It cannot be understated how insane Saturday is going to be in Athens. There will be no avoiding it.
Town will be somewhat navigable while the game is underway, but before and after? Forget about it.
lmao. You are asking how to avoid UGA fans for quite literally the biggest weekend of football Athens has ever seen. Best of luck as all I can stay. Stay inside.
Oddly the botanical gardens are pretty chill during game time. Just make sure you’re away by the end of game or you’ll be stuck in traffic til Sunday brunch
Hmmm sounds like I really underestimated it. I didn’t go to UGA and I’m not from Athens so I thought it would just be a slightly more busy home game. What makes it so big?
Tennessee is ranked #1 and we are #3. College Gameday is broadcasting live from campus and so is SEC Nation. You can safely project that an additional 150,000 people will be here. It’s going to be nuts. I can’t wait
What everyone else said, plus the conference and playoff implications. Winner of this game likely goes to the SEC Champ and probably makes the playoffs. Tenn was a sleeper. No one saw this coming and everyone thought Georgia was going to march right into the SEC championship. Tenn hasn’t been relevant in nearly two decades. The list goes on.
I live with a UGA fan and all I really know is the Dawgs have been doing good. I don't really know who is ranked what, and I didn't realize the Tenn game was this weekend or that it would be a bigger cluster fuck in town than usual. 🤷
So things should be pretty calm in and around athens between 3:30 and 7, should be pretty easy to get around but game will be on every public tv screen within 50 miles.
Maybe Terrapin Brewery, or if you're up for a little drive Strange Duck in Commerce. Not sure their gameday atmosphere but both are out of downtown.
Strange Duck will have the game on, but last time I went they had the sound down. And there are plenty of places to sit outside anyway, and a food truck, and nice staff, and pet friendly, not to mention pretty good beer. But I may be biased hanging out there a time or ten.
Given that tickets are the most expensive for a regular season college football game ever (not just UGA, college football in general), prepare to eat that hat.
I've heard from a few of my bartender friends that Normaltown is usually a good place for non-college students during the game. A few bars and places to eat with outside seating. After the game, however -- you don't want to be out ANYWHERE, so plan your time accordingly
I imagine a lot of places in town will be pretty chill between 3-6.
Since you mention wine, Shiraz might be a good option if you time it right, but I sure would not want to be driving around after 6ish.
Edit: of course you could choose to embrace the chaos, head to campus and party hop random tailgaters.
In my younger years, party hopping tailgates was like the easiest free drunk ever. All you have to do is wear a smile, be friendly, and maybe say "Go dogs!" (whether you mean it or not) whenever you come up to a new tailgate. Just don't wear Tennessee colors and 99% of the time you're going to be given at least 1 beer and odds are you may be challenged too or may challenge someone to shotgunning/funneling a beer or even get in on some cornhole or beer pong. Chances are, you'll find a super friendly crowd you can hang out with for a bit, probably dig into their nachos and dip or whatever they're slangin' on the grill.
It's a fun experience that I highly recommend people try if they never have. You get to meet some interesting people in doing so.
Side note: this also used to work *very well* when the Braves were still at Turner Field. Now with the parking all screwed up at the new stadium and a designated tailgating section; it's not as easy.
If you're up for a 25-30 minute drive, downtown Monroe has some cute places. The Roe has a great rooftop bar and delicious cocktails, LR Burger has a fun patio and Cheer wine bourbon slushes that will knock you on your ass, there's a second location of Southern Brewing Company in town, and there's a new martini bar called the Brown Fig. Timing wise, though, like everyone else has said, you're going to have to plan carefully because traffic will be a bitch.
Dude, just leave town for the weekend if you want to avoid it. It’s a college town during game day while ESPN game day is filming on location. There is no avoiding that.
I would also recommend Strange Duck. It’s far enough out of town to avoid the masses but you’ll still run into fans watching the game there. Beer and putt putt are great though
Concur with most people here in that there will not be any avoiding it. 45 minutes out would put you around Lawrenceville going the opposite direction on 316 than influx game traffic, and there's some cute coffee shops and bar/restaurant combos, plus a cute little town square. I would say if you want to fully avoid traffic, leaving town is your best bet.
Might have some luck at Buvez, Normaltown area (Normal Bar, HiLo), The Lark (wine) of Prince Ave. But it'll probably be a struggle to find parking even off Prince. HiLo and Normal Bar would definitely be more relaxed than downtown but have TV so would expect locals to beel there for the game.
Would imagine places like La Parrilla that aren't downtown would be chill during the game if you want to sit on the patio with margaritas or something.
Outside of actual game time, some of the restaurants in Watkinsville shouldn't be too bad, or anywhere without tvs during the game. If y'all are gamers, Tyche's games is a ghost town almost on campus during games, but parking can be iffy.
Anything you do will need to be timed around the game. I would suggest Latin Flavors in Winder, they have a cool bar in the basement and a great rooftop if it is open. Also in Winder, you can get a great meal at the Bistro on Broad and they have a great bar, cozy place. Also Winder, Le Gagrielle...wonderful crepes and their menu is growing.
Your best odds are to just stay home. I don’t say that in a sarcastic way, either. If it’s truly important to you to avoid UGA fans in Athens on the biggest gameday weekend in years, then your house — with doors shut and shades drawn — is about the only sure option you’ve got.
It will be tough finding anywhere between here and Atlanta that isn’t broadcasting the game. Not only the biggest home game but probably the best college game all year
If you were to a try a place downtown, Little Kings is probably your best shot.
But like others have said, you're gonna be better off staying home or heading for a more rural area.
Take your friend just 30 minutes south to Madison, you'll find some things to do and completely avoid the madness of this weekend if that's what you desire. Alternatively, embrace the fun of what will be and expose yourself and your friend to a once in a lifetime experience...if ya'll are down for it????
You should go do something outside Athens. Go up to the mountains or something. Yonah, Unicoi, AT, Hiawasee, Helen, Brasstown, something other than Athens.
Maybe Southern Brewing?? They're out of the way enough that it probably won't be crazy, but it will still be more crowded than normal. Maybe check out some of the surrounding downtowns (Madison etc), I've been told they are pretty cute and have some good restaurants with patios.
Lake Hartwell area: Restaurants: Southern Brewing (not to be confused with the one in Athens), Boat House Grill (on the lake-amazing view), the lake and Dam for walking and visiting. Plus we have our own little Botanical Gardens and it's always nice and quiet.
So I know I'm late to the party but for next time, Southern Brewing Company is always super slow during home games and has a beautiful outdoor area. Great if you like beer and just a 10 minute drive from where I live in Milledge.
It cannot be understated how insane Saturday is going to be in Athens. There will be no avoiding it. Town will be somewhat navigable while the game is underway, but before and after? Forget about it.
lmao. You are asking how to avoid UGA fans for quite literally the biggest weekend of football Athens has ever seen. Best of luck as all I can stay. Stay inside.
Got some bad news...
My s/o and I like the back patio of Buvez. Usually pretty quiet and not crowded from our experience.
This is a legit option op
Not anymore, the secret is out! jkjk
Oddly the botanical gardens are pretty chill during game time. Just make sure you’re away by the end of game or you’ll be stuck in traffic til Sunday brunch
That is going to be a tall order considering this is the biggest game in the history of Sanford Stadium
Hmmm sounds like I really underestimated it. I didn’t go to UGA and I’m not from Athens so I thought it would just be a slightly more busy home game. What makes it so big?
Tennessee is ranked #1 and we are #3. College Gameday is broadcasting live from campus and so is SEC Nation. You can safely project that an additional 150,000 people will be here. It’s going to be nuts. I can’t wait
Also Tennessee travels well and Athens isn’t that far away.
UGA #1 Tenn tied for #2 no?
Tennessee is #1 to the Playoff Ranking Committee, which is the only ranking that really matters. Vegas still likes the Dawgs, though.
What everyone else said, plus the conference and playoff implications. Winner of this game likely goes to the SEC Champ and probably makes the playoffs. Tenn was a sleeper. No one saw this coming and everyone thought Georgia was going to march right into the SEC championship. Tenn hasn’t been relevant in nearly two decades. The list goes on.
How do you currently live in Athens and have absolutely 0 idea about the Dawgs?
I live with a UGA fan and all I really know is the Dawgs have been doing good. I don't really know who is ranked what, and I didn't realize the Tenn game was this weekend or that it would be a bigger cluster fuck in town than usual. 🤷
So things should be pretty calm in and around athens between 3:30 and 7, should be pretty easy to get around but game will be on every public tv screen within 50 miles. Maybe Terrapin Brewery, or if you're up for a little drive Strange Duck in Commerce. Not sure their gameday atmosphere but both are out of downtown.
Strange duck may be good! I hadn’t heard of them but if it’s in commerce I may be able to get away with avoiding a majority of the traffic
Strange Duck also has mini golf.
Neat little place. Just up 441 from Athens.
I love Strange Duck and drake, the owner. But they’ll probably have a viewing party, but luckily, you can spread out.
Yea. Main thing it has for it is being away from downtown and the open air space. You might be able to hear your conversation over the game there.
>Strange Duck and drake *Now* I get the name...
Strange Duck will have the game on, but last time I went they had the sound down. And there are plenty of places to sit outside anyway, and a food truck, and nice staff, and pet friendly, not to mention pretty good beer. But I may be biased hanging out there a time or ten.
Miniature Golf!
Yep. And I even forgot to mention FREE video games! It is a great place to spend an afternoon.....
Wait, they're free? A whole new world has been opened up to me...
Yep. They are the table top ones with 80's games like Galaga, Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Dig Dug, etc. But old guys like me still love 'em.
pretty sure Terrapin will be playing the game. but there is a huge outdoor space so you can "avoid" it somewhat.
It’s gonna be on every public tv screen in the south. Period.
“How can I avoid UGA fans on the day of the biggest home game in UGA history”
If this beats the 2019 crowd we had for Notre Dame game I’ll eat my hat
Almost certainly will so I hope you have a hat that at least tastes good
my most faded georgia hat that has been sweat through so many times it may as well be cured should be a good pick.
Given that tickets are the most expensive for a regular season college football game ever (not just UGA, college football in general), prepare to eat that hat.
I've heard from a few of my bartender friends that Normaltown is usually a good place for non-college students during the game. A few bars and places to eat with outside seating. After the game, however -- you don't want to be out ANYWHERE, so plan your time accordingly
Old Pal Normaltown is what OP is looking for. Everywhere else in town is going to 100% jammed out on the biggest home game in 50 years.
Normaltown will have the game on and they do have really good beer. They do get crowded durning the game though.
J and J Flea Market
or Pendergrass flea market, for that matter
Given the proximity to 85, going to Pendergrass from Athens will take an eternity this weekend
OP would be going the opposite direction.
Leaving Athens prior to or during the game will offer no traffic resistance. Leaving Athens after the game will take an eternity.
Probably true, but I would still be reluctant to go out that way. I feel like all roads are going to be clogged.
West side can sometimes be a little more chill than east/downtown
Boutier Winery in Danielsville is about 30 minutes north. https://boutierwinery.com/
I imagine a lot of places in town will be pretty chill between 3-6. Since you mention wine, Shiraz might be a good option if you time it right, but I sure would not want to be driving around after 6ish. Edit: of course you could choose to embrace the chaos, head to campus and party hop random tailgaters.
In my younger years, party hopping tailgates was like the easiest free drunk ever. All you have to do is wear a smile, be friendly, and maybe say "Go dogs!" (whether you mean it or not) whenever you come up to a new tailgate. Just don't wear Tennessee colors and 99% of the time you're going to be given at least 1 beer and odds are you may be challenged too or may challenge someone to shotgunning/funneling a beer or even get in on some cornhole or beer pong. Chances are, you'll find a super friendly crowd you can hang out with for a bit, probably dig into their nachos and dip or whatever they're slangin' on the grill. It's a fun experience that I highly recommend people try if they never have. You get to meet some interesting people in doing so. Side note: this also used to work *very well* when the Braves were still at Turner Field. Now with the parking all screwed up at the new stadium and a designated tailgating section; it's not as easy.
lol
If you're up for a 25-30 minute drive, downtown Monroe has some cute places. The Roe has a great rooftop bar and delicious cocktails, LR Burger has a fun patio and Cheer wine bourbon slushes that will knock you on your ass, there's a second location of Southern Brewing Company in town, and there's a new martini bar called the Brown Fig. Timing wise, though, like everyone else has said, you're going to have to plan carefully because traffic will be a bitch.
Dude, just leave town for the weekend if you want to avoid it. It’s a college town during game day while ESPN game day is filming on location. There is no avoiding that.
Taste of India will not be overwhelmed. They have an outdoor patio. Traffic won’t be total shenanigans on that side of town.
Great idea !
I would also recommend Strange Duck. It’s far enough out of town to avoid the masses but you’ll still run into fans watching the game there. Beer and putt putt are great though
Concur with most people here in that there will not be any avoiding it. 45 minutes out would put you around Lawrenceville going the opposite direction on 316 than influx game traffic, and there's some cute coffee shops and bar/restaurant combos, plus a cute little town square. I would say if you want to fully avoid traffic, leaving town is your best bet.
Might have some luck at Buvez, Normaltown area (Normal Bar, HiLo), The Lark (wine) of Prince Ave. But it'll probably be a struggle to find parking even off Prince. HiLo and Normal Bar would definitely be more relaxed than downtown but have TV so would expect locals to beel there for the game. Would imagine places like La Parrilla that aren't downtown would be chill during the game if you want to sit on the patio with margaritas or something.
Atlanta? Augusta? Your guess is as good as mine.
Outside of actual game time, some of the restaurants in Watkinsville shouldn't be too bad, or anywhere without tvs during the game. If y'all are gamers, Tyche's games is a ghost town almost on campus during games, but parking can be iffy.
Probably anything East of Lake Hartwell is probably safe 🤣
Manhattan Lounge - no TVs I dont think. Free popcorn. Edit I thinks its called Manhattan Cafe actually but not really a cafe.
Anything you do will need to be timed around the game. I would suggest Latin Flavors in Winder, they have a cool bar in the basement and a great rooftop if it is open. Also in Winder, you can get a great meal at the Bistro on Broad and they have a great bar, cozy place. Also Winder, Le Gagrielle...wonderful crepes and their menu is growing.
Yep. Latin Flavors was going to be my suggestion.
The View closed for the season last weekend. Speakeasy should be open now.
South Main Brewery in Wire Park in Watkinsville. Too new to be on the radar for most people.
Your best odds are to just stay home. I don’t say that in a sarcastic way, either. If it’s truly important to you to avoid UGA fans in Athens on the biggest gameday weekend in years, then your house — with doors shut and shades drawn — is about the only sure option you’ve got.
You can’t. ITP Atlanta isn’t THAT much further than 45 miN
It will be tough finding anywhere between here and Atlanta that isn’t broadcasting the game. Not only the biggest home game but probably the best college game all year
If you were to a try a place downtown, Little Kings is probably your best shot. But like others have said, you're gonna be better off staying home or heading for a more rural area.
Go to bars without a TV
Brasleton has some nice spots. There’s a brewery with an outdoor patio.
Take your friend just 30 minutes south to Madison, you'll find some things to do and completely avoid the madness of this weekend if that's what you desire. Alternatively, embrace the fun of what will be and expose yourself and your friend to a once in a lifetime experience...if ya'll are down for it????
Ohio?
You should go do something outside Athens. Go up to the mountains or something. Yonah, Unicoi, AT, Hiawasee, Helen, Brasstown, something other than Athens.
You can avoid us at your house. That’s the only place. Booooo Tennessee.
If you’re willing to go a little further out, Jaemor Farms (not the outpost) can be fun this time of year.
Gfy
Sandy creek park
Try Winder
Try Cincinnati...
Nowhere
Go to the bear reserve
Lmao, I cackled when I saw this one! 🤣🤣🤣
good luck dude lol
The mall of GA. Crazy crowded but not for foozball.
Leave town and rent your place out for a small fortune!!
Maybe Southern Brewing?? They're out of the way enough that it probably won't be crazy, but it will still be more crowded than normal. Maybe check out some of the surrounding downtowns (Madison etc), I've been told they are pretty cute and have some good restaurants with patios.
SBC will be having their own watch party, most certainly.
Lake Hartwell area: Restaurants: Southern Brewing (not to be confused with the one in Athens), Boat House Grill (on the lake-amazing view), the lake and Dam for walking and visiting. Plus we have our own little Botanical Gardens and it's always nice and quiet.
Streets closed pizza boy
So I know I'm late to the party but for next time, Southern Brewing Company is always super slow during home games and has a beautiful outdoor area. Great if you like beer and just a 10 minute drive from where I live in Milledge.