2.27.2008

The "Strange and Unusual" sites in Athens: Part 1

Who knew that aside from the bar and music scene of Athens, there exist other historical and, frankly, peculiar sites? Outside the limits of the Broad to Washington Street block, students can explore areas this extraordinary city has to offer.

Inspired by an article published in the Flagpole, my friend and I took a tour of the suggested “strange and unusual” spots. With a full tank of gas and a camera, we left to explore foreign areas of Athens. Our only constraint was time; focusing our travels to the spots along Highway 15 South.

Our first stop was Scull Shoals. Floods struck this once prominent city in 1887, which the town never recovered from. The village fled the city leaving only the remains of dilapidated buildings and an eerie ambiance. Traveling down three jarring miles of dirt Forest Road 1234, questions may arise to if you are actually going to reach the grounds. If you keep going you will hit it. Be forewarned that you may not have phone service so I would definitely recommend going during the daytime, and with a group of people Even though we didn’t see anyone else; we did encounter an abandoned car. I can’t say it was reassuring.

Needless to say, we quickly left and headed to our next destination: the Iron Horse. A previous resident of the Reed Hall Quad, the horse was subjected to vandalism by the students during the late 1950s. Unbeknownst to the ruffians, late one night, the administration had the Iron Horse moved out to an undisclosed cornfield where it currently grazes. After parking, you have to cross the field of broken stalks to pet the horse so avoid sandals.



Since this was a long trip, I am breaking this up into two parts. Anticipate "Part 2" in a couple of days.




Major Perks: Something different to do in Athens
Minor Quirks: A bit of a drive

2.20.2008

Terrapin Beer: Tours "in tune with your taste"


The local Athens microbrewery recently opened its doors to give tours and offer a taste of their craft beer. For $7, you receive a souvenir glass and six tokens. One token is the equivalent of a half pint, and it is two tokens for the high gravity. On draft, visitors can sample the Rye Pale Ale, Golden Ale, India Brown Ale, All-American Imperial Pilsner and Rye Squared, the later two from the high gravity collection.

Each has a rich and distinct taste. A little tip from the tour guide: smell the beer before you drink it. As a beer novice, this little tidbit made a huge difference as it activates the olfactory region for an all encompassing experience. The employees are eager to answer any questions and love to suggest a beer to match your taste buds.

The tour also provides insight to the types of hops used and the overall production of the brews. Starting at the grain holder then onto the fermenting tanks, the tour ends at the bottling assembly line.

While staring at the equipment, the tour guide invites guests to come back and volunteer with bottling. While perusing the shirts and signing up to volunteer to bottle, my buddies and I met John Cochran, president and co-founder of Terrapin. Cool Guy with an even cooler story.

It’s a bit drafty, no pun intended, so be sure to wear a jacket during the winter months.

The beer is not the only thing that is “in tune with your taste.” With live music from local Athens bands, Terrapin gives you that full brewery taste. After the tour, you and your brew mates can sit, sip and listen in a designated area.

Tours are offered Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and the Second Saturday of each month 2-5.

Major Perks: Great Beer, Enthusiastic Employees
Minor Quirks: Cold Building

2.18.2008

Abbey Road: Magical Mystery Tour


Let me take you down, ‘cause I’m going to …Georgia Theatre to see Abbey Road

We hope you will enjoy the show. The Beatles famed line resounded at Georgia Theatre last Friday night as the Beatles cover band Abbey Road took stage. Performing for a motley audience that ranged from college students to original Beatles groupies, the band had the show down to a tee. The music, costumes and stage presence allowed the audience to experience eras of old, where peace, love and freedom was the answer.

Opening with music from Sergeant Peppers, the band continued the show with the entire Magical Mystery Tour Album. Despite minor speaker malfunctions in the beginning the crowd, in the usual Georgia Theatre style, swayed to the music in the pit and had a number of stragglers on the bar landing. To the crowds pleasure, the band played a double encore, leaving on a high note.

Major Perks: Great Cover Band!
Minor Quirks: Speaker Problems