Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau: 8 Things To Do In Athens This Spring

Press release from the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau:

2022-03-08

Spring is always a time of rebirth, and never more so than in 2022. The time is right for a spring getaway to Athens, Georgia. There are plenty of things to do in Athens this spring! It's the best time of year for outdoor Athventures like nature walks, patio dining, the new Athens Beer Trail and just enjoying one another's company along with the wonderful weather.

Best Things to do this Spring in Athens

• There are over five miles of trails for exploring, including a new ADA-accessible trail to the river.
• Themed gardens tell the stories of plants throughout Georgia's history, plants that grow around the world at our same latitude, and more.
• The Children's Garden is an interactive and immersive experience spread over several acres.
• The Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum is the newest attraction at the Garden. It explores the connection between arts and nature with eight galleries of exhibits from near and far.

Athens is definitely known for its creative approach to food. The restaurant scene attracts discerning diners from metro Atlanta and far beyond. Spring is a wonderful time of year to head to Athens to check out the laid-back, casual vibe on restaurant patios throughout town.

• We love the family-friendly menu and patio space at Ted's Most Best and Clocked!, downtown.
• Plenty of other downtown restaurants have also upped their patio game, including Last Resort (yay, greenhouses!) and The National.
• The shaded, tropical oasis of Cali N Tito's, along with the flavors on the menu, will transport you to the Caribbean.
• Dine with a two-time James Beard winner on the porch of the historic home on S Milledge Ave. that houses Hugh Acheson's Five & Ten.
• Head to the Boulevard neighborhood and discover fun patios in reclaimed spaces: Heirloom is in a former old-time gas station and White Tiger is in an old corner grocery store.

There are plenty more outdoor dining options-- head over to our Outdoor Dining page to discover them all!

• We love the family-friendly menu and patio space at Ted's Most Best and Clocked!, downtown.
• Plenty of other downtown restaurants have also upped their patio game, including Last Resort (yay, greenhouses!) and The National.
• The shaded, tropical oasis of Cali N Tito's, along with the flavors on the menu, will transport you to the Caribbean.
• Dine with a two-time James Beard winner on the porch of the historic home on S Milledge Ave. that houses Hugh Acheson's Five & Ten.
• Head to the Boulevard neighborhood and discover fun patios in reclaimed spaces: Heirloom is in a former old-time gas station and White Tiger is in an old corner grocery store.

• The Oconee Rivers Greenway, which goes right through Downtown Athens, has paved trails like the Firefly Trail that welcome all non-motorized transportation.
• For a more remote hike, head out to Sandy Creek Park or Ben Burton Park.
• Athens has plenty of wonderful nature trails for families, even with young children.
• Mountain bikers will enjoy the trails at Walker Park.

There are so many opportunities in the spring to see the creative energy of Athens on display. Every Saturday morning the Athens Farmers Market takes over Bishop Park and the offerings go far beyond produce. You'll find all sorts of fresh choices for your menu, your home, and your bath & body routine. Every third Saturday, Indie South hosts its Abnormal Bazaar, which is a fun lil' flea featuring all kinds of vendors selling everything from soaps and jewelry to vintage and vinyl. At both spots you'll be able to buy coffee and tea as well as pastries, so you can have some breakfast while you shop.

Indie South is also bringing back its Springtacular. This annual event is a modern makers market with truly one-of-a-kind finds.

Athens is now home to six breweries! The new Athens Beer Trail is a self-guided tour where you can get stamps to earn prizes, and is a must-do for all beer lovers. Each Athens brewery has its own specialty and vibe. 

• Creature Comforts, in downtown Athens, gained acclaim for its Tropicalia IPA and is also known for its sours (we see you, Athena!)
• Akademia has an expansive patio space and as a brewpub offers a full food menu in addition to great beer.
• Southern Brewing Co. hosts great concerts in their big back yard. Tip: try their Red & Black, or Cherokee Rose beers.
• Athentic has brought a great in-town vibe to the bustling Normaltown neighborhood. They have a great selection of rotating seasonal special beers as well as regular favorites.
• Normaltown Brewing Co. is the perfect neighborhood watering hole tucked away in the Tracy St. warehouse district.
• Terrapin Beer Co. is where Athens beer began. It has the OG back yard and tasting room and is still turning out inventive brews as well as favorites like Hopsecutioner and the Golden Ale that first put them on the map.
• Keep an eye on our events calendar, as Athens breweries host plenty of special events like craft fairs, live music, farmers markets, art exhibits and pop-up partnerships with local businesses.

Discover more about our local  Athens craft breweries and pick the one -- or ones -- right for you!

Spring weather is picnic weather!

There are plenty of picnic spots in Athens for spreading out a blanket and relaxing over good food and drink. Slow down, enjoy the scenery, the company and the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you this spring in Athens! Over 100 local businesses have taken the pledge to Go Safely, so you can feel comfortable taking this Georgia getaway. 

Why wait? Book your Athens Spring Getaway today!

Athens Hotel Deals

• ATHENS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
• 300 N THOMAS ST, ATHENS, GA 30601
• 706.357.4430

This press release was produced by the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. The views expressed here are the author’s own.