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More than 100 bands set for AthFest


For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/19/2008

There is dancing in the streets as AthFest, Athens' annual mini-Woodstock, takes over downtown this week. More than 100 bands will perform on outdoor stages and inside bars and theaters as part of the festival.

Patti Torno
The Watt Club
 
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Check out other spots while on the Athens Music History Tour, which will run at 11 a.m. daily during AthFest ($10 with AthFest wristband, $15 without, leaves from the Athens Welcome Center kiosk at the corner of Washington Street and College Avenue, tickets required, 706-353-1820, www.athenswelcomecenter.com).

See the sights

Stroll by two landmarks connected to R.E.M. Do brunch at Mama's Boy (197 Oak St., 706-548-6249, ww.eatatmamasboy.com), where you'll find everything from eggs, bacon and biscuits to Georgia peach stuffed French toast, then walk it off along the 3.5-mile North Oconee River Greenway and Heritage Trail. It connects to a parking lot behind Mama's Boy, and just a few steps in, you'll see the train trestle that was saved from demolition after it appeared on the back cover of R.E.M.'s "Murmur" album.

Take a tour

On Saturdays, Terrapin Brewery lets the public in with tours from 2-5 p.m. coupled with live music. The free tours, which run every 15-30 minutes, also are given from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays; glasses for tastings are $8. (265 Newton Bridge Road, 888-557-2337, www.terrapinbeer.com)

Eat organically

The Athens Farmers Market showcases naturally grown food, plus crafts, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at Bishop Park (705 Sunset Drive, www.athensfarmersmarket.net). Or taste the creations by chefs using items grown at Full Moon Farms, an organic/biodynamic farm in Athens, at restaurant Farm 255, which also will serve as a music venue during AthFest (255 W. Washington St., 706-549-4660, www.farm255.com).

Try something new

Canopy Studio, a community arts center with trapeze and dance classes for adults and kids, is located in a row of warehouses near downtown. It's having an adult beginning trapeze workshop during AthFest from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a trapeze yoga workshop from 4-5:30 p.m. ($25, 160 Tracy St., 706-549-8501, www.canopystudio.com). Another trapeze yoga workshop is planned for 2-3:30 p.m. June 28.

IF YOU GO

What: 12th Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival

When: Through Sunday

Where: Downtown Athens (main stage located two blocks from the 40 Watt Club, 285 W. Washington St.)

Cost: Free for outdoor stages, KidsFest, Artist Market and panel discussions; $15 for all-venue wristbands; cover charges for some events

Headliners: Dark Meat (9 p.m.Friday), Modern Skirts (9 p.m.), Dubconscious (7 p.m. Sunday)

Accommodations: AthFest hotel packages offered by Courtyard by Marriott, Foundry Park Inn and Spa, Georgia Gameday Center and Holiday Inn Express.

Info: 706-548-1973, www.athfest.com

GETTING THERE

Take Interstate 285 east to I-85 north to Ga. 316 east into Athens. As you enter Athens, Ga. 316 will become Epps Bridge Parkway. Follow Epps Bridge Parkway and it will veer to the right onto U.S. 78 (Atlanta Highway). Continue on U.S. 78 East into downtown Athens. • Map it and review it

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