Athens, Georgia is best known for their college football. While the sports culture is rich and the University of Georgia campus is impressive, there is so much more to the historic city, just a two hour drive from Woodstock.
The Athenian is a boutique hotel that mixes modern style with historic charm for a luxurious and memorable stay. The building is Greek Revival style, built in 1843. In it’s previous lives, it served as a tuberculosis hospital, boarding house, a commercial office space, and more. It re-opened in late 2024 as a boutique hotel.
Each room at The Athenian is named after a Greek god or goddess, carefully styled to be pleasing to the eye. The Ares room is gorgeously furnished and red-themed, in a way that fits its name perfectly, but also feels exciting and not overwhelming. The Ares suite features a room with two twin beds in addition to the king bedroom; ideal for families.
The Athenian lounge felt like something out of a movie. With dark green tones, low music, and cushiony chairs, it was inviting and fun to relax in the lounge in between outings. They keep the fridges stocked with sodas, sparkling water, and local beer from Creature Comforts brewery, located less than a 5 minute walk from the hotel. And their snack selection is unmatched.
Puma Yu’s, a Thai restaurant just outside downtown, is home to James Beard Award-nominated chef Pete Amadhanirundr. The cuisine was expertly crafted and accessible to various diets. It’s always such a rewarding experience when you can tell how much effort went into perfecting a recipe. We recommend the Mushroom Tom Kha, Garlic Pork Noodle, and Sesame Miso Salad.
Pretty Boy, located downtown, is a Vietnamese-American restaurant with a modern stylish flair. The cuisine is innovative. The servers were veritable experts on the restaurant’s history and menu and happy to accommodate varying diets. You can ask for the server’s recommendations at any restaurant, but here it felt intentional and passionate. The mango sorbet is an unmissable experience. We also recommend the Stir-fried Bok Choy and Chilled Peanut Noodles.
Every time I get a taste of the 90s or early 2000s, I’m immediately a fan. That’s the atmosphere of Big City Bread Cafe. It felt like I was transported to a brunch spot from 20 years ago. It’s cozy and I was so delighted that they’ve kept the style consistent for years. The tofu vegetable saute is a must for everyone and a testament to the power of simple seasoning to create the most mouth-watering dish. The nutritional yeast gravy made me nearly beg for the recipe! They feature a whole menu of perfectly classic brunch fare.
Other itinerary recommendations:
- Georgia Museum of Art
- A concert at UGA’s Hodgson Concert hall
- Condor Chocolates
- Hot Corner Celebration & Soul Food Festival
The next time you have a long weekend, take little trip to Athens and experience the style and culture that make the city vibrant.