Athens, Georgia is typically thought of as a fall destination. The Classic City attracts many, many visitors, but the vast majority of them come during football season, when the University of Georgia Bulldogs are playing between the hedges at Sanford Stadium in downtown Athens. However, this is a place you most definitely shouldn't discount in the summer! There are so many things to do in summer in Athens, Georgia - it's one of my favorite towns in the state, and especially wonderful if you enjoy spending time outside. There's no shortage of family-friendly attractions here that make it great for a weekend getaway. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in summertime in Athens:
There's so much to do outdoors in Athens! Sandy Creek Park is a 782-acre park that rivals many state parks.
You can enjoy kayaking, hiking, disc golf, tennis courts, basketball courts, and so much more here.
Athens has two farmers markets. The larger one is held year-round at Bishop Park each Saturday morning. From spring through fall, you can also enjoy a second mid-week evening market downtown.
More than 40 vendors attend the Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market each week. It's a great place to pick up produce, art, bread, and coffee.
The biggest event of the summer in Athens is Athfest, a three-day long celebration of art, music, and creativity. The festival features dozens of musicians, an artists' market, and plenty of activities for kids.
Even if you're not around for Athfest, you'll still find plenty of live music to enjoy in Athens. This is the home of R.E.M. and the B-52s, after all!
The historic Georgia Theatre is one of the best places to catch a show in town. Throughout the summer, free shows are hosted at the Georgia Theatre Rooftop. It's a wonderful experience to catch a sunset with a live soundtrack.
The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia are in Athens. This free attraction has a kid's play area, beautiful plants from all over the world, and is open year round.
UGA's baseball team may not be as popular as the National Championship-winning football team, but catching a game is a must for sports fans.
The Bulldogs play at Foley Field. The games are open to the public and tickets are typically under $20 a piece.
The Georgia Museum of Art is another great free attraction in Athens, GA. The museum has more than 17,000 works of art dating back hundreds of years.
The Athens craft beer scene is rapidly expanding, and one of the most popular breweries in the city is Terrapin Beer Company. It's in an industrial area just outside of downtown and offers tours, plus regularly hosts events and concerts, especially in the summer months.
What better time than summer to enjoy a meal al fresco? One of my favorite spots for outdoor dining in Athens is Cali N Tito's. This Latin-American institution serves up huge portions at a reasonable price.
Have you ever taken a summer trip to Athens, GA? Share your experiences in the comments!
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