Why wait till you head home for Winter Break to start your Christmas shopping? Athens has plenty of great options for gifting your loved ones, whether mom, dad, brother, sister or significant other. You’ll also help the local Athens economy by doing some of your holiday shopping here.
If any of your family or friends whom you plan to shop for has a soft spot in their heart for Athens or Ohio University, there’s unlimited options for Athens/OU swag. Among other choices uptown you’ve got the venerable College Book Store (at Court and Union) and Ohio Is Home, located at 43 S. Court St., a stone’s throw away from the CBS. Ohio Is Home has lots of potential gift material, with both OU and Athens connections.
Down Court Street on the right is UniversiTEES, 30 N. Court St., with an abundance of Ohio University clothing and other goods.
The Bobcat Store, in McKee House at 44 University Terrace, has a wide selection of OHIO gear and swag, all appropriately licensed. They’ve got everything from hoodies to water bottles to key chains to golf balls, all with the official OHIO logos.
Many More Christmas Shopping Options
If you think your little brother would love a beer mug showing the name of a classic Athens bar, you can score one of those right at the appropriate bar, or else head out to Eclipse Company Store, which stocks a nice assortment of Athens bar glasses and mugs.
If you know that mom just adores Casa Nueva, after eating there on Move-In Weekend last year, consider getting her a Casa T-shirt.
A Sentimental Favorite
If you know where to score an Athens Block brick, this would make a great sentimental gift for any loved one with an attachment to Athens. Don’t mention that we told you, but there’s a pile of, oh, around a zillion Athens Block bricks being stored on The Ridges, about a quarter mile behind the Composting Facility. It’s probably not strictly legal to take them, though grabbing one probably won’t land you in the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail.
Athens Has Christmas Spirit
One of the best things about Christmas shopping in Athens is the holiday atmosphere that the city and its benefactors create every year in the uptown area. Court Street buildings are festooned with Christmas lighting, and a big decorated tree anchors the Courthouse parcel. Meanwhile, classic Christmas songs play on a repeat loop throughout uptown.
During most years, uptown parking is free during much of the holiday season, though you should check on specifics to avoid getting a ticket. Call the Athens County Convention & Visitor Bureau for parking and other information (740-592-1819).