Athens was my home for more than a decade and I still long for the days I lived in this small town when my kids were young. Located on Highway 72 between Huntsville and Florence and right off Interstate 65, you’ll find this destination very convenient and relatively quick to get to. Although it is a city and its population continues to grow, Athens has preserved the small-town feel with its lively town square. It is the perfect place to get away for a long weekend with your family at any time of year.
The downtown square has been revitalized over the past 20 years. Athens Main Street has done an amazing job pulling the community together and centering the town around local businesses that are thriving. You can check out a list and map of all of those businesses here. One of the best parts about being on the square in Athens is all of the free parking! Keep reading for some recommendations on where to stay, dine, shop, and play on the square and around the city. You’re sure to find plenty of great kids activities in Athens, Alabama!
Where to Stay
Athens has no shortage of hotels! If you are looking to stay within city limits, book your stay at Home2 Suites, LaQuinta Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn and Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Sleep Inn, Best Western, or Holiday Inn Express and Suites. If you are looking for a home, you can find historic farmhouses, cabins, and lake houses on owner rental sites like AirBnB or VRBO. If you want to be on the water, look for stays on Wheeler Lake.
For campgrounds, check out Valley Fort RV Park, Riverview RV Resort, or Poplar Point Lakeside RV Park. You can also find a variety of accommodations at Joe Wheeler State Park in nearby Rogersville.
Where to Dine
You won’t go hungry when visiting Athens, that’s for sure! Grab a handcrafted pizza at Village Pizza, order the grilled broccoli at Ro’s Grille (trust me!), enjoy a cold beer at Athen’s oldest continuously operated brewery and distillery at Old Black Bear Brewing Company, dine al fresco with fresh dishes from Wildwood Deli, eat at longstanding Dubs Burgers or Kreme Delite, get authentic Mexican food at Sabor Latino Taquiera, order fish and chips at The Salty Cod, enjoy fine dining at The Southern Table, grab a sour cream donut at K May Donuts, sip on a spot of tea at Driftwood Dragonfly Tea or The Sweetest Things Tea Room, order casual American food at Cash and Jack’s, and order delicious BBQ at 306 BBQ, Whitt’s BBQ, or Lawler’s BBQ.
If you need groceries, there are two Publix shopping centers, one on the east side of town and one on the west side of town. You can also shop at Aldi and Walmart Supercenter.
Where to Shop
Be ready to shop ’til you drop on the square! For unique gifts and boutique clothing, visit Pimento’s, BeanBeans, Trinity’s, Bennett’s, Boutique Bliss, Crawford’s Gifts, Dottie Jewel Clothing, and (my personal favorite) Epiphany Boutique. Go back in time at U.G. White Mercantile, Reconstruction South Vintage Goods, Limestone Drug and Soda Fountain, and Frank’s Good Stuff.
When you need to rest from all your shopping, grab a cup of coffee at Coffee Off the Square or Hi Plane Coffee.
Where to Play
If you are looking for an outdoor activity, take the 2.3 mile stroll through the Swan Creek Greenway, play at the Kids Dugout playground, stop by Isom’s Orchard or the Athens Farmers Market for local produce and goods, or feed the ducks at Big Spring Memorial Park. On select Friday nights, make plans to be on the square for the Fridays After Five Concert series.
If you are visiting in the summer, you cannot miss the old-fashioned carnival rides, Bingo, and food at the Kiddie Carnival. Admission is free, each ride is a 50 cent ticket, and the carnival is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in June or July.
If you are visiting in the fall, two events that cannot be missed are the Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Fiddler’s Convention.
For an educational experience, visit the Alabama Veterans Museum. If you want to venture out, you are close to the cities of Madison and Huntsville to the east and Florence and Muscle Shoals to the west.
Athens, Alabama is a wonderful small town with many local restaurants, shops, and activities. Whether it is a travel stop for you on your way north (Buccee’s anyone?), or a destination for the weekend, you won’t be disappointed! If you’ve visited, what restaurants and activities would you add?
For more North Alabama fun, check out these fun things to do in Huntsville!
Experience Huntsville, Alabama :: Quick Getaways from Birmingham
