Take a hip trip to Athens, Georgia! The eclectic home of the University of Georgia, the nation's first state-chartered university, is 61 miles northeast of Atlanta, nestled just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A vibrant, restored Victorian-era downtown teems with art galleries, trendy shops, world-renowned nightclubs like the Georgia Theatre and the 40 Watt Club, and distinctive dining. Athens’ chefs have been inspired by the town’s creative energy to develop a happening food scene full of discoveries, and the town is becoming known around the Southeast as a beer destination, complete with great breweries and pubs like Creature Comforts and Terrapin.

Historic architecture and impressive gardens, including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, complete the unique blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting Southern culture. The vibe and energy that gave birth to R.E.M and the B-52’s are alive and well today!