August 2011
9 posts
Dream It Bigger
To all my readers, partakers, collaborators, fellow bloggers, followers, friends, family, and whoever else supported me along this remarkable journey, I thank you. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. This small project that I came up with while bored in class one day took off in ways that I never imagined. As I set out and conquered my bucket list I had people cheering me on, embarking on the...
1. Walk Under the Famous UGA Arch
Considered to be the gateway to the University of Georgia, the Arch has served as UGA’s most visible symbol for the last 150 years. Commissioned in 1856 and built sometime before 1858, the black iron arch was installed as part of the iron fence erected to secure the campus. The original structure actually included gates, which closed off the passageway beneath the Arch at night. The University’s...
2. Walk Between the Hedges (and Graduate)
Throughout your years at the University of Georgia there are very few times when you will find yourself on the field of Sanford Stadium standing between the hedges. There are a few exceptions to this…being a member of the football team, being a campus stud and becoming a member of homecoming court or Sphinx, pulling off the great trifecta and sneaking onto the field, etc. For most of us it...
3. Athens Food Tour
I found my dream job (or at least one of them). A job that I would take at the drop of a hat. One that incorporates all my loves and passions into one. It combines incredible cuisine, spending quality time with people and touring around our amazing city on a daily basis. This is a job that I dream of doing, one that if I had the privilege to stay in Athens a little longer, I would hope and wish...
4. Athens Roller Derby - Classic City Roller Girls
Throughout this journey of creating and carrying out my Athens Final 100 many people have asked me how I crafted my list. Did I come up with it on my own, did I find it somewhere, and most commonly how did I find the random and seldom heard about items? My answer is always the same in that yes I compiled the list on my own, but did ask friends and UGA campus all-stars for suggestions. I...
5. Athens Music History Tour
R.E.M., B 52’s, Widespread Panic, Drive-by Truckers. Morton Theater, 40 Watt, The Melting Point, The Georgia Theater. Flagpole Magazine, John Mayer’s first music video, School Kids Records, Wuxtry Records, and Athfest. As the list goes on and on it becomes more than evident that Athens, GA is a music town through and through. To such an extent that in February 2003 Rolling Stones Magazine named...
6. Tree in a Building
As you pull up you can’t help but stare. Something so random and so different inevitably draws that kind of attention. From the outside it looked exactly how I expected it to, although I guess there is really only one way it could look. As Michelle and I wondered inside we were taken aback by how bare and empty the room was. While you would think that would give it that abandoned building feel,...
7. Vince Dooley Statue (Butts Mehre)
As head coach for 25 years his career highlights included a national championship victory in 1980, six SEC titiles, 201 wins and invitations to 20 bowl games. As director of Athletics he developed and led a sports program that produced 23 nations team championships, 78 SEC crowns, and Bulldog student athletes won 98 individual national titles. During his tenure 100+ UGA student athletes earned...
8. North Oconee River Greenway
In 1773, before the city of Athens and the University of Georgia were established, America’s first naturalist, William Bartram, first observed the Oconee River. He walked its length taking in its beauty and discovered that two major Indian trails crossed it near Cedar Shoals. Today, after years of hard work, volunteer hours and unwavering dedication the Oconee River and surrounding area have...
July 2011
1 post
WILL RETURN SOON
Sorry for the delay in finishing up the posts for my Athens Final 100! I’m currently road-tripping to California, but promise to finish soon!
June 2011
12 posts
9. Shadow the Head Chef of The National
I walked in, was introduced to the staff, handed an apron, and immediately got put to work. The atmosphere was fast paced yet fun as I helped the six chefs prep their stations in anticipation for the busy Friday night dinner rush. While some students were still in class, and others were napping after an exhausting week, I was beginning what would soon be one of my most memorable nights in...
10. People Watching Downtown
Do you often find yourself sitting on a public bench staring and analyzing people as they pass by? Or, are you more stealth, and appear to be diligently working at a local coffee shop but really are just observing customers as they come in and eavesdropping on a nearby table’s conversation? If so, then I’m probably not the first to diagnose you as a people watcher and if not then you are missing...
11. Athena Statue
“We will never bring disgrace on this our City by an act of dishonesty or cowardice. We will fight for the ideals and Sacred Things of the City both alone and with many. We will revere and obey the City’s laws and will do our best to incite a like reverence and respect in those above us who are prone to annul them or set them at naught. We will strive increasingly to quicken the...
12. Sandy Creek Park
It was a gorgeous almost-summer day and not a single cloud could be seen in the sky. The sun was shining or should I say blazing as the temperature was well into the 90’s making it crazy HOT outside! While some sought shade and cooler temperatures indoors, others including myself were out basking in the sunny rays. I watched as kids built sandcastles and splashed in the water while parents and...
13. The Grit
I just couldn’t make up my mind. Nearly every item on the menu sounded more phenomenal than the last, and every dish that went by smelled heavenly. The same question of what to possibly eat that plagued my mind before I arrived was once again running through my head but now in a whole new context. I simply couldn’t make up my mind, it all looked delicious. Despite my initial hesitation to dine at...
14. Stroll Down Milledge Avenue
On a random spring Saturday, Michelle and I, after packing in our days checking things off of my Athens Final 100 were a bit tired and looking for something relaxing to do. We searched through the list and came across the perfect item for that particular afternoon. We drove to one end of Milledge parked and set out walking with no destination in mind. For the next hour or so, we strolled down...
15. Night on the (Down)town
In most college towns and especially Athens, the long awaited weekend begins on Thursday night, as Friday classes seem to become optional and are often skipped. On this particular Thursday a group of friends and myself rapped up the pregame, piled into my car and headed downtown. We circled a few times and finally found a spot on Clayton Street. As we jumped out of the car the clock struck...
16. Concert at Melting Point
We arrived earlier than excepted so rather than head straight inside, we grabbed seats on the beautiful outdoor patio. Sitting beneath the stars and the strung up lights we talked and people watched and enjoyed the incredible weather. Inside we saw the lights dim and heard the crowd start to yell. We quickly ran inside and grabbed seats in the upper balcony. For the first few songs we danced...
jelizabethl asked: In post #17, about the painted bulldogs, where is the top one located at?
17. Pictures with the Bulldogs
Who let the dawgs out? We Let the Dawgs Out! And by “we”, I mean, the Athens-Oconee Junior Woman’s Club and by “dawgs” I mean the large bulldog statues scattered throughout Athens. Their public art project has become one of the most recognized symbols for UGA and Athens and are the most photographed bulldogs behind, of course, our mascot UGA.
Athens is the...
WatchA taste of the action at the Athens Rodeo!
18. Athens Rodeo
I took a deep breath. The anticipation was killing me and I could feel my body tense up, yet I was safely sitting in the bleachers. Right then the gate swung open, the bull charged out bucking like crazy and seconds later it was over. What was a maximum of ten seconds of entertainment for the crowd must have felt like an eternity for the rider, but then again that is the life of a cowboy and...
May 2011
23 posts
19. Start a UGA Tradition (Graduation Chalkboards)
“What do you want to do before you graduate?” This simple and straightforward question is something that I asked myself daily as I set out to complete my Athens Final 100 bucket-list. However, on this particular occasion, in this particular moment, I was dumbfounded. Standing in front of a blank chalkboard, I read the phrase, “Before I graduate, I want to…”
It is...
20. The Vermonster
We were determined to finish. I grabbed a straw and shoved it towards the bottom of the bucket and began slurping. Meanwhile, Courtney powered through and finished the remaining brownie bites, while Victoria and Michelle carried their weight snagging Health Bar bits and the chocolate fish food pieces respectively. As I came up for air and took a break for water, Kellogg took over on the...
21. Frisbee on North Campus
In almost every college brochure, you will find a similar picture depicting students lounging around an open, grassy quad tossing a frisbee. While it is cliche, it happens to be one of my favorite parts of college life. I even remember a period of time Freshman year where among my text books and folders in my book-bag you would find my light green frisbee. I kept it close, prepared to seize any...
22. Find Your Spot In Athens (Rope Swing)
12-15 hours of class, various student organizations and extracurricular activities, time for the gym, socializing, eating, studying, searching for an internship or job and so much more. College can get pretty chaotic but it’s important to take time out of your day for just you. While easier said than done you must find time to relax and breathe amongst the madness. There are few places...
23. Progressive Dinner
“ Lets go to Speakeasy and get a few of our favorite tapas.”
“No I’m craving that thing I like at Casa Mia and you can get those plantain chips you like.”
“ What I really want is Last Resort cheesecake.”
“Well, that’s fine for dessert, but what about dinner? We have to eat real food first.”
After dating the same girl for almost all of college, it is virtually inevitable that you will run out of...
WatchAthens Twilight Criterium 2011!
24. Twilight Criterium
It is an Athens weekend like no other. In the middle of the night police come and block off the main streets of downtown as food vendors and various product promoters set up tents. The set up continues all day and the festivities start early afternoon and continue into the evening for the main event. Students, locals and bike enthusiasts line the streets of downtown for the best Athens attraction...
25. World of Wonder Community Playground
As you first enter the playground and pass under the castle bridge, you immediately see a quote by the famous philosopher Aristotle. Craved into a wooden sign nailed to the playground, it reads, “Wonder implies the desire to learn.” Although perhaps too deep for the majority of its guests, this quote perfectly embodies the overarching purpose of the World of Wonder Community...
26. Stadion Classic Golf Tournament
All of a sudden the crowd when silent. Russell Henley, amateur golfer and senior student at the University of Georgia, stepped up to take what could be his final shot of the third round of the Stadion Classic at UGA. As the silence dragged on, the moment seemed to last forever. His form was impeccable as he tapped the ball, not too hard, not too soft, but just enough to sink the putt and record...
27. Lunch at Add Drug
Down Lumpkin Street, tucked to the side of Earth Fare, sits the small Add Drug Pharmacy. You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but Athens Discount Drug Store has been a part of the Athens community for the last five decades. As we entered the store we were greeted with a friendly hello from a woman in the back and looking around it was like we were sent back in time 40 some odd years....
28. Pool Party in the North Campus Fountain
Yesterday was a beautiful Spring day in Athens, GA. The sun was shining high in the cloudless sky and it was hot, a sign that summer is just around the corner. On days like these, even after being outside for just a few minutes, you start thinking of ways to cool off. Drinking water helps, but it is only a matter of time until you debate pouring the whole thing out on top of your head. This...
29. UGA Ropes Course (indoor and outdoor)
I started climbing. Step up after step up I was getting further off the ground and closer to my ultimate goal. After a couple minutes, I made it to the top and took a second to catch my breath. I sat on the edge of the tiny wooden platform, harnessed in and ready to go. I made the mistake of looking down and saw the ground a good 35+ feet below. I said my commands and upon hearing the proper...
30. Play Trivia
“And the category is video games. The next question reads what company developed the extremely popular video game Street Fighter?” I am by no means an avid gamer, I’m not even a gamer. I haven’t had a video game system since freshman year and even then it was an old playstation 2. However, growing up my first game console was a SEGA Genesis and my absolute favorite game...
31. Dawg Gone Good BBQ
Watch out late night eateries, there is a new dawg in town. Yes, a 5 Guys Hamburger is delicious at 2AM, a milkshake and feta fries from the Grill late night are pretty tasty, and venturing away from downtown when the waffle house craving kicks in in the middle of the night is still worth it, but these greasy options now have to compete with BBQ. And not just any BBQ, but mouth-watering finger...
32. Weaver D's
Visitors that drive down Broad Street are usually a little turned off and caught off guard when they pass the small neon-green building at the edge of downtown. When they take a closer look they will see picnic tables and a sign out front that reads, “Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods - Automatic to the People,” their first signs that this unique building is home to some sort...
33. Lay a Penny on the Tracks
While it may be more of a rarity now to see a train cruising through part of campus, it was once quite common. The train bell would ring, the no crossing arm would drop, and the majority of students nearby would stand by waiting for the train to pass. For a select group of students this sound meant something different. The signal that a train was quickly approaching would send them rushing...
34. Five Star Day Cafe
I sank my teeth into the scrumptious bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, leaning over the table to make sure I caught all the crumbs on my plate so I could eat them later. I chewed, savoring every flavor of every bite, all while eyeing the beautifully crafted potato cake on the side of my plate. It is my absolute favorite, and I have learned to be patient and save it for last. Sitting across from my...
35. Pass Out Treats During Finals in the SLC
It was 10:45 at night. I opened the door to the small study room in the Miller Learning Center filled with 9 strangers. At the sound of the door opening they all peered up from their books and piles of notes and upon realizing they had no idea who I was they gave me a puzzling stare. I quickly spoke up stating that I applauded them for their hard work and studying efforts and asked if they would...
36. Watch the Sunset from the College Ave. Parking...
We pulled into a spot, threw the car in park, grabbed the chairs from the trunk and started to run (and by run I mean walk as swiftly as one can with a bum knee). Down Broad Street and up College Avenue we went, crossed Clayton and entered the stairwell. Jumped in the elevator and headed up to the top floor. We were almost there. We rounded the corner, set up our chairs and then sat, watched...
37. UGA Tennis Match
An older looking man decked out in UGA sweats standing in the covered seating area yelled down at the middle court judge, “you have the score board facing the wrong way!” She brushed him off causing him to yell again and then again until she finally changed it, but not without a stare that read ‘what gives you the right to scream down at me?’ Well when you are Dan Magill,...
38. Attend A Random Class
It was mid-April and I hadn’t been to this class once all semester. I was a bit worried that the teacher would realize that she didn’t recognize me and call me out. So, I walked into the lecture hall and spotted an open seat in the very back…perfect. I headed to the back row to claim it, but when I went to sit down the girl next to me snapped, “uh, this seat is reserved...
39. Botanical Gardens
It is host to concerts, field-trips, festivals, classes/seminars, a restaurant, weddings and more. It is a hot spot for runners and walkers, for gardeners and ecologists, and for studying and sleeping students. It has been a place of learning and discovery of fun and enjoyment and even love, as numerous dates and even a few wedding proposals have taken place here. It is the State Botanical...
40. Campus Observatory
It was 9:30PM on a Friday night as I walked into the physics building. I know you must be thinking what was I doing on campus that late, especially on a Friday and especially in a science building as I’m a business major? Well,I walked up a few flights of stairs and out a door onto the roof. When my turn came, I stepped up the ladder and peered into the eyepiece. While I was unsure of...
April 2011
25 posts
41. Athens Farmer's Market
As a self-proclaimed foodie I have learned the importance and taste difference of extremely fresh ingredients. It is the reason that restaurants like the National, 5 and 10, Farm 255 and Last Resort’s dishes have such distinct flavors and taste of the upmost quality. So, where do these restaurants acquire such fine ingredients?
Home to a variety of locally grown vegetables, homemade...
42. Strawberry Picking
“This one is huge!” I heard a little boy shout out. “Mine is bigger!” screamed his older brother. As I bent down and pushed aside the flowers and leaves I saw it with my own eyes. Right in front of me were the largest, ripest, most luscious strawberries I have ever seen in my whole life. For the next forty-five minutes I was like a little kid on a treasure hunt,...
43. White Tiger Gourmet
For the last two years of college I have heard rumors about a delicious restaurant known as White Tiger Gourmet. It was a place I only heard of and never actually passed by, leading me to question whether it actually existed. Then a few months ago my dad shared an article with me that ranked White Tiger’s hamburger as the best in Athens. To decide if they were actually worthy of this...
44. UGA Track and Field Meet
When UGA sports are discussed the conversation immediately starts with football, which is to be expected. Then it usually shifts to gymnastics because of their impressive run that ended in five consecutive national championships. Basketball comes up next, especially after this past season, perhaps their best in years. After that, the conversation can go in numerous directions, but often...
45. The Confederate Constitution
Today I headed up to the third floor of the main library to what is becoming a frequented spot of mine, the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Libaray. I walked in, dropped off my bag, and walked up to the large glass case in the center of the room. The large document lying inside was faded and worn, but when you get up close enough you can read the perfect script handwriting. The document was...
