Our Neighborhood

Things to Do in and around Athens Georgia

The biggest city in Oconee County, Athens has the vibrancy of a college town with the sophistication of a centuries-old city. From art galleries and museums to brewery tours, local trails to outrageous theater, there are limitless activities right at your fingertips, for all ages. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott is centrally located, just a few minutes away from the best attractions in Athens, Watkinsville, and beyond. If you feel like venturing from the comfort of your deluxe suit, here are some activities in the neighborhood you might enjoy:

Museums

Georgia Museum of Natural History

Natural History Building, UGA Campus
Corner of East Campus Rd. and Cedar St., Athens, GA 30601
706-542-1663

In this extension of UGA’s Natural History Building, visitors can get an exciting glimpse into the museum’s natural and zooarchaeology collections. The curious can stay around for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of all the exciting work that goes on at the museum.

US Navy Supply Corps Museum

1425 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30606
706-354-7349

Charting the growth and development of the Navy Supply Corp, this museum explains how naval artifacts have been used now and in the past. Visitors can browse the museum’s collection of uniforms, ship models, tools, photos, and equipment. Due to security concerns, please call ahead for access.

Georgia Museum of Art

East Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
706-542-4662

With a permanent collection of over 8,000 paintings, photographs, and sculptures, the Georgia Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of local and international artists. A must-see for any art lover.

Carter-Coile Country Doctor's Museum

Marigold Ln, Winterville, GA 30683
706-742-8600

Housed in an authentic medical office from the late 19th century, the County Doctor’s Museum recreates a turn-of-the-century rural doctor’s practice. Included in the museum are a unique collection of medical tools and instruments for everything from surgery to dentistry.

Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum

1 Selig Circle Athens, GA 30602
706-542-9036

A monument to two great UGA football coaches (Wallace Butts and Harry Mehre), this museum caters to all things collegiate football…and beyond.

Historical Sites

Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery

530 Fourth St., Athens, GA 30606
706-208-0048

Founded in 1882, The Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery began as a prominent African American burial ground. Though it fell into disrepair for almost 30 years, it has recently been renovated, giving visitors a chance to walk through a chapter in African American local history.

T.R.R. Cobb House

175 Hill St.
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: 706-369-3513

Those familiar with Civil War history are sure to know General T.R.R. Cobb, Confederate General and one of the chief architechts of the Confderate Constitution. A walk through T.R.R. Cobb’s home can reveal the man behind the ideaolgy as one follows this guided tour. Learn about the house’s history, design, and furnishings—as well as a little something about Cobb himself.

The Double-Barreled Cannon

Intersection of Hancock Ave. and College Ave.
Athens, GA 30601
800-653-0603

This local oddity is a one-of-a-kind Civil War relic with a fearsome look that didn’t quite live up to its potential. Built at a local foundry in 1863, this unusual weapon was meant to encourage greater damage to the invading Northern armies. Ideally, two balls connected with a long chain would be loaded, and when launched would cut down large swaths of enemy soldiers. Sadly, the gun was a spectacular failure, but remained a fond local landmark.

Elder Mill Covered Bridge

Off Highway 15
South of Watkinsville, GA

Built in 1897, the Elder Mill Covered Bridge still carries traffic across the rushing Rose Creek. One of the few covered bridges without the steel-beam reinforcements still in use today.

Trails and Outdoor Attractions

Heartland of the Confederacy Civil War Trails

706-353-1820

This regional self-guided tour allows visitors to discover the lives of Confederate leaders. Winding through Athens and the area nearby, the Civil War Heatland Leaders Trail makes history come alive. Second only to Virginia, no state saw as many battles as Georgia, so the memory of the Civil War still lives large in the landscape. Explore the Leaders, Life, and Legacy Trail and learn about the many Confederate leaders who hailed from this relatively small region. There are 45 significant sites in the nine-county area of Northeast Georgia. Maps are available at the Athens Welcome Center, or download from the trail's website.

Oconee Forest Park

UGA Campus Intramural Fields
College Station and East Campus Rds., Athens, GA 30602
706-542-4287

Athens sits right at the foothills of the Appalachian trail, and boasts some of the most sweeping rock formations and striking forests in the country. At Oconee Forest Park, experience some of Northern Georgia’s raw beauty at this 60-acre natural park. With miles of walking and biking trails, you can take your time exploring the old-growth forest of hickory and oak, or relax by the shore of a 15-acre lake.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
2450 South Milledge Ave, Athens, Georgia 30605
706-542-1244

With beautiful local plants and international wonders, the Garden provides a wonderful way to enjoy the serenity of nature. Encompassing over 300 acres and tucked away on UGA’s campus, the Garden boasts extensive gardens, special collections, and a tropical observatory. Visitors are also welcome to explore the miles of open nature trails that criss-cross throughout the area.

Cultural Attractions

40 Watt

285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
706-549-7871

Athens has been home to a vibrant rock scene for the last 30 years, producing talent like the B-52s and R.E.M . Experience the best in local and international bands at 40 Watt, and stay afterward for the cold local beer.

Athens Symphony

Performances at The Classic Center
300 N. Thomas St., Athens, GA 30604
706-425-4205

Since 1978, the Athens Symphony Orchestra has continued to delight local music lovers with their sold-out seasonal programming. Combining great talent with widely appealing music, the Athens Symphony brings local flavor to classical music.

ATHICA: Athens Institute for Contemporary Art

160 Tracy St., Unit 4, Athens, GA 30601
706-208-1613

A combination performance space, non-profit gallery, and experimental show space, ATHICA truly personifies Athens’ creative independence. Feel the invigoration of a truly electric cultural conversation as you experience work from regional and international artists.

Ciné

234 W. Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601
(706) 353-7377

Part cinema, part architectural showcase, Ciné provides moviegoers with challenging, beautiful films from a wide variety of cultres and societies. Showing both foreign blockbusters and thought-provoking documentaries, cross-over indie hits and Old Hollywood classics, an evening at Ciné is always a discover. Stay for the movies, but come for a look at Ciné’s building, housed in the old Snow Tire Company Recap Plant.

Lyndon House Arts Center

293 Hoyt St., Athens, GA 30601
706-613-3623

Located inside the historic Ware-Lyndon House (circa 1850), the Lyndon House Arts Center is an inspiration inside and out. The exterior—built in a Late-Greek Revival style—has become an iconic part of downtown Athens. The interior is chock full of small artists worshops, quaint stores, regional exhibitions, instructional classes, and even the odd surprise (check out the perennial garden).

Tours

Classic City Tours

Athens Welcome Center
280 E. Dougherty St., Athens GA
706-208-8687

Take a tour of historic Athens with the Classic City Tours. This bus tour will take you to the best in cultural, historical, and natural sites. With a variety of tours available, you can find the perfect tour for you or your family. Large parties can rent a personal tour bus and driver.

Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Co

780 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
706-227-2161

This local coffee roasting company conducts daily tours for visitors interested in learning more about the business of coffee roasting. Stay for a freshly brewed cup of finely roasted Arabica coffee when you’re done.

Terrapin Brew Company

265 Newton Bridge Rd, Athens, GA 30607
706-549-3377

TheTerrapin Beer Company takes their ale seriously. Started 5 years ago by two friends from Atlanta, Terrapin Brew Company has grown to such an extent that it is now situated in a 40,000 square foot factory. Sample their award winning Pale Ale as you learn about the brewing process, and uncover a few of the secrets behind Terrapin’s exciting microbrew innovations.

Everything else

Athens Farmers' Market

Bishop Park Picnic Pavillion
705 Sunset Dr., Athens, GA

Crafts, food, and more! May-December

Athens Pirates Summer Baseball

Smith Field, near Ryan's restaurant
1570 Old Epps Bridge Rd., Athens, GA

Minor league doesn’t have to mean minor fun. Enjoy a warm summer night (and a ballpark hotdog) by catching an Athens Pirates’ game. Check the Pirates’ website for a schedule and time

Brush Creek Sporting Club

1631 Moriah Church Rd., Colbert, GA 30628
706-788-2910

Bring out your inner sportsman by visiting Brush Creek, North Georgia’s premier sporting club. Practice your aim with our automatic sporting clays course, or attempt the real thing with our quail and pheasant hunting expeditions. Guides and dogs can be provided for full or half-day hunting adventures.

Kingpins Bowl and Brew

2451 Jefferson Rd., Athens, GA 30607
706-KINGPIN

Enjoy a cold beer and a few rounds of bowling at Kingpins Bowl & Brew. The retro décor, delicious bar food, and live music will keep you busy well into the night.

Lane Creek Golf Course (4 miles)

Phone: 1-706-769-6699
18 holes
Par for course: 72
Greens fees: may vary; contact course for details
Rentals and lessons
Driving range and putting green

UGA Golf Course (6 miles)

Phone: 1-706-369-5739
18 holes
Par for course: 72
Greens fees: may vary; contact course for details
Rentals and lessons
Driving range and putting green

The Georgia Club (8 miles)

Phone: 1-770-725-8100
27 holes
Par for course: 72
Rentals and lessons
Driving range and putting green