Cool Things to Do in Athens, Georgia

Like many other college students in Athens, Georgia, I spend a lot of time downtown, whether it be during the day or at night. Bars, cafes, and restaurants are great, but sometimes I just need a change of scenery (and I think that we've all been there). I began researching alternative activities to do in the Athens area, and I came up with a really interesting list. Here is the list that I compiled.

1) Good Dirt (gooddirt.net/) - Check out "Try Clay" every Friday night from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for $20 per participant (there is also a family-friendly version on Sunday afternoons from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.). Good Dirt is conveniently located on the edge of downtown Athens, so it's a good pre- or post-dinner activity (or even a first date idea!). The Web site describes the class like this: "Instruction will cover a variety of techniques. Students will work with terra cotta clay and paint their creations with colored clay slips. All work will be glazed with a shiny, food safe glaze." Make sure to call ahead to register for the class!

2) Canopy Studio (canopystudio.com/) - Now you can make your childhood dreams come true! Canopy Studio, in Athens, Georgia, offers programs, classes, and performances throughout the year. They describe themselves as "a community arts center that is dedicated to enriching the culture of our community and the lives of individuals through flying dance trapeze, movement education and performance arts. Canopy is a resource for local artists and all individuals, regardless of background, age, or physical ability, providing instruction in movement arts and a much-needed venue for viewing and participating in performances." Think about it, how many people can truly say that they are professionally-trained trapeze artists? I rest my case.

3) The Firing Lane (firinglane.com/) - Have you ever dreamed of being one of Charlie's Angels (or James Bond for the men)? The Firing Range, in Bogart, Georgia, is an indoor shooting range that handles pistols, rifles, shotguns, submachine, and machine guns (per their Web site). They are open seven days a week, so dress up in your favorite suit (tuxedo or pants suit) and you can be one step closer to being your favorite action stars.

4) The Shisha Lounge (athenshookah.com) - Do you like smoking hookah? Do you like to relax with friends until 3AM? The Shisha Lounge, located just outside downtown Athens, Georgia, is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7PM-3AM. They boast 77 different flavors of tobacco which are all listed on their website for your viewing pleasure. They have a B.Y.O.B. policy for $3 a person, so bring your liquor/beer and bring your friends!

5) Jackson Street Books (http://www.abebooks.com/jackson-street-books-athens-ga-u.s.a/510407/sf) - Are you a book worm? Do you have a lot of books that you've already read that are just taking up space in your room? Check out Jackson Street Books! They are located in downtown Athens, Georgia, very close to campus. They carry many rare and used books, as well as other items such as maps, prints, CDs, DVDs, and more (per their website). Trading books is done most week days, and they are open 7 days a week. Even if you don't find something that interests you your first visit, they are always adding new material, so come back in a few weeks!

This list is small, but I hope that it gives you some ideas to start your own research.