Athens is so much more than just a college town. If your experience with it is relegated to football weekends and memories of college parties, then it's time to reacquaint yourself. Athens has blossomed into an eclectic and imaginative town home to entrepreneurs, world class chefs and southern icons. This spring, take a trip east and see what the Classic City has to offer.
Vet School with no tuition required
UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine will open its door to the public for their annual open house. This 30-plus-year tradition is hosted by the first-year veterinary students and has something for the entire family. Tour part of the school, see exotic animals and watch a dog parade. You can even brush up on your surgical skills during teddy bear surgery, as a veterinary student assists with stuffed animals who need repair.
College of Veterinary Medicine Open House, April 3
You can still come for the beer
If you need to be eased into a different feel for the city, then try Athens Beer Week. Beware, there is nothing here that is reminiscent of bygone college days. Athens has placed itself on a shortlist of up and coming craft beer destinations. Stay for the week and enjoy tours of local breweries and other festivities, or come for the main event- the Classic City Brew Fest. One price allows you to sample hundreds of beers, including a selection of one-off ales. www.classiccitybrew.com
Athens Beer Week, April 6-12
FREE UGA Football and a world tour
See the world converge on downtown Athens. Cultural awareness abounds as community groups and UGA student organizations bring a glimpse of different cultures through performances and interactive displays. Collect passport stamps from all the represented countries for a chance at prizes. Kids can make flags, jewelry and other fun activities.
The UGA Bulldogs kickoff at 2 p.m. and you can watch them for FREE. This annual spring event is a preview of Georgia Football and all that the Dawgs will bring to the table for the 2015 season.
G-Day and UGA International Street Festival, April 11
Garden and bird tours
Grab some ideas to up your gardening skills. The best of the Athens gardening community extends a southern welcome to show their must-see horticultural creations. From quaint to grand, the range of style and inspiration will have you dreaming and planning your own landscape visions. One price allows you admission and self-guided tour at five different gardens. piedmontgardeners.org
Every weekend in April, the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society will be giving guided bird walks. Hosted at various locations around Athens, including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, these morning walks run 3-4 hours long and are open to the public. www.oconeeriversaudubon.org
Bird Walks and the Piedmont Gardener's Garden Tour, April 18
Get moo-ving
Dress up in your best cow running attire for the return of the Chick-fil-A Connect Half Marathon. In this running of the bulls, you don't need to worry about the horns. If you are not up to running an entire half marathon yourself, then grab a team. This event offers a half marathon relay event and lets you divide the distance between several runners. cfahalf.com
Chick-fil-A Connect Half Marathon, April 18
Great excuse for a weekend of fun
While the Twilight race is all about pro-cycling, the entire weekend is one event after another of fun for everyone. Build your own chariot and compete with all the imaginative entrants. BMX competitions, kids fitness activities and even the Georgia Brewed Beer Festival help round out a weekend of merriment. If you have kiddos dreaming of pro-status one day, enter them in the Kids Criterium or Big Wheel Race. Soak up the vibe of the city as musician hit the stage at the Ted's Most Best Music Stage. So much to do in just one weekend! www.athenstwilight.com
Athens Twilight Criterium Weekend, April 24-25
For more information about events and activities in the Athens area, see www.visitathensga.com.
Other spring ideas:
Visit Chattanooga for spring break family fun
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
