Spring break is the perfect time to get away from the stress of college and go on a big adventure. Whether it’s a road trip to a national park, a relaxing beach vacation, or a cultural excursion abroad, there are endless possibilities for fun and excitement.
But what if you’re stuck in Athens for spring break? Instead of feeling disappointed, you can use this time to explore your community, try new things, and make the most of your time off. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and ideas for how to make the most of a spring break spent in Athens:
Visit local museums and keep learning over break
If you’d rather spend your Spring Break soaking up some culture, Athens has no shortage of museums, galleries and cultural events to check out. The Kennedy Museum of Art, located on the Ohio University campus, is home to over 9,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs from around the world. The Athens County Historical Society and Museum is another must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into the history of the region through exhibits on local industries, Native American culture and more.
You can also get a little ways out of town and visit Nelsonville – about a 20 minute drive from Athens. The Nelsonville Historic Square is a charming area that features several historic buildings, including the Stuart’s Opera House, which is a National Historic Landmark. The square is also home to several shops and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
The opera house was built in 1879 by a local businessman named George Stuart. Stuart wanted to create a place where the people of Nelsonville could enjoy live performances and cultural events.
The opera house has undergone several renovations over the years, but it still retains its original charm and character. Today, Stuart’s Opera House is a fully functioning performance venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays and dance performances.
Expand your palate and indulge in Athens finest eateries
Foodies will love spending Spring Break in Athens, which is home to a wide variety of delicious dining options. For a taste of the local food scene, be sure to check out Jackie O’s Brewpub and Public House, which serves up a rotating selection of craft beers and tasty pub fare. The Farmacy is another popular spot, offering locally-sourced, organic dishes in a cozy, farm-to-table setting. For a sweet treat, head to Casa Nueva, a Mexican-themed restaurant and bar that serves up delicious margaritas and homemade ice cream.
Also, an interesting aside about Casa. Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic wore a shirt bearing the restaurant’s iconic logo at Kurt Cobain’s wedding back in 1992.
An Athens NEWS article from a few years back details the story:
“It all goes back to the day of a show Nirvana was scheduled to play in Columbus at popular High Street live music club Stache’s in 1991, when Schmidt was 21. It was before the band had garnered mainstream success, Schmidt said, very shortly after the band’s first major-label album, “Nevermind,” was released. The album is considered a rock ‘n roll classic, and was among a few early ’90s albums credited with launching the grunge movement.
Schmidt’s friends – several Athenians and OU students who liked Nirvana from “Bleach,” the band’s 1990 album – visited Stache’s on the day of the show to try to hang out with the band and opening act, Urge Overkill. Among those friends were Valerie Grimes (now Ratcliff), who at that time was a worker-owner at Casa, and her boyfriend, Ted O’Neil.
“They were successful in hanging out and treating Urge and Nirvana to a nice session (marijuana in Schmidt’s memory) in the smoky basement of the bar,” Schmidt said. “During this time, Krist Novoselic told Ted that he liked his shirt, a Casa Nueva shirt. Ted took it off and gave it to him.”
The rest, Schmidt said, was history.”
Not a foodie? That’s okay, check out the beautiful Athens scenery!
If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the natural world, Athens is home to a number of parks and nature preserves, many of which offer hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a popular destination for bikers, with over 21 miles of trail winding through the scenic countryside. Strouds Run State Park is another great spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and a beach (the water will be freezing around this time, though).
There are also several camping options near Athens for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Some of the nearby options include:
- Lake Hope State Park: This state park offers rustic camping with a total of 46 electric and 143 non-electric campsites, many of which are located near the lake. The park also features hiking trails, a beach, and a boat ramp.
- Burr Oak State Park: This park is located about 30 minutes from Athens and offers a variety of camping options, including RV and tent camping. The park also has a lake for swimming and boating, as well as hiking trails and a playground.
- Zaleski State Forest: This state forest offers backpacking and primitive camping with several designated campsites. The forest also has over 25 miles of hiking trails and is a popular spot for hunting and fishing.
As always, check with the park authorities before camping to ensure that you’re staying on a designated campsite and have a plan to ensure your stay goes safely.
Jive and vibe to the Athens music experience
Finally, if music is your jam – go experience the local music scene. The city is home to a number of live music venues, ranging from intimate coffee shops to larger concert halls. The Union Bar & Grill is a popular spot for live music, featuring a mix of local and national acts. The Ohio University Performing Arts & Concert series also brings a variety of musical acts to town throughout the year, so be sure to check their schedule to see what’s coming up during Spring Break.
Overall, there’s no shortage of things to do in Athens during Spring Break. Whether you’re into outdoor recreation, cultural events, or live music, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and entertained during your time off from school. So why wait? Start planning your Spring Break trip to Athens today!