Standing tall in the Oconee Rivers Greenway, this art installation is designed as a "public example…read moreof creative architecture" by Los Angeles-based designer and educator Andrew Kovacs. The artwork is thirty-six twelve-foot brightly-colored columns at the entrance to the new Greenway Trail. The columns are spaced six feet apart and are standard 8" by 8" by 8" concrete masonry units. Each column is painted in two different colors, dematerializing the columns and providing an array of coloration to the field of columns. According to the statement, "The colors can be read in myriad ways, from diversity and individualism, to race and sexual liberation, while also commenting on the long history of brightly colored public art work." They are completely weatherproof but not weedproof. The ground has certainly picked up some local flora since it was installed. There is parking along the roadway and there are no barriers to enter the artwork. You can certainly selfie with them or use them as a background to a photo shoot. [Review 18063 overall - 538 in Georgia - 1585 of 2022.]

At the beginning of the day, I was not even sure that we'd visit here. However, their website noted…read morethat you had to make an advanced reservation to be admitted (per my understanding), so I dutifully made a reservation for 2. As it happened, we were able to make it here around 2:15 p.m. or so on a Saturday. We had visited once before over a decade previously, so I had no real recollection of it. The museum is located within a mile of the loop highway around Athens. We arrived and parked in the covered deck. To access the museum, you then walk down away from where you entered. I found the front desk and offered to show the young woman staffing it our tickets. She said that she did not have a way to actually scan those, so we were waived in... I liked a wall-exhibit as you enter: large letters spelling 'WELCOME' but formed from several types of mounted security cameras (none or some of which may be active...). You ascend a long stairway. to your left is some temporary exhibits. These were more of the 'modern art' variety. A series of rooms about Hiroshima and another room with sensory nausea-inducing video. In the opposite direction are the more static galleries. These are laid out roughly in accordance with art styles or time periods. There is a room devoted to colonial / antebellum Georgia, one devoted to Impressionism, one to 1930's Depression-era works, etc. I enjoyed these more than I did the modern wing. We finihsed up and headed out within an hour. The exhibit is free. Unless there is some travelling exhibit that is of particular interest, I don't think I'll likely be back within another decade, though.

You may head to Athens because of UGA sports. (Go Dawgs!) Perhaps you have kids attending the…read moreuniversity. Possibly you take the drive to eat at chef Hugh Atcheson's acclaimed "Five & Ten" restaurant. But are you familiar with the Georgia Museum of Art? Reason in itself to visit Athens. With a diversity of exhibits in galleries filling the second floor, you're bound to view something -- perhaps many things -- that stops you in your tracks. Representation by the de Koonings, Renoir, Cassatt, Okeefe and other acclaimed artists, you will also be turned on to talent you likely haven't heard of. I was captivated by the photography of Jim Fiscus as well as the gallery featuring work of black artists. Regarding logistics: the museum is open every day except Monday. Check their website for hours. Parking is free, as is the museum. But if you can, consider putting a few dollars in the kitty to help defray expenses.

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum…read more This museum is really a hidden gem. it's on the same property as the Botanical Gardens and it is incredible. great afternoon place to spend an hour or two seeing some of the most beautiful artwork you will see. some new. some hundreds of years old. this museum is to the left of the gardens and I thought it was an event space.

Headed out for a group hike and was NOT disappointed. We opted for the Red Oak and Black Gum Loop…read more This hike was relatively easy, well marked with just a few inclines and gorgeous views along the trail. The highlight was finishing near the tulips at the end of our hike. Gorgeous morning out and perfect location for a spring kick-off in nature.

My husband and I stayed here for one night and would stay here again in the future…read more The staff upon checking in were very friendly and the decor was unique and nostalgic in the lobby, cafe, and room. It was $10 to park even though they had their own parking lot (this seemed a bit excessive to me). The room itself could have been cleaner, especially the floors in the bathroom. There is a restaurant and bar next to the lobby that we did not get to try due to having other plans. The location is ideal for walking around downtown and having a night out. I also had no safety concerns while staying here. I would stay here again for the same price (we paid around $110 for 1 night with a discount).

Truth be told - this is a Motel. Albeit, better than a Red Roof Inn, but still a motel. Pictures…read moreshared on their site show the main building where the lobby, coffee shop and restaurant/bar (The Foundry) is located, but the rooms are across a street in a large L shaped, two-story building. First the positives: The lobby and coffee shop are decorated in a fun, quirky way which creates a casual and relaxing environment. I've heard the decor described as being from a Wes Anderson movie. (I think that is an accurate description.) We would have our morning coffee over there relaxing on the comfy couches/chairs and had a surprisingly good breakfast burrito at the coffee shop. Location was good. Close to downtown, easy 10 minute walk to most things, and it was close to the North Oconee River Greenway walking trail on the other side of the river. Our room (on the second floor) was comfortable, clean, well appointed and quiet. The quietness may be due to the fact that we were possibly one of only two or three customers in the hotel those nights. Nonetheless, we slept well and have no complaints about the room. Now for some minor negatives: Staff, which comprised mostly college students, were less than friendly or attentive. At check-in, important information was not disclosed, like the optional housekeeping service, or that the restaurant/bar was not open (at all) during our stay. The $12 per day parking fee was excessive in my opinion. We were the only car in this lot - I feel like they could've waived the parking fee. And the $75 dog fee was a bit steep - but the room rate was low, so I guess it balanced out. We had to call for towels (and to replace a broken soap dispenser) repeatedly before someone finally showed up around 7 pm - I think they didn't have anyone working.... Anyhow - would I stay at this hotel again? Yes. My girlfriend probably wouldn't however. I think had it been warmer and had the Foundry been open, we probably would have had a better experience there. But, it is significantly cheaper that other hotels I looked at, and, frankly, you have to take that into consideration.

Great staff and drinks. Good place to be picked up…read more Definitely a place for good time!

This bar was awesome. Great decor very friendly staff. Great games in the back room! Would…read morerecommend anyone getting a beer there any time!

Yelp shows that I have checked in 22 times and have not reviewed Creature Comforts Brewing Co on…read moreHancock Ave?!!! I will rectify this today. Yesterday was Creature Comforts Brewing Company's 12th Anniversary. We have lived here since 2016 and have NEVER missed this party. Yesterday was no exception. I like to be first in line so I will show up early to get a table. We came prepared. I had charcuterie, chocolate and grapes. We were greeted warmly and checked on frequently. We saw ppl that we know. Beer World needs you. It is imported that you support your local craft brewery. In this economic downturn, it would be terrible if this independent brewer of excellent craft beer was not available to us. Show your love. Tip big. You will not regret it.

Customer service drove the 5 Star rating! Specifically the greeting from the person who was…read moresituated in the Creature Comforts store adjacent to the brewery. Store sold the known Creature Comforts brands of beer -including our favorite seasonal milk stout Kona Buni, logoed shirts and accessories and my personal favorite coffee liqueur - one of their newer products. The man who worked the register area also provided samples of products. He educated on content, processes to create and alcohol volume. There was never any pressure to purchase, just the opportunity to sample and experience the brand. It did lead to a purchase that was aided by the positive interaction from this gentleman and the ability to sample beers on tap in the larger dine-in area of Creature Comforts. I did enjoy the beers too. The outdoor area looked inviting, and will likely experience the next time I'm in Athens. Our visit to Creature Comforts was a great way to celebrate my Florida Gators men's basketball win over GA on their home turf!

I know absolutely nothing about art supplies, but I wanted to find a gift to support my wife's new…read morewatercolor interest. I did a little research about paper before entering the store, but I was hardly confident about making a selection. The help I received was incredibly nice. Felt like I was valued as a customer. Was a little intimidated, entering what for me is completely foreign turf, but the customer service was excellent. I felt welcomed.

I love having an art shop in Athens. They have a great selection at fair prices and are always…read morehelpful. I've taken a calligraphy class here as well which was so fun. I love that they have a pretty robust class calendar for adults. I will continue to shop here whenever possible and I've even asked if they could order items for me that aren't in stock and they've said yes!

Beautiful space and well laid out for walking through to enjoy various medias of artwork.read more

The Lyndon House and Art gallery is a unique and lovely wedding venue. Our daughters wedding was…read moreheld in the art gallery and the reception which was a formal dinner was held in the adjoining meeting room. We had a joyous wedding here. My one complaint was with communication. When trying to reach the staff in the months prior to the wedding several times we found their voicemail boxes full. The night of the wedding the on site staff was a bit snarky in their communication and clearly did not understand that we were their customer. If the venue staff has improved in this one area then the Lyndon House would be perfect!

We came here for a temporary exhibit of the Southern Pastel Society. It appeared that the OCAF may…read morehave at least 2 buildings in this campus, but we only visited the exhibit hall. It appears to be a former school auditorium. There is plenty of parking, but it was hard to see initially. We entered via 3rd Street and drove by a baseball field. The OCAF is on a rise about 5 - 8 feet above the level of the road, so you can't really see its closest parking lot until you walk or drive up. I moved the car closer after I realized there was a parking lot up there. You enter past the office and along a hallway of displays of pottery / art for sale. There is also a table with historical objects from the building's school history. The exhibit space was at the end of the hall in the former auditorium. It was laid out as you might expect, with works displayed around the perimeter walls and on some freestanding wall segments in the center of the space. This exhibit was nice, but as I said it was temporary. I assume they rotate other exhibits through the space. This was within a 15-minute drive of Athens, so if you are in that area it is easy to check this place out. We drove out from Atlanta and stopped a a few places on the route, but if you drove straight through it would probably take at least 90 minutes to get here. Depending on what they have on display this is worth a stop.