The Culture Guide to Athens

You’ve arrived in Georgia, the Southern state that sits at the American epicenter of Black creativity, because you were promised The Culture. Now, where do you go from here? You go to three incredible Georgia cities where the experience is widespread, and you curate that experience to those places preferred by real ones who live The Culture and wouldn’t know how to pretend if it were an option. These aren’t just spots for spectators. These are spaces where The Culture is seen, heard, felt and given life. In these locations, you’ll find Black-owned businesses and Black community among people who identify with an experience that continues to evolve. And they’re waiting for you in Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens.

Eat & Drink 

Dive into the diaspora via Cali-N-Titos. Stop in at this Lumpkin Street eatery just outside UGA’s campus for a taste of pan-Latin cuisine, from Cuban sandwiches to beef empanadas, fish tacos, wings, Peruvian fajitas, and a variety of vegetarian offerings from quesadillas to burritos and tamales.

As for craft beer, Athens has quite a serious scene, started by trailblazing brewery Terrapin Beer, and now including award-winning shops like Creature Comforts, Akademia Brewing Co., and several others. You can try brews at all of them on the Athens Beer Trail. Begin by requesting the Athens Beer Trail Field Guide at participating breweries, and collect stamps from all six, which earns you a commemorative pint glass once turned in at Historic Athens Welcome Center. Beer trail trolley tours are available on Thursdays and Fridays.

If you’re more of a cocktail kind of sipper, The Old Pal is for you. Historic preservation and exceptionally curated cocktails and beverages have made this one of the best bars in the South, according to publications like Southern Living. It’s worth a stop to taste for yourself their classic cocktails (sazeracs, daiquiris, palomas, etc.), or drop in for Aperitivo Hour for bubbly, meal-starting, low-alcohol drinks, or their featured cocktail menu, which changes seasonally. Whatever you order, if it’s liquid, it’ll be litty.

Play & Stay

You don’t go to Ciné just to see a movie. This is a beautifully restored building that houses Athens’ only independent art house cinema and constantly screens big-budget Hollywood movies as well as indie darling films. Grab cocktails from the full bar when you check in for recurring events, such as Bad Movie Night, Karaoke with the King and comedy nights.

Keep the classic tone going at Morton Theatre if you’re into live entertainment. Built, owned and operated by Monroe Bowers “Pink” Morton, a Black Athenian who rose to prominence as a building contractor, postmaster and newspaper publisher, this important venue went from Vaudeville-style performances to now hosting plays, comedy shows, film festivals and live music as a nonprofit entity.

You’ll also pick up interesting information by taking a stroll along the Athens Music Walk of Fame. Being Black doesn’t mean you don’t go H.A.M. to R.E.M. and The B-52s — everybody knows they’re dope. But did you know that producer Danger Mouse, one-half of the “Crazy” Gnarls Barkley duo with Ceelo Green, is from Athens? See proof on this two-block downtown stretch of walkable history, where you’ll pass landmarks like the Georgia Theatre and learn about Athens hip-hop pioneers Ishues, Lo Down & Duddy, and others.

For your stay, make it a night or several at Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown. With contemporary decor that leans into a library-like setting thanks to plenty of wood and leather furnishings, this Hotel Indigo is comfortable, stylish and well-positioned for easy access to downtown Athens. The gorgeous guest patio, with flower pots hanging above rocking chairs from a floating trellis is a perfect place to hide in plain sight, while Madison Bar & Bistro offers an impressive selection of whiskey and other spirits, plus a spectral wall of Creature Comforts beer cans that demand a selfie.