A College Kid’s Guide to Athens
Hi, my name is Mary Carroll Waller. I am a Junior at the University of Georgia majoring in English from Athens, Georgia. Growing up in a college town made the college tour process impossible. I found myself at every tour comparing everything to Athens and subsequently UGA. What I realized is when you live in the best college town, there really is no comparison. Many people believe in using logic when deciding where to go to college, but in reality, or at least mine, it's a gut feeling. I come from a long line of UGA graduates, my parents, both grandfathers; I grew up going to football games with my dad, and most of my childhood dogs could easily be confused for our school mascot. The combination of nostalgia, energy, and excitement I get when walking into Sanford Stadium on a sunny September Saturday is unrivaled. The feeling of spending finals week cooped up in a study room with your closest friends until you're deliriously laughing about something stupid or the final class before the pilgrimage to St Simon's for Georgia-Florida. It's probably challenging to find that gut feeling when searching for a college in a pandemic, and although I know my words will never truly do Athens justice, I hope that you get just a little nudge from your conscience while reading this.
Where to Eat: For a college town, Athens has some GOOD eats. There is something for every craving and budget. I suggest Mama's Boy, Big City Bread, Farm Cart, Athens Bagel Company, or the Grit for breakfast. If you're up for a drive, try Cafe Racer. Their biscuit sandwiches can cure the worst of hangovers. In the mornings, I enjoy walking to the Independent Baking Company in Five Points. They have freshly baked bread and other pastries. For lunch, my friends and I love going to Maepole; It is set up like a Chipotle of healthy food. It tastes so good you would never even know it's healthy. If you want a sandwich Trappeze, Ted's Most Best, Martis at Midday, or Add-Drug are for you. Add Drug is a lunch counter in a local drug store in Five Points. Their BLTs are made right in front of you, and they have the best milkshakes. Personally, I could probably eat tacos every day for the rest of my life, so choosing one place seemed impossible. Some of my favorites are Agua Linda, TLALOC, Taqueria Del Sol, and Cali N Titos. Cali N Titos has outdoor seating, its BYOB, and the best fish tacos. If you're in the mood for Italian food, Depalma's is an institution. They have great pizza, pasta, and salads. Automatic Pizza on Prince Avenue is also unreal. Clocked! is a great downtown option for a burger. They have really unique combinations and amazing tater tots. South Kitchen is excellent for dinner or brunch. They offer a creative twist to southern cuisine, and they have great drinks. Weaver D's is a classic Athens restaurant serving up amazing fried chicken, mac n cheese, and greens; Don't be turned off by the lime green cinder block or the "Automatic for the People" sign. It's incredible. If your parents are with you, make them take you to Chucks, Donna Changs, Butcher & Vine, 5&10, or Last Resort Grill. Even if your parents aren't footing the bill, these places are worth the money. Donna Chang's crab rangoon is divine, and Chuck's unique sushi menu is fantastic. Last Resort Grill is a restaurant you need to go to at least once in your college career. My favorite thing on the menu is the praline chicken. If you have a sweet tooth like me, their white chocolate cheesecake or Cecelia Villeveces cakes are necessary. To cure the "drunchies," I suggest the World Famous. They have homemade pretzel bites served with mustard and honey and fries, wings, and tacos. Another classic late-night spot would be The Grill; Their feta fries are heaven-sent.
Where to Get a Cup of Coffee: Perfect for catching up with friends or studying, there is a coffee shop for any occasion. Condor is a great Five Points option for chocolate lovers. Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Coffee, milkshakes, truffles, and brownies this place is chocolate heaven with outdoor seating. Just down the street is the Cafe on Lumpkin; if you aren't a big coffee drinker, this cafe is for you. They do have coffee; however, they are known for their extensive tea list. You can stop by for afternoon tea, breakfast, and lunch for yummy pastries and finger sandwiches. Walker’s, located in downtown Athens, is the perfect study spot, and when it's 5'oclock, you can get a drink to reward yourself for all your hard work. Hendershot's is a similar feel with the same setup. Last but certainly not least is an Athens favorite: Jittery Joe’s. They have so many locations all over Athens and Campus. Five Points, the MLC, Downtown, Baxter, and featured in several restaurants, you can not go wrong studying or grabbing a cup before class.
Where to Sweat: I truly believe that movement is medicine. Not only is it good for your physical health, but it is essential for your mental health. Life is all about balance. So yes, I will be eating feta fries from the Grill at 2am AND attempt to go to my 9am workout class the next morning. Athens has plenty of gyms and fitness studios; some popular ones are HOTWORX, Purebarre, Strength and Strike, Pure Balance Pilates, and Shakti Yoga. My personal favorite is Transfit. This small women's gym, located in the heart of five points, will work you over. They are so positive, and I always leave sweaty with a smile. When the sun's out, I grab friends and walk on Milledge or go to the Botanical Gardens. Not only are these options free, walking and talking with friends is therapeutic.
Where to Get a Drink: Athens, Georgia, has a little over 80 bars, so finding a place to get a drink is not difficult. If you are looking for a chill atmosphere, Creature Comforts Brewery, Clarkes, or The Rooftop at Georgia Theatre are perfect. A lot of freshman year is spent in Double Barrell (5 dollar champagne bottles) and Bourbon (power hour!). However, now that I am older and wiser, I love Silver Dollar, Woodford, Boars Head, Flanagans, and Allgood for my quintessential college night out. I am known for my love of dancing and weird costumes. Despite having no classical training, my favorite spots on a night out to show off my dance moves are 9ds, The Warehouse, and Sister Louisa's Church. They all play the best music, and they’re guaranteed good times.
What to Do: One of my favorite things about Athens is there is always something going on. True to our SEC roots, a lot of activities revolve around sports. Your Saturdays in the fall will be spent in Sanford Stadium cheering on the dawgs. Not only is there football but basketball, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, tennis and more. The music scene in Athens is huge, so if sports aren't your thing, you can always catch a concert at Georgia Theatre or 40watt. If you're here in the summer, Athfest is a free three-day music festival highlighting local and regional artists and musicians. In the Spring, Athens host's a bike race called Twilight, it's like a giant block party downtown where people just happen to be racing bikes. When the weather's nice, I love to be outside; I usually grab a picnic blanket, my speaker, and whatever I'm reading and go sit on North Campus with friends.
Where to Shop: As an undiagnosed shopaholic, I consider myself an expert on where to shop in Athens. Downtown Athens has so many cute boutiques and shops to find whatever you're looking for. Dukes, Heery's, Indigo Child, and American Threads are popular. My personal favorite, Cheeky Peach, has something for everyone, especially those on a college budget. Their stylists are so helpful; I can walk in for a last-minute outfit and have at least 15 options. Besides clothes, Downtown Athens has many unique stores. Wuxtry Records, Archer Paper Goods, Indigo Home, KA Artist Shop, and Bear Hug Honey Company are excellent. I could spend hours in a bookstore, and Avid Bookshop in Five Points is superior. They separate books by the vibe and have personalized recommendations. Avid also has a book subscription service, so if you struggle to pick out what to read next, they make it super easy.
