Not only does UGA have a beautiful campus that’s conveniently located across from Downtown Athens, but there are so many other places that Athens and surrounding areas have to offer. Here are some things to do that you can’t find in the heart of Athens, otherwise known as off the beaten path.
Normaltown
Located on Prince Avenue in Athens, Georgia, is Normaltown, where the people are friendly, the businesses are welcoming and the customers are loyal. There is just about everything you need in a one-block radius including the laundromat, grocery store, restaurants and bars, a local bakery, shops and services that are rare or impossible to find anywhere else. Don’t miss a local favorite, Agua Linda’s Mexican restaurant, while you’re there! Enjoy Normaltown!
Phone Number: normaltownonline@gmail.com
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Oconee Hill Cemetery
Established in 1856 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Oconee Hill Cemetery is significant for its landscape architecture, decorative funerary markers, distinctive cast-iron fencing, a rare through-truss bridge, and a Sexton’s House of architectural significance. The grassy and rolling terrain with woods, flowing water and scenic views makes Oconee Hill a pleasant place to visit and walk among the graves of many notable Georgians including governors, University presidents, veterans, and Congressmen. Oconee Hill is still an active cemetery.
Phone Number: (706) 543-6262
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Terrapin Beer Company
Terrapin Beer Co. is a popular brewery in Athens. Their beer is sold in many local restaurants, and the brewery itself offers tours and tastings as well. Don’t miss this opportunity to drink great beer with great friends in the Classic City.
Phone Number: (706) 549-3377
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The Iron Horse
Created by Abbott Pattison, The Iron Horse is a sculpture and landmark that sits in corn field between Watkinsville and Greensboro. It was given to UGA as a gift and possible mascot, but was not accepted back then. It is a great spot for photos during the day or while the sun sets over Georgia. Don’t forget to check it out!
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Washington Farms
Washington Farms is a fun, family-friendly place to make memories to last a lifetime. During the spring and early summer, the farm offers inflatables, slides, wagon rides, a playground, strawberry picking and lots of other games. The fall offers corn mazes, taking a ride around the farm, roasting s’mores by a campfire, and picking out a pumpkin from the fields. It’s a great place for all to enjoy!
Phone Number: (706) 769-0627
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Lake Oconee
Welcome to Lake Oconee, located in Greene County, Georgia. Come here to experience some of the state’s best fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, water-skiing, wakeboarding and golfing! There are also great local shops, boutiques and restaurants surrounding the lake. Lake Oconee is open year ’round.
Phone Number: (706) 453-0380
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Tallulah Falls
About an hour outside of Athens, Tallulah Falls is a series of six waterfalls that cut through Tallulah Gorge. Numerous hiking trails are close by, including the Shortline Trail, a 3-mile paved trail following the Old Tallulah Falls Railroad Bed. Surrounding lakes like Lake Tugalo and Lake Yonah both offer fishing, swimming and non-motorized boating.
Phone Number: (706) 212-0241
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High Shoals Falls
Though the Shoals are a bit of a drive from Athens (about 2 hours), the views are totally worth it! After hiking to the waterfall, there is also an area for people to swim and climb and jump off the rocks into the beautiful water.
Phone Number: (770) 445-8065
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