We’re headed to Georgia to celebrate the launch of our Spirit Collection with a two-day pop-up!
Come by and see us to shop and sport your school spirit at the Graduate Athens‘ pavilion.
Dates:
Friday (9/15) from 3 pm -7 pm
Saturday (9/16) 11 am-2 pm
And in order to prepare for our trip to The Classic City, we chatted with the people behind Graduate Athens to get the lowdown and what to expect and how to have the most perfect day in Athens, Georgia.
For those not familiar with Graduate hotels, could you give us a little background?
Back in 2013, we embarked on a road trip of sorts, exploring the most dynamic university towns across the country. What we discovered surprised us: Communities anchored by universities are awash in enthusiasm – for sports, restaurants, bars, museums, and boutiques. But, they lacked quality hotels boasting the same rich charm and personality of the town itself. Enter Graduate.
In 2014, we launched Graduate Hotels, a collection of curated, well-crafted hotels residing in the most dynamic university-anchored markets across the country.
Through our thoughtful and distinctive design, we aim to celebrate what makes each community we enter so special by telling their stories in an authentic and playful way. Since then our portfolio has grown to nine locations, with over 20 locations scheduled to open by 2020.
What makes Athens the perfect place to visit in the late summer/early fall?
This is perhaps our favorite time of year in Athens–when students return to school. With them, they bring an energy and excitement level that is truly contagious.
The whole town is a buzz around this time of year as the community unites to rally in support of football season.
The other wonderful thing about this time of year come with being a Southern town. Even as the leaves begin to change colors, it is still warm enough out to go for a swim, grab cocktails on a patio and, of course, cheer on the Bulldogs!
Describe a stay at The Graduate in three words.
Discovery meets nostalgia.
What would be the perfect itinerary for someone visiting Athens for the first time?
After checking into Graduate Athens, start your morning off at our lobby coffee shop, Iron Works Coffee, with a freshly brewed latte and cinnamon roll.
Caffeine in hand, take a stroll around UGA’s north campus or head down the historic Milledge Avenue lined with UGA’s Georgian style Greek houses.
Stop for lunch at The Last Resort, then check out the neighboring shops and stops of Clayton Street like Onward Reserve, Wuxtry Records and Tailgate Athens.
To top off the day, have dinner and catch a show at The Foundry, one of Athens’ most iconic music venues.
If it is a home football weekend, the Bulldogs game is not to be missed.
What’s the one thing that truly sets this hotel apart?
Our design. We think of ourselves as storytellers.
Before entering a market, we tour campuses, visit landmarks, get to know locals and check out the popular dishes and dives – we really do our homework.
This is all done with the intent to design a space that reflects the spirit of each community and recaptures the sense of youthful optimism often experienced during college years.
