Athens, Georgia is a city with small town feel, but big city appeal. Located 61 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens offers an abundance of American history and cultural appeal. There are numerous activities to take part in for adults and kids alike in this southern city. Athens is also home to the University of Georgia, the state’s top educational institution.
Here are a few things to do when in the city of Athens:
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
This garden encompasses over 300 acres and is a “living laboratory” of teaching and research that is open to the public on a daily basis. It has a three story conservatory that has a wide variety of tropical plants not native to the region. There are five miles of trails around and through the park and a dozen specific gardens dedicated to individual sub climates and species. Admission is free and educational tours are available to those parties interested.
Georgia Museum of Art
The Museum is located on the University of Georgia Campus and is an academic museum as well as the state museum of Georgia since 1982. The museum opened originally in 1948 and houses more than 8,000 objects in a nearly 80,000 square foot space. The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday; admission is a suggested donation of $3 per person.
Butts-Mehre Heritage Sports Museum
For any fan of UGA sports, this museum is the place. The Georgia Bulldog Hall of Fame is within the museum, which contains memorabilia and exhibits from the rich and storied history of Georgia sports. Hershel Walker’s Heisman trophy amongst other awards is available for the viewing public. The museum is open daily during the school year.
Tree that Owns Itself
Certainly an attraction unique to Athens, the “tree that owns itself” is located at the intersection of Dearing and Finley Streets. A former UGA professor William H. Jackson owned the land where the tree stood. After enjoying the shade of the tree his entire life, he included the tree in his will. Eight feet of land around the trunk is owned by the tree itself which blew over in 1942, but a sapling regrew over time. It is possibly the only self-governed tree in the world.
Double Barreled Cannon
One cannot visit a southern city without a brief American History lesson. Athens’ lesson is the famous Double Barreled Cannon located at the City Hall lawn. This one-of-a-kind cannon was designed by John Gilleland and built in 1863. Its purpose was to fire a pair of cannon balls connected by an iron chain which would cause the projectile to whirl dangerously though the air towards enemies. This war relic is certainly a unique piece of history in Athens.
Source: Staff, Athens Attractions, Visit Athens GA.com
Staff, Welcome to Georgia’s Garden, UGA.com
Staff, History, Georgia Museum of Art.com
Richard Irby, Athens’ Double Barrel Cannon, ADBC.com