2023 Issue 5 Sept/Oct Focus - Mid-South Magazine

travel
Pride
Journey
Athens, Georgia
story and photos by Joey Amato
Everyone knows that I am a sucker for small-city
charm, so I decided to venture about an hour and a half
outside of Atlanta to Athens, Georgia, home of rock
bands R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and of course, the
B-52’s. As soon as I drove into the college town, I knew
I was in for a treat. I love exploring these destinations as
they tend to offer tons of local restaurants and boutiques
which ooze with character.
Athens is a thriving college town located in the
northeastern part of Georgia. It is home to the University
of Georgia, which is the state’s flagship university, as
well as the Athens Institute of Technology and Piedmont
College. Athens is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend
of Southern charm and culture.
Athens has a rich history that dates back to the early
1800s when it was founded as the seat of Clarke County.
The city was first settled in 1801 and was named after
Athens, Greece, the birthplace of democracy. In the years
following the Civil War, Athens became a center of higher
education, with the founding of the University of Georgia.
The city soon became the center of politics and
commerce in the region. The University of Georgia is the
largest employer in Athens, and its presence has shaped
the city’s culture and economy. The university is home
to the Georgia Bulldogs, the school’s football team, and
a number of other athletic teams. It also hosts numerous
music, art, and theater events throughout the year.
Athens is also known for its distinctive neighborhoods.
Five Points is the city's oldest and most popular area, and
is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
After checking into my room at Hotel Indigo, I walked to
the center of town, which was lined with a large selection
of restaurants and live music venues. Given the musical
heritage of Athens, live music is still at the heart of their
nightlife scene. Some venues worth checking out include
40 Watt Club, The Warehouse, and the Georgia Theatre.
To my surprise, located in the center of downtown is a
fabulous four-way rainbow crosswalk. Sometimes when
I visit smaller destinations, I wonder if the community is
welcoming to LGBTQ individuals, but I quickly realized
that Athens most definitely is. Having the university
present in the city adds to its progressive stance. If
you are in town on a Friday evening, swing by Athens
Showgirl Cabaret’s Fabulous Fridays at Hendershot's,
located in the Bottleworks development. A coffee shop
44 Go! | Sept+Oct 2023 | focuslgbt.com
"Greetings from Athens" mural