🟥 Help us support Athens local businesses

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Hey Athens.

I’ve finally finished building something that I really want to share: the Athens Scoop Directory.

It's a free, searchable guide to local businesses in Athens, with restaurants, coffee shops, salons, boutiques, gyms, venues, and more. We’ve got 75 businesses listed so far, and we're adding more every week.

Every time someone chooses a local spot, that money stays here. It pays Athens wages, sponsors Athens Little League teams, and keeps our downtown alive. But discovering those places isn't always easy. The best businesses in town are often the ones you only hear about through a friend.

I’ve always wanted to change that, and give every local business a chance to be found, whether they've been here 30 years or just opened last month.

You can browse by category (coffee, dining, fitness, shopping, entertainment) or neighborhood (Downtown, Five Points, Normaltown, West Broad, Eastside). Every listing has photos, details, and direct links.

What do you think? Let me know and reply.

Also: Do you own a local business?

Getting listed is 100% free. We just need 15 minutes to get your details right and make sure people can find you + give you the right SEO. Schedule a quick call.

Plus, we’re hosting our Second Athens Scoop Dinner Club on the 18th!

How it works:

You just show up.

NEXT DATE: Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 PM

If you've been craving conversations with substance (the kind that remind you why community matters) then this is for you. If you want to reserve your limited spot (or read about it more), just click below:

Located in a former tire storage garage downtown, Ted's Most Best is a favorite for its stone-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and Italian-inspired sandwiches. The expansive outdoor patio, complete with a bocce ball court and sandbox for kids, creates an enticing and comfortable atmosphere perfect for both fast-paced lunches or leisurely gatherings with friends over a glass of wine.

Read more here.

The Gist: The annual Classic City Marathon took place downtown on January 24, with the 26.2-mile course starting in front of the Classic Center. The event included full marathon, half marathon, and relay options.

Why It Matters: The race brings hundreds of runners to downtown Athens and celebrates the city's vibrant running community.

Read more here.

The Gist: The University of Georgia celebrated its 241st birthday on January 27, commemorating the 1785 date when UGA was chartered by the Georgia General Assembly. The Student Alumni Council hosted a celebration at Tate Student Center.

Why It Matters: The milestone reminds us of Athens' deep educational roots and UGA's enduring role in the community.

Read more here.

Athens Scoop is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (all done by me). Your contributions go toward keeping the Scoop going so we can keep sharing news, have more fun, and build more of the community.

I appreciate any and all support! - Andrew

🎭 The Acting Company: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" | UGA Campus | Athens | 01/30 | More Classic Shakespeare performed by touring production company.

🏃 John Spencer River Run 5K | Athens | Athens | 01/31 | More Charity race and nature walk open to all.

🎨 Creative Tracks Art Exhibition | Lyndon House Arts Center | Athens | Ongoing through 03/21 | More Multimedia art by incarcerated people showcasing turbulence and hope.

🎤 Jack Wharff Comedy Show | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 01/30 | More Stand-up comedy featuring Jack Wharff and Solon Holt.

🎸 Beau Anderson, Karma Kat, Father Figure | Nowhere Bar | Athens | 01/31 | More Rock, pop, funky jazz with Atlanta post-punk vibes.

🎧 Silent Disco | TBD | Athens | 01/31 | More Dance party with wireless headphones featuring multiple DJ channels.

💃 United We Dance: The Ultimate Rave Experience | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 01/31 | More High-energy electronic dance music rave with immersive production.

🎸 Gimme Hendrix | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 02/04 | More Jimi Hendrix tribute band delivering iconic psychedelic rock classics.

🎙️ Ceremony of Masters | The World Famous | Athens | 01/29 | More Local hip-hop showcase featuring explosive rhymes and party anthems.

🎲 Bad Dog BINGO | Amici at The Falls | Athens | 01/29 | More Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt at weekly game.

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