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2024 Away Game Guide: Florida

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The Georgia-Florida game, held this year on Nov. 2, is one of the most highly anticipated rivalry games in college football. If you’re headed to Jacksonville to cheer on the Dawgs, here’s a guide from fellow Bulldogs James Hopkins (BBA ’03) and Suzie Hutto (BBA ’06) for where to stay, eat and explore. 

WHERE TO EAT

Suzie and James both enjoy visiting some of the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants. For an elegant atmosphere, Suzie recommends Cowford Chophouse, where you can see the beautiful view of Main Street Bridge. For a more relaxed, sit-back experience, she suggests the seafood and steaks at River and Post, known for their great happy hour deals and rooftop bar. Their ahi tuna dish is a favorite of Suzi and James, so be sure to try it!

If you’re craving Mexican food and an impeccable view, Estrella Cocina is the place to go. This chic/trendy Baja-Mexican inspired restaurant has a rooftop bar with gorgeous views of the city.  Near the beach, The Local and Flying Iguana are two recommended restaurants. Suzie enjoys eating at The Local for its live music and grabbing late-night Mexican eats at the Flying Iguana. She and James raved about the restaurant’s guacamole, which is prepared tableside. 

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Hungry for breakfast? Maple Street Biscuit Company, which originated in Jacksonville, is a local hotspot known for their Southern-style biscuit sandwiches. For a quicker option, hit up Foxtail Coffee Co., where they specialize in breakfast sandwiches, pastries and crafted beverages. Another quick option is BREW Five Points, which offers a wide range of breakfast sandwiches and pastries, including their specialty menu item: brisket breakfast tacos! 

Where to Watch

In addition to tailgates surrounding the stadium, Suzie and James suggest trying some of Jacksonville’s breweries before the game. Jacksonville has a large brewery scene, most of which are family-friendly. Suzie likes Strings Sports Brewery, located on Main Street. James enjoys Bold City, located in the Riverside neighborhood downtown. 

Intuition Aleworks is a brewery near the stadium where the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter has held events in the past. James likes visiting their walk-up counter and getting a beer to-go. Wicked Barley Brewery has a dock — James says people can even kayak straight to it! 

Intuition Ale Works

Perfect Rack Billiards is a popular bar for sports gatherings and amazing wings. You can also swing by Kickbacks Gastropub, which has some unique decor and a popular, if unusual, menu item: corn nuggets. These are also great options for watching the game live with other fans if you don’t have tickets to the game itself. 

What To Do

If exploring Jacksonville’s quality beer, wine, and spirits sparks your interest, consider taking a tour on the JAX Ale Trail, which has an extensive guide on VisitJacksonville’s website. The Pedal Pub JAX, another great choice, rides you through the city and stops at various bars and pubs for you to try. The San Sebastian Winery offers wine tasting and self-guided tours where you can indulge in their copious flavors.

The Pedal Pub JAX

If you have some extra time before or after the game, there are plenty of places to explore in and around Jacksonville.  You can visit the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, take a tour of the city with St. Johns River Taxi & Tours, stroll through the Cummer Museum or even let the Jacksonville Skyway take you through a scenic tour of the city, sure to make a lasting impression! For some night time fun, the Friendship Fountain located in St. Johns River Park, also known as Friendship Park, hosts fountain light shows at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. every day.

Friendship Park Fountain Light Show

Where to Shop

James and Suzie both recommend shopping at St. Johns Town Center, an outdoor mall with a range of shops, restaurants and luxury stores.  

“That’s where I do all my shopping,” Suzie said.

You can also explore the Riverside Arts Market, which hosts local vendors and artists.

Riverside Arts Market

Not making the trip to Jacksonville and looking to connect with Dawgs in your own area? Find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you.

Find Your Game-Watching Party

Tasty Tailgate: teXga Farms’ Smoked Queso  

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Picking the perfect dip is key to a memorable football tailgate experience! As you gear up for your next game day, check out this tasty recipe from a proud Georgia alumna.  

Today’s recipe is brought to you by Caroline Lewallen (BSA ’11) of teXga Farms. Located in Habersham County, Georgia, teXga Farms is a family-owned and operated, direct-to-consumer beef cattle operation. Known for their dry-aged beef and premium pork, teXga takes pride in their ethical practices, guaranteeing a delectable meal.  

The perfect dip for your next football tailgate! (Photo: Submitted)

The perfect dip for your next football tailgate! (Photo: Submitted)

Alongside her husband, Kyle Lewallen, Caroline has always aspired to build an entrepreneurial venture. In July 2017, they founded teXga Farms, a name inspired by their home states — Texas and Georgia — along with their passion for barbecue, and the “X,” symbolizing the blended nature of animals and their expertise. 

Ingredients: 

1 lb. teXga ground beef 

1 lb. teXga mild (or hot) pork sausage 

1 lg. block Velveeta cheese 

8 oz. smoked gouda cheese 

2 cans of Rotel (we recommend chipotle-seasoned Rotel if available) 

1 can cream of mushroom soup 

4 tbs of your favorite fajita seasoning.

1 small can of green chiles 

1 jar of sliced jalapeños (or use fresh jalapeños!) 

1 bunch of chopped cilantro

Your favorite bag of tortilla chips 

Instructions: 

The best part about this recipe is that you can cook it on a smoker, in a Dutch oven, in a crock pot or even on a Blackstone!

  1. Brown your ground beef and sausage for the dip and set aside.
  2. Mix your cheeses, Rotel, mushroom soup, chiles, and jalapeños into your pan of choice. The cheese will melt more evenly if you slice and dice it before putting it in the pan.
  3. If using a smoker, place on smoker/grill at 300°-325° for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
  4. If using a Blackstone, place on Blackstone at 200° and stir every 5 minutes.
  5. If using a Dutch oven on the stove top, place ingredients in pan at medium heat. Stir every 5 minutes.
  6. If using a crockpot, once the ground beef is cooked, you will be able to put all ingredients in a crock pot, turn to high heat (or low) and walk away! Be sure to stir and then add cilantro right before you are ready to serve!
  7. Once cheeses are melted for the smoker, Blackstone or stove top, add in your meat, cilantro, and fajita seasonings and stir.
  8. Grab your tortilla chips and get ready to Call the Dawgs! Enjoy! 
One of the many ways to cook Texga Farm's smoked queso. (Photo: Submitted)

One of the many ways to cook teXga Farm’s smoked queso. (Photo: Submitted)

Find more teXga Farms recipes at https://texgafarms.com/our-beef/our-recipes/ 

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2024 Away Game Guide: Austin

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If you’re heading to the Lone Star State for our game against the University of Texas Longhorns, here’s the perfect guide for recommendations on where to eat, where to watch, and what to do during your stay!

WHERE TO EAT

Austin is renowned for its diverse cuisine. A great, casual barbecue spot is Terry Black’s BBQ, known for their delicious pit-smoked meats and homemade sides. A cozy neighborhood bite is Home Slice Pizza, specializing in NY-style pizza. A delicious rooftop cantina, Arriba Abajo offers unique cocktails and Mexican-fusion small plates. For a divine evening culinary experience, The Roaring Fork is the place to go. It’s an Old Western themed restaurant that serves flame-grilled American dishes. And for your late night sweet treat, head on over to Amy’s Ice Creams to get a frozen treat of your choosing.

Terry Black’s BBQ

The perfect place to grab brunch is Paperboy, a welcoming, hip restaurant with an outdoor patio that offers various breakfast, brunch and cocktail options. Swedish Hill Bakery is the place to go for delicious, freshly baked pastries, bread and made-to-order sandwiches in the morning. Looking for a place to grab your morning coffee? Little Brother Coffee & Kolaches is a chic coffee house with simple coffee and tea options and kolaches, a kind of pastry that Czech immigrants brought to Texas. If you’re more of a tea person, be sure to look out for tea house Magick Matcha, serving inventive tea and matcha creations. 

Paperboy

WHERE TO WATCH

Austin has an amazing variety of bars and outdoor social spaces with different aesthetics to match your vibe. Kicking it back in time, Skinny’s Off Track Bar is a classic ’70s-style sports bar with specialty drinks, food and televised sports. On game day, you can go to The Pitch Austin, an outdoor entertainment space with a food court and several TVs to watch the game. 

The Pitch Austin

A low-key bar & grill with television screens and a stage for entertainment called Haymaker specializes in regionally-inspired comfort sandwiches and craft beer. A couple other bar options to check out over the weekend are The Bon Aire and Cover 3: Dining, Spirits, & Sports, which are both known for their appetizing burgers and cocktails. Want to watch with our Austin Alumni Chapter? Join us at Green Light Social!

WHAT TO DO

Austin’s oldest metropolitan park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, is home to Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool and has lots of hiking and bike trails to explore. Another unique activity is renting small boats at Retro Boat Rentals ATX, where you can admire the city landscape as you ride through Lady Bird Lake. 

Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Metropolitan Park

Explore art displays at The Contemporary Austin’s at the Jones Center and Laguna Gloria location, or the Museum of Illusions for a fun walkthrough of mind-bending art. And don’t forget to take a pic at the Greetings from Austin mural!

WHERE TO SHOP

Looking to do some shopping? Check out South Congress, a vibrant avenue known as one of Texas’ landmarks. It has shops, boutiques, eateries and art displays. Some additional shopping areas with brand name stores are Barton Creek Square and The Domain.

If you’re not planning on traveling for the game and still want to connect with Dawgs in your area, you can find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you!

Find Your Game-Watching Party

Tasty Tailgate: Barlow’s Foods’ Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

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No football tailgate is truly complete without a tasty dish to complement the gathering. Luckily for you, top Dawgs in the food and beverage industry have put together some recipes to enhance your tailgating experience.

Today’s recipe comes from 2023 Flavor of Georgia grand prize winner, Barlow’s Foods. Founder and CEO Tiffani Neal owns Barlow’s Foods, a beloved packaged foods company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Tiffani’s passion for food has been a lifelong journey since she was a child.

1 of 3 ways to use Barlow's Foods' 3-in-1 pancake, biscuit, and waffle mix. (Photo: Submitted)

1 of 3 ways to use Barlow’s Foods’ 3-in-1 pancake, biscuit, and waffle mix. (Photo: Submitted)

Barlow’s Foods, named in honor of Tiffani’s grandfather, Arthur “Barlow” Harris, is well known for its versatile 3-in-1 pancake, biscuit, and waffle mix. Additionally, their seasonal breakfast offerings include their award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup, which pairs perfectly with their Southern Buttermilk Biscuits.

Ingredients

1 bag / 3 cups Barlow’s Original Pancake Mix

1 1/4 cup buttermilk

3/4 cups butter, cubed and chilled

1/4 cup egg wash (optional)

1/4 melted butter

Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Set oven to 450 degrees and place your mixing bowl in the freezer approximately 10-15 minutes prior to using. Do not freeze butter but make sure that it keeps a very cold temperature.
  2. Cube butter, cut into small squares. Once the mixing bowl is nice and cold, pour the Barlow’s Original Pancake Mix into the bowl.
  3. Put butter into the bowl and combine flour and butter with your fingers. The goal is to combine without melting – you still want to see pieces of butter.
  4. Pour buttermilk into the bowl and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Scoop dough onto a floured surface or parchment paper and fold over 3 times.
  6. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1″ flat and cut out circles to the size of your choice. 2 1/2″ is a great size.
  7. Lay rounds on a non-stick pan or parchment and place in the freezer about 10-15 minutes.
  8. (optional) Brush top of biscuits with egg wash.
  9. Pop into the oven for about 15 minutes or until high and golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and enjoy!

Tips

When making biscuits, you want to keep everything as cold as possible for as long as possible.

Barlow's Foods Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, perfectly complemented by their award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup. (Photo: Submitted)

Barlow’s Foods Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, perfectly complemented by their award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup. (Photo: Submitted)

Enjoy more of Barlow’s Foods recipes at https://barlowsfoods.com/pages/recipies.

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Tasty Tailgate: Erica Davis’ “The Lowcountry” Crab Dip

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Tasty Tailgate is our series that brings you delicious dishes to enjoy while watching the Dawgs play this season. UGA alumni, like Erica Davis (BSED ’99), are sharing their favorite recipes for you to add to your own tailgating spread.

Erica is carrying on the seafood legacy of her grandparents in Savannah at the Erica Davis Lowcountry, a 2024 Bulldog 100 honoree. Seafood has been part of Erica’s family for over 75 years, and now she is sharing one of her tastiest recipes.

Her “The Lowcountry” Crab Dip is sure to go great with any game-day buffet.

The Lowcountry Crab Dip (submitted photo)

Serves: 10 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh blue crab claw meat.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese.
  • 1 stick butter.
  • 1 small, sweet onion, diced.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced.
  • Salt to taste.
  • Wonton chips or your favorite cracker.

Directions

  1. On medium heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic and onion.
  2. Remove from heat, add room temperature cream cheese.
  3. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold in the crab meat.
  5. Serve with fried wonton chips or your favorite cracker.

Tip: it can be served hot or cold!

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2024 Away Game Guide: Tuscaloosa

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The Dawgs are taking on the Tide in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28, 2024. Heading to Alabama to watch the game? Here are all the best places to eat, sightsee and watch the game based on our research!

WHERE TO EAT

Half Shell Oyster House boasts a menu of fresh seafood, namely oysters prepared several different ways. They have Charbroiled, Bienville, Rockefeller and Chef Special Oysters, offering a flavor for everyone. The menu features several other seafood options, and they have non-seafood choices if marine life isn’t your thing.  

Rama Jama’s is a Tuscaloosa classic. They are located right outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium and serve a hearty Southern breakfast surrounded by University of Alabama memorabilia. 

Rama Jama’s has been open since 1996. (Photo/TheBamaBuzz.com)

River is located, you guessed it, on the river. They serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. River offers an elevated menu, with delicious Southern dishes such as Alabama catfish, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and more.  

Moe’s Original BBQ is exactly what it sounds like: a Southern barbecue joint that has pulled pork and sides. They feature two main sauces, the red sauce and the white sauce, and say they are both good on everything. Moe’s also has smoked chicken, fried shrimp and fried catfish if you want something other than pork.  

WHERE TO WATCH  

Gallettes is a staple in Tuscaloosa for game day activities. They have television screens on every wall and offer a fun game day atmosphere close to Bryant-Denny Stadium. They stay open late so you can keep celebrating with your fellow Dawgs.  

Innisfree Irish Pub comes highly rated and is a great place to spend game day. They offer an extensive menu of food and drinks to snack on while watching the Dawgs. Innisfree is located just north of downtown Tuscaloosa.  

WHAT TO DO 

The President’s Mansion is on the National Registry of Historical Places. Completed in 1841, all of the University of Alabama’s presidents have called it home since then. 

The President’s Mansion is a historical landmark in Tuscaloosa. (Photo/uajeffco.org)

Tuscaloosa has several lakes nearby, including Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Harris and Lake Nicol. All of them offer fun outdoor recreation. Lake Tuscaloosa is known for being good for fishing, while Lake Harris and Lake Nicol both have hiking trails of various difficulty.   

The Gorgas House is the oldest building on the University of Alabama’s campus. It was originally built as a dining hall and steward’s residence and now houses a museum dedicated to its history. The Gorgas House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. 

The Gorgas House first opened as a dining hall. (Photo/Madison Leavelle)

WHERE TO SHOP 

If you are at all familiar with “Bama Rush Tok,” the Pants Store is a name you might recognize. Several sorority girls shop there before and during rush. They are on University Boulevard. 

The Golden Hanger is another boutique located on University Boulevard. They have everything from dresses and rompers to sweaters and sets to look your best.  

Onward Reserve is located in nearby Birmingham. Onward Reserve is UGA-alumni owned, and they have several locations throughout the southeastern United States.

Onward Reserve was founded by UGA alumnus TJ Callaway IV. (Photo/The Scout Guide)

Tuscaloosa Midtown Village is your all-encompassing shopping mall. They have favorites such as Ulta and Old Navy as well as plenty of dining options for everyone.  

Not going to Tuscaloosa to watch the game? Connect with other Dawgs and find a game-watching party near you! 

Find Your Game-Watching Party

Road to Sanford

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2024 Away Game Guide: Lexington

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The Dawgs will play the Kentucky Wildcats in an SEC matchup on Sept. 14, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky. If you are heading to the Bluegrass State to cheer on the Dawgs, here are some of our Lexington alumni’s favorite places to eat, shop and sightsee.  

WHERE TO EAT

Josie’s and Ramsey’s serve breakfast all day and feature a Southern-inspired menu with entrees such as fried chicken and pot roast and sides including green beans and stewed tomatoes. Both are favorites among the locals and close to the university. 

Ramsey’s has been open since 1989. (Photo/Lexington Herald-Leader)

If you are looking for a steakhouse dinner, Malone’s is the place for you. They have sushi rolls like the Baked Lava Roll, Seared Ahi Tuna roll and Crab Rangoon roll, they offer steaks in an assortment of cuts, and they serve a wide variety of seafood.  

WHERE TO WATCH 

Winchell’s boasts 30 flatscreen televisions and a “huge variety of specials,” making it an ideal place to watch the game with your fellow Dawgs. Winchell’s has been open for over 25 years, and they’ve become a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Drake’s features a burger-of-the-month and sushi-of-the-month, allowing you to try something different every time you go. They are open until midnight from Sunday-Thursday and open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, making them a great spot to hang out and watch the game.  

Drake’s offers a variety of burgers and has a burger of the month. (Photo/AllEvents.in)

WHAT TO DO

Keeneland has been a premier destination for thoroughbred horse racing since 1936. They offer tours of the grounds and different events throughout the year to appeal to everyone, from special dinners to races to activities for kids. They are open 365 days a year to the public.

Horse Country, a non-profit located in Kentucky, gives tours tailored to your specific horse-related interests. You can book the tours on their website, with categories like Horse Interaction, Veterinary Care & Feed, Sport Horses and more. They even provide shuttle tours if that’s more your speed.  

Horse Country offers tours of multiple horse farms to the public, with tours tailored to every experience. (Photo/VisitHorseCountry)

Not interested in the horses? VisitLex lists several fun places to check out, so take a glance at their website! They have something for everybody, including arts centers, nature preserves, museums and much more.  

WHERE TO SHOP 

Downtown Lexington features an assortment of shops and cool architecture to explore. They have stores all along East and West Main Street: everything from clothing and home goods to souvenir shops. The Square in downtown Lexington showcases several art galleries and museums. 

Chevy Chase Plaza, near the University of Kentucky, offers a collection of restaurants and shopping. The Plaza is within walking distance of some other sightseeing attractions, such as the Henry Clay House.  

Chevy Chase Plaza has a variety of restaurants and stores to wander around in. (Photo/VisitLex)

Not heading to Lexington and wanting to connect with Dawgs in your area? Find a local game-watching party near you! 

Find Your Game-Watching Party

Tasty Tailgating: Vera Stewart’s Very Vera Buffalo Chicken Dip

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Tailgating season is upon us and Dawgs around the globe will be spending their Saturdays gathering for football games. To celebrate this exciting time, we are sharing our Tasty Tailgating series once again, bringing you some of the best recipes from University of Georgia alumni.

Vera Stewart (submitted photo).

Vera Stewart (BSHE ’74) is sharing the recipe for her Very Vera buffalo chicken dip this season. Vera is a cookbook author, mentor, Southern cooking host and entrepreneur. She’s been running her own catering business for 40 years in Augusta. In 2011, she was offered her own cooking and lifestyle show: The VeryVera Show.

The buffalo chicken dip she is sharing today pairs well with crackers or vegetables and is sure to be a delicious addition to any spread.

An up-close of Vera Stewart’s buffalo chicken dip (submitted photo).

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Approximately 7 cups

Ingredients:

  • 4 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese
  • 1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch seasoning
  • 6 tablespoons Frank’s® Red Hot buffalo wing sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crackers or fresh vegetables, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a large pot with water set over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil and boil the chicken until a thermometer inserted in the middle of a chicken breast reads 165°F or higher. Test to see if the chicken is ready by pushing a fork into it and see if it is easily shredded.
  2. Once ready, turn off the burner and remove the chicken from the boiling water. Place on a cutting board to cool slightly. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred by hand with two forks or place the chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, turn the mixer on low or medium speed to shred the chicken.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the cream cheese in the microwave and melt slightly until softened and easy to mix.
  5. Stir in the ranch seasoning packet and buffalo sauce. Mix until fully combined.
  6. In the prepared casserole dish, mix together the shredded chicken and the cream cheese mixture.
  7. Top with the cheddar cheese and place in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite crackers and vegetables.

A tailgate spread featuring Very Vera Buffalo Chicken Dip (submitted photo).

Use Vera Stewart’s Very Vera Dip this football season to create the tailgate buffet of your dreams.

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2024 Home Game Guide: Athens

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Fall is just around the corner — which means it’s almost time for the Dawgs to hunker down Between the Hedges once again. If you’re traveling to Athens for a home game this season, here’s a guide to the best restaurants and attractions in the Classic City. 

WHAT TO EAT

Athens has a renowned and diverse restaurant scene. Check out Classic City mainstays downtown like the Last Resort Grill, a southwestern-inspired restaurant with outdoor seating, or Dawg Gone Good BBQ, a hole-in-the-wall, delicious barbecue joint. For a quick bite to eat, be sure to check out Baddies Burgers, an alumni-owned spot by Joe Nedza, located in Five Points. They’re known for their tasty burgers and dessert puddings, including their popular banana cream pie pudding. San Angel Cocina & Cantina, located on Atlanta Highway, serves genuine Mexican food with a variety of menu options, hosting live entertainment and a view from their rooftop bar.

Dawg Gone Good BBQ (Photo/Melanie Velasquez, The Red & Black)

Those looking for a taste of Athens’ fine dining options could head to The National, a Mediterranean-inspired favorite founded by UGA alumnus Peter Dale (ABJ ’99). Peter also owns Seabear Oyster Bar and co-owns Condor Chocolates and Maepole, a counter-service health food restaurant. 

On Sundays, brunch and coffee options abound downtown at Mama’s Boy and South Kitchen and Bar. Want to venture out? Pop in to Independent Baking Co., a cozy bakery filled with flaky, soft pastries and bread, baked fresh daily. 

The National

WHERE TO WATCH

Before the game, cheer on the Redcoat Band, cheerleaders, players and coaches as they enter Sanford Stadium during the Dawg Walk, which happens approximately two hours before kickoff at Gate 10 of the stadium. Show up early and you can watch the Redcoat drumline perform a concert before the walk. 

Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, there are plenty of places in Athens to enjoy the game day atmosphere. Head over to Athentic Brewing Company, located on Park Avenue, where our official UGA Alumni Game-Watching party will be hosted! Tailgaters surround most of the UGA campus, and big-screen viewing of UGA games is available downtown at both Paloma Park and the Georgia Theatre. If you’d like to stay on campus, the Tate Theater inside the Tate Student Center also shows football games. 

Creature Comforts Downtown Taproom and Brewery

Creature Comforts Brewing Co., a well-known brewery that originated right here in Athens, has the perfect game day atmosphere with outdoor and indoor space. For a laid back experience, Blue Sky Bar, located downtown, serves craft beers and cocktails with a rustic feel and a rooftop patio.

After a Dawgs win, make sure to celebrate by ringing the Chapel Bell on North Campus!

What to Do

In addition to UGA sports, Athens has lots of opportunities for cultural exposure and outdoor adventure. Explore Athens’s history as a musical hub by taking the Athens Music Walk of Fame downtown, or pay a visit to the Georgia Museum of Art, which features traveling exhibitions and an eclectic permanent collection, including a sculpture garden. 

Wire Park

Wire Park, located in Watkinsville, is a family-friendly outdoor space with shops, restaurants, breweries, and fitness establishments. Be sure to swing by for a great family-friendly activity, just 15 minutes from campus! Enjoy nature by visiting Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park, exploring the sprawling State Botanical Garden of Georgia or walking the paths of the North Oconee River Greenway.

Where To Shop

Epps Bridge Centre is an Athens area hotspot. Whether you’re an avid movie-watcher or just love to shop, Epps Bridge Centre has a variety of stores like Alumni Hall, restaurants like Killer Crust Pizza Company and an amazing movie theater called University 16 Cinemas, with recliner seats, slushies, and a do-it-yourself popcorn station! Five Points is a cozy neighborhood with local restaurants and shops to explore like The Pine and Avid Bookshop. Looking for mainstream retail chain stores like, Lululemon and TJ Maxx, Beechwood Shopping Center is the place to go! 

University 16 Cinemas at Epps Bridge Centre

There’s a lot to see in the Classic City! Not making the trip to Athens and looking to connect with Dawgs in your own area? Find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you.

Find Your Game-Watching Party

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