Michael Alvarez+FollowAthens favorites we lost in 2025Losing a favorite local restaurant hits hard, especially in a town like Athens where food spots become part of our routines and memories. This year, we said goodbye to places like Square One, Saucehouse BBQ (though their catering lives on), and Athens Wok, among others. Each closing leaves a gap—maybe it was your go-to for late-night eats, or the spot you brought out-of-town friends. But Athens keeps evolving, and new places like Swirlee’s Sweet & Frozen Treats and Yossi Kitchen are popping up. Which closed spot do you miss most, and what new place are you excited to try? #Food #AthensGA #LocalEats00Share
hwatkins+FollowAthens lights up with Unsilent Night paradeDowntown Athens is about to get a whole lot louder and more joyful! This Friday, the Unsilent Night boombox parade returns, inviting everyone to join in by blasting music from their own speakers as they walk together through the city. It’s not just a parade—it’s a moving sound experience that brings people together, no matter what you celebrate. The event is totally free and kicks off at 7:30 pm from Little Kings. If you want to join the fun, just grab a speaker and pick your favorite track at unsilentnight.com. Who’s ready to make some noise and spread holiday cheer? #Entertainment #AthensGA #UnsilentNight00Share
Emily Delgado+FollowAthens shelter expands to help more familiesBig changes are coming for families in need around Athens. The Athens-Area Homeless Shelter is moving all its services to a new, larger spot on Bray Street, which means they’ll be able to double the number of families they can help at once. This new setup, called ARCH Village, will also put families closer to other nonprofits and health services, making it easier to get support. It’s a major step for our community—what do you think this move will mean for Athens, and how can we all pitch in to support our neighbors? #Safety #AthensGA #CommunitySupport00Share
Emily Delgado+FollowAthens comes together for seniors in needHundreds of Athens seniors enjoyed a real Thanksgiving feast this year, thanks to a massive community effort led by ACCA and UGA students. Beyond the holiday meal, ACCA is stepping up year-round, filling gaps left by shrinking federal support for older adults. Their programs aren’t just about food—they offer rides, health resources, and even social events, all to help Athens’ seniors stay healthy and connected. It’s eye-opening how often seniors are overlooked in charity work, but Athens is showing what’s possible when neighbors look out for each other. How can we keep this spirit going all year? #Safety #AthensGA #CommunityCare00Share
Eddie Deleon+FollowGeorgia football freshmen face shoplifting chargesTwo Georgia football freshmen, Dontrell Glover and Bo Walker, were arrested after being accused of shoplifting $94 worth of everyday items from the east Athens Wal-Mart. The list included things like air fresheners, pizza rolls, and Gatorade. Both players reportedly told police they lost track of what was scanned at self-checkout. The incident has sparked plenty of conversation, especially since Glover is a starting right guard and Walker had a breakout game this season. What do you think—should their status as athletes affect how this is handled, or is this just a reminder that anyone can make mistakes? #Sports #GeorgiaFootball #AthensGA00Share
Hannah Garcia+FollowAthens food banks face record holiday demandAthens families are feeling the pinch like never before—local nonprofits are seeing a surge in requests for food and essentials, even after SNAP benefits returned post-shutdown. City of Refuge Athens reports a 20% jump in need, and volunteers are working overtime to keep up, especially as the holidays bring extra stress for parents. It’s more than just numbers: thousands of kids’ food bags and grocery boxes are being handed out, and the community is stepping up with donations and time. How are you seeing these challenges play out in your neighborhood? What more can we do together? #Safety #AthensGA #FoodInsecurity00Share
andersonkaren+FollowUGA football rocked by shoplifting arrestsTwo UGA football players, Dontrell Glover and Bo Walker, were arrested in Athens for shoplifting and have already posted bond. Glover, a standout freshman who started most of the season, and Walker, who recently had surgery, now face misdemeanor charges. This news has the Bulldog community buzzing—especially since both players were expected to play big roles next season. What do you think this means for the team’s reputation and the future of these young athletes? Let’s talk about how off-field actions impact our sports programs and campus culture. #Sports #UGA #AthensGA00Share
Andrea Hebert+FollowAthens’ Classic City Band brings holiday cheerAthens’ own Classic City Band is set to fill Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall with festive tunes, offering a free Christmas concert that’s become a real community tradition. What makes this event special isn’t just the mix of Christmas and Hanukkah favorites or the audience sing-along—it’s that the musicians are your neighbors: professors, nurses, programmers, all playing for the pure love of music. This year’s program promises some fun surprises (wait for their twist on “Jingle Bells”!) and a spirit-lifting night for all ages. Who’s planning to go, and what’s your favorite holiday song to hear live? #Entertainment #Music #AthensGA00Share
darrell47+FollowAthens’ historic UGA mansion may become a hotelA piece of Athens history could soon get a whole new life—plans are in motion to turn the University of Georgia president’s iconic home on Prince Avenue into a boutique hotel. The 19th-century mansion, where seven UGA presidents have lived, would become a restaurant and bar, with a 72-room hotel built behind it. Locals have watched this property for years, and now, with the university looking to sell due to high upkeep costs, the project is up for review. What do you think: will this change add new energy to the neighborhood, or is it a loss for UGA tradition? #News #AthensGA #UGA00Share
Mary Williams+FollowAthens loses two beloved cafes this monthBirdies, a favorite Athens spot for coffee and specialty groceries, just announced it’s closing for good on December 28. After two years of pouring lattes and serving up sandwiches, they say rising costs and economic uncertainty have made it impossible to keep going. For many of us, these local cafes are more than just places to grab a bite—they’re part of our daily routine and community vibe. How do you think Athens’ food scene will change with these closures? Will you be stopping by for one last visit? #Food #AthensGA #SupportLocal00Share
