In Athens, the day can begin with coffee and conversation Uptown, lead to a trail beneath a canopy of hardwoods, and end with a locally brewed beer and live music. That easy movement between town and forest defines this corner of southeastern Ohio, where Ohio University’s youthful energy meets the character of the Appalachian foothills.
The City of Athens makes a natural starting point. Centered around Ohio University, its compact Uptown district fills historic streets with independent restaurants, shops, galleries, bars and music venues. The food scene reflects the community’s independent spirit. At Casa Nueva, a worker-owned cooperative, Mexican-inspired cooking shares the menu with vegetarian and vegan fare. Jackie O’s brings together craft beer, food and a strong connection to local agriculture, while Little Fish Brewing Company has developed a following for its small-batch beers and farmhouse-inspired approach.
But Athens rewards visitors who step away from the table. The Appalachian landscape isn't merely the backdrop to Athens. It is part of what makes the place worth discovering.
The hills surrounding the city invite exploration, and experiencing some of them should be part of any visit. Strouds Run State Park lies just beyond Athens, where Dow Lake and miles of wooded trails offer opportunities for paddling, hiking, swimming and mountain biking. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway provides another way to experience the landscape, stretching for more than 20 miles through the Hocking River valley between Athens and Nelsonville.
For mountain bikers, the nearby Baileys Trail System adds a distinctly Appalachian dimension to the region's outdoor recreation. Developed within the Wayne National Forest, the trail system winds through the hills north of Athens, connecting visitors with the landscape at a more adventurous pace.
And the possibilities continue beyond the greater Athens area. Lake Hope State Park and Burr Oak State Park offer additional opportunities for hiking, paddling and exploring the wooded hills, while Hocking Hills State Park places some of Ohio’s most recognizable natural scenery within an easy drive. Athens’ location makes it a convenient base for exploring the broader Wayne National Forest and the Hocking Hills region.
Back in town, the cultural landscape feels equally rooted in place. The Kennedy Museum of Art brings exhibitions to Ohio University, while the Dairy Barn Arts Center occupies a former dairy barn and serves as a hub for contemporary and community-based art. Nearby Nelsonville adds another cultural stop with Stuart’s Opera House, a restored historic venue that hosts a busy schedule of music and performances.
Music is woven into Athens life, from intimate performances in Uptown venues to the larger shows that draw audiences throughout the region. On any given evening, a visitor might move from a gallery or concert to dinner and drinks without ever needing to leave the walkable heart of the city.
That combination makes Athens particularly rewarding to discover. It offers the ingredients of a memorable city trip—good food, independent businesses, art, music and a lively downtown—but places them within a landscape that asks to be explored.
A visit here shouldn't stop at the city limits. Hike a forest trail. Paddle Dow Lake. Ride a stretch of the bikeway. Follow the road into the surrounding hills and see where it leads. Then return to Athens, find a table Uptown and raise a glass to the day.
Casa Nueva Restaurant is a worker-owned co-op In Athens, Ohio with a menu featuring Mexican-inspired food, many vegan & gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
08_20260828_KennedyMuseumOfArt PHOTO CREDIT REQUIRED
Art lovers gathered for the opening of the “Telluric” exhibition by artist John Sabraw at Kennedy Museum of Art on the Ohio University Ridges Campus in Athens, Ohio on August 28, 2026.