We love our UGA students and families. They are the heart of our community and the life they bring to Athens is vibrant and indispensable.
If you're here for one of the many parents' weekends throughout the year, you might be looking for things to do in the Athens, Georgia area. If you are searching for a great place to shop and have lunch while you're here, come visit downtown Watkinsville. Known as "The Artland of Georgia" we are just a 10 minute drive from campus and our sweet town is the perfect spot to spend a Friday or Saturday afternoon. Have lunch at Mama Ning's or Chops & Hops and drop into Bird & Brass and find a treasure or two to take with you. After that, visit Macy Gray and Empire South for a new outfit or trendy accessory. Take a walk down our historic main street and visit Sunshine Art gallery and Chris Greer's new photography gallery. Chris is one of the hosts of View Finder's on PBS and we are thrilled to have his gallery downtown. Two blocks behind Main Street, you'll find the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, home to exhibitions by local arts and artisans. Visit Eagle Tavern Museum for a little history and then finish your walk off with a cup of coffee at Outpost Oconee, our newest coffee shop. Kiki's Bakeshop is another great stop in downtown Watkinsville as is Jittery Joes coffee. Twin Run Flower Farm is a quick 2 minute drive from Main Street with a self serve flower stand with beautiful flowers spring through fall. Not quite ready to leave, visit the Elder Bridge, a historic covered bridge near downtown or drive to Farm 441 for homemade ice cream. From there, take the scenic drive back to campus up Simonton Bridge Road and stop at the botanical gardens for a walk. In any season, the grounds at the garden are beautiful! And if you are here during the summer, be sure to visit Hadden Estates, another Watkinsville staple, and pick some blueberries, see their beautiful wedding venue, and take some memorable family photos.
Northeast Georgia is truly a beautiful place to visit and UGA is perfectly placed in the heart of it.
We would love to show you a little of what makes it so special.
Come visit us in Watkinsville and enjoy an afternoon in our charming town, adding to the memories of your parents' weekend. We'd love to see you!