Because Athens-Clarke County is the smallest county, geographically, in the state, it is relatively easy to get an up-close look at its historic sites and homes. Touching the community's past is often little more than a short walk away.
Here is a guide to some local sites of interest.
INFORMATION CENTERS
Athens Visitors Center
Located in the historic Church-Waddell-Brumby House at 280 E. Dougherty St., the center serves as a museum and offers plenty of information about Athens history, cultural offerings, tours and more. The house was built in 1820, and is among the oldest residential structures in Athens. Call (706) 353-1820 for more information.
UGA Visitors Center and Information Center
Located in the Four Towers complex on River Road at College Station Road. The complex includes exhibits as well as information on campus tours. Call (706) 542-1757 for more information.
PARKS and GREEN SPACE
North Oconee River Greenway
A multiple-use trail, being built with local sales tax dollars, the greenway currently follows a portion of the North Oconee River, and can be accessed from East Broad Street, North Avenue and other locations. The trail will eventually stretch along part of the University of Georgia campus. An interpretive center detailing Athens' early history is planned for a site near the university's Chicopee Complex.
Sandy Creek Nature Center
One of the more public natural sites in and around Clarke County, the Sandy Creek Nature Center and its Environment, Natural Science and Appropriate Technology (ENSAT) center provide an educational perspective on the environment and the natural ecosystems of the area. The center boasts several hiking trails, including a handicapped-accessible walk, which pass woodlands, marshes, fields, floodplains and ponds. The park is sited on 225 acres off U.S. Highway 441 about two miles north of downtown Athens, and is connected to Sandy Creek Park via Cook's Trail.
Sandy Creek Park
Sandy Creek Park covers more than 700 acres off U.S. Highway 441 including a lake with a beach for swimming, camping areas, hiking trails, picnic areas, a community building and barbecue pavilions, as well as a large picnic shelter constructed recently as part of a local sales tax-funded improvement program. The park also features softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and playgrounds.
Cook's Trail
Toombs Lewis, left, and Lee Epting as Hugh Lawson, ride across the University of Georgia's North Campus during last year's re-enactment of the purchase of land for the university. A master development plan for the university calls for creation of additional green spaces, like North Campus, across the school's sprawling campus.
Cook's Trail stretches 4.1 miles along Sandy Creek, connecting the Sandy Creek Nature Center with Sandy Creek Park. The trail, which can be walked in a couple of hours or so, features towering hardwoods, a beaver swamp and fern-covered hillsides.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park provides a somewhat bucolic setting in a valley surrounded by residential neighborhoods off South Milledge Avenue on Gran Ellen Drive. The park features a small pond inhabited by ducks, geese and swans. A trail bridges the pond. The park also features a playground and picnic areas. Connected to the park is the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail, the Athens ''zoo,'' which features several native animals in natural environments.
Lake Herrick
The University of Georgia School of Forestry maintains a 160-acre parcel of land off College Station Road at East Campus Road that includes a pavilion and beach area on a 16.2-acre lake. The lake is bounded on two sides by heavily wooded land with established hiking and jogging trails.
North Oconee River Park
An expansive stretch of river bank along the North Oconee River on the eastern end of downtown Athens, the North Oconee River Park runs on both sides of the river between North Avenue and Old East Broad Street. On one side of the river, the 15-acre park features an open, grassy area, while the other side is sheltered by large hardwood trees.
Ben Burton Park
Three-year-old Hanna Burdette gets a lift from her aunt, Kristy Burdette, left, and friend Linda Trammell during a January stroll at Memorial Park in Athens. Memorial Park, off Gran Ellen Drive, is among a number of parks and recreational facilities operated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.
Another riverside park, this 30-acre space has open fields alongside the Middle Oconee River off Mitchell Bridge Road. A wooded trail leads up the river to rock escarpments marking the site of a former mill.
The UGA Arch
Often incorrectly identified as the Arches because it features two curved tops and three columns, The Arch, off East Broad Street directly across from College Square, serves as a gateway to the university's historic North Campus. The Arch is formed of ornamental iron painted black.
Tree That Owns Itself
Actually, it's the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself, having been grown from an acorn from the original oak, which died in 1942.
As the story goes, University of Georgia professor W.H. Jackson, out of his love for the tree, gave the oak ownership of itself, through a deed that provided 8 feet of land on all sides of the tree. The Junior Ladies Garden Club planted the tree's heir in 1946.
The tree is located at the intersection of Dearing and Finley streets, a block south of West Broad Street.
Double-Barreled CannonWhile it failed as a Civil War weapon, the one-of-a-kind double-barreled cannon has met with success as a symbol and cherished landmark of Athens.
The cannon stands mute guard now at City Hall, 301 College Ave. in downtown Athens.
GARDENS, BOTANICAL INTERESTS
Wray-Nicholson House
Built in the early 1800s, the Wray-Nicholson House at South Hull and Wray streets off South Lumpkin Street on the edge of the University of Georgia campus was beautifully restored as part of a local sales tax-funded program.
The $4.1 million project included restoration of the formal gardens surrounding the home, and the partial restoration of other homes on the site. The house and surroundings are now owned by the university, which is currently contemplating uses for the structure.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
One of the most visited spots in Athens, the State Botanical Garden covers 300 acres along the Middle Oconee River off South Milledge Avenue. Nature trails, a variety of specialty gardens, a massive glass conservatory, a beautiful chapel and an international garden with man-made stream are among the garden's most notable features.
North Campus, University of Georgia
The oldest part of the university, North Campus is situated directly across from downtown Athens. Beautifully landscaped, North Campus features a number of historic buildings situated under stately old oaks.
President's Garden, University of Georgia
Located on the University of Georgia's North Campus near Lustrat House, the garden features annuals, perennials and native plants and flowers.
University of Georgia Campus Arboretum
UGA has named its entire campus an arboretum and has published a booklet offering three self-guided walking tours of trees on campus. The North Campus, Central Campus and South Campus Walks direct pedestrians to more than 150 trees that are marked by plaques and numbered to correspond with the booklet. Booklets are available free throughout campus.
HISTORIC SITES
Clarke County Courthouse
Built in 1913, with an annex constructed just a few years ago, the courthouse houses many of the Athens-Clarke government's judicial and operational offices. The courthouse is located at 325 E. Washington St.
City Hall
Formerly the base of government for the City of Athens, City Hall, 301 College Ave., now houses the offices of the mayor, county manager and county commission clerk, among others.
Taylor-Grady House
The 1840 Taylor-Grady House at 634 Prince Ave. is a sterling example of Greek Revival architecture. Maintained by the Junior League of Athens, the house is open to the public, and is available for receptions and other special events.
UGA President's Home
The president's home on Prince Avenue near Dougherty Street is another Greek Revival structure. It is not open for public tours, but a beautiful boxwood garden located in front of the house can be viewed from Prince Avenue.
Morton Theatre
An African-American vaudeville theater built by businessman Pinky Morton in 1910, the 195 W. Washington St. structure has been completely restored with county government funding, and now serves as a performing arts center.
Lucy Cobb Institute
The building, at 200 N. Milledge Ave., served as a girls' school from the 1850s to the 1930s. It currently houses offices of the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
Seney-Stovall Chapel
Adjacent to the Lucy Cobb Institute, this unique octagonal structure has been restored for use as a theater and meeting hall.
MUSEUMS
Navy Supply Corps Museum
Located on the campus of the U.S. Navy Supply Corps School on Prince Avenue in Normaltown, the museum contains a collection of historic uniforms, ship models, naval artifacts, equipment, photographs and other items of interest.
National Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame
Located next to the University of Georgia tennis complex, Henry Feild Stadium off University Drive, the museum is usually open during tennis tournaments and matches.
Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall
Home to the University of Georgia Athletic Department, the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall contains a museum highlighting the university's athletic history, including championship trophies, displays and Olympic medals.
The hall is located on Pinecrest Drive off South Lumpkin Street near Spec Towns Track.
ART GALLERIES
Georgia Museum of Art
Located on the University of Georgia's East Campus off Carlton Street and River Road, the museum has a permanent collection of American paintings and changing exhibits.
Lyndon House Arts Center
Located at Hoyt and Jackson streets in the northern edge of downtown Athens, the center, recently expanded with a $6 million outlay from local sales taxes, serves as an educational center in addition to having exhibit space. There is also an incredible small collection of historical artifacts here.
Visual Arts Gallery
In the University of Georgia School of Art on Jackson Street close to downtown, the gallery features rotating exhibits, usually by students.
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, March 31, 2002.
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