Daily.Affirmations.

Dream It Bigger

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:16:50 -0400

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 ride with me through my posts, and even willing to join me on my spontaneous and random adventures. In the three and a half months it took me to complete my list (which I did complete on time by graduation weekend, but struggled to finish posting about and for that I apologize) I averaged over 35 views a day and had a total of over 900 unique visitors. While this was something that I did for me, those who know me know that I love to share my experiences with others and even strangers hoping that they can learn and enjoy from it as I have. So while these statistics are simply numbers, the support is flattering. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming … WOW! What a ride!”

1. Walk Under the Famous UGA Arch

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:15:58 -0400

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 long-standing landmark, is a cast-iron representation of the State Seal of Georgia. The Arch’s three pillars stand for Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation, which is also the state of Georgia’s moto. The famous arch is located at the edge of North Campus off Broad Street and separates the campus and the city of Athens. Throughout history the arch has been a spot for student protests, memorials, and celebrations.

So what makes the Arch legendary you ask? The question isn’t so much “what” as it is “who” and the answer is Daniel Huntley Redfearn. Daniel, a Florida native, arrived as a freshman at UGA in the early 1900s with a trunk, a suitcase full of clothes and less than $200 in his pocket. Upon his first visit to the Arch Daniel vowed to not walk under it until he successfully graduated. Daniel kept his word, even as a freshman hazing ritual called for him to run with his classmates under the Arch in his underwear before the Georgia Tech football game (he ran with them, but made sure to go around the Arch). Soon his peers and professors learned of his promise and the tradition to not walk under the Arch was born and still holds true to this day. Rumor has it that if you cross before you graduate than you never will. Students avoid going through the Arch at all costs, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Next time you visit the Arch you will notice that the cement is significantly more worn down on the sides of the Arch than underneath it due to the increased amount of traffic. With that being said, on graduation day once diploma is safe in hand there is a lengthy line of students waiting to take their first ever steps through the famous archway. Redfearn was so inspired by the Arch that in his will he gave $1000, the original cost of the Arch, to be used for its maintenance and care.

I love this story and was so excited to take part in this century old tradition. For four years I avoided walking through the massive gateway to campus. Despite many trips past it, including numerous walks home from downtown back to the freshman dorms and TEP house and countless Visitor Center tours where we stopped and talked about it, I never slipped and accidentally walked beneath it. For four year I purposely and deliberately avoided it until finally on graduation weekend in May, my time arrived. With my family watching and snapping photos, I, dressed in my cap in gown, walked beneath the Arch for the very first time. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment, one that I hope every single UGA student holds out for. I promise it is worth it. Through 99 items I haven’t steered you wrong yet, have I? Good luck. 100 down, 0 to go!

2. Walk Between the Hedges (and Graduate)

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:52:04 -0400

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 happens once (now twice if you are a member of the graduating class of 2015 and participated in forming a “Georiga G” on the field the day before classes started). That one guaranteed opportunity is graduation. That is an overwhelming moment of pride as you wrap up your college experience and look forward to the next chapter in your life and more often than not students don’t reflect on exactly where they are seated. To truly understand the feeling of greatness of standing between the hedges, you first have to educate yourself on the history of Sanford stadium and how the hedges came to be.

In 1903 Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford arrived at UGA as an English professor. He soon became the faculty representative to the athletics committee and eventually president of the University. In 1911, he moved the football venue from its original location, Herty Field, to a more central location on campus, named Sanford Field in his honor. During the 1920’s UGA played a series of controversial games against in-state rival Georgia Tech, and because Tech had a larger stadium the games were almost exclusively played in Atlanta. In 1927, UGA was undefeated (9-0) and traveled down to Tech and lost 12-0, ending their perfect season. It was rumored that Tech watered down the field all night to slow down Georgia’s running backs. After the disappointing loss, Dr. Sanford promised to build a stadium bigger than Tech’s and host the game at home every other year. Sanford Stadium opened on October 12, 1929 and Georgia’s first opponent was Yale. Over 30,000 fans showed up that day and watched us crush Yale 15-0 between the hedges. The idea to encircle the field in hedges came from Business Manager of the UGA Athletic Department, Charlie Martin who claims the inspiration came from a visit to the Rose Bowl. Because Roses were not suitable for Athens, Georgia’s climate, privet hedges were used instead. Since then six other SEC stadiums have copied UGA and installed hedges, although Georgia’s hedges are the only ones that completely surround the playing field. In 1996 the Summer Olympics came to Atlanta, GA and three events were held in Athens, including soccer, which was played in Sanford Stadium. However, because the dimensions of a soccer field are wider than a football field, the hedges had to be removed. Three years prior to the converting the field, cuttings were clipped from the original hedges and grown at a secret off-site location. In the fall of 1996 the new hedges were planted and the University commented that it would not be interested in hosting a possible World Cup match at the stadium if the opportunity ever arose.

Since its opening in 1929 there have been countless incredible, inspirational, and truly sensational moments in Sanford Stadium. And when your graduation day rolls around it will be your moment. So, study hard, enjoy every second you have in Athens and at the University of Georgia and look forward to your chance to walk between the hedges. 99 down, 1 to go!

3. Athens Food Tour

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:02:44 -0400

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 and dream to do. However, as much as I dream it could be me, it is not, but instead the incredible and perfect for the job Mary Charles Howard, owner and tour guide at The Athens Food Tour Company.

Mary Charles is a Georgia native, who graduated from UGA with a degree in landscape architecture, serendipitously fell into the food tour business and discovered her love for nature and the journey of food from farm to table. After working part-time as a food tour tour guide in North Carolina, Mary Charles returned to Athens and opened shop (although she has no physical store) giving her own version of a food tour. After working with the local restaurants and chefs, Mary Charles created five different location based tours, plus a few other themed options including a romantic picnic and bride guide tour. Anne, Katie and I decided on the Downtown Athens neighborhood tour and ended up being joined by our good friend, Stamps! We met Mary Charles at the Arch who gave us a brief introduction and then began our journey. As we traveled from spot to spot Mary Charles pointed out some various buildings and landmarks and educated us with some Athens trivia. First stop was the Farm 255 Cart where we enjoyed a scrumptious little appetizer. Next we ventured next door to Clocked for the peanut butter burger, cajun tater tots with feta dipping sauce, and milkshake! Mary Charles also provided us with a six pack of Terrapin…who knew that Clocked was BYOB?! Lastly, we hit up The National for a savory chicken soup and yummy pastry dessert. At each restaurant the chef greeted us with the dish and explained how he incorporated local flavors and produce. The food was heavenly, the company wonderful, the tour fun, entertaining, and interesting; culminating in an incredible and memorable experience, one that I can’t wait to have again.

So, forget discussing or even debating where to go for dinner. Spruce up your lunch plans or surprise your sweetheart with a romantic picnic. Athens Food Tours are beyond remarkable and undoubtedly worth every penny. Go on one, two, or all of them and indulge! 98 down, 2 to go!

4. Athens Roller Derby - Classic City Roller Girls

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:36:31 -0400

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 researched, googled, read and more to come up with a complete and well-constructed list. During this process I pleasantly stumbled upon some very interesting and intriguing opportunities and events; The Athens Roller Derby match being a prime example. It had all the perfect elements…a warehouse location with a fully stocked bar, roller-skates and knee pads, all female teams, costumes, nicknames, and shoving! As soon as I got the date for the next home match, I started a countdown in anticipation for what could be one of the most unique and exciting events on my list.

The day finally arrived and it didn’t disappoint. Michelle and I made the trek down Atlanta Highway to a warehouse near the roller rink. We claimed our tickets out front and entered the “arena.” Much to my surprise it was packed with fans of all ages ranging from grandparents to small children. We made our way through the crowded bleachers and (second surprise) spotted our friends Jenna and Jack who we didn’t know would be in attendance. While the two teams warmed up and the refs finished setting up for the match or bout as they called it, we started reading our program and learning the rules and strategies of roller derby. I later determined that a bout is defined as a short period of intense activity of a specified kind, which is perfectly fitting. The announcers came out and introduced our opponent the Savannah Derby Devils followed by the members of our team, the Classic City Rollergirls, who had spectacular nicknames. These were girls I didn’t want to mess with. They looked fierce decked out in pads, knocking their helmets together and chest bumping each other. A whistle blew and the bout began. The two teams were going at it, skating speedily and bashing into each other. It took us a while to take in what was happening and figure out how points were being scored, but before we knew we were standing up and yelling at the first sight of a breakaway. Within a few mere minutes I was addicted to the competition and captivated by this peculiar sport. It was unbelievable! We ended up staying the whole time and I even debated buying a t-shirt on the way out…I had been converted into a die-hard fan.

It doesn’t matter if you find this sport of women skating around shoving each other a turn on or a turn off, it is an experience worth having and like everything else Athens, GA does it right. So, next time you are looking for something truly new to do in the Classic City, venture out and check out the Roller Derby. 97 down, 3 to go!

5. Athens Music History Tour

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:34:57 -0400

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 Athens the number one college town that rocks.

It is nearly impossible to be unaware of the music scene in Athens, GA. On a stroll through downtown it becomes unavoidable as you wander past music venues, record stores, concert flyers, and even the occasional musician on the corner. However, what you see is mainly a depiction on the current music scene with little remnants of what came before, of what made this little town in North Georgia the music mecca that it is today. Starting in the 1950’s and hitting a major spike in the late 1970’s Athens became the birthplace for modern alternative rock and New Wave music. The contributions of Athens to bluegrass, country music, and rock earned it the nickname “the Liverpool of the South.” To get a taste of the history and gain a little insight into Athens’ musical past indulge in the Music History Walking Tour. Comprised of 30+ locations, the self-guided tour will take you through town (mainly downtown) as you learn how the famous bands got their start and how music put Athens on the map. You will learn where the musicians practiced and partied, how the 40-Watt got its name and its five previous locations, about The Last Resort being a music club, where live recordings and reunion shows were played and much more. The tour is filled with fun facts, interesting stories, and detailed information transforming a simple walk through town into an entertaining history lesson.

So, whether you are a hardcore rocker, part of the rumored statistic that one of every four guys in Athens is part of a band, or just want to learn a little something about Athens’ musical past than take yourself on the Music History Walking Tour. You can find the path and all the info by googling it, taking it off the Flagpole Magazine website, or even through Google Maps. Print it out, get some tunes going on your Ipod, and enjoy. 96 down, 4 to go!

6. Tree in a Building

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:51:22 -0400

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, the atmosphere was actually peaceful and quite relaxing, creating a sanctuary type environment. We found the start of it at a hole cut in the floor and followed the trunk all the way to the top taking in the massive tree in a building.

Located in the Chase Park Warehouses on Tracy Street, the tree in a building or tree room (where there are actually two trees) as it is sometimes referenced is a perfect fit for this up and coming vibrant arts district. Chase Park Warehouses is filled with various shops and studios capturing nearly every aspect of Athens’ creative community from food to music to art and more. The converted Warehouses are now home to Little Cuckoo, a small café known for its chocolates, the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, Floorspace, a movement arts studio, and Canopy Studio, a trapeze and aerial dance studio (where yes, they do offer lessons). The Warehouses were built in the early 1900s where they were originally used for cotton storage. Over the next few decades the warehouses changed hands and were used to store anything from chemicals to coal. Sometime during the 1950s at least one fire damaged the complex, which left them completely abandoned. They remained this way for roughly 40 years until in 2001 the property was reexamined. At that time the building was completely covered and overgrown with kudzu to such an extent that you could barely tell that a building still existed underneath. However, interest in the area grew and a group of art supporters and investors known as FiveArt, Inc. took over the property and brought it back to life. If you take a good look at the trees growing inside the building it is evident that they are significantly older than ten years old, meaning that they sprouted and grew sometime during the warehouses abandonment. It is rumored that shortly after the fire over a half-century ago a few students entered the destroyed building and planted the trees hoping to restore some life amongst the destruction. While the origination of the trees may never be confirmed, they are by far the most unique aspect to such a different part of town.

So, when your artsy side wants to shine through you now have a new place to go. Take a trip out to the eclectic Chase Park Warehouses, grab a homemade chocolate and watch the artists paint, and the musicians play. And most importantly go for a visit to the tree room and take in the beauty of the tree in a building. 95 down, 5 to go!

7. Vince Dooley Statue (Butts Mehre)

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:46:33 -0400

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 Academic All-American honors and 45 won post-graduate scholarships. If you don’t know who I’m describing yet then you should be ashamed to call yourself a UGA football fan. For no other man has such an impressive resume then Vincent J. Dooley.

Vince Dooley was UGA’s head football coach from 1964-1988 and Director of Athletics from 1979-2004. He is noted for brining UGA to the forefront of college sports, but his legacy goes beyond a laundry list of titles and championships. Vince is credited with introducing Georgia’s famous “Power G” logo, getting fans to wear the color red, increasing the number of home games played in Sanford Stadium, bringing back the “silver britches” and increasing Sanford Stadium’s seating capacity from 36,000 in 1964 to 92,746 in 2004. Located on South Campus is a plaza honoring our beloved coach. It is complete with a massive statue of Coach Dooley being lifted on the shoulders of his players and surrounded by plaques listing off his numerous accomplishments. Outside of the sports world Dooley was a big family man and had a love of horticulture. So, when the Dooley athletic complex was designed to not only include many of UGA’s sports facilities, but also a garden filled with some of his favorite plants (some were even transplanted directly from his Athens home). Part of the Dooley complex is the incredible Butts-Mehre building that just went under some hefty construction this past year. The building is a must see because of the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum. As you walk through you will be taken aback by seeing past trophies and memorabilia up close and is laid out in a way so that you can relive the greatest moments in UGA sports history.

So, next time you are strolling down Lumpkin stop and check out the plaza, rub the foot of the statue hanging off the platform, reach about Dooley’s remarkable career, and take a trip inside to see Heritage Hall. 94 down, 6 to go!

8. North Oconee River Greenway

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:40:20 -0400

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 blossomed into the North Oconee River Greenway, one of my favorite outdoor spots in all of Athens, GA.

Over the last two hundred plus years the Oconee River has been the lifeline of the Athens-Clarke County community. It served as the site for Indian communities and small mills and now it not only provides freshwater and wastewater treatment for most of Athens, but has been transformed into a well-preserved recreational trail. The river itself runs roughly 26 miles and currently the Greenway provides 3.75 miles of paved concrete bath designated for non-motorized use along the banks of the winding river. With tons of surrounding trees and natural plants a large portion of the trail is shaded making it a perfect place to go for a jog or ride your bike. As you make your way along the trail there are two big points of interest worth noting. The first is the Charles Aguar Memorial Plaza, named after one of the Greenway’s biggest advocates, located near the intersection of Willow Street and East Broad. The second starts at Cook and Brother Plaza and continues along the Heritage Trail, noting facts about Athens and the trails history along the way.

If you haven’t already, I highly suggest you make a visit to the North Oconee River Greenway. Instead of making your run cross through North Campus or down Milledge Avenue, take a more scenic and outdoorsy route and head to the Greenway. 93 down, 7 to go!

WILL RETURN SOON

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:11:07 -0400

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!

9. Shadow the Head Chef of The National

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:31:00 -0400

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 Athens.

When I first met Peter at the UGA Visitors Center last fall, I was captivated by his story and intrigued by his work. The man had been in my shoes as a UGA tour guide roughly a decade before me and is now living out his dream as the head chef at one of Athens’ finest restaurants, The National. Our initial meeting was followed by a few emails back and forth and resulted in the once in a lifetime opportunity of shadowing him for an evening at work, creating remarkable culinary masterpieces and overseeing the kitchen and dining room. For six and a half hours my senses were on overdrive as I observed, smelt, and tasted dish after dish of incredible cuisine. I was in heaven as I bounced around the kitchen, rolling lamb kefta, designing cheese plates, garnishing desserts, and so much more. I asked the chefs hundreds of questions about their technique, flavor combinations, and tricks of the trade, soaking up as much kitchen wisdom as I possibly could. After this unique experience, I was pleasantly exhausted and surprisingly a bit hungry but my night was not complete. Per Peter’s instructions I took a seat at the bar where he graciously served me a delightful dinner of some of his favorites from the menu, most notably the scrumptious fried squid and the shockingly tasty duck tongues. As I left that evening, I was stuffed and unbelievably thankful for such an unforgettable night.

What started out a random meeting at the UGA Visitors Center followed by email correspondence resulted in perhaps one of my greatest nights in Athens, doing things beyond my wildest dreams. So, no matter how random or wild or impossible your outrageous goal is, do not ever give up. Attack it with unwavering persistence and if necessary resilience and your dream could become a reality too. 92 down, 8 to go!

10. People Watching Downtown

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:11:36 -0400

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 out on the exhilarating concept of witnessing the awkwardness of total strangers’ lives. Either way, I proudly deem myself an avid people watcher and Athens happens to be the perfect place to indulge in this fun and borderline creepy activity.

Sure, people watching is something you can do virtually anywhere and while that’s true, downtown Athens offers an extremely unique environment. The diverse population, clash of cultures, and most notably 34,000 college students, mainly age eighteen to twenty-five mixing downtown, makes it an atmosphere like none other. On almost any given night (expect Sundays) downtown Athens fills up with all sorts of groups. On this particular weekend night we got a glimpse of it all. In just an hour of sitting and watching we saw the full spectrum of emotions including, hysterically laughing, hysterically crying, cheerfully skipping by and angrily causing a fight. At the same time we saw a wide array of attire ranging from the casual townie outfit, to the “I can’t believe your friend let you out of the house looking like that” dress, to the brilliantly crafted and strangely bizarre social themed costumes. Beyond that we witnessed a few individuals shouting bible versus at anyone that passed, random street musicians singing and playing, stumbling obnoxious drunks, and late night eaters going to any means necessary to get a bite to eat. In that one hour sitting on a bench we witnessed it all.

So, it does not matter if you are a first timer, a closet expert, or its one of your most favorite hobbies, you have to check out downtown Athens for some quality people watching. At the very least you will be highly entertained! 91 down, 9 to go!

11. Athena Statue

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:27:51 -0400

“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 public’s sense of civic duty. Thus in all these ways we will transmit this City, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.”

On July 25, 1801 John Milledge, one of the first members of the university’s board of trustees, donated 633 acres of land to the school and named the nearby area Athens after the city in ancient Greece, the then center for learning and home to the academies of Plato and Aristotle. Aside from the name, Athens, Georgia remained virtually unconnected to the ancient city until the Olympic games came to Atlanta in the summer of 1996, resulting in three events (soccer, volleyball, and rhythmic gymnastics) being held in Athens, Georgia. In honor of the games being hosted in our city a sculpture of the Greek Goddess Athena was commissioned and later placed in front of the Classic Center. Inscribed on the base of the statue is the Athenian oath (as seen above) that was taken by the youth of ancient Athens on their seventeenth birthday. The language may be a bit outdated, but he message is still clear and applicable and serves as a timeless code of civic responsibility.

So, go indulge in a bit of Athens, Georgia and Athens, Greece history and visit the Athena statue downtown. As she towers over you I challenge you to take the same oath as so many did thousands of years before you. 90 down, 10 to go!

12. Sandy Creek Park

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:59:06 -0400

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 students laid out on the beach. Beach? Sand? Where am I you ask?

The answer is you don’t have to leave the incredible Classic City to take in the beach atmosphere; instead just head over to Sandy Creek. Located on Bob Holman Road off of Commerce sits the massive 782-acre Sandy Creek Park. The park is full of incredible facilities and offers space for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities. If you like sports there are basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, softball diamonds and even a disc golf course. For animal lovers they have four separate dog parks and a four-mile horse trail. The list doesn’t end there as the park borders the 260-acre Lake Chapman creating a beach like environment along the shore. Boats are welcomed and there are canoes and kayaks for rent or you can just enjoy a little time relaxing in the sun.

If you are craving the sand between your toes and need a day as a pseudo-beach to hold you over until you can vacation at the real one then you don’t have to travel far. So, regardless of what you are in the mood for, if you are feeling the slightest bit outdoorsy, head out to Sandy Creek Park. 89 down, 11 to go!

13. The Grit

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:46:18 -0400

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 a solely vegetarian restaurant, I found myself impressed looking at the menu…I hadn’t even tasted the food yet.

Located off the edge of downtown, a little ways down Prince Avenue sits the tasty and surprisingly all vegetarian restaurant, The Grit. Opened in 1986 The Grit quickly became an Athens favorite and has been serving up savory meatless dishes for over 25 years. From the day it first opened, The Grit has had an intimate connection with the Athens music scene. It is frequented by touring performers and local musicians, and little known fact it is located in a building owned by R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe. The menu is full of a variety of scrumptious dishes with varying tastes and includes Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern inspired dishes. Don’t let some of the items deceive you such as the Chik’n Parmesan Sandwich or Bid Daddy Burger as I mentioned before all are vegetarian and some are even vegan. After salivating over the menu for a good ten minutes I ordered a giant bowl of their black bean chili and it was DELICIOUS!

It doesn’t matter if you are a carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, or even a fruitarian The Grit has a delectable dish waiting for you. So, skip the meat for a meal and tantalize your taste buds to a unique dish from the one and only The Grit. 88 down, 12 to go!

14. Stroll Down Milledge Avenue

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:36:00 -0400

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 this historic street taking in the sights and sounds of our home for the last four years. Athens, Georgia is very much a college town, and one of its most notable streets, Milledge Avenue, captures the uniqueness and diversity of our city along its many miles.

Stretching from Normal Town to Whitehall Rd, Milledge Avenue runs through many different parts of town. Heading south you first come across UGA’s club sports complex, followed by the facilitates for some of UGA’s sports teams, including the soccer field, softball stadium, and the golf course. Continue a little further pass the residential area and you will come across 5 points, which is home to Top Chef Masters, Hugh Acheson’s restaurant Five and Ten, Earth Fare, Jittery Joes, and of course the freakishly popular Yoforia just to name a few. Next as you cross over Lumpkin, you enter the area most commonly known for the many Greek fraternity and sorority houses, each a different size, shape and style. Intermixed among these Greek mansions, sits many historic homes and buildings like the Alexander House, Dearing -Wilkins House, and Seney-Stovall Chapel. As you continue traveling south you will pass Clarke Central High School and the famous Varsity restaurant as well as several small businesses. Right before Milledge dead ends into Prince Avenue, you will find Cecilia Villaveces Cakes, which is home to the kitchen that produces and supplies Last Resort with its decadent cakes.

So the next time a beautiful day rolls around and you head our for a walk, skip the parks for a day and walk the length of Milledge Avenue. You will experience a little taste of everything that Athens and UGA has to offer. 87 down, 13 to go!

15. Night on the (Down)town

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:38:14 -0400

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 11 pm, the night was young and really just beginning, where to next….are options were virtually endless.

Believed to be the most bars per square mile, Athens has packed in nearly 100 bars in its four block by six block downtown. The beauty of this layout is that it is all walk-able allowing you to bar hop from one to another to meet up with friends, escape an awkward encounter, or change up the scenery. For the most part each is unique, differing in theme, style, or setup. Feeling classy? Grab a glass of wine from the Winery or hit up Blue Sky for one of their high gravity beers. In the mood to dance? Check out 9ds, where the songs we grew up on play all night long, or perhaps the Loft if you are in the mood for something more fast paced. Want a bite to eat? Venture over to Copper Creek for some tasty bar food or end your night at Boars Head for hotdog and deliciously greasy french fries. Want to go out on a Sunday night? Swing by the always crowded Pauley’s or the Capital Room, located on the bottom floor of the Georgian, who are exempt from the Georgia law of not selling alcohol on Sundays because more than 50% of their sales are from food.

Just as UGA offers a major or student organization for everyone, downtown Athens offers enough venues to where you can easily find your social niche. So whether its your goal to visit them all or your wish to be a regular at just one, take some time to explore the nightlife of our Classic City. 86 down, 14 to go!

16. Concert at Melting Point

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:59:32 -0400

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 in our seats and watched the significantly older couples make their way to the dance floor. However, as the 80’s cover band started belting out “Pretty Young Thing” by Michael Jackson we could not resist the urge any longer. We jumped out of our seats and headed to the dance floor, where we remained for the rest of the night.

In a town know for its music history and unique concert venues, such as Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt, the Melting Point can often be overlooked. Located in the back corner of downtown on The Foundry Park Inn property sits this creatively designed music venue. Composed of an outdoor patio, upstairs balcony seating, dinner tables seating (with an awesome menu), two full bars, and a decent sized dance floor this facility truly has it all. Not to mention, no matter where you sit or stand you are never more than 53 feet from the stage.

So when the auto-tuned songs on your iPod are getting old and you are craving a live music, be sure to check out the line up at the Melting Point. While it may be a band you’ve never heard of, seeing a concert at the Meting Point is a must-have Athens experience. You too can end up dancing the night away. 85 down, 15 to go!

In post #17, about the painted bulldogs, where is the top one located at?

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:11:49 -0400

It is located in downtown Athens in front of the Chastain building on the corner of Pulaski and Hancock. Thanks for reading.

17. Pictures with the Bulldogs

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:56:32 -0400

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 first city in Georgia to join the national animals on parade phenomenon. Each bulldog is unique in that it has been paid for by an individual or corporate sponsor and is designed and painted by a local artist. These massive creatures are made out of fiberglass and stand a proud four feet tall. The project stated in 2003 with a goal of 25 statues, but was quickly upped to 36 due to popular demand and even a few more have been added since. You can find a bulldog just about anywhere throughout the Classic City including downtown, five points, Milledge, Epps Bridge, and various parks and business. The statues quickly became a popular part of the town’s landscape and caused a bit of an uproar when they abruptly began to disappear in the fall of last year. However, the statues were simply auctioned off to raise money for charity and raised more than $20,000 for AIDS Athens. In the end, many of the bulldogs remain in the city but at a new location.

Without a map or directions, Michelle and I set out one afternoon to take our own pictures with as many bulldogs as we could find. We went by memory and even found some by luck along the way. So, if you are up for the challenge and looking for a fun adventure, spend an afternoon on a scavenger hunt seeking out these whimsically decorated versions of our beloved mascot. 84 down, 16 to go!