I’m so excited to share this Athens travel guide with you – it’s been in the works since this past Fall after a day trip visit chocked full of good food, drinks, and fun explorations. I’ve been visiting Athens for years now – my husband went to OU – and the quaint southern Ohio college town holds a lot of fun memories.
Start the day at Court Street Diner: An Athens staple for cheap, good food. Breakfast includes, but is definitely not limited to, french toast, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a breakfast quesadilla. Oh, and coffee.
After breakfast, shop for a bit at Artifacts Gallery and figleaf on Court Street. Stop in a few OU shops and antique stores. Buy an OU shirt at College Book Store. Oh and if you feel like hopping in your car – venture to East State Street to take in the Athens Farmer’s Market. Shop the market every Wednesday and Saturday from 9-Noon, year-round. Grab a sweet treat at Village Bakery + Cafe.
Get back to uptown Athens. Just off of Court Street on West Washington is the coolest, hippest coffee shop in Athens: Donkey Coffee and Espresso. You can get some really good coffee here.
Hungry for lunch? Athens has options. At great prices. Burrito Buggy and/or Goodfella’s will not disappoint for quick + easy meal.
Walk off your lunch on the Ohio University Campus, see a flick at the historic Athena Theater, bike the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, rock climb at OU’s Ping Center, or jump in your car for a quick trip to visit The Ridges, a historic institution that is now part of Ohio University’s campus but was once was a mental health hospital.
Explore the trails around The Ridges and you’ll find a beautiful old cemetery where the patients of the hospital were laid to rest.
Dinnertime! Check out Casa Nueva, a local favorite. After dinner, hang out at Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, Red Brick, or Courtside. Do the “Shuffle” – hitting up all of Athen’s bars (good luck!).
Looking for a place to stay? Bodhi Tree Guesthouse, the Ohio University Inn, or Burr Oak State Park Lodge are all worth checking into.
The next morning, take in some other area attractions: Canoe/kayak at Strouds Run State Park, Lake Hope, or Burr Oak Lake, take a train ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, shop in Nelsonville, or hike nearby Hocking Hills State Park.
Athens is only an hour’s drive, southeast from Columbus. You can find more information on Athen’s tourism site. Have any other suggestions of where to go while in Athens? Leave a comment on this post!
Love Donkey Coffee! It’s such a great place to go with a book!
Great post! I love that area but I have not been to any of those places. I will use your guide next time I go.Thank you!
I just found you online when I was searching for things to do in Ohio. You take the most beautiful photos! I just love your blog and I am so happy I found you!
Thanks for showing Athens some love! I graduated undergrad from OU and the character that Athens has is truly one of a kind. So many gems in a “rural college town.” Check out Miller’s Chicken, Purple Chopstix and the miles-long bikepath that wraps around the city.
Beautiful photos. I highly recommend Bagel Street Deli and Casa Nueva!
You forgot to mention that you can let go of stress at Inhale Yoga Studio with a yoga class, soak in the infared sauna or book a Thai massage with one of the talented practitioners. It’s worth checking out while you are here. http://www.inhaleyoga.org