Athens

ATHENS. Home of the UGA "Dawgs," launch-pad for bands REM and Widespread Panic, college town par excellence – Athens certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of versatility. Platted around the venerable University of Georgia – whose alumni include former US Senator Phil Gramm and journalist Deborah Norville – the city is as much a draw as the campus is. Shop at its many eclectic boutiques, enjoy the rich array of nightclubs and live music hangouts on Broad Street and beyond, or just explore the surprisingly global (and compact) restaurant scene. You won't go away unhappy. Indeed, Athens is always in season. It's only an hour's drive northeast of Atlanta. For more information, contact the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-653-0603.