6 replies to this topic

[lotusandpeyote]

Hi people,
I've been a member here for years, but never really got stuck in, so here it goes...

Anyway, I'm planning a pilgrimage to Athens in October and was wondering if some of you could give me some tips of were to go (first) and what to see. And perhaps you know where to find a cheap (and clean) motel/hotel.

I hope you can help me out.

Many thanks,

Rens.

[Avalon]

If you do a search on this site, you'll find threads on this topic. I was there this past spring and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. It was comfortable, on the cheaper side, had free wifi (in room) and a free breakfast buffet. There's also a pool if you need a quick dip to cool off. It was closed when I was there, so I don't know what its like. There are two Holiday Inns in Athens, both right down the street for each other. I chose the Express one because the other was going through remodeling and some folks had complained of noise issues. I'm not sure if that's still going on. When I passed by there, half the building was wrapped up. I think of the 2 the Express has the better deal with the free breakfast! :D While I was there, my friend stayed at the Days Inn. Also a good deal. The only downside to it I saw was that the rooms were motel style, so the faced out towards the street (not inside) and the breakfast wasn't as nice. Its a little cheaper too, which is a plus if you don't care about those 2 things. Here's a google maps link that shows all the hotels in the area. If you stay in the area that has the largest concentration of hotels, you'll be close to everything. No need for a car. http://maps.google.c...ved=0CDsQtgMwAA

Keep in mind that this is a University town, so you might want to check with game schedules to make sure you'll be able to get a room. The hotels book up fast with big games.

[lotusandpeyote]

Thanks for that Avalon. I'll also have a look through the forum.

[mrocks7]

My wife and I visited twice in the last year. I recommend the following resources:
1-REM HQ has a special edition of Q magazine for sale in the merch section that has a little map and outline of some historic/significant R.E.M. spots
2-IT CRAWLED FROM THE SOUTH by Marcus Gray - It also has a list of addresses of significant spots

I won't attempt to list everything, but, favorite spots that we visited:
-the church steeple that remains from the church/housing where they first played
-the Murmur trestle
-Weaver D's
-The Grit restaurant
-The Georgia Bar
-Their West Clayton st rehearsal house

And I know they offer an Athens music history tour which I've heard is good

[blueshades87]

If you'll let me know roundabout when you're coming to Athens, I'll check the football and concert schedules for ya. Lots of good stuff is always happening here and you've got to make a trip to the 40 Watt at least once. :)

[mr. cuyahoga]

I stayed at the Travelodge which is a dump.   I was on a low budget.   I ate at the Grit twice, hung out at the Manhattan bar, ate at Weaver Ds, and hung out on College Avenue outside the diner across from their office.  There was no one up there.    The yogurt place downstairs from their office is good.  

    I would not flaunt your REM fan status when you are there.  The town has become more of a Drive By Trucker-jam band town.   When I mentioned to some hipsters in a bar down the street from the Manhattan lounge that I was an REM junkie, my proclamation was met with skepticism.  A woman said, "oh God, you're one of them," and walked away.  Then a dude who I was hanging out with quite a bit all evening on account of me really digging his band the night before explained that no one cares about REM anymore."   I gave him a look of resignation and said, "I am still glad to be here."  He smiled and we raised our glasses.

[Avalon]

I would not flaunt your REM fan status when you are there. The town has become more of a Drive By Trucker-jam band town. When I mentioned to some hipsters in a bar down the street from the Manhattan lounge that I was an REM junkie, my proclamation was met with skepticism. A woman said, "oh God, you're one of them," and walked away. Then a dude who I was hanging out with quite a bit all evening on account of me really digging his band the night before explained that no one cares about REM anymore." I gave him a look of resignation and said, "I am still glad to be here." He smiled and we raised our glasses.

So very true! But, if someone is willing to walk away from me because I'm an REM fan, instead of taking the time to get to know me, well then fuck 'em. Hipsters will be hipsters I guess...