Georgia's "Classic City," Athens is a prospering community, one that reflects the charm of the Old South while developing in cultural and industrial areas. It is located approximately 70 miles east-northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. According to the 2000 census, Clarke County was the fourteenth most populous county in the state with 101,489. (In 1990, the census showed 87,594 people.) The Athens-Clarke County Planning Department estimates the 2003 population at 105,529.
A college town in every sense of the word, Athens appreciates its University population while recognizing its obligation to all residents to grow independently of the University.The University of Georgia and Athens have grown up side by side. When its founders were looking for a site for the new university, they sought a remote location where students would be isolated from the temptations of urban life. The town was named for its Greek counterpart, a great center of learning.
Athens' elevation is 600 to 800 feet above mean sea level, and because of its geographic location, the city is sheltered from much of the extreme weather of the winter season. Mean temperature for January, the coldest month, is 43 degrees F., and for July, the warmest month, 79 degrees F. Average minimum and maximum temperatures for January are 33 and 53 degrees F., and for July, 68 and 89 degrees F. Average rainfall is 50.42 inches.
Athens is served by a daily newspaper and an independent student newspaper, the Red and Black. Athens also has a weekly newspaper and the Atlanta newspapers, as well as six local radio stations and the University's radio stations, WUOG-FM and WUGA- FM. Network television is available through direct reception or cable within a 100-mile radius of Athens.
Two hospitals offering comprehensive health care serve Athens, and there are more than 80 churches in the area.
An information clearinghouse on accommodations, attractions, restaurants, meeting facilities and hospitality services in the Athens area is the:
Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau
While in Athens, visitors are invited to tour the Athens Welcome Center located in the historic Church-Waddel-Brumby House at 280 E. Dougherty Street. A fine example of Federal style architecture, this 1820 house is the oldest residence in the city and also is open as a house museum. The Welcome Center is open 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and 2 to 5 PM on Sunday.
Visitor information is available at many University of Georgia campus locations.
http://www.uga.edu/uga/Athens.html
