Athens This Weekend: June 1-3

The weekend is almost here! Come spend a relaxing weekend with friends and family in Athens, Georgia. With so many great activities and events to attend, we're sure your weekend in the Classic City will be more than enjoyable! Here are a few events that are taking place this weekend. 

1. Weekend Exhibits at the Georgia Museum of Art 

Take an afternoon this weekend to head out to The Georgia Museum of Art to experience the great variety exhibits on display! Ranging from traditional Southern folk art, to brilliant pieces inspired by paintings from the Northern Renaissance era, viewing the many exhibits offered right now is a great way to spend a quiet summer afternoon. The GMOA is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. General admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3.  

2. Zoo Open Exhibit Hall at Bear Hollow Zoo

Bring the family out to the Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon from 1-4 p.m., when Bear Hollow opens it exhibit hall to the public. Come out for free to experience the various reptiles, amphibians, and fish used in the zoo's programs!

3. Beer Bingo Craft Beer Night

Aromas Craft Beer & Wine Bar, located in Five Points, is hosting two bingo sessions on Sunday afternoon, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Taste 12 craft beers and try and match each beer to a styles list. Great prizes from t-shirts to brewery tour passes, to tickets to the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and classic City Brew Fest will be given to the top scorers of the evening! Admission is $18.50 a person, and limited to 20 participants per session.Come spend an afternoon tasting great beer in Aroma's relaxed and romantic setting!

These are just a few of the many exciting events happening in Athens,GA. Hopefully you've found something that strikes your fancy! Be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar for a full list of even more events and activities!

Join our mailing list to stay in the know about what's upcoming in Athens!

What events are you planning to attend with your family this weekend?

Exploring Athens' Classic City Cuisine: Al's Beef

"You can pretty much write about anything."

These are the words every public relations intern loves to hear, especially when it comes to blogging. Therefore, one can imagine my excitement when, on my very first day in the office, my lovely boss relayed this exact message to me. The problem then, however, became what to choose! 

That's me on the right! Next to my wonderful friend,
and fellow Athenian/food-junkie, Victoria

There are a few things I am certain of in this world: My name is Elizabeth Bertrand, I am a rising third-year Public Relations student at the University of Georgia, and if I'm not running, swimming, or getting my backside kicked in spin class, I am baking and eating. I love exercise and I love food. Having lived in Athens for the last six years, I must admit I've gotten pretty good at sampling the city's fabulous cuisine, from both locally owned eateries and restaurants with multiple locations, all while managing my college-student budget. Thus, when faced with the question, "what do I blog about during my time spent as the summer PR intern for the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau?," it didn't take long to decide. Classic City Cuisine. 

My first stop on this summer's culinary journey is Al's Beef downtown. Now I know Athens is not the only home to this renowned restaurant, but I still think it deserving of the spotlight, especially after having been featured on both the Food Network and the Travel Channel, as well as in a whole slew of books and magazines. But never mind the awards, it's really all about the beef. 

Al's is famous for its Italian beef sandwich. It comes in three sizes, all with thinly-sliced meat, messy, and perfectly delicious. Get the gravy drizzled over only the meat itself, or opt to dunk the entire sandwich, bread and all, into the vat of savory liquid. Either way, you'll be more than satisfied.

Double Italian Sausage! So spicy
and sweet and mouth-
wateringly scrumptious! With a
side of those thin-cut fries, of course!

But the Italian Beef, while maybe the most popular menu item, certainly isn't the only tasty option. I was able to sample my dad's Double Italian Sausage with homemade Giardiniera and sweet peppers. It could be my cajun roots talking, but this spicy sausage tucked away neatly in a warm hotdog bun was my idea of the perfect summer food. Add a side of Al's crispy and fresh-cut french fries to round out the meal. You won't be disappointed!

So the next time you're in the mood for some authentic Italian food with a classic Chicago twist, head out to East Clayton Street to Al's Beef! And check back next week for another great place to eat in the Classic City!

What's your favorite item on the Al's Beef menu?

--Elizabeth Bertrand

Special Memorial Day Events in Athens GA

Memorial Day is a time to spend with friends and family, enjoying the summer weather and each others' company, as well as a chance to commemorate and honor our nation's veterans for their service to our country. Here are some special holiday weekend events going on in Athens, GA this weekend to help you and yours celebrate and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday!

1. Classic City Band at the Morton Theatre

Kick the Memorial Day holiday off with a concert at the Morton Theatre by the Classic City Band honoring all veterans. The Athens' Classic City Band is the oldest functioning community band in Georgia, and is comprised of musicians of all ages. Come out to hear this traditional American Concert Band as they honor the men and women who have served our country. The concert will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, and the cost is free. 

2. Memorial Day in Memorial Park

Bring the family and head out to Memorial Park and the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail to celebrate Memorial Day and the official start to the summer season!  From noon to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy music, children's activities and games, and more. Admission is free, and concessions will be available for purchase. From 1-5:30 p.m., the Memorial Park pool will be open. Admission to the pool is $1 a person, so bring the kids over to swim and cool-off after enjoying the festivities in the park!

3. Memorial Day at Sweet Peppers

All day long, on Monday, May 28, all firemen, policemen, emergency responders, armed forces, and veterans dressed in uniform will receive a free salad, sandwich, wrap, panini, or potato from Sweet Peppers Deli on West Broad Street. Come out to enjoy lunch or dinner, and help say "thank you" to all those who selflessly serve our country!

4. Memorial Day Pop-In Playtime

Pump It Up! of Athens is hosting a special Memorial Day Pop-In playtime not regularly offered, on Monday, May 28 from 3:30-5 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy an hour and a half of bouncing, sliding, climbing, and jumping! Admission is $6 per child, and all ages 11 and under are welcome.

For more information and other exciting event listings, be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar of events. Happy Memorial Day everyone!

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Athens This Weekend: May 25-27

The weekend is almost here, and there are plenty of events in Athens GA to get out and enjoy! Grab some friends for a Friday night concert, then spend Saturday and Sunday out with the family. Be sure to check out these events to help plan your weekend!

1. Patterson Hood & The Downtown Rumblers

Head out to the Melting Point in Athens to see local artist Patterson Hood and his band the Downtown Rumblers perform Friday night. Come hungry and enjoy a fabulous dinner, as well as a fully stocked bar! Doors open at 6, with music beginning at 8:15 p.m. by the MOTHS. Patterson Hood goes on at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 if bought in advance, or $18 if purchased at the door. Ages 18 and older admitted only. 

2. Athens Farmers Market

Bishop Park hosts the Athens Farmers Market every Saturday morning on the basketball courts, beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until noon. This non-profit organization features food by local farmers, work by local artists, and music by local musicians. Bring the family out to experience this unique Athens tradition, and come early for the best selection!

3. A Divine Light: Northern Renaissance Art

Spend a weekend afternoon at the Georgia Museum of Art viewing "A Divine Light: Northern Renaissance Paintings from the Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery". This exhibit features 28 paintings, all designed to allow the viewer an intimate experience with the devotional art that defines the Renaissance period of the 15th and 16th centuries. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3. GMOA is also offering free tours of this exhibition for church groups and others. Call  706-542-4662 to schedule one today!

These are only a few of the many events happening this weekend in Athens, GA. To look for more exciting activities and events, be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar of events!

To stay in the know about what's coming up in Athens, join our mailing list!

What summer plans does your family have in store?

Athens This Weekend: May 18-20

The weekend is finally here! With the school year winding down and the official start to the summer season just around the corner, this weekend is the perfect chance to get the family out to enjoy the gorgeous weather. Come participate in various Athens GA events ranging from outdoor sports and adventures to more relaxing family-friendly events. Here are a few ideas for this weekend that will hopefully spark your interest!

1. Friday Night Paddles at Sandy Creek Park

Join in for an evening paddling around Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek Park on Friday, May 18 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The program is offered to those ages 12 years and older, and the cost is $8 for Athens-Clarke County residents without a boat, or $5 for Athens-Clarke County residents who come bringing their own canoes or kayaks. Non-county residents will be charged $12, or $8 if bringing their own boat. Registration and payment are required in advance and can be made by calling 706-613-3631. Be sure to reserve your spot today!

2. Winterville Marigold Festival

This annual festival began 30 years ago as an attempt to bring citizens together to refresh and beautify the town of Winterville. Come out for the traditional Country Breakfast, which begins at 7 a.m., followed by the Marigold 5k at 8 a.m. and then music and other activities all day from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy a parade, crafts, street dancing, delicious food, and much more!

3. NCAA Tennis Championships

Come experience the thrill of watching some of the country's best collegiate athletes as the University of Georgia hosts the 2012 NCAA Tennis Championships here in Athens at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex. The men's quarterfinals will be held on Sunday, May 20, followed by the semifinals on Monday, May 21, and the finals on Tuesday, May 22. The women's quarterfinals are on Saturday, May 19, followed by the semifinals on Monday and the finals on Tuesday. Be sure to come out and cheer on the Dawgs!

Comedian Wanda Sykes Coming to Athens' Classic Center Oct. 11

"Wanda Sykes is coming to Athens!"
I was on the phone with my hubby right quick when I heard the announcement from  The Classic Center Theatre.  Wanda Sykes is, hands down, absolutely our favorite comedian.  We got hooked on her TV show  "Wanda at Large" about 10 years ago, and watched them all again a couple of years ago when we found them on our satellite programming (I think we're about ready for a round with Netflix-- will have to check that out).

Now we're going to get to see her live and in person! Wanda Sykes is bringing her one-of-a-kind stand-up comedy to The Classic Center Theatre stage on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.ClassicCenter.com.

Here's the rest of the press release from The Classic Center:

Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand-up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand-up has sent her career in many different areas.

Sykes in the last two years has been seen on several television shows, such as her own late night talk show on FOX, “The Wanda Sykes Show.” In October 2009, she had her second HBO stand- up special “I’ma Be Me.” She also was seen on the CBS comedy “The New Adventures of Old Christine” as “Barb.” Her first HBO comedy special, “WANDA SYKES: SICK & TIRED” debuted in October 2006 and was nominated for a 2007 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special.

Sykes was seen in the feature films “Evan Almighty,” the sequel to “Bruce Almighty,” in which she co-starred with Steve Carell, the feature film “Monster-In-Law” starring opposite Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, and was heard in the animated feature “Over The Hedge” for Dreamworks, as well as “The Barnyard” for Paramount Pictures. She also can be seen co-starring with Luke Wilson and Uma Thurman in the romantic comedy “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.” Sykes starred and produced the Comedy Central show "Wanda Does It" where she tried various non-showbiz jobs. Her first book titled “Yeah, I Said It,” published by Simon and Schuster, hit bookstores in September 2004. “Yeah, I Said It” is a hilarious collection of essays touching on life, family and current events.

In the fall of 2003 she was seen on Fox's "Wanda at Large," which she wrote, produced and starred in. She also has a one hour Comedy Central special called "Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied.”  In addition, she can be seen on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or heard on Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers” as the voice of Gladys Murphy.

Wanda was born in Portsmouth, Va., and raised in Maryland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University. Her stand-up career began at a Coors Light Super talent Showcase in Washington, D.C., where she performed for the first time in front of a live audience.

She spent five years as part of the HBO's critically acclaimed "Chris Rock Show." As a performer and writer on the show, she was nominated for three Primetime Emmy's and in 1999 won the Emmy for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special." In 2001, she won the American Comedy Award for "Outstanding Female Stand-Up Comic.” She won three more Emmys, in 2002, 2004 and 2005, for her work on “Inside the NFL” for “Outstanding Studio Show - Weekly- Inside The NFL".

In 2003, Wanda earned a Comedy Central Commie Award for "Funniest TV Actress." Other writing credits include the "MTV 1999 Music Video Awards,” "The MTV Movie Awards,” the "74th Annual Academy Awards," "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show" and "Wanda at Large."

She also appeared in the feature films "Pootie Tang,” "Nutty Professor 2; The Klumps” and "Down to Earth".

Visit www.ClassicCenter.com to buy tickets, call 706.357.4444 or stop by The Classic Center Theatre Box Office.

Best of the Road

The 2012 Rand McNally "Best of the Road" search for the most unique and inspiring road trip stop in America has kicked off! We want Athens, GA to be voted as the "2012 Best Small Town in America." You can nominate Athens for several categories, but we feel that Athens, GA definitely is the best small town with the Best Food! The unique culture of the Athens dining experience is definitely a special aspect of the Classic City. 

If Athens wins, our town will receive exposure and publicity which will benefit the entire Athens Area! You can vote once daily! Go to the following website, register, share a review of how much you love Athens dining, then VOTE- http://www.bestoftheroad.com! It's that easy (especially after you register the first time)! Tell all of your family and friends that they should vote once daily, too!

Athens This Weekend: May 4-6

The weekend is finally here! Come and spend a relaxing weekend in the Classic City. With all of the exciting festivals, musical performances, and even more for the entire family, we know your weekend in Athens, GA will be amazing! Here are a few events that are taking place this weekend.

1. Athens Human Rights Festival

The 34th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival is a springtime political and cultural tradition in Athens. The festival features a dynamic, educational, and family-friendly weekend of oratory, music, activities for the children, and street theater performances in an outdoor setting. This event is perfect for the entire family! This festival will take place Friday and Saturday at College Square in Downtown Athens,GA. There is no admission charge, so make sure to bring everyone you know! 

2. Stadion Classic at UGA

The Athens stop on the PGA's Nationwide Tour is entering its seventh year, and its third with the University of Georgia as host. This annual golf tournament will be operated by the University's Auxiliary Services Department. All net proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students and local non-profit organizations through the Regional FirstCare TICKETS Fore CHARITY program. This is definitely an event you will not want to miss. It will  be taking place all week long, and it is only $25 for a weekly grounds pass. 

3. Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens

Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens proudly announces its third-annual ride on May 5-6, 2012. After its inaugural debut in 2010, buzz is escalating throughout the cycling community for this two-day ride that raises money to fight multiple sclerosis and benefits the GA Chapter of the National MS Society. The ride offers a century route option on day one of the 2-day ride and new for 2012, Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens is offering a separate 1-day, 35 mile route option that will start and finish in Athens. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity, all for a great cause!

These are just a few of the exciting events that are taking place in Athens,GA this weekend. Here are a few more ideas that will hopefully spark your interest:

• Friday-Sunday: UGA Men's Baseball vs. Auburn at Foley Field.
• Sunday: Raindrop: 2nd Annual Spring Handmade & Vintage Artist Market at Treehouse Kid & Craft. 

These are just a few of the many exciting events happening in Athens,GA. Hopefully you've read something that you are looking forward to! Be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar for a full list of even more events and activities! 

To stay in the know about what's coming up in Athens, join our mailing list!

What are you looking forward to this weekend in Athens,GA?