The Georgia Theatre is the music venue most dear to our hearts. This historic venue has hosted countless concerts, including the B52s, The Police, Widespread Panic, and R.E.M. The venue is on the Athens Music History Walking Tour. It opened in 1978, but spent a few years in the early 1980s operating sporadically as a movie house. It was reopened as a music venue in 1989. In June of 2009, the Theatre was devastated by a fire. It was rebuilt in 2011 and now includes an incredible rooftop bar that overlooks downtown Athens.
Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Athens and UGA. It's located at the edge of the University's North Campus and Athens' downtown area. If you attend UGA you know that you're not allowed to walk under the Arch until you graduate - or else you'll never graduate! Being able to walk under the Arch always fills us with an immense amount of pride. ♥️
A bell tower originally crowned the roof of the Chapel, but in 1913, it was found to be rotten and removed. The bell, which rang for religious services, the beginning and ending of classes, and in emergencies, was then housed in the wooden tower where it now stands. It's now UGA tradition to ring the bell in celebration of athletic victories, academic accomplishments (like passing that final) and other special occasions (like our wedding!)
Hands down our favorite Italian spot! Their starter bread is unlike anything we've ever had the pleasure of eating before. If you go at lunch, be sure to ask for it specifically. If you go for dinner, they'll bring it to the table without request.
"AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE!" You may be familiar with the album by R.E.M., but you need to get familiar with their inspiration for the name. Weaver D's offers the best southern cooking you can find in Athens. It's been open since 1986, and Dexter Weaver continues to impress by personally serving his incredible food every day. If you're looking to really sample southern cooking, look no further!
The Grill is a 50's diner nostalgia with a true Athens flair, featuring huge burgers, thick milkshakes, and surprising vegan and vegetarian options. The Grill opened in 1981, making it the second-oldest restaurant in downtown. This Athens staple is open 24 hours - perfect for 2am breakfast after bars close, post-game snacks, and midday lunch. Don't forget to order their famous feta dip for your french fries!
We'll be sharing Zaxby's at the wedding, but if you need even more fried chicken in your life, DEFINITELY check out Raising Cane's. There's heated debate on which is better - so you can make your own decision. Get some sweet tea with your meal - they have the best around!
We'd recommend visiting the original location, but it's a little tight to fit into with a group of folks. This second location offers less of a wait and some of the most legit Mexican food you can get your hands on down south.
Creature Comforts has been Athens' favorite brewery since it opened its doors downtown in 2014. It found its home in a beautiful historic warehouse originally built in the 1940's as a Chevy dealership. Later, the building became Snow Tire Co. before it was renovated to brew famous Georgia beers like Tropicalia and Athena. If you're going drinking in Athens, you cannot miss visiting this spot.
The Tree That Owns Itself is a white oak tree that, according to legend, has legal ownership of itself and of all land within eight feet of its base. The original tree, thought to have started life between the mid-16th and late 18th century, fell in 1942, but a new tree was grown from one of its acorns, and planted in the same location. The current tree is sometimes referred to as the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself. Both trees have appeared in numerous national publications, and the site is a local landmark.
Unlike its Atlanta counterpart, Athens' Botanical Garden is free (but they do take donations)! It's a gorgeous site full of beautiful plants, both indoor and out, as well as extensive walking trails that were always our favorite in school.
The Varsity is an Atlanta staple! Serving up the best hot dogs, burgers, chili, onion rings, and fries you'll ever have the pleasure of eating. Located right downtown in the heart of Atlanta, it's a beacon along I-75 for comfort food. Don't miss out on the apple or peach pies and the infamous frosted orange!
This is the location of our gorgeous engagement photos! It's the largest aquarium in the world housing more than 100,000 sea creatures. It's also the only institution outside of Asia to house whale sharks. The sharks are kept in a gigantic 6.3 million gallon tank in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. We were lucky enough to dive in this tank in 2014 for Henry's birthday and it's one of the most incredible experiences we've ever had.