Top 20 Things To Do In Athens, Alabama

1. Learn about US military history at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives

Only a few cities are as rich in history as the city of Athens, Alabama. The Veterans Museum and Archives is a treasure trove of rich military history and it is located in the epicenter of the downtown. There is no shortage of relics and artifacts from the revolutionary war to present time. There is a wide range of military uniforms, weaponry, documents, and other memorabilia to see and learn about. You can even take part in the museum home from any of the numerous gift shops that surround the military museum.

Alabama Veteran's Museum

Address: 100 Pryor St W, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Alabama Veteran’s Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

2. Teach your kids to play golf at Southern Gayles Golf Course

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If you are traveling with children, it could be such a hassle trying to enjoy your holiday and think about activities that wouldn’t put them in harm’s way. Worry no more as the Southern Gayles Golf Course is just what you need to keep the kids engaged and well-trained. There are sizes of clubs for children and there are golf cart trips to entertain them. Who knows, you can inspire your kids and become the parent of the next Tiger Woods.

Southern Gayles Golf Course

Address: 22230 Mooresville Rd, Athens, AL 35613, USA

Website: Southern Gayles Golf Course

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 14 - 18 USD

3. Bring the kids to raid the pumpkin patch at Isom’s Orchard

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Whoever told you Athens is not kid-friendly, deceives you, and whoever told you pumpkins are exclusively for Halloween, didn’t tell you the whole story. Here is another fun spot in the heart of Athens, where kids can learn about pumpkins, cut shapes in pumpkins, and play with pumpkins to pass the time. The pumpkin patch at Isom’s Orchard is open for adults and kids from 8am till you are ready to go home. There are much more goodies to be eaten than pumpkin pies–have you heard peach and apple candies? You can find them here.

Isom’s Orchard

Address: 24012 US-72, Athens, AL 35613, USA

Website: Isom’s Orchard

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

4. Enjoy family time at Big Spring Park

Although this public park is always packed full, there is no stoppage to the fun time that lovers and families can experience every day of the week. Featuring one pavilion and three tennis courts, this Athenian landmark in Arizona is an ideal location for family picnics, a little tennis action, and other fun family outings. Littered with leafless trees and velvety carpet grasses underfoot, family time is poised to take on a whole new dimension in one of Alabama’s coolest parks.

Big Spring Park

Address: Market St E, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Big Spring Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

5. Buy some local products at Athens Saturday Market

It may look desolate during weekdays but by Saturdays, all the attention is directed to the Saturday market. Visitors can make their choice of buying whatever they want from baked goods to fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. The Athens Market is more than a place for buying and selling–it is a meeting point for farmers, tourists, artisans, and craftsmen to come together for business and more. Guess what! There is also music to dance to and barbecue to chew on.

Athens Saturday Market

Address: 409 W Green St, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Athens Saturday Market

6. Get artistic at High Cotton Arts

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Who says you cannot learn something new during your vacation? Or who says you can’t get in touch with your creative side? Get creative, get artistic and get to work on a painting, sculpture, or other art-related activities at a fantastic destination. The best place to find the right environment for learning new techniques and gaining new friends that will encourage your crafts is High Cotton Arts. You could also get a free educational class from an art guru.

High Cotton Arts

Address: 103 W Washington St, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: High Cotton Arts

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 4pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun - Tue)

7. Go hiking and biking along the Richard Martin Trail

This should get you excited if you are an outdoor adventurer or nature lover. Pack your bags and go for a solitary or group hike, enjoy horseback riding, or try biking along the famous Richard Martin Trail. Located a few miles north of Athens, there is so much for the keen and casual observing hiker or biker to notice from the old and decaying relics of Athens Alabama to the old rail cars, civil war battlegrounds, stray animals, and exotic plant life.

Richard Martin Trail

Address: Piney Chapel Road, Athens, AL 35614

Website: Richard Martin Trail

8. Read and learn at Houston Memorial Library and Museum

If you love reading, this place is perfect for you to learn more. The Houston Memorial Library and Museum complex is a place of history itself as it was once the home of a former governor of the state. You can read as much as you can and tour the myriads of pictures found in the complex. Who knows, you may get inspired for your next book if you are a writer.

Houston Memorial Library and Museum

Address: 101 N Houston St, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Houston Memorial Library and Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 12pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

9. Take a stroll along the Robert Beaty Historic District

Here is what you need to know about Robert Beaty: he was an Irish immigrant who came to Athens, to become one of the founders of the city in the early 18th century. Today, you can walk the streets he walked and appreciate the buildings in he lived in. The distinct structures of the Greek-styled buildings may seem like a rapid departure from modern architecture but they are a wonder to behold nevertheless. You can walk, take pictures, and be inspired.

Robert Beaty Historic District

Address: Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Robert Beaty Historic District

10. Browse through novelty items at U G White Hardware & Furniture

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If you want the most interesting souvenirs, there is only one place to go to and that is the U G White Hardware & Furniture store. This store has its unique history and has existed since the early 19th century, catering to the needs of farmers, residents, and developers who lived or worked in the city. Today, visitors can have exciting experiences as they browse through equipment, groceries, and other items for use.

U G White Hardware & Furniture

Address: 101 N Jefferson St, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: U G White Hardware & Furniture

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 8pm; Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)

11. Relish on St. Louis-style ribs at LawLers Barbecue

If you love barbecues and you wish to have a healthy offering, LawLers Barbecue is where you should head to. This eatery is one of the best places in the city where the best of St. Louis-style ribs and Southern-style barbecue delicacies are served. The meats are delicious; there is a wide range of options of pork, all of which are well-spiced, and when combined with one or more of the side-dishes, will undoubtedly have you coming back for more.

LawLers Barbecue

Address: 1506 US Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: LawLers Barbecue

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 8pm (closed on Sun)

12. Pay a visit to the Confederate Soldiers' Memorial

One of the best places to learn about the labors of heroes past is the Confederate Soldiers’ Memorial in Athens, Alabama. You don’t have to be in the military or even a veteran to want to know about the stories of soldiers, and you can be sure that your mindset about the Confederacy will change for the better after a visit. Don’t forget to be armed with a camera.

Confederate Soldiers' Memorial

Address: 204 Market St W, Athens, AL 35611, USA

13. Satisfy your sweet tooth at K May Donuts

Candies, chocolates, jam donuts, coffee, and other beverages are the order of the day in this sugar-themed paradise that is K May Donuts. With an ambiance that is befitting of a world-class confectionery and courteous and extremely professional staff, your sweet tooth is in for the best of treats. Ask the locals, and they will tell you that you can get the best of confectionery and coffee at the earliest of time–5:30 am.

K May Donuts

Address: 1102 US Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: K May Donuts

Opening hours: Sat: 5am - 1pm; Sun: 6am - 12pm; Mon: 4:30am - 12pm; Tue - Fri: 4:30am - 1pm

14. Try out some American comfort food at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

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This venue is for the foodie who wants to experience all that America has to offer in fun activities and gastronomic art. Don’t leave Athens, Alabama without trying out some lip-smacking, finger-licking and hunger–quenching American comfort food at the cracker Old country store at the most reasonable price and in the most favorable environment. There is an option for takeout’s and eat-in you will be glad you took our advice.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Address: 1212 Kelli Dr, Athens, AL 35613, USA

Website: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 6am - 11pm; Sun - Thu: 6am - 10pm

Price: 11 - 30 USD

15. Catch a movie at Cinemagic Theatre

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Movies are one of the ways to relax, and one of the avenues you and your loved ones can bond over a bowlful of popcorn and soda. If you get to spend a day or more in Athens, there is only one cinema that has the plush furnishings, the crunchiest popcorn, and the best of ambiance coupled with the most massive screens and latest movie technology for the most enjoyable movie experience. By booking for your ticket online or purchasing your tickets at the Cinemagic Theatre, you can enjoy the most outstanding movie experience.

Cinemagic Theatre

Address: 1702 S Jefferson St SE, Athens, AL 35611, United States

Website: Cinemagic Theatre

16. Try some exquisite drinks at Mac's Sports Bar & Steakhouse

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There is a great place to have drinks on those special occasions–none other than the exotic Mac’s Sports Bar & Steakhouse. Located in the busy district of Athens, Alabama, there is a wide variety of specially made drinks mixed by the in-house mixologist, and of course, large screens to catch up on all the sport and games that may be showing at any point in time. Just before we forget, they also serve the best of steak in town so be sure to try it.

Mac's Sports Bar & Steakhouse

Address: 1733 Jefferson St SE, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Mac’s Sports Bar & Steakhouse

Opening hours: Sat: 10:30am - 2am; Sun - Mon: 10:30am - 12am, Tue - Fri: 10:30am - 1am

17. Dance the night away at Johnny's Place

Johnny’s Place is night club and bar all wrapped in one. If you are in the mood to let your hair down, meet people of like minds, and make new friends, then spend your night at this fun venue. The in-house DJ is the best in town, and the music blaring from the speakers are bound to make your partying experience unforgettable. There is also a tremendous light effect, but you will undoubtedly love it.

Johnny's Place

Address: 14441 Lucas Ferry Rd, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Johnny’s Place

Opening hours: Tue, Fri - Sat: 7pm - 10pm (closed on Sun - Mon & Wed - Thu)

18. Pamper yourself at Asian Massage

For the best of stone massage, the most aromatic oils, and the most professional masseuses, drop by at the Asian Massage center. After days of hiking, bike riding, or grueling exercise at the gym, there is nothing you need better than a therapeutic massage. Here, you can give yourself or a loved one a gift of the best of Asian massage in the most relaxing environments for the most affordable prices.

Asian Massage

Address: 802 US Hwy 72 W Suite A, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: Asian Massage

Opening hours: 9:30am - 9:30pm (daily)

19. Shop till you drop at Athens Town Center

Perhaps you are about to leave Athens and you remember that you have to take back some souvenirs like clothing and accessories or shoes, but the shops within your reach don’t just have what you are looking for. Don’t bother, Athens Town Center is a place filled with an extensive collection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and other items that are meant to interest even the most discerning shopaholic. Did we mention that the parking space is ample and the clearance sales are frequent?

Athens Town Center

Address: 603 US Highway 72 W Athens, Alabama 35611

Website: Athens Town Center

20. Visit First Baptist Church

If arches, good lightning, and Grecian-inspired windows are your thing, you should visit the First Baptist church located in the heart of Athens, Alabama. If you are the religious type, you may want to go with your family and join services with Southern gospel music, oratory messages, and traditional family settings. You can pay a religious homage on Sundays and Wednesdays.

First Baptist Church

Address: 201 Hobbs St E, Athens, AL 35611, USA

Website: First Baptist Church

Enjoy a fulfilling getaway in Athens, Alabama

In this town, you can be sure of unlimited fun, unbridled passion, and belly-busting food. There is so much food, so much fun, and so much history to experience and will last a long time. Never miss one of these top things to do in Athens, Alabama. If you do, don’t forget that adding these things to your itinerary will give you a fulfilling getaway the next time you are visiting the historic city.