The nearly 100,000 fans that will fill the Classic City on Saturdays this fall for University of Georgia home football games will find that Athens, Georgia has much more to offer than what's between the hedges of Sanford Stadium.
 
With a variety of activities for incoming fans and visitors, the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of the Top Five Things To Do in Athens during home football game weekends this fall.

1. VIBRANT DOWNTOWN: Just a short walk from Sanford Stadium, downtown Athens, Georgia is bursting at its seams with stylish and quirky shops, a variety of more than 80 bars and music venues, unbeatable dining, and more. The Victorian-era architecture creates an inviting atmosphere for a leisurely stroll to explore the local shops. Athens' world-renowned nightlife, especially on game days, is a truly lively scene that fans must experience for themselves. Historic roadside wonders, like the world's only Double-Barreled Cannon on the corner of College Ave. and Hancock Ave. and the Tree That Owns Itself, nearby on the corner of Dearing St. and Finley St., are a fun element of Athens' unique culture. Touching downtown's edge, the University of Georgia's beautiful North Campus begins at the Arch on Broad Street.
 
2. LIVE MUSIC: Named the Number One College Music Scene in America by Rolling Stone magazine, Athens' venues attract rising stars, old favorites, and everything in between. Not only have world-renowned bands such as R.E.M., the B-52's, and Widespread Panic originated from the Classic City, but hundreds of new and upcoming bands make their debut in Athens each year. Between famous Athens venues such as the Georgia Theatre, The Foundry, and 40 Watt Club, there is always a great show to be seen. Performance schedules are available at www.Flagpole.com 
 
3. LOCAL FOOD: No football fan will be underfed with dozens of delectable restaurants lining the streets of downtown Athens. The Classic City's food scene is booming and has now caught the attention of national media. Among the most recognized eateries are Top Chef Hugh Acheson's restaurant, Five & Ten, and The Last Resort Grill on Clayton St., which is always a weekend favorite. Heirloom Cafe, SOUTH Kitchen + Bar, Porterhouse Grille, and East-West Bistro are also popular choices for weekend brunch. For a complete list of Athens restaurants, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/restaurants 
 
4. BREWERIES: While in Athens, fans will want to try local Athens beer. Lucky for them, three craft breweries now call the Classic City home. Terrapin Beer Co., Creature Comforts Brewing Co., and Southern Brewing Co. all offer patrons a taste of what Athens has to offer. With the recent passage of a bill by the Georgia legislature, visitors to Georgia breweries can now take souvenir beer home with them, along with the price of their brewery tour. Athens Tours & Transit offer brewery tours, more information at http://www.athensbrewerytours.com/
 
5. ATTRACTIONS & TOURS: Athens is home to many interesting attractions, including the state's official museum, the Georgia Museum of Art, which houses traveling exhibits in addition to the official state collection. Hours and current exhibits are detailed atwww.GeorgiaMuseum.org. The 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia is open seven days a week and is the perfect place to have a picnic, take a walk on miles of nature trails, or participate in an interesting lecture, class, or hike. More information can be found atwww.BotGarden.uga.edu. Both of these locations are free to the public and accept donations. For visitors interested in learning about Athens heritage, guided tours are available. The Classic City Tour of Athens is offered daily through the Athens Welcome Center, along with free self-guided brochures/maps, audio tours, and pod tours. Details can be found at www.AthensWelcomeCenter.com.
 
This fall, visitors should expect much more from Athens, Georgia than just a good football game. With the beautiful downtown, award-winning food, beer, and music, and interesting cultural elements, the Top Five Things To Do in Athens on a football weekend may require a second trip! 
 
For information on last-minute hotel availability, parking, tailgating, plus an event calendar and special deals, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/football