ATHENS: A HAVEN FOR INDIE SOUTHERN MUSIC Athens pulses with creativity, and as one of America’s first influential small-town music scenes, it’s celebrated as a trailblazer. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, the city helped define the new wave and alt-rock movements, launching international sensations like R.E.M. and The B-52s. That spirit endures, with iconic venues like the 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre anchoring a scene where punk, folk, hip-hop, Americana, and experimental performers all thrive together. Outside of catching a concert, take a self-guided Athens Music History Walking Tour to gain insights into the city’s deep-rooted past. TOP TO BOTTOM: WUXTRY RECORDS, ATHENS | EXPLORE GEORGIA; CONDOR CHOCOLATES, ATHENS | EXPLORE GEORGIA TAKE A PIECE OF GEORGIA HOME WITH YOU Fuel your road trip – and memories – with a bag of locally roasted beans from one of Jittery Joe’s coffeehouses in and around Athens. Or, pick up a box of assorted truffles and bean-to-bar chocolate from Condor Chocolates . Thoughtfully crafted, these edible keepsakes bottle the spirit of Georgia – ready to bring a little Southern comfort wherever you roam. 56 #EXPLOREGEORGIA
Official State Travel Guide 2026 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 56
