Athens does not need much help proving itself a hot spot on any traveler's to-do list. Athens is vibrant city that is consistently moving forward through the addition and expansion of its infamous dining options, variety of unique businesses and zestful attractions that keep visitors yearning for more time in this lively city. Athens proudly welcomes all new businesses and business ventures while celebrating its residents' many accolades and accomplishments. This year Athens already finds itself stirring attention and excitement with the promise of more to come.

Georgia Travel Guide - Chef Hugh Acheson

Athens is proud of its very own Hugh Acheson for gracing the newest issue  of Georgia Travel Guide along with Mama Louise Hudson of H & H Restaurant in Macon. Chef Hugh continues to support and incubate new food adventures and restaurants and Athens is so very grateful. Athens is highly regarded for its vibrant dining scene which makes the city an unequaled destination for the esteemed foodie. Georgia Food Tours began in Athens in 2010 and continues to provide foodies with the opportunity to experience the best of Athens' notorious cuisine.  More details on this issue ofGeorgia Travel Guide and Georgia Food Tours can be found at www.exploregeorgia.org and www.georgiafoodtours.com, respectively. 

Restaurants

On Jan. 31 Pouch Savory World of Pies hosted a grand opening event at its new location on 151 E. Broad St. Pouch opened its doors late 2014 and offers a variety of sweet and savory pies. Pouch encourages visitors to come enjoy a pie and a pint and learn the new meaning of  the word pie. Additional information can be found at www.pouchpies.com.

Athens natives Nick and Peter Dale recently opened Condor Chocolates, one of only two bean-to-bar chocolate shops and cafes in Georgia. Located at 1658 S. Lumpkin St. in the historic Five Points neighborhood of Athens, the Ecuadorian cafe pays homage to the brothers' family and heritage while serving up a uniquely delicious product. More information is available at www.condorchocolates.com.

On Feb. 9 The Place celebrated its grand opening at its location on 229 E. Broad St. University of Georgia alumni Alan and Ryan Pope designed the restaurant and its menu with southern comfort in mind. The menu features classic southern dishes with a modern twist and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. More information on The Place can be found at www.theplaceathens.com.

Businesses

The Pearl Girls relocated to its new home at 548 Hawthorne Ave. Pearl girl, India Rows, did much of the interior work on the building and hosted a grand reopening on Feb. 7. Additional information can be found at www.thepearlgirls.com.

Agora Co-op located at 260 W Clayton St. underwent a name change to Atomic Athens. The location ensures it will maintain is identity as a funk junk extravaganza and co-op featuring over 50 vendors. More information is available at www.facebook.com/atomicathens.

There are three new tenants in the historic Bottleworks properties on Prince Ave. Bottleworks is now home to a gourmet olive oil and vinegar store, Olive Basket; a pilates studio, All Body Studio; and a women's boutique,Black Petticoat. More information on Olive Basket is available at www.olivebasketonline.com. Additional information on All Body Studio can be found at www.allbodystudio.com. Additional information on Black Petticoat can be found at www.facebook.com/blackpetticoat. General inquiries into the Bottleworks properties can be made at www.bottleworks.net.

Rush Athens Trampoline Park opened at 10 Huntington Rd., Suite B, in Athens and offers a large trampoline space with additional room for dodgeball, extreme dodgeball, foam pits, a slam dunk court and the only ninja court in Georgia. Rush Athens is available to host an array of events and is the perfect spot to host family and friends for an unforgettable birthday extravaganza. Rush Athens stands apart from other local attractions with its exciting, high energy atmosphere that can be enjoyed by both kids and parents alike. More information can be found at www.rushathens.com.

Beverage

Athens is excited to once again be growing its number of breweries open for tours and tastings with the upcoming opening of Southern Brewing Co. The brewery is currently under construction at its new home of 231 Collins Industrial Blvd. and hopes to open its doors to the public by mid-March. Updates and information on the highly anticipated Southern Brewing Co. can be found at www.sobrewco.com. 

Terrapin Beer Co. opened its long-awaited indoor tasting room for public tours and tastings. Local woodworking company Oneta Woodworks designed much of the new tasting space and gift shop. Now with an indoor tasting room and spacious outdoor yard, Terrapin has expanded its hours and added Sunday afternoon hours. More information on Terrapin Beer Co. is available at www.terrapinbeer.com.

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. will also feature extended hours for touring and tasting. The additional hours are done with visitors in mind to offer greater flexibility and opportunity to experience the popular downtown Athens facility. With the increasing options and availability, Athens positions itself perfectly as a "must visit" for the foodie and aspiring beer connoisseur. Additional information on Creature Comforts Brewing Co. can be found at www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com.

Travel Information

The Athens Welcome Center is open daily to provide maps, brochures, self-guided tours and visitor information. Guided bus tours of historic Athens depart daily from the Welcome Center at 2 p.m. Information on the Athens Welcome Center can be found at www.AthensWelcomeCenter.com

More information on Athens, Georgia is available at 706-357-4430 and [email protected]. The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a wealth of official visitor information at www.VisitAthensGA.com.