Unique Things To Do in Athens

Posted on Jan 21, 2009 by Whistlebury Properties

If you ever feel like you are running out of things to do in Athens, and the only things to do involve “going downtown” or “going out” you’re just not looking in the right places.

There are things to do for those on a college budget and for those who are able to splurge every now and then. Sometimes all it takes to get out of the usual routine is a little creativity.

Here is a pretty hefty list of Athens, Georgia activities and things to do according to your budget. If you think of something we didn’t include please add your suggestions in the comment section. Also, if you’ve personally done any of these things please tell us about your experience!

Budget level: Free – $10

Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail
http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/bearhollow/

Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail is a small zoo that is home to black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, river otters, owls, and over 120 species of wild, free-living animals. Birchmore Trail, a mile-long nature trail, is also on the grounds.

Volunteer with a nonprofit at Common Ground
http://www.commongroundathens.org/

Common Ground Athens is a community resource center for groups and individuals working for progressive social change. Through educational programs, shared resources, and organizational support, Common Ground connects and strengthens local organizations and residents in their work to improve our community and world.

Georgia Square Value Cinema (Dollar Theater)
Fandango Listing

I still call it the “dollar theater,” but I believe movies are now $1.99. It’s a nice change to paying the usual $9 for a movie. Obviously the selection is limited, but sometimes you can catch something great.

Geocaching
www.geocaching.com

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Search for Athens, GA to find some in our area. I’ve found a few. Sounds weird, but it’s lots of fun.

Groovy Golf

Black light putt-putt located at Georgia Square Mall. I’m going to be honest here. It’s not the most high-tech, elegant setup, but if you’re looking for a cheap putt-putt fix venture over there to see what it’s about.

Watch the Roller Derby
http://www.classiccityrollergirls.com/

With skater names like Pound Cake and Carmen SlamDiego it’s sure to be a good time!

Terrapin Beer Tour
http://www.terrapinbeer.com/

$8 will buy you eight 4-ounce samples of brew, a tour to learn “how it’s made,” typically live music, and you even get to keep the souvenir glass. If you go on your birthday it’s free!

Canopy Studio Performances
http://www.canopystudio.com/events.htm

The Canopy Studio provides instruction in movement arts and a venue for viewing and participating in performances. (Taking classes there would fall into another budget category)

J and J Flea Market
http://www.jandjfleamarket.com/

You will find fun for the entire family at the J&J Flea Market and always free admission and parking. The J&J Flea Market is not just another market in a building, but our 1000+ vendor spaces outside under the trees make the J&J a truly different market with the best of outdoor and indoor shopping.

Athens Farmer’s Market
http://www.athensfarmersmarket.net/

Closed until Spring, BUT—
The market will run every Saturday, from 8:00am to 1:00pm, at Bishop Park, Athens, beginning with the grand opening on May 17th and running through the last Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Budget Level: $11 – $25

Good Dirt
http://www.gooddirt.net

Tuition: $20 each participant

Did you ever just want to try making something out of clay? Well, today is the day to do it. Instruction will cover a variety of techniques. Students will work with terra cotta clay and paint their creations with colored clay slips. All work will be glazed with a shiny, food safe glaze.

Bowl and Brew
http://www.kingpinsbowlandbrew.com/

Check out Bowl and Brew’s 8 lane bowling alley and restaurant. This is the only bowling alley in Athens that serves alcohol, but you typically need to make a reservation, and you bowl by the hour. I understand this is necessary in order to keep the reservation model in place, but they will cut you off after your time is up— even if your game isn’t over. NOT COOL. But like I said, they are the only bowling alley in Athens that lets you get your drink on.

Athens Cine— Bar/Cafe/Cinema
http://www.athenscine.com/

Ciné screens a variety of intriguing films from a broad spectrum of countries and cultures. The newest domestic and foreign productions as well as movie classics and retrospectives, feature as well as documentary films are shown. The selection includes well known crossover independent films and small budget films, discoveries from festivals, and local productions.

The BarCafé is the perfect spot to see your friends and have a glass of wine or a cappuccino and a fruit tart before you see the film. We have selected teas, coffees, fruit juices and locally made baked goods, as well as popcorn, sodas, and candy. Beer and wine can be combined with savory treats like nuts, or small pastries.

Jewelry Making at Margo

Margo is a jewelry store, but sometimes they hold classes on how to make your own. They also sell the “ingredients” to whatever piece of jewelry you can dream up.

No Web site, but contact info:
224 E Clayton St
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 543-1995

Funopolis Family Fun Center
http://www.funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com/

This place is basically a mini amusement park, but they actually have a lot of attractions. It’s located in Commerce, a little over 30 minutes from Athens.

Stars and Strikes Bowling
Dacula Location

I haven’t been here, but it looks like the ultimate bowling alley. The closest one to Athens is in Dacula, but I think it’d be worth the drive. Check out the Web site to see what they have to offer.

Budget Level: $25 and up

Brush Creek for Sporting Clays and Hunt Club
http://www.brushcreeksportingclub.com/

The sporting club is 30 minutes away in Colbert, Georgia but it looks like a good time. Check out their Web site for pricing. You can shoot clays and go bird hunting.

Chateau Elan Resort and Winery
http://www.chateauelan.com/

Chateau Elan frequently hosts wine tastings, and holds tours of their on site vineyard. Again, this location is not in Athens, but it’s only about an hour away. It could be a fun day trip from Athens.

Athens Leisure Services
http://www.accleisureservices.com

Athens Leisure Services holds art and dance classes very often. Check out the Web site to see their offerings. They also have a great list of recreation facilities and natural resources in Athens.

Karaoke at Shokitini

Shokitini is an awesome sushi bar/restaurant in downtown Athens. From Dawg-Food Blog:

Shokitini, a local sushi restaurant on West Clayton, has three karaoke rooms: small, medium and large. A note: if you want to reserve a room, SERIOUSLY listen to the lady when she tells you how many people the room can sit. I thought the room was going to be big with a karaoke stage, but it’s so much better.

They are small, but they have huge booths for everyone to sit in and TVs on the front and back of the rooms. That way, you don’t have to turn around and look at the screen when you want to face your friends.

It makes you look more like a karaoke baller.

Week Day Gourmet
http://www.wdgourmet.com/

Prepare mouth-watering gourmet entrées just like the pros at Week Day Gourmet’s state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.

Take home meals ready to cook or freeze. It’s that simple.

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