Vacation Like A Rock Star In Athens, Georgia

The birthplace of bands like R.E.M. and Widespread Panic, Athens, Georgia, is a not-so-secret hot spot for celebrity sightings of the music variety. Stop by one of these spots, including some storied Athens music venues, for soulful Southern fare, inventive cocktails and maybe even a glimpse of a rock legend.

Grab a bite at The Foundry

Brick walls and high, beamed ceilings expose a storied vibe at The Foundry. Located in a renovated 1850s iron foundry, the venue is currently home to many local, emerging artists and also serves as cheerleader for the singer-writer circuit. It has hosted the likes of Nappy Roots, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Blind Boys of Alabama, whose tunes pair well with menu selections like the pimento cheese and veggie board, mushroom burger and pecan-glazed salmon.

Try the rockin’ soul food at Weaver D’s

When the James Beard Foundation deems a joint an “American Classic,” people take notice. But really, it’s the so-good soul food and laid-back Southern vibe that keep folks flocking to Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods. Famed rockers from R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe to members of the B-52s have been known to swing by Weaver D’s for menu go-tos like fried chicken, collard greens, mac-and-cheese and cornbread. Fun fact: R.E.M.’s 1992 album even pays homage to owner Dexter Weaver and his famous motto, “Automatic for the People.”

Go vegetarian at The Grit

Hearty vegetarian cuisine is served up at The Grit. Photo Credit: The Grit

The Grit attracts Athens locals in droves, but you may also spy just-passing-through musicians (rumor has it Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland is a fan) all ready for their vegetarian fix. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Grit offers generous portions of fresh, simple food. There’s plenty of hearty fare—you don’t have to be a vegetarian to appreciate staples like nachos, made with corn chips, melted cheese, black bean chili, lettuce, red onions, sour cream and a house-made salsa. The veggie plate is also popular, which you can pile with your choice of standards like pinto beans and collard greens, tabbouleh, tofu cubes, sweet potato fries and falafel.

Visit the Last Resort, venue-turned-grill

The original Last Resort opened as a music club back in 1966 and hosted acts from Doc Watson to Jimmy Buffett and even Steve Martin. Today the restaurant with the same name prides itself on open-fire cooking, grilling, brining, pickling and preserving—the cooking craft at its roots. Stop in for lunch for favorites like the Deconstructed BLT—bibb lettuce, oven-roasted plum tomatoes, a soft-boiled farm egg and strips of bacon, tossed in a roasted shallot-bacon vinaigrette.

Catch a show at the star-studded 40 Watt Club

Still hosting local-turned-national acts like the alt-country Drive-By Truckers, Athens’ 40 Watt Club is chief among all local Athens music venues and acts as a home base for Georgia’s big-time acts (think classics like R.E.M. and the B-52s). The first 40 Watt Club opened in 1979 and now, several decades and five locations later, the spot still attracts top performers in genres ranging from punk and pop to rap and country. Acts like Nirvana and Snoop Dogg to Run-DMC, The Killers and John Mayer have hopped on stage at this historic club.

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