🏛️ Ballot is set: who's running for Mayor (and Congress)

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TOGETHER WITH

Registration for the Dinner Club closes March 15th at 7:00 PM (2 Days)!

How it works:

• Take a short personality quiz

• Get matched with 5 compatible guests

• We pick the restaurant, handle the details, and provide conversation starters

You just show up.

Dinners are happening in Athens, GA, where we’re gathering small groups for meaningful conversation and great company - all around one table.

The date: March 17th at 7:00 PM
Registration closes: March 15th at 7:00 PM

If you’ve been craving conversations with substance (the kind that remind you why community matters) this is for you. Spots are limited.

Any questions? Just reply. See you there.

🍝 A Five Points Cottage Worth Dressing Up For

Tucked inside a charming 1930s cottage in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood, The Expat is a neighborhood bistro with an Italian soul and a serious commitment to local growers. Owners Krista and Jerry Slater have built a menu around housemade pastas, seasonal small plates, and a cocktail program that earned recognition from Garden & Gun as one of the South's best bars. The two-sided fireplace, intimate patio seating, and unhurried pace make it an enticing and comfortable atmosphere perfect for both a special date night or a leisurely gathering with friends over a glass of wine.
Read more here.

The Clear Choice for Your Showers, Glass, and Mirrors

We’re Shawn’s Showers & Glass, a family-owned team transforming bathrooms and living spaces across Athens and northeast Georgia, one custom glass project at a time.

From budget-conscious framed doors to fully custom frameless enclosures, every shower is measured with care and installed for a watertight, flawless finish, with options to add wall-to-wall vanity mirrors, home gym mirrors, and sleek glass shelving.

This season’s the perfect time to upgrade the space you use every day, and our in-house crew brings the precision, cleanliness, and pride in workmanship that have earned us 5-star reviews across Georgia.

Reach out for a free quote at shawnsshowersandglass.com or call 404-519-9550, and let’s turn that builder-grade bathroom into a clear, bright space you will enjoy for years.

What others are saying: “I had a perfect experience with Shawn's Showers and Glass. I had them install glass for 2 showers. They were very communicative, had reasonable prices, and we're on time. I would happily recommend their services for anyone needing custom glass work done.” - Francis Conley

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

🏛️ May 19 Ballot Is Set: Who's Running for Mayor, Commission, and Congress

The Gist: Candidate qualifying wrapped up this week for the May 19 elections. Five candidates are running for Athens mayor. Six candidates are vying for the 10th Congressional District, including State Rep. Houston Gaines and a self-described "MAGA warrior" who pledged $4 million in spending. Several local commission and school board races are contested as well.

Why It Matters: This is a big election cycle for Athens. Mayor, multiple commission seats, school board, and a wide-open congressional race are all on one ballot.

Read more here.

☕ Hendershot's Closing Its Doors March 31

The Gist: After 15 years as one of Athens' most cherished creative spaces, Hendershot's Coffee on Prince Avenue will close for good on March 31. Owner Seth Hendershot announced the decision on social media, citing burnout and an inability to find a buyer who shared his vision.

Why It Matters: This is a real loss for the Athens music and arts community. Hendershot's was more than a coffee shop; it was a living room for local culture.

What's Next: The final day will feature an all-day celebration of music, poetry, and art from 7:30 a.m. to midnight.

Read more here.

🎯 Accenture Hired to Plan Entertainment District Around Akins Ford Arena

The Gist: A committee of ACC officials and business leaders approved a contract with consulting giant Accenture, paying up to $600,000 to scout developers for an entertainment district around the new Akins Ford Arena. The plan could include hotels, retail, restaurants, and condos. Mayor Girtz proposed splitting the cost among SPLOST, the Classic Center Authority, and a local tax district.

Why It Matters: This signals the next phase for Athens' biggest infrastructure investment in a generation. What gets built around the arena will define that part of town for decades.

Read more here.

🏮 Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade | Dudley Park | Athens | 03/14 | More Magical "Fairytales & Folklore" themed night walk with live music and illuminated art.

☘️ St. Patrick's Day Festival | East Clayton Street | Athens | 03/14 | More Live music, kids' zone, food trucks, and local vendors from noon to 9 p.m. Free admission.

🌿 Art in the Park: Pinecone Bird Feeders | Sandy Creek Park | Athens | 03/13 | More Hands-on nature craft activity perfect for kids at one of Athens' prettiest parks.

🥦 Athens Farmers Market | Bishop Park | Athens | 03/14 | More Fresh produce, local meats, flowers, and live music every Saturday morning.

🌳 Friends of the Garden Annual Meeting | State Botanical Garden of Georgia | Athens | 03/13 | More Evening reception celebrating the Garden with food, community, and spring blooms.

🎸 Perpetual Groove: 25th Anniversary (Night 1 & 2) | Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo | Athens | 03/13 & 03/14 | More Intimate storyteller-style sets from Athens' legendary jam band. A rare, must-see weekend.

🤘 Thunderchief Return | Flicker Theatre & Bar | Athens | 03/13 | More Athens heavy rockers make their long-awaited comeback with garage punk energy.

🎤 Thayer Sarrano | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 03/14 | More Ambient, cinematic soundscapes from one of Athens' most distinctive solo artists.

☘️ St. Patrick's Day Party | Athentic Brewing Co. | Athens | 03/17 | More Dry Irish Stout, a new Irish Red release, Celtic band Repent at Leisure, and Irish dance.

🎵 Aly & AJ: Places To Run Tour | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 03/18 | More Nostalgic indie-pop with Laurel Canyon rock influence from the Michalka sisters.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.

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