the event. To purchase tickets, get the latest updates, and see a full list of participating restaurants and beverage providers, visit http://www.tasteofathens.com/.

So stop reading and start retweeting! We'll randomly pick one winner each day Wednesday - Friday.  Each winner will receive a pair of tickets for the event on Sunday, Feb. 20. No purchase is necessary.
We will contact the winners via their twitter accounts. All you have to do is retweet! For additional contest rules visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/about_us/contest_rules.

Sweetened Deal for Kenny Rogers -- Half Price Tickets today only!

Yesterday, Kenimer blogged about Kenny Rogers, in Athens, Georgia over Valentine's Weekend.  We hope it piqued your interest.  If you're still on the fence, here's a huge nudge-- tickets are HALF PRICE today only, as The Classic Center has offered them up as Friday's Daily Deal from www.onlineathens.com.  That makes them just $27.50, instead of $55.  Let Kenny's romantic hits like Lady and Islands in the Stream get you in the mood!

Grab this deal now--- click here.

Valentine's Ideas: An Evening with Kenny Rogers

Here's another exciting option for your Valentine's weekend in Athens, Georgia:



The three time Grammy Award winner, Kenny Rogers, will take the stage February 12 at the Classic Center in downtown Athens, GA for a fun Valentine's weekend concert! For over five decades Kenny Rogers has crossed genre boundaries to gain fans from country, rock, pop, and soul audiences worldwide. He has recorded 65 albums and charted 24 Number One Hits including The Gambler, Lady, Through The Years, Lucille, Buy Me A Rose, and Islands In The Stream. Don't miss this unforgettable concert at 8 p.m. in the premiere Classic Center theatre.



Find venue and ticket information at www.classiccenter.com and if you need a place to stay for the night, check out the local Valentine's weekend hotel deals!

Valentine's Ideas in Athens GA: Trappeze Pub

What else could you do for Valentine's Day?


Take your special someone out February 14th to Trappeze Pub for a special dinner to commemorate the patron saint of love! The chef has created a delicious four course dinner that pairs perfectly with your favorite beers and craft cocktails. Trappeze is taking reservations so be sure to check out all the event details here.

The 2011 Valentine's Day menu includes a 2-person prix fixe for $50:

• 2 soups or salads
• 1 shared appetizer
• 2 entrees
• 1 shared dessert
• 2 glasses of champagne with dessert

Or, order from a marvelous menu featuring Blackened Red Snapper, Espresso Brown sugar Crusted French Pork Chop, and Peppered Filet Mignon!

Make sure you get a table! Send Trappeze the number of your party and preferred time to trappezebooking@gmail.com.

Trappeze Pub offers a casual, community environment with only the best craft beers. Located in downtown Athens, GA , Trappeze has 32 brews on tap including a selection of Athens own Terrapin beers. Check out their selection and more at http://trappezepub.com.

And if you need a place to stay, Athens has plenty of romantic hotel packages to complete your weekend!

Valentine's Ideas: Have Fun. Do Good.

Kaylea Notarthomas from Live Financially let us know of a great event happening in Athens, GA Friday, Feb. 11.  Get ready for Valentine's and get ready to get financially fit at the same time!

Kaylea says, "Live Financially is a community-based grassroots movement hoping to focus our Athens neighbors on becoming financially focused this month. This Friday we'll be at Cheeky Peach from 4 - 7 p.m. to host an event called “Live Financially Fashionable: Pampered Peaches."

"The event will be very Pretty Woman-esque and girls will come in to choose their outfit for Valentine's Day and get completely pampered. There will be stylists from BLVD, a make-up artist, and huge sales and clearance items. There will be a few options for already put-together outfits. We will be there promoting healthy financial living and letting people know about our upcoming workshops.

"We will be having additional events throughout the month of February including free financial workshops."

So check it out, Athens.  We can all use a little pampering, and a little help and encouragement to live within our means and get our finances in better shape.  Here's a ranking we're not terribly happy to tout:  Athens' poverty rate, at over 30 percent. The first step toward charting a new financial future in Athens begins with the individual.  Come out and support Live Financially!  Looking forward to following them at www.Facebook.com/LiveFinancially and @livefinancially on Twitter.

Valentine's Ideas: Jazz Vocalist Francine Reed

Nothing says romance more than a beautifully performed jazz concert for Valentine's weekend, right here in Athens, GA! The boutique Foundry Park Inn & Spa has teamed up with the Melting Point to bring you jazz legend Francine Reed on February 12. You can buy just the concert tickets or take advantage of the Foundry's Valentine's special that includes two concert tickets, a four-course, pre-concert dinner at the Melting Point, and breakfast at the historic Hoyt House restaurant.

Known to most people as Lyle Lovett's duet and back-up vocalist, Francine Reed will be performing the best of jazz legends like Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn. This event embodies everything that is Valentine's Day so don't miss out on this romantic evening!

The Foundry Park Inn & Spa gracefully combines old southern charm and modern convenience in a great downtown location. Take a look at all the Foundry has to offer at www.foundryparkinn.com. Located on the grounds, the Melting Point is a local favorite for food and music. In addition to Francine Reed, the Melting Point has a number of other special live music performances on tap for Valentine's weekend; check them out at www.MeltingPointAthens.com.

Valentine's Ideas: BEer My Valentine

If you are looking for a laid back yet fun Valentine's, Athens Georgia's own Terrapin Beer Company is the place to go for singles AND couples! Terrapin's BEer My Valentine offers four nights of special tastings. Terrapin is one of Athens' best Happy Hours, with tours, tastings, and live music every Wednesday - Saturday from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; $10 will purchase a souvenier glass and 8 tickets good for one 4 oz. pour each. What a deal! Check out these special themes for this weekend!

Wednesday- Chocolate and Beer Tasting, featuring Olive & Sinclair Artisan Chocolateer from Nashville!

Thursday - Singles Night!

Friday - Date Night!

Saturday - Drag and Beer! Drag Performances and Live Music in support of the Boybutante AIDS Foundation! Glasses are $12 for this special benefit event.

Get more information on Terrapin at www.TerrapinBeer.com.

Valentine's Ideas: Couples Trapeze Workshop and More at Canopy Studio

Today's Valentine's Idea entry may be my favorite, so look for me on Sunday. Do something different and fly high with your Valentine, at the Couples Trapeze Workshop at Canopy Studio. There are two workshops this Sunday the 13th to learn partner work on trapeze on the floor as well as in the air. Choose from noon - 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Don't worry, no experience is necessary but these workshops fill up fast so don't hesitate!
The cost is $40 per couple and a $25 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Give them a call at 706-549-8901, email info@canopystudio.com, or check our event listing for more information.

Can't make the Couples Workshop?

TONIGHT ONLY (Tuesday, Feb. 8): A very special event, Circus Smirkus presents "Circle of Sawdust: Circus Tales of Mud, Myth, Magic, Mirth & Mayhem" with Rob Mermin. Features rare European film footage & film clips from Hollywood Circus Films. Admission is $5 per person suggested. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Bring your friends, family, & snacks!

Canopy is also presenting "Fly by Night," an advanced student's performance, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children, and are available at the door 30 minutes prior to each show.

More information on all of these aerial events is availalbe at www.canopystudio.com.

Spend Valentine's Weekend in Athens

What's better than spending Valentine's weekend in the Classic City? Whether you are diehard UGA fans, live music lovers, or simply in love in the south, Athens, GA has everything you need to make this Valentine's the best, including romantic hotels deals! Athens hotels have special Valentine's overnight packages for you and the love of your life! Bring the one you love for a weekend of candlelit dinners, great entertainment, breakfast in bed, and housekeeping! And while you're here don't miss out on everything else Athens has to offer to make this weekend one you'll never forget!

Also, stay tuned for more Valentine's suggestions on this blog and at VisitAthensGA.com.

Plan Some Together Time! Reunion Planning Workshop Feb. 12

Reunions continue to grow in popularity as groups, friends and extended families make extra efforts to reconnect by bringing everyone together for reunion weekends. College towns like Athens, Georgia aren't just perfect spots for sorority or fraternity reunions, but also for families, groups of old friends, and other social groups. The extensive selection of low- or no-cost attractions and recreation spots keeps attendees of all ages engaged in a full weekend of activities, any hour of the day or night.

The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering a free Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Holiday Inn Express, located at 513 W. Broad St. in Athens. We'll have educational sessions to show how you can plan a fun reunion on a budget, including tips and tricks for reserving hotels, selecting venues and planning itineraries. You'll also learn what complimentary services are available through the Athens CVB. Another great session is an introduction to genealogy research techniques. Light refreshments will be provided during the breaks.

Added bonus: prize giveaways are planned during the breaks!

You'll be able to speak with representatives of local hotels, attractions, event facilities and other reunion services at the workshop.

All of this is absolutely free; however, we do need you to pre-register ahead of time. For more informatin or to reserve a spot, please contact April Skelton at 706.357.4430 or askelton (at) VisitAthensGA (dot) com.

Valentine's Ideas: Pints and Paints

Valentine's Day is almost here and the Athens art community brings you the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary with your special someone. New to Athens, Pints and Paints is an art bar offering exactly what it sounds like: paint and drinks! Treat your sweetheart to an evening of good drinks and fun creations!

There are three paintings to celebrate the occasion:

Saturday, Feb. 12: Love Writer. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., $45

Sunday, Feb. 13: Straight Flush. 6 - 9 p.m., $45

Monday, Feb. 14: Converse Love. Includes wine and chocolates! 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., $55

2/9 UPDATE: Pints and Paints has updated their schedule of weekend events. Please check their online calendar for the most current schedule and to make your reservation!

Athens This Weekend: Feb. 4-6

Get ready for a weekend full of exciting things to do! For a full list of Athens events this weekend, check out our calendar!

1. Athens Wine Weekend

2. GMOA Family Day

3. The Water Coolers

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1. Now is the time to impress your friends with your intense wine knowledge! The Athens Wine Weekend this Saturday and Sunday includes seminars, tastings, and pairings taught by wine experts. Whether you are a new wine fan or think you know all about it, this exciting event is a great opportunity to taste new wines from around the world so don't miss it!

2. The Georgia Museum of Art continues its grand reopening with a super-sized Family Day Saturday. Come out for a day of gallery tours, art creation, refreshments, and an interactive program for kids that includes music, mime, and puppetry! This Athens art extravaganza takes place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and admission is free.

3. The off-Broadway show, The Water Coolers, is taking part in Athens theatre to bring out the joy in your seemingly mundane life. This musical comedy laughs at our everyday lives with original songs, sketch comedy, and pop parodies.

DON'T FORGET! Valentine's weekend is next weekend! Make plans now -- we've got lots of romantic suggestions coming on this blog and at VisitAthensGA.com.