The Scoop – Spring 2019
Hot off the Press:
BACKPACKING OVERNIGHTS
Looking for a great outdoor adventure this spring, but don’t want to travel too far? Jim Parham’s newest book, Backpacking Overnights, is the perfect resource offering 48 multi-day hikes, for hikers of all levels, in the mountains of Georgia and Tennessee.
Parham, who grew up in North Georgia and has hiked, biked and paddled extensively across the Southeast, details hikes ranging from three to 21 miles to destinations such as the historic stone shelter atop Blood Mountain to mile-high Stratton Bald, along the Tennessee/North Carolina line.
Backpacking Overnights is published by the University of Georgia Press and will be available on April 15.
Celebrate
CRAFT BEER AT ATHENS BEER WEEK
APRIL 1-7
Come out and support the Classic City’s local craft beer. Enjoy a week of local brewery tours, beer dinners, special tappings and much more. Participating breweries include: Terrapin, Creature Comforts, Southern Brewing Company, Akademia Brewing and Normaltown Brewing.
The week culminates with the 24th annual Classic City Brew Fest on Sunday, April 7 at the Athens Cotton Press. Nominated by USA Today’s 10 Best for Best USA Beer Fest! For a complete list of events visit classiccitybrew.com.
G-DAY GAME
APRIL 20
April 20 is the G-Day Game. It’s the first opportunity the Bulldog Nation has to preview this fall’s team at home in Sanford Stadium for FREE. Game time is 2 p.m. Come dressed in your red and/or black and cheer on the Dawgs!
GO... GEORGIA ...GO!
Written by Meg Jokinen, Thomas Jokinen and Adam G. Tilley, this interactive book allows children of all ages to learn about the University of Georgia. This book has flaps, tactile materials, moving parts and SCRATCH-N-SNIFF pages. It’s sure to turn your child into a passionate Bulldogs fan. Read with your child and create a memory today.
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills at the cross-section of two major railroads, Birmingham was once the primary industrial center of the southern United States and grew so fast in population it was called the “Magic City.” Today, Birmingham has transformed itself into a medical research, banking and service-based economy, making it one of the nation’s most livable cities with a vibrant downtown, a burgeoning loft community, a world-class culinary scene and more green space per capita than any other city in the nation.
Right in a valley, surrounded by forested mountain ridges, Birmingham is riding an alluring evolution. Two statues, an iron Vulcan on the city’s Red Mountain ridge, a gold Electra on one of the city’s tallest buildings and the day and night whistle of trains dashing through the city are signature sights and sound. Birmingham is exactly the “Sweet Home Alabama” delight you would expect and the upshot is a perfect weekend combination of sunshine, fun and pizazz.
WHAT TO DO
Shop Etc…, the city’s answer to all things fashionable. From local designer Liz Legg’s jewelry to carefully selected items from Rodarte and Golden Goose. www.shopetcjewelry.com.
Lose yourself for a few hours in Church Street Coffee and Books, a space for true literary connoisseurs. Locally roasted brews, scratch-made baked goods and popular literature offered here in a laid-back cafe. Also stock up on its cult-following chocolate chip Breakup Cookies. www.churchstreetshop.com.
See blooming lilies while canoeing on the urban Cahaba River that runs around the city. Pack a picnic basket and watch the birds and deer.
The Marble Ring is not to be missed. It’s a 1920s look-alike speakeasy serving cocktails and nibbles, entered through a phone booth in Hot Diggity Dogs. Transport back almost 100 years to spend an evening living it up like Jay Gatsby.
www.themarblering.com.
WHAT TO EAT
Ovenbird is where to get your small plate fix. A burning beef fat candle on your lemon cream table side sets the tone. Inspired by grill and live fire pit cooking, the restaurant pays some homage to the iron ore history of Birmingham, dating back two centuries. www.ovenbirdrestaurant.com.
Ready to brunch? Go downtown to Feast and Forest. With Bandit Baking Co.’s buttermilk biscuits and Dapper & Wise coffee, you’ll be sated here. www.essentialbham.com.
WHERE TO STAY
The corner on 20th Street and First Avenue North downtown features the tallest and most glamorous buildings in the South. The Elyton Hotel is in one of the city’s most iconic buildings downtown, dating back to 1909. Now this 16-story hotel has opened with 337 rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, a brand-new gym and also a rooftop space. The John Hand building also delivers six chic suites: the Bank Suite, Birmingham Suite, Cobblestone Suite, Heaviest Corner Suite, Sloss Room and Vulcan Suite. These gorgeous rooms and suites come not only with world-class Birmingham views, but also incredible amenities. www.marriott.com.