WORDS Anna Lowder
Perhaps the best known product of Athens, Georgia for three decades, REM was a local institution. As residents, musicians, culture-makers and entrepreneurs, REM brought Athens street cred, authenticity and a voice on the world stage. The band made people ask “Why Athens,” precisely the question a small town wants people asking. It got visitors coming in droves and college students in line out the admissions door.
The town has grown over thirty years into a small, walkable spot full of local restaurants (serving tofu skillets and local farm vegetables), coffee houses, and venues for leading edge live music. Throw in youthful energy, an arts scene, and a location 45 minutes outside Atlanta and it’s a serious mix. REM has dispersed but the band members still call Athens home, as its cultural and creative spirit only continues to thrive. Let’s take a listen to what Athens has to tell a wandering visitor.
Best local music venue is The 40 Watt Club. Opened in 1979, the 40 Watt is an institution graced by Nirvana, The Strokes, The Killers, Neutral Milk Hotel and The Whigs, to name just a few. With capacity of only 500 this is the place to truly experience music in Athens.
Happy Hour should be spent at The Globe - if your a gent. This worn in pub is all wood & leather. Think fireplaces and dark beer, like a comfortable old boot. For ladies, head to The National. Created by Chefs Peter Dale and Hugh Acheson, this welcoming spot draws on the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean (Spain, Greece, and so on) married with Southern produce and flavors.
A great idea that should be emulated is Full Moon Coop. This collective of sustainable farms in the Athens area works together to share produce and resources. At one point the coop featured its own Farm 255, a restaurant that sold food and drinks nightly with live music. Every city should combine local food and drinks, music and farming - especially in an urban setting.
Spend time during a football game enjoying downtown Athens on foot. While the fans and frats are in the stadium, it’s a great time to walk the sidewalks and soak up the fall atmosphere. Preferably with a to-go cup in hand.
You can look like a local by pilfering through the vintage stalls at Agora. Lucky shoppers will find retro ball gowns to pair with boots, and vinyl records galore.
A local restaurant worth the buzz is Five & Ten. Hugh Acheson (again), boiled peanut hummus, raw oysters, grilled octopus, house made pasta - enough said here. The new location on Milledge Avenue remains small and lovely.
Best cold drink is a local Terrapin beer. The Athens craft brewery features Seasonal Sessions (Maggie’s Farmhouse) , Monster Beers (Wake ‘N’ Bake) and trusty year round brews. Tour the Terrapin Brewery Wednesday - Saturday for tastings and hands on beer experience.
Go-to hangover cure is undoubtedly The Grit. Bear with me here: this is “vegetarian food that appeals to everyone.” It’s no joke. Southern fried tofu, biscuits and gravy that’ll wake you from the dead. Brunch is a must. Once you’re addicted graduate to lunch and dinner for a Golden Bowl or plate-busting sandwiches.