Exploring Athens, Post by Post!

Athens, GA is more than just a unique city. With so much to experience, it has something to offer to absolutely everyone. The historical beauty and excitement that sweeps throughout the streets, is just one of the many reasons people have fallen in love with the captivating Classic City.

My name is Teri Gardner, and as I am ending my fourth year at the University of Georgia, the whirlwind of internships, graduation, and finding future jobs has begun. However,  living in Athens, GA for the past three and a half years has been an experience of a lifetime. With an endless amount of options, I still have so much left to explore in this charming city. When I stumbled across an internship with the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau that focuses on Athens culture, events, and experiences, I knew that I had found the perfect opportunity.  By combining my Advertising and Communication Studies major with my passion for everything this city has to offer, I have found my niche!

I am excited to continue my exploration of Athens, GA, and hope to give you a unique insight of my experiences of everything that Athens, GA has to offer including the music scene, unique boutiques, delicious restaurants, and exciting events.

In addition to promoting Athens on www.VisitAthensGA.com, www.facebook.com/VisitAthensGA.com, and www.twitter.com/VisitAthensGA, I am also looking forward to hearing about your experiences and favorite places as well. What Athens treasures do you recommend I check out?

- Teri

Athens, GA This Weekend: Jan. 27-29 Events and Things to Do

There is so much to do in Athens, GA this weekend.Whether you're looking for a good music scene, a place to take your family, or more cultural events, this weekend will surely not disappoint you! Pull out your calendar, and check out these great events!

1.Get ready to set sail and enjoy the smoothest sounds of the Yacht Rock Revue at The Georgia Theatre, this Friday, at 9 p.m. They will be playing all un-abrasive soft hits of the '70s and '80s. The Yacht Rock Revue has taken their rightful place as the smoothest party band in the universe. So push up the sleeves of your blazer, grab your highball class, and don't forget to groom your mustache. The Yacht Rock Revue is the Greatest Show on Surf.

2. Come out and support your local Gym Dogs this Saturday at 4 p.m. Join the legendary ten-time National Champion Gym Dogs in Stegeman Coliseum for high-energy athletics and first-rate showmanship. This evening's meet will also be Alumni Night.    

3. On Sunday, there will be not one, but two Bridal Shows in the Classic City! These events feature exhibitors from all of North Georgia. Brides are able to meet face to face with wedding professionals and find everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams. Experience fashion shows that will allow you to see and touch the latest styles and fashions. In addition to getting lots of great ideas and seeing the latest trends, you will be able to save time and money while also having fun! So for all of the future brides, mark down Sunday in your calendars for a day you will not want to miss with  The Georgia Bridal Show and The Athens Wedding Professionals Ultimate Bridal Show going on in Athens, GA! 

These are only three of the exciting events happening in Athens, GA this weekend. Here are a few more events that may spark your interest.

• The Third Annual Athens Got Talent will be Saturday, January 28. Come see and hear some of the most remarkable music talent in Northern, Georgia.Tickets are $10 at the door, and the show will start at 7 p.m.
• Avid Bookshop is hosting two very special authors this weekend that you can meet! Poet Evie Shockley who is  the author of four collections of poetry, will be there on Saturday. Athens freelance writer, editor, and stylist Amy Flurry will be there on Sunday.

Hopefully, you can now start planning for your weekend, and attend one of these exciting events. If you are looking for something in particular, you can find a calendar listing of all events at,  Visit Athens,GA  for more information.  However,if you already have plans, I would love to hear about them as well! 


What are you looking forward to doing this weekend?

A Romantic Valentine's Evening at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

First in a series of Valentine's Day ideas in Athens, Georgia!

To me, the conservatory at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is the most romantic spot in town. In his most romantic gesture -- perhaps ever -- my now-husband drove to the Garden on our first Valentine's date. Valentine's was on a Saturday that year, and vendors were in the midst of setting up for a wedding reception. We'd been dating less than six months, so marriage hadn't crossed our minds. From the first moment we ducked into the conservatory, this uber-practical girl who'd never daydreamed about weddings was convinced. This was going to be my reception spot. Three and a half years later, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia was the center of my Athens wedding!

Long story short, I can think of no better place to spend Valentine's Day. Better yet, no one will have to be a wedding crasher to be in the Garden's conservatory this year!

Check out what the Garden has planned for Valentine's 2012:

Andrew Pearson of Dondero's Kitchen, has created a special menu for this distinctive atmosphere.

A buffet menu includes appetizers and a salad, plus sautéed shrimp, pork tenderloin medallions, stuffed chicken breast, side dishes and an assortment of rich desserts. In addition to dinner, couples will be serenaded by live music and can stroll through the gardens, a charming quilt exhibit in the visitor center, and the garden gift shop.

Guests are invited to bring their own wine to enjoy with dinner. Seating will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Call 706-542-6359 or 706-389-7955 to make reservations or for more information.

For $70 per couple or $40 per person (add $10 per person if reservations are made after February 10th) guests can enjoy broad selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Appetizers:
Vegetable stuffed Vol au Vents
Amaranth Blinis w/ Honey Cream Cheese & Smoked Grapes
Prosciutto & Fig Rolls

Salad:
Spinach and roasted beet salad with goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette

Mains:
French –Tropical shrimp sautéed with hearts of palm and cognac
Port tenderloin medallions braised with cherries
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Roasted Butternut Squash Strudel
Leek & Potato Gratin
Moroccan Spiced Quinoa Stuffed Portabellas & Zucchinis
Fruit & Nut Biryani
Dinner rolls

Dessert:
Red Velvet Cake
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate Éclairs
Mini Seasonal Fruit Tarts
Chocolate Truffle Heart Pies
Raspberry Mousse

Beverages:
Coffee, Tea
Guests are invited to bring their own bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.

Make plans now to bring your sweetheart to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia this Valentine's Day!

Tell us about YOUR favorite romantic spot in Athens! We're listening!

A Scavenger Hunt from the Runway

Today's blog entry comes from guest contributor Macy Sirmans, who is preparing for a fun and potentially rewarding scavenger hunt on the UGA campus in Athens, Georgia on Tuesday, January 24th.  Though taking place on campus, this event is not only for students. If a non-student finds a gift before a student does, more power to 'em!
Rule #1:  You can't win if you don't play! 

Macy tells us all about it:

Last September, Vince Camuto at UGA made a name for itself on UGA's campus by engaging the student body in an extremely fashionable game of hide-and-go-seek by combining coveted designer merchandise with clues via social media.

Beginning on January 24th, the Vince Camuto at UGA team is excited to announce that the Campus Hunt is returning to Athens, GA! Prepare to scout and scrimmage for 30 delightful gifts that will be placed throughout academic buildings, lecture halls and on-campus parks. Hints and photos detailing gifts and their whereabouts will be posted on the Vince Camuto at UGA Facebook page immediately after they are hidden.If luck allows, you may just happen upon a bottle of perfume, pair of shoes or to-die-for leather handbag right outside of class.

Vince Camuto events scheduled for the rest of the Spring 2012 semester include opportunities to score job interview worthy attire, bridge the gap between fashion and dance, attend a runway show and, as always, snag numerous glamorous giveaways.

"Like" and monitor www.facebook.com/vincecamutouga to emerge victorious from the Campus Hunt and remain in-the-know about a designer's Athens, Georgia impact.

A recap of last semester's Campus Hunt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoxR6nvho_U

Athens, GA This Weekend:Jan. 20-22 Exciting Events and Things to Do

Don't let the winter weather get you down! It's another great weekend in Athens, GA, so get out and enjoy all of the activities that the Classic City has to offer. Check out the following exciting events for you and your family and friends to enjoy!

1. If you've been craving a taste of Athens' famed music scene, head to The Melting Point, which is featuring A Family Affair with Randall Bramblett Band. You surely will not want to miss this. Athens, GA legend, Randall Bramblett will be joined by special guests Kick the Robot with Dylan Hansen, Isaac Bramblett, John Keane, and Paige and Rachel Keane.There will be reserved seating available on the mezzanine level on a first come first serve basis. These are very limited, so purchase these quickly for a night you'll  never forget. There will be other table seating available as general admission on a first-come, first-serve basis. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for food and drinks, and the show will start at 8:00 p.m.

 

  2. If having a quality family day is something you want on your agenda, then Saturday is your answer. The Georgia Museum of Art is hosting a Family Day celebrating art and movement in conjunction with Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative. The event will feature a yoga instructor teaching animal poses, animal-themed artwork, and locally grown food. GMOA has signed on to be a Let's Move! museum to help demonstrate the role museums and gardens lay in growing healthy communities. This event is free and open to the public. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

 3. For the art enthusiast, ATHICA will be hosting an event that will truly spark your attention. Starting Saturday, January 21st, ATHICA will be presenting the collection Southern. "Southern" features many never-before-seen works curated by Judith McWillie with the assistance of Lauren Williamson. "Southern" explores the emotional depth and aesthetic diversity of nine artists, spanning four generations, who are interrelated in their "radical contemporaneity." Through photography, video, and sculpture, they present an aesthetically rich installation that questions boundaries between art and religion, aesthetic and documentary practice, and folk and fine art. The Opening Reception will be this Saturday from 7-9 p.m. There will be refreshments by White Tiger. There will be no admission charge for this amazing event, but donations are graciously accepted. So, come out and support the incredible talent of these artists!

If these events don't quite match up with your weekend schedule, here is a list of even more exciting 

 events and activities:

• The Hotel Indigo will be hosting some special events that you will want to check out. On Friday night, the Rialto Room at Hotel Indigo will be presenting rising stars Shelby McLeod & Eric Dodd! This event will start at 8:00 p.m. Admission will be $10 for adults and $5 for students.

• Don't let the winter keep you from enjoying nature! On Saturday the State Botanical Garden of Georgia will be hosting a Winter Tree Identification event from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of identifying deciduous trees in their dormant condition through a variety of activities, including a stroll to the deciduous woods at the Garden.

These are just a few of the happenings scheduled in Athens, GA for this weekend. Hopefully you can fit one, or even more of these exciting events into your schedule! What are your plans this weekend? What sort of things do you look forward to on these beautiful winter weekends?