Travel: A Weekend in Athens

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On Friday after work, Meredith and I packed our bags and road tripped it over to Athens, Georgia to visit our fellow Birmingham Bloggers co-founder, Molly! She got married and moved there back in October, and it was about time we visited her. Meredith and I had never been to Athens, so we were doubly excited to check it out.

The first night we stayed up late talking, catching up, and planning blog things. As you do. But on Saturday we wasted NO time (we slept in) checking out the food scene. First we went to a great Mexican place for lunch. Hole in the wall Mexican places are the best, and Cali n’ Titos was no exception.

After lunch we drove into downtown and spent the afternoon exploring. Coffee was and always is necessary, as is photographing it.

We tried to talk Molly into being a fashion blogger for a day while Meredith and I attempted to be fashion photographers, but it was a little cold and windy. I am not a fashion blogger by any means, although Molly pulled it off in her cute peplum jacket, blanket scarf, and Kendra Scott ring.

Molly also has this awesome cat named Zoe. She sat on this little stack of books all weekend and even fell off of it once. I’ve never seen so much spunk and sass in one cat before.

Here she is plotting to overthrow our cupcake baking session.

On Saturday when we were driving into town, Molly casually mentioned Trader Joe’s and I think I might have lost my cool for a minute. There isn’t a single Trader Joe’s in the entire state of Alabama, they finally announced that we’re getting one, and it doesn’t open until LATE 2015. So we stocked up on cookie butter. (I got one of each.)

When having a girls weekend, wine and cheese plates are absolutely required. And then you go out and get fancy cocktails.

We had planned on trying a little more upscale restaurant for dinner on Saturday, and when we finally got all dolled up and picked a place, it was booked. I know Athens is right up on UGA’s campus, but I don’t think it occurred to any of us that it might be formal night for the sororities and fraternities.

We finally found a place that had less than an hour wait, and oh man was it an excellent choice. If you’re ever in Athens and want some good southern food that is a little bit on the fancy side, definitely check out South Kitchen + Bar. I think it’s kind of a newer restaurant, but it’s in this cool old building with stained glass windows, sparkly chandeliers, delicious cocktails, duck fat tater tots, truffled mac and cheese, grilled orange blossom and honey glazed chicken, I could just keep on keepin’ on.

All you need to know about this picture, other than the fact that these tater tots were consumed in about five minutes, is that they were served with a cranberry dip and bacon ranch.

You have to do brunch when you’re on vacation, so we met up with two other local Athens bloggers, Jenny and Elizabeth. At The Pine, they have a brunch menu that is just called “Biscuit Brunch,” which doesn’t need much explanation. Pimiento cheese grits and mimosas also happened.

Also because of all the cookie butter, cupcakes happened. We’ll all be sharing the recipe for these later this week!

We stopped in Atlanta on the way back to Birmingham for Lush bath bombs, more cupcakes, and dinner at True Kitchen.

Tomorrow, I will be at the gym.

I really enjoyed Athens, getting away for the weekend, and visiting with great friends. I really don’t travel that often, and one definite take away from this trip is that I must do more of it. Even if it’s just a few hours away.

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Meredith says

01/27/2015 at 9:32 am

Omg this photo of Zoe plotting to destory our cupcakes kills me. Had so much fun this weekend! <3

- Beth says
  
  01/27/2015 at 10:30 pm
  
  Ah, I know! Let’s go back soon!
  
Rachel @ Bakerita says

01/27/2015 at 10:05 am

Looks like such a fun weekend! All of your food looks delicious, and I can’t wait to see that cupcake recipe. I can’t believe you don’t have a Trader Joe’s – it’s the best!!

- Beth says
  
  01/27/2015 at 10:32 pm
  
  Ugh, yeah not a single Trader Joe’s here! But we’re getting one soon, I’m excited!
  
Marjorie says

01/27/2015 at 10:29 am

It looks like y’all had so much fun! I have never been to Athens, but I have heard it is a fun place to visit.

I totally am geeking out about TJs coming to Bham. Can. Not. WAIT!

And how fun to have friends that understand (1) your love for food, (2) the need to take photos and (3) blogging!

- Beth says
  
  01/27/2015 at 10:38 pm
  
  Marjorie – it really is nice to have friends who understand and enjoy the same things!
  
Ashley says

01/27/2015 at 6:45 pm

It looks like you guys had an absolute blast! And now I also want some mexican food lol

I can’t believe you don’t (yet) have a TJs by you! I don’t know what I would do!

- Beth says
  
  01/27/2015 at 10:55 pm
  
  Haha everyone says that. I’ll just be stockpiling cooking butter until ours opens! 🙂
  
Jana says

01/27/2015 at 8:45 pm

Very cool! You guys crammed a LOT into one weekend! Love the photos and that is one cool cat!

Julia @ Sprinkled With Jules says

01/27/2015 at 10:35 pm

I can’t believe you did so much just in one weekend! You girls know how to do it! Can’t wait to see your cookie butter cupcakes.

Emily B. | @FlourMagnolia says

01/28/2015 at 12:36 pm

So fun you went to Athens! The hubs is from there (and a UGA grad) so we’re in the Classic City quite a bit and have to say I love the food scene. Next time you plan a trip, highly recommend making a reservation at 5&10. Unbelievable.

Molly says

01/28/2015 at 12:44 pm

That picture of Zoe kills me! It was such a fun weekend, we must do it again soon!

Jeff Branch says

01/28/2015 at 4:32 pm

Don’t you wish you could eat like that ALL THE TIME? Glad you had fun; I’ve never been to Athens.

Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

01/29/2015 at 5:51 am

What a wonderful weekend! Since my son is going to school in Georgia next year, I’m hoping to make a trip or two to Athens. I know you must be happy to have that cookie butter stash. I still need to try all the flavors.

Nora (A Clean Bake) says

01/29/2015 at 10:22 am

What a dream weekend. So much good food, so many wonderful friends, and even a sassy cat! I would have loved to be a taste tester for you guys 🙂 PS: I know you know this already but just wait – Trader Joe’s will change your life!

Jane says

01/30/2015 at 7:14 am

Great post! Love the photos and the story behind your weekend. Fun photos of the cat! 🙂

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