The University of Georgia, commonly referred to as UGA or Georgia, is the state's flagship school located in Athens Georgia, approximately an hour drive from Atlanta. Considered one of the best college towns in the country the campus is home to just under 30,000 students. Athens is a city in the midst of a rebirth and renewal; emerging as a cultural hotspot with a dynamic art, music and restaurant scene. Sports are an integral part of life at UGA with students cheering on their beloved "Georgia Bulldogs."

Visitor Information: Tour UGA

Transportation: The closest airport to the University of Georgia is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. The airport is approximately 75 miles from Athens; estimated travel time is 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions in Atlanta. For bus information from Atlanta to UGA click here. 

Stay: The The Graduate Athens is a new concept in hotels: a brand offering fun, stylish and well-priced lodgings located exclusively in college towns and catering to parents, alumni, and tourists. The Graduate Athens is housed in an old foundry building complete with a multi tiered music venue and restaurant just a short walk from the UGA campus.  Other options: The Hotel Indigo, less than a half mile from campus and The Holiday Inn, directly adjacent to campus.

Coffee: For a quick cup of coffee, Athens’s Bagel is the place to go. Named after an episode of The Simpsons, Jittery Joe’s is a student favorite, known for their small batch roasts and excellent quality beans. If you're staying at The Graduate, grab a coffee in the lobby at Ironworks Coffee before you head to your tour.  

Breakfast: You can't visit Athens without a meal at Mama's Boy, every student's favorite. Open until 2 pm; each dish is served with a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit. One student told us " After a long night out or as a break from studying, I always head to Mama's for what has become a ritual: two fried eggs over easy with a biscuit, pulled pork, and gravy on the side - all washed down with a freshly squeezed raspberry lemonade." Other students argue that Big City Bread has their vote for Athens' best breakfast. A local favorite, the Independent Baking Co. sells delicious freshly made bread and pastries.

Lunch: Known for great sandwiches, salads, and soups, Trappeze Pub has a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Voted best pizza in Athens, head to Transmetropolitan Pizza. Get your Cuban fix at Cali N Titos. Looking for something more inventive? Book a seat at The National, a casual neighborhood place from famed chef Hugh Acheson and chef Peter Dale, serving Mediterranean inspired fare. The Grit, an Athens institution, serves strictly vegetarian fare, but with enough eclectic choices and international flavors, the carnivores in your group will not complain. Another local favorite, home.made serves food sourced from local farms putting a new take on southern classics. White Tiger Gourmet attracts foodies for its hearty BBQ sandwiches and burgers served in a quirky old house in the heart of Athens Boulevard District. (There are salads and vegetarian sandwiches as well.) 

Dinner

Casual: If you’re craving a "greasy, slimy, southern dish" as one student states, Dawg Gone Good Barbecue is the place for you. It's very casual, and only open three days a week, so try and time your visit appropriately. For good Korean BBQ, cooked at the table, dine at Iron Factory. Known for their “out of this world tasty burgers” head to Clocked, an Athens staple. If you are you craving Southern comfort food, The Place is the spot for you. Lunchtime's menu including traditional meat and threes switch over to more refined fare at dinner. Oysters are the star at Seabear Oyster Bar, especially at Happy Hour where between 3-6 all oysters are $1.50 till they run out. You may be tempted to fill up on the delicious Parker House rolls served with brown butter, salt and sugar, but save some room for the other delicious menu items from Chef Peter Dale. (An added bonus is the creative cocktail menu for a refresher after a long day touring!)  

A Step Up: When parents are visiting from out of town, students eagerly book a table at the Last Resort Grill for modern southern cooking housed in what was once a landmark music club. If you only have one night, don't miss celebrity chef Hugh Acheson’s flagship restaurant,  5&10, a hybrid mix of Southern fare with Italian and French influences. Menus are seasonally inspired and change frequently. 

Late Night Snack: After a late night at the bars, Little Italy is a necessity. The pizza is reminiscent of New York City’s iconic slices, and hundreds of students on the walk back to their dorms cannot resist this greasy temptation. 

Local Attractions: Seeing a show at the historic Georgia Theatre is not to be missed. Restored and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2009, this is a genuine Athens landmark. There are barely any seats - besides at the rooftop bar - everybody stands and enjoys the show. For a truly special experience, visit Hodgson’s Pharmacy, an Athens icon. More than just a pharmacy it's a local hub  - stop by and enjoy a hand dipped ice cream cone. Browse the many stores downtown where vintage lovers will have a field day at huge Agora Vintage.