Diversity Rules Magazine

8 | Diversity Rules Magazine | July 2023 Pride Journeys Athens, GA By Joey Amato Joey Amato is the founder and publisher of Pride Journeys, an LGBTQ travel website and syndicated column. For more LGBTQ travel ideas, please visit www. pridejourneys.com. Everyone knows that I am a sucker for small-city charm, so I decided to ven- ture about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta to Athens, Georgia, home of rock bands R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and of course, the B-52's. As soon as I drove into the college town, I knew I was in for a treat. I love exploring these des - na ons as they tend to offer tons of local restaurants and bou ques which ooze with character. Athens is a thriving college town located in the north- eastern part of Georgia. It is home to the University of Georgia, which is the state's flagship university, as well as the Athens Ins tute of Technology and Pied- mont College. Athens is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of Southern charm and culture. Athens has a rich history that dates back to the ear- ly 1800s when it was founded as the seat of Clarke County. The city was first se led in 1801 and was named a er Athens, Greece, the birthplace of de- mocracy. The city played a key role in the Civil War, serving as a transporta on hub for the Confedera- cy. In the years following the war, Athens became a center of higher educa on, with the founding of the University of Georgia. The city soon became the center of poli cs and com- merce in the region. The University of Georgia is the largest employer in Athens, and its presence has shaped the city's culture and economy. The universi- ty is home to the Georgia Bulldogs, the school's foot- ball team, and a number of other athle c teams. It also hosts numerous music, art, and theater events throughout the year. Athens is also known for its dis nc ve neighbor- hoods. Five Points is the city's oldest and most pop- ular area, and is home to a variety of shops, restau- rants, and bars. A er checking into my room at Hotel Indigo, I walked to the center of town, which was lined with a large selec on of restaurants and live music venues. Giv- en the musical heritage of Athens, live music is s ll at the heart of their nightlife scene. Some venues worth checking out include 40 Wa Club, The Ware- house, and the Georgia Theatre. To my surprise, located in the center of downtown is a fabulous four-way rainbow crosswalk. Some mes when I visit smaller des na ons, I wonder if the community is welcoming to LGBTQ individuals, but I quickly realized that Athens most definitely is. Hav- ing the university present in the city adds to its pro- gressive stance. If you are in town on a Friday evening, swing by Athens Showgirl Cabaret's Fabulous Fridays at Hendershot's, located in the Bo leworks develop- ment. A coffee shop dur- ing the day and bar in the evening, Hendershot's is the perfect place to mingle among LGBTQ locals. A er the drag show, head to Sis- ter Louisa's Church, about a 10-minute walk from Hen- dershot's. The quirky establishment features a bar, pa o, and club area and is the hub of LGBTQ nightlife in Athens. A er a res ul night's sleep, head to Mama's Boy, for breakfast. A short drive from the hotel, the restau- rant is a local ins tu on, serving up a hearty break- fast that won't break the budget. The morning is a great me to head to The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. I spent about 2 hours strolling around the gardens and taking in the sights and smells of my Athens - Con't on page 19

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