To help you experience Athens the way we love it, we created a "36 Hours in Athens" guide (à la New York Times). Here you'll find our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore, with off-guide extras to start and personal stories throughout. If you choose to follow our guide, you may even meet familiar wedding faces along the way!

Attractions and Activities

Sandy Creek Park - Sprawling across more than 1,000 acres, Sandy Creek is ideal for a breath of fresh air between wedding events. The park offers walking and running paths, a disc golf course, and scenic views. ($2 admission per person.)

State Botanical Garden of Georgia - A peaceful escape just outside town, the Botanical Garden is perfect for a slow morning stroll. Admission is generally free or donation-based, though special events (like the popular holiday lights in December) may carry a fee.

Sanford Stadium and UGA Bookstore - A walk through UGA's central campus isn't complete without a glimpse of Sanford Stadium. Make a quick stop at the UGA Bookstore afterward for Athens and UGA merch.

UGA Golf Course - A beautiful course offering rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and a surprisingly serene setting just minutes from campus. Tee times and the driving range are available to the public.

Urban Sanctuary Spa - If your idea of exploring Athens involves slowing down, Urban Sanctuary Spa is the place to do it. A longtime local favorite for massages, facials, and quiet restoration, it's perfect for unwinding before or after the weekend's festivities.

You can't go wrong strolling through Normaltown, Downtown, or 5 Points neighborhoods. Each has its own personality, great food, and plenty of places to pop in and out.

Restaurants and bars

Breakfast: Cafe Racer and Independent Baking Co.

Lunch & Dinner: South Kitchen & Bar and Taqueria Del Sol

Sweets: Condor Chocolates (has downtown and 5 points locations)

Brews: Creature Comforts and Terrapin

Wine: Tapped and The Lark

Bars: Bar Bruno and Blue Sky

N/A & Coffee: Journey Juice and Choco Coffee

Pictured: Seasoned Crackers and Painkiller at Seabear

4:00pm - Happy Hour at Seabear Oyster Bar

Kick off the weekend with our favorite Athens happy hour. Seabear is the perfect place to ease into town. It's cozy, buzzy, and reliable.

Must Order Menu Items - Painkiller Cocktail, Seasoned Crackers (which should be relabeled CRACKers), and, of course, Oysters.

Pictured: Parker after accepting his first job! (and THE peanuts and coke)

7:00 pm - Dinner at The Place

We went on our very first date here in January 2018, sitting at the two-top by the kitchen downstairs. We both ordered the shrimp & grits in an effort to gracefully eat in front of the other. The rest is history, I guess!

Since then, we've celebrated other milestones here including Parker's first post-grad job, Meredith's law school graduation, and selecting our wedding venue! You could say it's a favorite...

Our Updated Must-Order Menu Items: Since date #1, we've switched to snagging bar seats upstairs. We always order two Fried Chicken Sandwiches. For drinks, don't miss the "Peanuts and Coke" and the "Tropicalia Margarita!"

8:00 p.m. - Welcome Celebration at Five Bar!

Join us for drinks, light bites, and desserts as we officially welcome everyone to Athens.

If you head out early (or have room for more) we highly recommend stopping next door at Last Resort for a slice of cake (or espresso martini).

9:00 a.m. - Grab a coffee at 1000 Faces , then take your time wandering.

Weather permitting, stroll through downtown or walk past the UGA bookstore and Sanford Stadium on your way toward Five Points (your next stop of the day).

Pictured: Parker & Meredith at Sanford Before UGA Law Graduation

11 a.m. - Brunch at Marker 7

A relaxed, no-rush brunch before the day's main event.

Pictured: Parker, proudly displaying his newly purchased Ronald Acuna Jr jersey at Creature Comforts (and a creature comforts beer flight). What came first, the jersey or the beer?

1:00 p.m. - Optional Beer Break at Creature Comforts

If timing allows, stop by Creature Comforts for a beer before heading back to your hotel to primp.

BY 3:45 p.m. - Report for Duty!

Please arrive at the UGA Chapel and get ready to celebrate!!

9:00 a.m. - Breakfast for the Early Risers

For those up and at 'em, grab breakfast at Big City Bread Cafe.

Pictured: Cubano at Cali N Titos

12:00 p.m. - Lunch at Cali N Titos

We particularly recommend this for those who made it to the after-party.

Must Order Menu Item: Cubano Sandwich

Pictured: Butterfly at Botanical Gardens

1:00 p.m. - Last Athens Moment

End the weekend with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or grab one last sweet treat for the road at Condor Chocolates.