Gooooooo, Dawgs!: An Athens Road Trip

Ok, so if you are a fan of Georgia Tech, then head south to Atlanta, take a run by The Varsity for a chili dog with cheese – or whatever it is that Georgia Tech fans eat other than crow on Thanksgiving weekend - and have fun, if that’s what they call it there.

As for our house, we bleed either burnt orange and white or red ‘n black – which means it’s time to either Hook ‘em Horns!  or Gooooooo, Dawgs! Sic ‘em…woof, woof, woof!

Yeah, we’re a house unified - unless The University of Texas and The University of Georgia end up on the same gridiron. But we shall not speak of such apocolyptic disasters. And since UGA is a lot closer and it’s football season, a trip to the UGA Arches is in order. 

Keep in mind, there’s a lot more to do in Athens than watch a good game and, in the case of the upcoming game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, enjoy the sweet smell of fried chicken at the tailgate party!

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Athens as one of the best places to see up-and-coming bands, and it’s no wonder given the success of such native Athens bands as the B-52s and R.E.M.

Over the last couple of decades, renowned venues like the 40 Watt Club, The Melting Point and the Georgia Theatre have consistently attracted fast-rising musical acts as well as established headliners.  So, you’re not going to be lacking for a little live music on Friday night before the game.

Likewise, if you’re hungry there are more than enough unique restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars to quench your thirst and kill your appetite – from The Grit to Rooster's BBQ, Mellow Mushroom to Farm 255 and The Globe Bar to Bombay Café.  Just head to the heart of Athens (as in begin by the Arches on campus, cross the street and start walking).

You’ll need a place to stay and there are plenty of accommodations provided by the usual suspects around the campus, but you might consider The Colonels Bed and Breakfast on Barnett Shoals Road.

This Civil War-era, stately columned rural mansion situated on 30 acres, about 15 minutes from downtown, features seven bedrooms and three suites.  It is tastefully appointed with European antiques that were imported from an old chateau.

If you want some quiet time, you can enjoy the walking trails that go to the Rock and Shoal Outcrop Heritage and Natural Area.

Athens is about an hour-and-half from Norcross.  Just take State Bridge Road, which becomes Pleasant Hill, over to I-85 North, exiting from I-85 onto Ga-316 East to Athens for about 40 miles until it becomes Epps Bridge Parkway.  Then follow the signs into town.

As for Georgia Tech fans, did you guys field a team this year?  Just wondering.