Turns out there is more to Athens than the Georgia Bulldogs (gasp)! Check out this weekend experience for lovers of beer, food, and the arts!
Athens Beer Trail – A Fun “Dawg-Free” Weekend
My husband, Travis, is a devout hazy IPA lover, so when his birthday came around, I decided to find the ultimate beer experience for him. While Atlanta has a wealth of excellent breweries, we needed a getaway, so I planned a weekend on the family-friendly Athens Beer Trail. We built a busy, fun itinerary around the five breweries in Dawg Country.
Hotels can be expensive and booked up in Athens, so I found the most delightful refurbished barn for our escape. We had a cozy time communing with the farm cats, dog, donkey and horse, walking to the pond, sitting around the fire pit, and enjoying a rustic experience with modern amenities.
NOTE: To officially participate in the beer trail, you must sign up on their website. Each brewery has a QR code to scan to record your visit. After you have toured all five, redeem your points for a free beer glass or t-shirt. (We opted for matching tees).
Friday
- Most of the breweries don’t open until the afternoon, so start off at Mama’s Boy, indulging in chocolate cake for breakfast or their famous, massive cinnamon roll.
- Burn off those calories on the Athens Music Walk of Fame, or a mile hike on Birchmore Trail, home of the Great Wall of Happy Hollow.
- For lunch, kick off your ale adventures at Akademia Brewing Company. This is the only brewery that serves food; we highly recommend their Brussels sprouts. Travis’s favorite beer was the Cloudy With 100% Chance Of Juiciness. I am not a beer drinker, but luckily, they have a full bar menu, so I sipped on an Old Fig-Shioned.
- Now, it’s time for some culture with a free visit to Georgia Museum of Art, or the public art murals near your next stop, Normaltown Brewing Co. The standout beer at this pet-friendly bar was Summon the Fog, while I enjoyed a fruity sour ale. If you want to stay awhile, they have board games and plenty of dog-watching.
- After a full day, take a nap under The Tree That Owns Itself, or hop on a shuttle for an historic Athens tour. Dinner recommendations include BBQ at White Tiger, a 100-year-old former grocery store, or some good old-fashioned burgers and hot dogs at Blind Pig Tavern.
Saturday
- Wake up and linger over brunch on Big City Bread Cafe‘s patio. Then, browse for baked goods, flowers, and original art at the Athens Farmers’ Market.
- It’s 12 o’clock somewhere! Up next is Athentic Brewing Co. – a community-oriented gathering place where all are welcome. Sit at one of their long tables, make new friends, and be sure to order their Eject Double Hazy IPA and Vodka Cocktail.
- Lunch options are The Place, where you can get a “meat and three,” or Taco Mama where you can a “build your own.” Afterwards, learn more about local flora and fauna at the State Botantical Garden of Georgia or Bear Hollow Zoo.
- Once you have had your fill of orchids and owls, move on to Terrapin Beer Co, which has a large outdoor recreational area and a commitment to the environment. We suggest the RecreationAle and the High and Hazy IPA.
- Treat yourself to something special for dinner at Chuck’s Fish or De Palma’s Italian Cafe. If you still have any energy left, take in a hockey game with the Rock Lobsters or relax and unwind with a musical experience at the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center.
Sunday
- It’s your last day! Fuel up with coffee and a danish at Jittery Joe’s or a Bloody Mary and beignets at Five. Do a little shopping downtown at stores such as Community or Wuxtry Records.
- Pick up lunch at Ted’s Most Best, (we loved their pizza and chicken pesto sandwich) and carry it to your final destination, Creature Comforts. Like most of the breweries in Athens, they often host food trucks and social events. Our top drink choices of the day were the Bigger Dreams Hazy IPA and the Beermosa.
And that’s a wrap! Don’t forget to scan your QR codes, redeem your gift, and let us know your favorite stop in the comments below. Happy Trails!
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