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10 Best Things to do in Athens, GA This Fall

The Perfect Fall Getaway to Georgia

These beautiful botanical gardens are one of the best things to do in Athens GA This Fall

Athens, Georgia is a beautiful town in northeastern Georgia best known for its stunning Antebellum architecture and is the start of the Antebellum Trail of historic Civil War towns. There are so many things to do in Athens, GA that goes far beyond history and beautiful architecture. 

Athens, only 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, is also the home of the University of Georgia. Given the youthful ambiance of this town, it's filled with a fun, creative energy, great restaurants and breweries, and plenty of fun attractions and entertainment. In short, there are more than enough things to do in Athens, GA to suit every traveler and fill several days' worth of an itinerary. 

Whether you're here to admire the stunning Antebellum architecture on Georgia's Antebellum Trail or you're more into the arts and music, we have no doubt you'll enjoy the variety of things to do in Athens, GA. That is especially true when you stay at one of the top-rated Georgia Bed and Breakfasts.

As a member of the Select Registry property group, this Bed and Breakfast in Georgia excels in its attention to detail and exquisite guest experience. It's located just outside Athens, GA, in the rural countryside. It offers an unparalleled guest experience with easy and convenient access to all the best things to do in Athens, GA and surrounding areas. 

If you're looking for an exquisite getaway experience, you won't find anything better. Book your room at this stunning Georgia Bed and Breakfast today! 

A historic archway on the college campus, one of the best things to do in Athens, GA This fall

The Best Things to Do in Athens, GA

There's no shortage of things to do in Athens, Georgia. This vibrant town has a well-regarded historic feel, largely thanks to the preserved Antebellum-era architecture. But, thanks to the youthful and creative energy surrounding the University of Georgia, there are so many more things to do in Athens, GA than admire a bit of history. 

Whether you're here to visit your student at the University of Georgia, attend a conference or local event, or just looking for a fun and exciting place to get away outside Atlanta, you'll be thrilled to discover the fascinating city of Athens, Georgia. Below, we've compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Athens, GA this fall. 

  1. Get oriented to town and learn about its rich history on the Historic Athens Tour
  2. Musical history is central to Athens' identity. Don't miss visiting some of the city's most iconic musical destinations, like 40 Watt Club, Live Wire, Georgia Theatre, or Wuxtry Records
  3. Continue on your musical journey on the Athens Music Walk of Fame. It will take you to even more of the historic music-industry venues in town and ranks as one of the most fascinating things to do in Athens, GA. 
  4. Grab a friend or partner, and have fun drinking (carefully) your way down the Athens Beer Trail, and fantastic and fun way to discover the burgeoning craft brew scene in town. 
  5. Enjoy the gorgeous gardens at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. If you're looking for even more magnificent garden spaces, check out the Founders Memorial Garden and UGA's Trial Gardens.
  6. While you're there, visit the Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum. Combined with the gardens, this is one of the most beautiful things to do in Athens, GA. 
  7. If you've been to (and enjoyed) Honky Tonk Row in Nashville, the nightlife scene in Athens, Georgia will feel familiar. One of the best things to do in Athens, GA is to get out and enjoy live music and nightlife. Popular places to go include Hendershots, Flicker Theatre & Bar, The World Famous, and Nowhere Bar
  8. Art lovers will love the Georgia Museum of Art, home to a world-renowned collection of Renaissance masterpieces, decorated arts, Frank Lloyd Wright windows, and more. 
  9. Another great museum is Athica, the Athens Institute of Contemporary Art. 
  10. One of our favorite things to do in Athens, GA is to walk around town, admiring the various monuments, murals, and other public artworks. This includes The Arch, The "Hope" mural on Washington Street, and the Bulldog statues scattered throughout the city. 
  11. You can enjoy an exquisite taste of the outdoors in Athens, too. Riding the Firefly Trail is one of the most popular things to do in Athens, GA, and there are great hiking and walking trails at the Oconee Rivers Greenway. 
  12. Make sure you tour the historic part of the University of Georgia's North Campus, where higher education in America began. Highlights here include The Arch and the Chapel Bell. 
An example of Antebellum architecture on the Antebelllum Trail, one of the best things to do in Athens, GA

Travel the Antebellum Trail in Georgia

Though all the things we've listed above rank as wonderful things to do in Athens, GA, we'd be remiss not to mention the stunning Antebellum architecture throughout the area, too. Georgia's Antebellum Trail starts in Athens and winds its way through the state visiting other significant Civil War towns and stunning historic homes and buildings. 

The Antebellum Trail is a 100-mile trail that travels through seven historic Georgia communities, which largely escaped destruction during the Civil War. Remnants of this period of history are reflected in the grand and iconic Antebellum structures along the trail. 

The Antebellum Trail tour begins in Athens at the north campus portion of the University of Georgia. Many buildings here date back to the Antebellum era of the early 1800s. Structures on the Antebellum Trail in Athens include the following: 

  1. Athens Welcome Center
  2. University of Georgia Arch
  3. University of Georgia Chapel
  4. The Taylor Grady House
  5. The Ware Lyndon House
  6. The Double-barreled Canon in downtown Athens
  7. The TRR Cobb House
  8. The Foundry at Graduate Athens
  9. The Herty Field Fountain

As you're exploring this beautiful and vibrant town and enjoying all of these great things to do in Athens, GA, you'll need a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of the day. There's no better place to stay in Athens than our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in Georgia. Book your room today! 

The Best Georgia Bed and Breakfast in Athens

Gillen House Luxury Bed and Breakfast

The Gillen House Luxury Bed and Breakfast is situated in the quaint little country town of Maxeys, Georgia. Set amongst the farmland, tree farms, and hunting preserves of eastern Georgia, we offer our guests the opportunity to decompress from the day-to-day hustle and bustle and take a ride in the slow lane.  Our Bed and Breakfast Georgia is top-rated and one of the best places to stay in all of the state.

The property has four guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable furnishings, and eclectic artwork providing a comfortable elegance for guests to enjoy. Staying at The Gillen House allows you to take a back seat to the world as it goes by in the fast lane. We strive to provide a luxury stay in the country that rejuvenates and relaxes the mind. With two acres of gardens and grounds to wander around, a small-town atmosphere, and activities to let you enjoy something different, The Gillen House Luxury Bed and Breakfast look forward to welcoming you.

Best Places to Stay in Maxeys

Exterior of Gillen house
Second Floor Hallway & Coffee Station
Azul Bedroom
Guest Living Room
Newlyweds celebrating at The Gillen House B&B
Gillen House Bedroom
Gillen house Bedroom
Gillen House Pond
Gillen House Barn
Gillen House Front Garden
Rojo Room
Azul Bedroom
Gillen House Pond
Amarillo Room
EV charger
Our wonderful back yard
Putting Green and Ourbuildings
The Dining Room
Front Door Entryway
Downstairs Hallway and Stairwell
Front Porch
Putting Practice Green
Pond and waterfall
EV charger with
Gillen House Bed and Breakfast front entry.
Wedding ceremony at The Gillen House B&B
Wedding Tent at The Gillen House B&B
Wedding Tent in the evening at The Gillen House B&B
Wedding Reveal at The Gillen House B&B

The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast

Maxeys, GA

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