“Georgia On My Mind!”

What do you think about when you think about Georgia?

Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
…

“Georgia On My Mind” – Ray Charles

Just a few weeks ago I acknowledged that I have been a resident of Athens, Georgia for 9 full years! My mother and I drove from PA to GA at the beginning of August 2012 to start my law school career. Since then I have done, learned, and grown A LOT.

During the last 9 years, I attended law school, hopped around a plethora of bars in the Downtown Athens area, introduced my tastebuds to some awesome cuisines, got to jam out to a handful of live bands, held a few non-law-related jobs, and made some beautiful connections with some beautiful people. The past 9 years have been nothing short but amazing.

When asked what Athens is known for outside of the University of Georgia, my answer usually consists of this…

Athens has some good food!

Granted, I probably haven’t eaten at many of the locally-owned restaurants here, but I am always down to try someplace new when it’s suggested! There are some great BBQ places, soul food restaurants, Mexican cantinas, and “healthier” options that are DELICIOUS. One really good restaurant that offers healthy comfort food and many people love here is Maepole. Even though BBQ chicken wings are my favorite food, going out to grab some Mexican food is one of my favorite hobbies! My favorite Mexican restaurant here that is like a “mom and pop shop,” is Tlaloc. Their taco salad is amazing! Cali-n-Tito’s is also a number one pick here, (I love their burritos! Sooo tasty and filling!) anddd they allow you to BYOB! Moving on to a more southern-style cuisine, my overall favorite restaurant in Athens is South Kitchen + Bar! I never used to like them growing up for some reason, but I now love fried green tomatoes and South has some!! Lastly, where can you find some good pizza in Athens? Now it’s not going to be no NY-style pizza or Chicago deep-dish, but for me, my favorite place to grab ‘za is at Ted’s Most Best. Ever have pepperoni, jalapenos, and pineapple on a pizza? No? Welp, I just did you a favor, go try it!

Athens brews some good craft beer!

Now, if I made you hungry with all of that food talk, sorry not sorry! Lol! But I have come to learn over the past few years that I love me a good craft beer. The only beer I really had in college was Natty Light (basically water lol). But then in Athens, I learned what a real beer tastes like. I personally enjoy a good stout or a hoppy beer, and I hate sours. In Athens, going to the breweries is a regular occurrence especially when the weather is nice and the sun is out! Grab your friends, your dog, and head to the breweries for a good time! There are a few right here in Athens such as Terrapin Brewery, Athentic Brewing Company, Southern Brewing Company, Akademia Brewing Company, and Creature Comforts! Yes, I have been to all of them, but I probably frequent Creature or Akademia the most! Akdemia has some really good food, and that’s always a plus when grabbing a few brews!

Athens has a good bit of live entertainment!

Who doesn’t love dancing? Who doesn’t love hearing good music? Who doesn’t love going to see a band play some good music while they’re dancing on the dance floor?! I know I love it! And a live jazz band is probably my favorite to go see. When I was in law school, I got a job as a waitress/bartender at what is known as The Foundry. It used to be called The Melting Point but now changed its name to Graduate Athens. Graduate Athens is technically a hotel/restaurant and The Foundry is the event venue. Many people go to eat there when they’re catching a live show. Weddings are hosted there too! I used to love working their monthly jazz concerts because it was like a free ticket to the show and I was able to make some good tips! Outside of The Foundry, a lot of musicians and bands play at places like Nowhere Bar, the 40 Watt Club, Live Wire, and the Georgia Theater. Athens also hosts an annual music and arts festival called AthFest where there are tons of live music performances! A lot of standup comedy and open mic nights are held at Hendershot’s and pretty awesome plays are put on at The Morton Theatre.

Athens loves the outdoors and Mother Nature!

Everyone always talks about how hot and humid the Georgia weather can be, and they’re definitely not wrong. The humidity here some summers can be insane! And don’t get me started on the pollen. My first spring here, I had no idea what this yellow stuff was that was plaguing all of our cars, patios, and surfaces. Thank God I don’t have bad allergies! But Athens is full of runners and bikers. You will see many people — young and old — running the sidewalks of Athens or biking to their destinations. When I moved into my first apartment, I recall telling myself I was going to run a lot. Ha! That didn’t happen. I do appreciate the trails that Athens offers, though. You have trails at Sandy Creek Park, Memorial Park, Ben Burton Park, and the newer Oconee Rivers Greenway. The State Botanical Gardens is probably one of my favorite places to become one with Mother Nature. I have done photoshoots there, catered a wedding there, and walked the trails there! I don’t get out to hike or run as much as I would wish, but I really have no excuse.

I may have moved many miles away from my family, but knowing that Athens can offer me all of those things leaves me with a sense of peace and home. I felt welcomed when I first arrived in Athens, and Athens definitely has its shortcomings just like any other city, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my past 9 years living here. Thank you, Athens for having me and allowing me to call you home!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28, NKJV.

Moni Jay, Off the Record