Athens
WHY ATHENS
When Isabella and Russell decided to find a wedding venue within driving distance of South Carolina (so Russell’s grandparents could attend), Athens stood out — neither Isabella nor Russell had ever visited but both knew of the city for its impact on American music. Russell had heard of Athens as where the B-52’s, R.E.M., and Neutral Milk Hotel started and Isabella because her favorite band Kishi Bashi is based there. After a four-day visit, they were sold on Athens’s charming college downtown, stylish surrounding neighborhoods, and diverse and vibrant music scene.
ABOUT ATHENS
Athens is the 6th largest city in Georgia, with a population of 125 thousand people. It is home to the University of Georgia, and feels like an artsy college town. There is plenty to eat, drink, and enjoy while you are in town.
General Information
Music Heritage: The Music of Athens Wikipedia
Sights
State Botanical Garden of Georgia (pictured) - Rated one of the top university gardens in the world and botanical gardens in the US, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers a range of beautiful collections that are easy and comfortable to access with plenty of places for kids to play. It was also a runner-up wedding venue for us.
Double-barrel Cannon - Though it was never used, it is “among the most unusual relics ever to be preserved from the Civil War.”
The Tree That Owns Itself - The tree whose owner loved it so much he gave it the ultimate gift, freedom!
University of Georgia - The university’s influence is felt all over Athens. Go Dawgs?
Restaurants
Weaver D’s (pictured) - Named an “America's Classic” winner from the James Beard Foundation in 2007, Weaver D’s serves up low-key southern soul food and was the inspiration for R.E.M. album title “Automatic for the People.”
The Grit - The Grit feels like an old American diner, but is serving up inventive vegetarian and vegan food with many accommodations for the gluten-intolerant. Less than a quarter mile from downtown, the Grit is nestled among charming homes and adorable indie shops, including Avid Bookshop and Daily Groceries Co-op.
Ike and Jane - A trendy, easy-going bakery, Ike and Jane has the best pastries we know of in Athens and nice breakfast sandwiches too.
Coffee & Tea
Jittery Joe’s - Homegrown coffee chain, Jittery Joe’s started in 1994 next to the famous 40 Watt Club music venue, where it stayed busy all day and night. The buzz was helped with frequent celebrity guests such as Michael Stipe of R.E.M., the B-52’s, and comedians Penn and Teller. Jittery Joe’s has since opened multiple locations across Georgia and Tennessee, and even one in Japan. The most interesting location in Athens is the roaster tasting room at 425 Baxter Street (pictured). Rolling Stone named "Live at Jittery Joe's" the #5 underground album of all time.
1000 Faces - Next door to the Hyatt and Graduate hotels, 1000 Faces is a coffee shop and roaster, offering the highest quality gourmet coffee in a beautiful, airy, sun-filled cafe. Its noble mission to create a sustainable global coffee culture is not a bad reason to stop by either.
The Rook and Pawn - If you have kids, plan to spend a few hours together here! A cafe and bar, the Rook and Pawn has an incredible selection of boardgames, plenty of space for groups to play, and great food and drink options, including non-alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
Music & Books
40 Watt Club - Opened in 1978, the 40 Watt Club is a legendary music venue, instrumental in launching American punk rock and new wave music. It’s been voted by Travel + Leisure, Rolling Stone, Paste, and Thrillist as one of the best / coolest music venues and clubs in the US.
Georgia Theatre (pictured) - Georgia Theatre is another iconic music venue in Athens with a great rooftop lounge perfect for outdoor shows.
Wuxtry Records - Opened in 1976, vinyl shop Wuxtry Records has played a large role in the culture of Athens and its eclectic music scene for over four decades. Many notable musicians have worked there, including Peter Buck of R.E.M., Kate Pierson of the B-52's, and Danger Mouse. Wuxtry has been named one of the best and most influential record stores in the US by Rolling Stone and USA Today.
Kindercore - Kindercore Records is a music label started in 1996, out of a need to capture the ‘90s indie scene in Athens. In 2017, in response to the resurgence of vinyl (thanks to Russell and those like him!), the founders started Kindercore Vinyl, a vinyl manufacturing and pressing plant in Athens. It is one of just twenty vinyl plants in the US.
Avid Bookshop - Avid is a lovely independent bookstore with two Athens locations, offering new and used books, charming children’s sections, and plenty of local events and readings.