Detour Downtown: Athens itineraries for bored UGA students

graduate student jake head

Are you tired of doing the same old shit every day? Do you find yourself religiously patronizing the same tired establishments? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a few interesting Athens itineraries to release you from the DT and campus rut. Get out of your dusty dorm or your luxury apartment and explore the city you live in!

For the artistic and introverted duo:

Grab a quick pastry at Sweetie’s bakery on the Eastside. Take your sweet treat to Memorial Park, where you’ll find lush greenery, a lively dog park, and an excellent walking path. Then head North to grab lunch at Big City Bread--this is a great place to enjoy a delicious sandwich and an intimate conversation. If you’re in the mood to shop, check out Indie South’s artist market, plenty of locally made goods and knick-knacks! Grab a coffee at Sips in Normaltown; I recommend the honey lavender latte. After that take a stroll over to White Tiger Gourmet, one of my favorite places to enjoy a delicious meal in the Boulevard historic district. Finish dinner off with a nightcap at Normal Bar; you’ll enjoy the dim lighting and comfortable ambiance.

For those with a trust fund:

Start brunch strong with 5&10 on Milledge Avenue. After this, take a stroll over to Avid bookshop and check out the new arrivals. If you’re feeling like a stroll, the Cloverhurst and West Lake neighborhood West of 5 Points offers lovely views of some of Athens’ most sophisticated homes. If you’re looking for coffee and a bite to eat, make your way over to Buvez coffee shop to enjoy a Provencal baguette and a rich cup of Joe. After you’ve digested your baguette, make your way to Seabear for Oyster Happy hour. Get moderately drunk off their signature scorpion bowl, then head to Old Pal for a nightcap. You’ll love the delicious cocktails and classic atmosphere.

For the baller on a budget:

If you need a quick bite to eat, hit up the Bread Basket on Boulevard, the best place around town for one-dollar biscuits. After this, I’d recommend taking a walk down this historic street. End with a lovely sit at Boulevard Woods Park, a nice refuge from the bustle of a busy life. If you’re working up an appetite at this point and looking for an inexpensive lunch, make your way over to Weaver D’s for some soul food. After this, take a drive up to the Northside to look for deals at Georgia’s largest flea market, JJ’s. If you’re hungry after this, it’s a short drive to Tacos Los Plebes, some of the best tacos available in the ACC. End the night strong at Terrapin brewery’s taproom. You’ll love the cheap half-pint and the plethora of green space and corn-hole boards.

For the jock with taste:

Start your day off with a cup of Joe at Molly’s coffee and a morning run at South Clarke Park. This park has magnificent trails that go all over the Eastside, and you can watch the dogs play at Wiggly field during your cool down. If it’s a Saturday, head to the Athens Farmers Market on Sunset Avenue for fresh produce and local lunch options. Then, hop on your bike and make your way down Prince Ave towards the Greenway. Finish the afternoon by exploring the Sandy Creek nature preserve--there is a very cute museum here! Before you head to dinner, catch an outdoor yoga class at Revolution Therapy and Yoga in Pulaski heights. Or if yoga’s not your speed, get a day pass at Active Climbing nearby. After your class, head to Pulaski Heights barbecue for a meal that features each macronutrient in abundance.

There is something to do in the ACC for all personality types. Get out of the downtown rut! There is more to this city than the Jittery Joe’s in the MLC and Pauley’s Crepes.

The Chapel BellOctober 18, 2021