Hey y'all! How about a DU meet up in Athens on a Saturday in August?

[CottonBear]

Is anyone interested?

Several of us would like to meet up. (We had such a great time in Atlanta back in February!) Catwoman, Krebs, Caspar and I are game! We're hoping that Uly & family, Ruby & family and Burythehatchet might join us as well! Some of our Atlanta DU folks have told me that they'll be out of town until the from the 8th to the 13th of August so they'd like to meet up on the 19th (or maybe earlier on the 5th of August.) August is a good time because it is before the students return and before any Georgia football games.

A Saturday evening might be best. We could meet at 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM in downtown Athens. I'm contacting several places that serve both food and drinks to see if I could possibly reserve a table. There are so many great places in Athens. I'm thinking of the Globe or maybe Transmetropolitan. There are a lot of new places that I haven't been to yet (Athens is always evolving and changing!) All bars and restaurants are non-smoking however, most all places have outdoor seating areas, patios or sidewalk cafe areas for smokers.

I live here in Athens and I can provide good directions and maps. It's easy to get here from almost anywhere. In addition to our many Atlanta area DUers, we have DUers here in Athens that I've never met and we have GA DUers who live well outside of the ATL. I've driven to Atlanta for two meetups and had a blast! I'd love to host my fellow DUers at a meet up right here in my little city!

I'll check this thread later on. Y'all make any suggestions as to times and date and let me know who is interested.

[Debau2005]

1. Count me in

I am on vacation August 5th thru 12th, but I am good after that. I am from Atlanta but I would love to take a short road trip to meet other DU'ers.

[CottonBear]

3. Great! It seems like Sat. the 19th will be OK with you.

The drive to Athens is pretty easy and mostly pleasant. If this country mouse can make it into Atlanta, you city mice can venture over this way! :)

[Debau2005]

5. Yep, count me in!

:hi:

[ulysses]

2. let me work on Ms Uly

Keep me looped on the date. :hi:

[CottonBear]

4. Will do!

How is that baby boy doing? I bet he's into everything these days! Hello to you all! :hi:
I'll update this thread with dates and times as we come to some consensus. :)

[XanaDUer]

6. We're in!

I live in Gwinnett and love Athens.

Any dates yet?

[CottonBear]

7. Hi! No date yet: maybe 8-5 or 8-19. Students will be back by 8-19

which I just found out from one of my student workers. It shouldn't be a problem though. Athens can handle 90,000 football fans in one day so a few DUers added to the influx of UGA students shouldn't be a problem. There is plenty of parking in both the county and city decks as well as on-street parking downtown. I just need to find the right spot to meet. The Globe is great but can be VERY noisy (people talking not music). So, I'm looking for a restaurant (the Globe is a boho bar with food) that also serves drinks. I've got to call day mangers at 4 PM today for info on reserving a table.

Do you have any preferences as to dates or places? :hi:

I think that both of those dates I mentioned are Saturdays. That day is the best for most of us based on past experience.

[XanaDUer]

8. Would it be possible for a late lunch?

Also, I am very, very geographically challenged in this area and have only been to Athens twice so far.

I need really clear directions.

Any Saturday is okay with me. Thanks!

[CottonBear]

9. A late lunch to early evening meet up would be perfect for many folks.

That way, those who need to come early and those who can arrive a little later can all come and still get home at a decent hour. What is your preferred hour for a "late lunch?"

BTW, it only takes us 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Athens to Duluth (near the downtown) via 316.

I'm here in Athens, so I can host the whole event (and get a taxi ride or MR. CB ride home too!) I'll need to find out when places are open for lunch through to later and also serve drinks and food (no shortage here in downtown Athens.)

If you're in Gwinnett, the US 78 route to Athens or the GA HWY 316 route probably would be best. The GA 29 route works too. PM me and let me know where you're coming from. Athens-Clarke County has a perimeter highway around it called GA Loop 10 as well as highways directly into downtown. US 78 becomes the Atlanta Highway and then West Broad Street and then Broad Street right in downtown Athens (across from the Arches at UGA.) Navigation is easy downtown because the streets are on a grid pattern. I can provide maps and directions.

I look forward to meeting you! :hi: :)

[XanaDUer]

10. How about 2pm-4pm?

I get lost here A LOT, and that would keep it light enough for me to see where I am going.

I would be taking 316 into Athens.

Let's do this! I have been here a year and was having reservations about moving here. If I make some like-minded friends, maybe it won't seem so bad here. :hi:

[CottonBear]

11. We'll have to see what times the other DUers can come.

2 PM might be a bit early. How about 3 or 4 PM to start? It will be light until 8:30 or 9 PM for your drive home and it is an easy drive. 3PM - 9PM would be 5 hours of DUing! (We always can stay later but an early start would be work for many of us, especially those with kids!)

Athens is a great blue place and the GA DUers that I have met are awesome people! I can't wait to meet you! Let me know if you're bringing someone so I can plan for tables.

[XanaDUer]

12. That's fine

Just let me know. I'm psyched!

I will bring another liberal, lol.

[Debau2005]

13. 2pm is a little early for me.

I volunteer on Saturdays. But I will go with the flow, just let me know, I can step out of my volunteer duties a bit early.

[CottonBear]

16. I think a 3, 3:30 or 4 PM (or even 5 PM) start time would be better.

That way, those who need to get back home before dark can do so and the others can stay until later.

We'll work towards a consensus. :hi:

[GAPeace]

14. I'm one of those infamous students

Not one of the lousy annoying ones, but I'd definitely be in for a progressive gettogether as a newcomer to athens and UGA...

[CottonBear]

15. LOL! I was a UGA student once as well! We'd love to meet you!

There seem to be quite a few Athens area DUers around, both students and non-students. ;)
However, I've never met any of them. Is the 19th a good date for you? You won't have to commute to the meet up!

I'm going to call the Globe about getting the upstairs room there. I spoke with them on Saturday and I need to call the day manger-owner back today. They have a full menu now, including kids and vegetarian fare in addition to their incredible selection of gourmet beers (absolutely no light beer sold there!), fine wines and whiskeys.

[GAPeace]

19. Yeah, I don't have parking in Athens so I'll have to walk from campus

If the Globe is not too hard of a walk I'd love to come on the nineteenth!

[CottonBear]

36. Oops! Tombstoned. That does make one infamous. n/t

[CatWoman]

37. CB,

I think the McKinney war did him in.

That's why I have a self imposed ban on them myself (McKinney threads).

[CottonBear]

38. Yep. I had to bow out of those too.

:hi: I can't wait to see all of you next Saturday! I hope Ruby and Carter can attend!
Mike and Kathy can't come because they'll be out of town. :(

[MGKrebs]

17. The 19th is better for us, but this Sat. could work.

Thanks for handling this CB!

[CottonBear]

18. I think the 19th gives people more time to plan.

You're welocome! I look forward to seeing y'all. I'll PM CW and BTH and some others in my Buddy List.

[Ammonium]

20. Count me in too

I'd like to come too!

Transmet is awesome, but like you said, so many good places to eat.

Let me know when you decide on a date.

[CottonBear]

21. Great! Keep checking in with this thread for updates. n/t

[racaulk]

22. Damn! Damn! Damn!

For me, every single Saturday in August is spoken for:

8/5 - I need to get my brakes fixed, car cleaned, hair cut, take the cats to the vet, and other misc. errands.
8/12 - I already have plans for dinner and a movie night with some friends here in Atlanta.
8/19 - My rugby team is having its annual "Rugby 101" clinic for new players, so that will take up my whole day.
8/26 - I am moving that weekend.

That really sucks, because I would love to have a chance to meet more of you. I've only met one DUer to date (hi Debau2005! :hi:), and I hate that I'm missing this opportunity to meet others. And a night out in Athens sounds like fun!

Oh well, maybe next time guys... :(

You all have fun, tell the rest of us how your night goes, and post pictures!

[MGKrebs]

23. No pictures!

lol!

[CottonBear]

27. Hah! I just got a new digital camera! I'll be the photographer!

That way, there'll be no pictures of me! (I hate having my picture taken.) ;)

[CottonBear]

26. Could you drive to Athens in the early evening on Aug. 19th?

It doesn't take long to get here at all. See what you can do. We want to start a bit earlier earlier than our usual 7 PM start time for those driving in from Atlanta and Gwinnett and those with little kids, but we'll still be meeting into the evening (until at least 8 or 9 PM and maybe longer).

[racaulk]

29. I don't think I will be able to.

My team's rugby clinic will last most of the day, and we will have activities for the recruits that night. I'm pretty sure it's going to be an all day affair. But I will keep an eye on this thread, just in case.

Thanks for organizing this for us CottonBear! I'll try my best to be there! :hi:

[MGKrebs]

30. Let me be the first to offer you a hearty...

YOU SUCK!

You play rugby for God's sake, you are NOT ALLOWED to turn down beer drinking events with like-minded folks! At least that's the way it was when I played. In fact, I would think that is one of the rules you would be teaching the rookies. Heck, bring 'em along. Call it a "practice".

In any event, those newbies can figure out how to play rugby by themselves. Hell, there's practically no rules anyway.

Don't worry, we don't bite. Well, maybe Catwoman does, but that's not so bad. :-)

[CottonBear]

31. LOL! Rugby players are tough! And, they drink beer, dammit!

Bring them with you! They'd be welcome! :)

[Debau2005]

24. 19th is still good for me

Hey racaulk! :hi:

I just went through the moving ordeal...good luck!

[Brewman_Jax]

25. 12th or 19th

sounds like fun. I haven't been to Athens in years, so it should be fun.

[CottonBear]

28. Hi there! I was just about to PM you! The 19th is the best date so far!

How have you been? Staying coo, I hope! :hi:

I will post directions and the venue. I've got to call the Globe owner today and the Transmetropolitan owner as well in order to either reserve tables at TM or the upstairs area at the Globe.

[XanaDUer]

32. The 19th looks okay for us.

Keep us updated.

[CottonBear]

35. I can't wait to meet yet another DUer in person!

I have to say that GA Duers are some of the nicest and smartest people I've ever met! They're good looking too! I'll bring my new digital camera along so we can post pictures! I'll post the info about the venue this week.
:hi:

[CatWoman]

33. CB,

I'll be driving up with Burythehatchet :hi:

[CottonBear]

34. Yay! ! can't wait! I'll post the location this week! n/t

[XanaDUer]

39. Have we chosen a place yet?

...

[ulysses]

40. :( we can't come.

I have a training session all day the 19th that I have to attend. :cry:

Sorry, y'all. I was looking forward to it.

[CottonBear]

41. I'm sorry to hear that. We'll have to see y'all in Atlanta in the fall!

:) :hi:

[CottonBear]

42. Hi all! It's Tue. 8-15. There is a possible complication fort the meet up:

My widowed mom is in the hospital in another state with an intestinal blockage. :(
However, it seems to be clearing and, if all goes as planned, she should be able to go home tomorrow! :) The internist and the general surgeon have reviewed the x-rays (several x-rays since 3:30 AM on Sunday) and yesterday's CT scan results. Her gut seems to be working and she is allowed fluid by mouth today. :) They will allow some soft food tomorrow and then she can, hopefully, go home! (My sister lives with her.)

So, for now the meeting is on! However, if something happens and I have to go out of state, then it's off. I will know by tomorrow morning.

So, hold what you've got and I'll report back as I know more. I really want my mom to be OK and go home and I want to meet up with y'all on Saturday!

What time is best to start? Shall we say 4 or 5 PM until 8 or 9 PM or as long as folks want to stay? Transmetropolitan can host us downstairs or upstairs. I'll ge there and get a table at the time at which we decide to start. The students are back but they don't get going downtown until much later and they stay out until 2 in the morning when they are kicked out of the bars and clubs!

[CottonBear]

43. What time do y'all want to start (the early crew)? Also, see post #42

for some more info. (My mom's having a little intestinal trouble as the side efect of a surgery but she seems to be on the mend.)

We discussed times earlier in this thread. How about a start of 4 or 5 PM? That would accomodate the ones who want to drive in early.

Let me know! As far as I know know, we are ON for Saturday. I'll post if we have to cancel because I have to go out of town.

[MGKrebs]

44. Any time OK with us, but where?

Do we have a location yet?

[CottonBear]

45. I'm 99% sure that it will be Transmetropolitan. Downtown, Clayton St.

They have tables tthat we can push together as needed. However, they can't reserve one for us. If I get there at in late afternoon (4-5PM) I can get the table(s) and hold down a spot. I spoke with the day manager and left a message for the owner. The day manager lady said there should be plenty of room for us. They have tables upstairs with the full bar and downstairs in the main dining area. It's right in the middle of downtown. They have very good, fancy pizza, including vegan and vegetarian plus a full bar.
:)

Out There! ABC Movie Times Movie Dope Index Guide Classifieds Music Directory Transmetropolitan
145 E. Clayton St. — 706-613-8773
This hip pizza joint serves whole pizzas and slices with either thin or Sicilian-style crust, topped with any of more than three dozen ingredients (from pepperoni to breaded eggplant and three kinds of pesto). The specialty pies (like the vegetarian pesto, with spinach, tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic and red onions) are always good bets. Design-your-own calzones, panini, pasta and gigantic salads are also on the menu. The bar upstairs features seven taps with plenty of microbrews (Terrapin and Sweetwater 420 among them), wine, and the ever-popular build-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar. Lunch & Dinner, 7 days. Full Bar. Take-Out. CC
http://flagpole.com/Guide/Transmetropolitan

[CottonBear]

46. Cool interactive map of Athens (thanks UGA!) & other map-info links:

Click on the middle of the south side of the Clayton Street block between Lumpkin Street and College Avenue. You will find Transmetropolitan right next to Lamar Lewis Shoes (a venerable Athens store). :)

Cool map here: http://www.islandathens.com/New/maps/map.php
***************************************************************************************************
Parking: There's lots of it but you have to know where to and not to park.

Athens, GA Downtown Parking 101: You should be able to find parking close to the restaurant. Downtown is small and the streets are gridded so it's hard to get lost. Keep in mind that Clayton (one way east) and Washington (one-way west) are one-way. Jackson and Hancock Avenue are two-way. College Avenue is two way EXCEPT for the portion between Clayton and Broad (Got this?) street is two-way. This block is one-way only toward the UGA Arches (south).

1.) Do not park on UGA property unless it is after 5PM. Never park in a residence zone. UGA is located on the north side of Broad Street in Downtown Athens. Downtown is on the south side of Broad Street.

2.) If you park downtown on the street after 5 or 6 PM there is no parking meter fee. If you arrive early, then you may well find an on-street spot. Lock your doors and do not leave valuables in sight in your vehicle (as students are known to do.) Drive around the gridded downtown street and cruise for open spots! There are HC spots available. Don't park in a fire lane, loading zone or block an alley entrance (there are lots of alleys.)

3.) If you park in a private lot downtown (typically located at banks and churches) you must pay a fee to the attendant or risk being towed.


There are two public parking decks in downtown Athens, One is on College Avenue and is owned by the city. It is accessed via college Avenue between Washington Street and Clayton Street. The other is between Washington Street, Hancock Avenue and Thomas Street This is the county deck. It is accessed via Hancock Avenue (behind the A-CC Courthouse.) You'll need cash for these.
****************************************************************************************************
Mapquest Map of Downtown Athens:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=E%20Clayton%20St%20%26%20N%20Lumpkin%20St&city=Athens&state=GA&zipcode=30601&country=US&geodiff=1

Mapquest link to map showing location of Transmetropolitan:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&latlongtype=findit&address=145%20E%20Clayton%20St&city=Athens&state=GA&zipcode=30601&country=US&latitude=IhX8LZHlptw%3d&longitude=9vQpqVQpDgM%3d&cat=Restaurants
*****************************************************************************************************
Another excelelnt map series which describes routes into Athens from surrounding areas:
http://www.naciente.com/maps-100.htm

[CottonBear]

47. Direction to Athens and interactive map links:

Directions to Athens
Click on this link for interactive maps: http://www.visitathensga.com/directions.cfm

Links:
Driving Directions
Air Travel to Athens
Interactive Map of Athens

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FROM ATLANTA: (60 miles from city center, 80 miles from airport)

I-85 North to GA 316
Take I-85 North from Atlanta to GA 316 (Exit #106). Follow 316 East for approximately 40 miles to the Athens Perimeter (Loop 10). Bear right on Loop 10, traveling east. After approximately 6 miles, take Exit #8 (Lexington Rd./Oconee St.). Turn Left. Oconee St. becomes Broad St. and goes directly into downtown Athens.

TRAVEL NOTE: In February 2006, the Georgia DOT began a three-year improvement project on State Route 316, the main thoroughfare from Atlanta to Athens. Though the Georgia DOT estimates that almost 80% of construction will take place without lane closures, and will restrict any lane closures to off-peak hours, it is suggested that motorists access traffic updates through the Georgia DOT Web site at www.dot.state.ga.us, the NaviGAtor site at www.georgia-navigator.com or call [phone].

Alternate routes to Athens from Atlanta include:
I-85 North to GA 129 Take I-85 North from Atlanta to GA 129 South (Exit #137). GA 129 becomes Jefferson Hwy., then Prince Ave. and leads directly into downtown Athens.

State Route 78 East Take GA 78 East. Exit right onto GA 316 and proceed on GA 316 to the Athens Perimeter (Loop 10). Bear right on Loop 10, traveling east. After approximately 6 miles, take Exit #8 (Lexington Rd./Oconee St.). Turn Left. Oconee St. becomes Broad St. and goes directly into downtown Athens.

I-20 East Take I-20 East to Conyers. Exit onto GA 138 East (Exit #82). Then take GA 78 East. Exit right onto GA 316 and proceed on GA 316 to the Athens Perimeter (Loop 10). Bear right on Loop 10, traveling east. After approximately 6 miles, take Exit #8 (Lexington Rd./Oconee St.). Turn Left. Oconee St. becomes Broad St. and goes directly into downtown Athens.


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FROM THE NORTH

Take I-85 South to US 441 South (Exit #149) for approximately 20 miles. Go under the Athens perimeter; road becomes MLK Jr. Boulevard. Turn Right onto North Avenue. Follow North Avenue into downtown Athens.


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FROM THE SOUTH

Take US 129/441 North. Follow signs for 441 into Athens.

Athens Convention and Vistors Bureau link with info on Athens, lodging, events, etc.:
http://www.visitathensga.com/about_athens.cfm

Another good map showing the major roads in Athens and the perimeter road known as GA Loop 10.:



We are meeting at restaurant on Clayton Street which is east of Lumpkin Street. The Lumpkin Street-Broad Street (aka US 78) intersection is where the UGA, the Holiday inn and two major banks (Suntrust and B of A) are located. It is a major intersection. There is a left turn lane if you are traveling east on Broad St.-US 78 If you turn north onto Lumpkin (to the side of the banks) you will be close to Clayton Street. Drive one block to a light (The Globe will be on the left) and turn right onto Clayton Street. The restaurant is on the left once you've made the right onto Clayton (which is one-way.). If you can't find a spot keep driving around on the grid and you'll find a place to park.

[CottonBear]

48. Update: Still no word on my Mom's condition or if she has to have surgery.

I am awaiting a call from my sister. If I have to go be with my mom I'll have to cancel the meet up. Or, y'all could meet up with out me.

The doctors did more tests today (an upper GI x-ray series with barium by mouth.) These tests took all day until 4PM The doctors should know something tomorrow.

Sorry to be so up in the air. I hope mom gets to go home soon and that there will be no surgery.

[XanaDUer]

49. I hope so, too!

Keep us updated. :hi:

[CottonBear]

50. Update: My mom is eating solid food and no surgery is planned for now!

Yay! The doctors will see how she tolerate solid food from this morning and then decide if she can go home today or tomorrow. :woohoo:

So, the DU meet up is on as of this AM. I spoke with Jay, the owner of Transmetropolitan. We will be upstairs with the bar. There are tables up there and a view of downtown thorough the windows. (It's in an old building.) They have a patio outside for smokers and we can order food from downstairs. He said that at 4 or 5 it won't be crowded and we can get tables and push them together as required. I hope to sang the 8 person table. They don't take reservations. The students come out on the town much later in the evening so we won't be in the middle of a crush of people. However, downtown will be quite lively!

Please PM me or post if you have questions about directions or parking. See also the previous posts about maps, directions and the address and phone # of the restaurant.

:) I'll see y'all soon!

[CottonBear]

51. Please see the new thread & check in for the meet up!

This thread is too big now for those with dialup. I need a headcount and the time that you plan to arrive so I'll know when to get there and grab our table. Some of y'all wanted to meet in late afternoon. 4PM is a possible start time. I will try and PM everyone if there are not many responses to the thread.

I'll see y'all soon! I'll bring my new digital camera!

link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=146x4224