Athens, Ohio Travel Guide
Introducing Athens, Ohio! This college town located in southeastern Ohio is home to Ohio University. Athens has a population of about 24,000 people. Athens has a major food scene with lots of local favorites and unique eats. Craft beer fans, this is the place for you, as Athens is home to four breweries including a cider house. Outdoor recreation, museums, entertainment, and markets are plentiful.
Athens is located within driving distance of several major cities including Columbus, OH (74 miles, 1hr 15 minutes), Pittsburgh, PA (201 miles, 3hrs 2 minutes), and Cleveland, OH (215 miles, 3hrs 12 minutes). If you are looking to fly, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)is the closest major airport.
The major draw of visitors to Athens is Ohio University, one of the oldest universities in the United States! Opened in 1809, OU has roughly 18,000 students at the main campus. Take a walk around campus, catch a sports game, or schedule a Prospective Student Tour.
While you are in town, be sure to hit the shops downtown. The Athens Farmers Market held downtown on Saturday mornings, earned the title of being the #1 farmers market in the state of Ohio in 2022! Head to Passion Works Studio to bring a piece of Athens artwork home with you. Swing by Kindred Market to shop their organic and bulk products, a local favorite stop! Not into shopping? Consider catching a movie or show at Athena Theatre, visit The Dairy Barn Arts Center to see their art exhibits, or walk through the Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University.
Athens is surrounded by beautiful forests and state parks. Consider hiking, swimming, or boating at Strouds Run State Park or Lake Snowden. Take a bike ride on the 18-mile-long Hockhocking Adena Bikeway to enjoy the local scenery or hit a few breweries and food spots.
Speaking of breweries, Athens has a major craft beer scene. Jackie O’s Taproom and Production Brewery has become a major brewery spot in town. The multiple locations in town range from a tap room to a full restaurant. Be sure to check out the other nearby breweries Devil’s Kettle Brewery and Little Fish Brewing Company. Is beer not your thing? Head to West End Ciderhouse or Pleasant Hill Vineyards for other alcoholic beverage options.
Time for some food? Enjoy some local favorites like the diner fare of Union Street Diner, the Mexican-inspired food at Casa Nueva, or the famous fried chicken at Miller’s Chicken. For a unique experience, take a trip to O’Betty’s. Well known for their hotdog options (and vegetarian dogs!), O’Betty’s even has a hot dog museum. Be sure to stop by Avalanche Pizza, a must-try for its award-winning pizza (at the World Pizza Championship in Italy!) and spelt flour crusts. For some cultural options, explore Salam for its Mediterranean-style food, the local favorite Ginger for Asian, and Ciro for an Italian date night. Need an afternoon pick-me-up after a busy day in Athens? Head to Village Café and Bakery and Donkey Coffee for some caffeine.
Need a place to stay in Athens? There are several hotels nearby, most of which are located east of town. Chain hotels include Marriot, Holiday Inn, Days Inn, Quality Inn, and Hampton Inn. If you are looking to stay downtown, consider staying at Athens Central Hotel. Visiting Ohio University? Stay at The Ohio University Inn for a full campus visit experience. Try Deer Ridge Bed and Breakfast for a bed and breakfast experience. Consider camping at Strouds Run State Park, Under the Stars Campground, or Lake Snowden Campground if the weather is nice.
If you are looking for a place of your own to stay, consider renting a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Retreat for 4, Cabin for 4, and Cabin with a private lake for 16.
Athens is a beautiful college town with a great food and brewery scene. Whatever you’re into, Athens, Ohio has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gave you a glimpse into life in Athens that can inspire a future visit.
Happy travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
