A Day in Athens by Bike
City Tour, 9 Miles
overview
The Broad Collective is a culture and lifestyle website that highlights what makes Athens so special.
This theme is based off some of our favorite spots around town. The only bad thing is we left off twice as many great spots as we highlighted! However, the way we designed the route leaves you plenty of freedom to take some side streets and wander around downtown without getting too far off track. On this route you will get to explore some of Athens many great local businesses and amazing food and bar scene. You won't have to look far to get distracted. We are huge fans of Athens but we wouldn't be anywhere near as big of fanboys as we are if it weren't for the people who make up the small business community. Regular folks who have decided to put down roots in this city by putting their unique and distinct "thing" into the world right here in Athens. This route is a snapshot of the artists, musicians, craftsmen, chefs, and creatives that make Athens so special.
map & logistics
Click on map image to download printable PDF
Map
Bikes
Tell the local bike shops to rent bikes (we have made the suggestion!) and if you live in Athens and own an extra bike, rent it on Spinlister!
What to bring?
Money for eating, drinking and shopping; front & back lights for nighttime riding
highlights
A. Independent Baking Co 1625 South Lumpkin Street | independentbaking.com | (706) 850-3550
Tom & Elizabeth Leonard are the proud owners of Athens newest bakery. Nestled in the cozy Five Points neighborhood, you won't find a better way to start your day and ride than this gorgeous and delicious bakery. Try the chocolate croissant to start your day! Tu-F 7am-6:30pm / Sa 7am-5pm
B. Sanford Stadium 100 Sanford Drive | www.georgiadogs.com | (706) 542-9036
Athens is known for it's distinctive music scene and for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Whether you're a football fan or not, you'll enjoy the trip through the athletic side of town as you approach the over ninety thousand seat Sanford Stadium.
C. TREEHOUSE Kid & Craft 815 West Broad Street | treehousekidandcraft.com | (706) 850-8226
The cutest shop in town. Hands down. It's geared towards kids and family as it's part toy store and part workshop space but everyone will fall in love with what owner Kristen Bach has done with this space. Tu-Sa 10am-6pm / Su 12-4pm
D. Hendershot's Coffee 237 Prince Avenue | www.hendershotscoffee.com | (706) 353-3050
Swing by Hendershots Coffee and sit outside on their huge patio with a cup of local coffee. If you're wanting to get your afternoon kicked up a notch, then make it a glass of local beer. M-Th 6:30am-11pm / F 6:30-12am / Sa 7:30-12am / Su 7:30am-10pm
E. Wuxtry Records 197 East Clayton Street | www.wuxtry-records.com | (706) 369-9428
No trip to Athens would be complete without a trip to Wuxtry Records, home of one of the most highly regarded record stores in the country and winner of multiple top record store awards. Athens music scene is way more than REM and the B-52s so be sure to check out their well stocked local section or dive deep in their extensive and well stocked collection. M-Sa 11am-8pm / Su 12-6pm
F. North Campus
North Campus is one of the prettiest parts of UGA. Full of green lawns, fountains, the Founder's Garden, and old historic school buildings, North Campus is a place you can explore nooks and crannies by bike or you can lounge on the lawn with your favorite book.
G. Heirloom 815 North Chase Street | www.heirloomathens.com | (706) 354-7901
Father/daughter owner combo Travis and Jessica have a gorgeous and warm restaurant. Our recommendation is to sit on the patio with their twinkling lights overhead. You can not go wrong with anything on the menu so we won't even bother making a recommendation. M-Th 11am-2:30, 5-9pm / F 11am-2:30, 5-10pm / Sa 9:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm / Su 9:30am-2:30pm
H. Double Dutch Press 1377 Prince Avenue | www.doubledutchpress.com | (706) 546-0994
Shop owners and artists Katherine McGuire and Amanda Burk run this fantastic print shop. They make limited edition runs of local Athens prints along with a ton of other handmade and screen printed goods. If you have some time, you can even join in one of their many workshops. Tu-Sa 10am-6pm
I. Georgia Theatre Rooftop Bar 215 North Lumpkin Street | www.georgiatheatre.com | (706) 850-7670
After the Theatre burned to the ground in 2009, they rebuilt it but this time included a beautiful rooftop patio with food provided from their neighbor, The Branded Butcher. Nearly 360 views of downtown Athens make this a great spot to digest the day. M-Sa 11:30am-11pm
extras
1. The Hub Bicycles 1220 South Milledge Avenue | www.hubbikes.com | (706) 355-3989
What better way to start your trip than with one of Athens biggest and best bike shops. Athens is home to thousands of cyclists, many of whom make great shop their home base. M-Sa 10am-6pm
2. Condor Chocolates 1658 South Lumpkin Street | www.condorchocolates.com | (706) 850-4803
Handmade chocolates from rockstar chef Peter Dale (The National, Seabear Oyster Bar) and his family. Buy some boxed chocolates and take them on the ride (perhaps to enjoy while strolling through North Campus) because for this stop, we recommend the drinking chocolate. Tu-Th 11am-7pm / F 11am-9pm / Su 12-5pm
3. Starlite Showroom 750 West Broad Street | starliteshowroom.wordpress.com | (706) 395-6465
Starlite Showroom is one of our favorite shops in town. Full of antiques and mantiques as owners Dan and Mark like to say. You'll find a ton of carefully curated vintage items here but good luck putting one of their nice furniture pieces on the back of your bike when you fall in love with it. W-Sa 11am-6pm
4. The Old Pal 1320 Prince Avenue | theoldpal.com | (706) 850-4340
Time to visit our favorite bar in a city full of great ones. You can usually find owners Daniel or Matt mixing the best craft cocktails in town behind the bar. But their entire bar tending staff are pros at making the perfect happy hour drink. Look for drinks that include Buster's Bitters, named after Matt's awesome dog Buster. M-Sa 4pm-2am
