The Greek mythology pattern flows through the branding and all the way down to the beers. “I wanted it to evolve around our base in Athens,” says Casey, “developing a life-long consumer.” Casey’s research took him back to the founding moments of The University of Georgia and the one request that its surrounding city be named after Athens, Greece, where Plato and Aristotle developed higher learning. The Greek theme seemed the perfect fit. And his wife loved owls, so he joined the two and Akademia was born. The Greek drachma necklace he wears—on one side a small night owl, on the reverse, Athena—to remind him that his beach found him. Lodging For the B & B experience, check into Ashford Manor, located in Watkinsville. The home’s history dates back to the mid-1800s; in 1893, the Ashford’s build the grand Victorian that stands today. Experience the new Hyatt Place Athens, located
LINKS & LIBATIONS
| 58
in downtown and is a perfect location to set-off on foot to explore the downtown as well as the University of Georgia campus. Two other trendy options, Hotel Indigo and The Graduate, both in the downtown area. Dining You can’t miss contemporary Southern cuisine at the Five and Ten, the masterpiece of the James Beard winner and executive chef Hugh Acheson. The unique cocktails are enough to draw you in. If breakfast that lights your fire, try Mama’s Boy, located in Athens downtown and at The Falls. There’s aren’t enough words to rave about the Biscuits and Gravy or the Georgia Peach French Toast. Open until 3 p.m. daily; be prepared to wait in line. Trust me; it’s worth every second. A new star in the sky, home.made located on Baxter Street, offers inventive twists on old standards. I was hooked at Tomato Pie.