Part 2: Strange and Unusual Places

Here is the second part of our visit to the strange and unusual places in Athens.

After our visit to the iron petting zoo, we headed over the Elder's Mill Bridge, one of the 15 remaining covered bridges in Georgia. It is located on the way back to Athens city limits about ten minutes up from the horse. The article states that a sign will designate the area; however, I have suspicions about the alleged “sign.” So, don’t count on it and look for the road name Elders Mill Road on your left. Once you find the road, you travel about 2 minutes and then you hit the bridge. It was my favorite place during our escapade. Encompassed by sweet Georgia pines, the bridge sits over a tranquil creek. Standing in the outdoors with the gentle hum of the nature surrounding me was pretty remarkable. If you choose to visit only do one spot, go here!

Next, we back into Athens. We drove to the intersection where Finley meets Dearing Street and immediately found ourselves in front of “The Tree That Owns Itself.” Colonel W.H. Jackson willed the tree to itself back in the late 1800s, and it has remained a landmark of Athens history.
There is a plaque in front of the tree declaring the rights of the tree.

Once we left the tree to itself, we drove downtown for our last stop: the double barrel cannon. A remnant of the civil war, the cannon was an unsuccessful craft built at the Foundry when it was a steam mill. During a test, the two cannon balls ended up going in opposite directions, killing a cow and knocking down a chimney. Today, the cannon rests outside of city hall and faces due north, still protecting the south from the Yankees.

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