Known as the Classic City, Athens, Georgia is a university town with a rich cultural scene and a close-knit community. A quick trip from Atlanta, the town has everything you’d expect in a college town: a healthy music and art scene, a thriving food scene and an energy that’s boundless.

Athens’ antebellum architecture is one of the town’s signature attractions, but there is much more to this Georgia gem than its storied history. Get on the field at Sanford Stadium and cheer on the Bulldogs, explore campus and appreciate the state’s largest public research university, or just savor the town’s Southern charm in the heart of downtown. Next aticle

A walk through Athens’ Victorian-era neighborhoods will take you back in time and evoke the town’s early days of growth, when cotton mills and textile industries thrived. You’ll see plenty of historic homes and buildings, many of which have been restored or are open to the public as museums or galleries.

The Athens Museum of Art houses over 17,000 pieces in its collections, which span from 19th century American paintings to European masterpieces and Asian art. With a variety of exhibitions a year, it’s a great place to spend the day.

If you’re a music lover, you can’t miss a concert at the Georgia Theatre. This iconic venue has hosted a wide array of bands over the years, including R.E.M. and the B-52’s, which helped make Athens a hot spot for rock in the 1980s.

You’ll find a plethora of bars and restaurants throughout downtown Athens, making it easy to explore the town on a weekend. From fine-dining American steakhouses to eclectic eateries serving a variety of cuisines, you’ll find something for everyone in this town.

Athens is also a great place to find a variety of local artisans and small businesses, as well as the best shopping options in the area. With several distinct shopping districts, you’ll find anything from quirky vintage to southern home goods within a few minutes’ walk of downtown.

Shop the local markets to find beautiful gifts and souvenirs for friends or family. Athens Market has two locations, each open a different day of the week.

This popular attraction is a must-see for visitors and residents alike. The sculpture garden features the works of local artists, some of which are created by women.

You can even take a guided tour of the gallery. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to learn more about each piece and the story behind them. Learn more

Located in downtown Athens, the museum is a must-see for art lovers. This is because it has an extensive collection of art, including 19th to 20th century American paintings and European masterpieces as well as Asian and southern decorative arts.

You can even take a walking tour of the museum to discover more about its fascinating history. The museum also hosts a number of events and exhibitions a year.

Point of Interest #1 Shane’s Rib Shack, 680 US-29 Suite 200, Athens, GA 30601

Point of Interest #2 Bojangles, 755 US Hwy 29, Athens, GA 30601

Point of Interest #3 O’Reilly Auto Parts, 725 US-29, Athens, GA 30601