

Offering over 50 years of combined experience, meet Interior Designers and UGA grads, Erin Gilmer & Brandy Martin Owners of Athens' premiere shopping
Creating
Welcome to Athens, Georgia. For the next four or so years, you will become familiar with its roads, its landscapes, and maybe, if you are lucky, its people. Visiting your children at college can easily become a frenzied whirlwind if you let it. Our challenge to you is to know more than the well-worn path taken to Sanford Stadium on a crisp autumn afternoon. Sure, there is certainly nothing like the thrill of being shoulder to shoulder with 92,000 drunk, obnoxious, Georgia fans. However, when the barking has subsided and no one is left standing between the hedges, you will long for a familiar face, a warm welcome, and a cozy place to retreat to.
That is where we come in. As parents of out-of-state college children, we know what it is like to need recommendations for a doctor, hair salon, mechanic, and more. We have cultivated long-lasting friendships with the locals in Oxford, Mississippi and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and have realized that we want to be that familiar face to you. I have lived within a 25-mile radius of Athens my entire life. My business partner, Erin, is a Georgia girl herself. Born and raised a little closer to Atlanta, she spent 14 years in Richmond, Virginia, after college, but came back home to Athens 5 years ago.
In the fall of 2021, we opened The Avenue, and since then, we ' ve had the joy of meeting many parents. We’ve shared our personal phone numbers with anxious mothers, assuring them we’re here to lend our support. We’ve spent time on the phone, helping friends and family members who are 12 hours away and need a little comfort. With some, we’ve celebrated successes, while with others, we’ve shared tears, trying to make sense of life’s challenges. We have made friends from New York to Texas, greeting them with hugs and taking a moment to catch up, just like true friends do.
We would love to invite you to The Avenue when you are in town so that we can introduce ourselves and be one of those familiar faces in an unfamiliar town. Until then, let us share with you some of our favorite places not to be missed during your time in Athens. We cannot possibly cover everything here so if we miss something you are looking for, please, reach out to us, we will gladly help to find the information you need or at the very least, put you in touch with someone who can.
now,
Brandy Martin and Erin Gilmer are interior designers and the owners of The Avenue
They are UGA alum, class of 2000.
let’s get to the good stuff.
ATH BNB | The Rushmore
Hotel Indigo
Springhill Suites
The Athenian
The Bell Hotel
Rivet House
Ritual Day Spa
House of Lore Med Spa
The Moore Center Med Spa
Haven + Mane
Tribe Hair Co
Wild Moon Studio
Tan Athens
Classic City Glow
BREAKFAST
First Watch
Mama’s Boy
Another Broken Egg
Big City Bread Cafe
COFFEE
Caribou Coffee
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Jittery Joes
1000 Faces
SWEETS
Alumni Cookie Dough
Cafe Racer
Condor Chocolates
Cecilia’s Cake Shop
Bee’s Knees Bakery
The Avenue
Christopher Mobley
Duke’s Clothier
Dick Ferguson’s
Heery’s Clothes Closet
Onward Reserve
SCLPT Studio Pilates
M3 Yoga
Classic City Cycling
Beem Light Studio
McKenzie Bone Artistry
Rachel Carter Beauty
Frenchies Modern Nail
Green Nails + Spa
Sugar Polish Nail Bar
West Broad Nutrition
Supreme Nutrition
Rent 30609
Castle Cleaners
BulldogDrycleaning [offerspickup+dropoff]
Kathy’sProfessionalAlterations [insideHeery’s]
Precision Tune [Ask for Ace]
Athens Cooks
Fully Loaded Pizza
La Parrilla, Beechwood
Marti’s At Midday
Maepole
Pauley’s Crêpe Bar
South Kitchen + Bar
Taqueria Del Sol
The Place
The Taco Stand
Trappeze Pub
Ted’s Most Best
Weaver D's
BREWERIES
Creature Comforts
Terrapin Brewery
Chuck’s Fish
Depalma’s Italian Cafe
Five & Ten
Hilltop Grille
George’s Lowcountry Table
Last Resort Grill
Marker 7 Coastal Grill
Osteria Olia
Porterhouse Grill
Seabear Oyster Bar
The Expat
The National
The Pine
ZZ & Simone’s
The Avenue's interior designers have been making waves with their stunning dorm room designs, from Ole Miss to the University of Alabama to the University of Georgia If you want to give your student a dorm room that stands out and feels like home, now is the time to book your consultation as spots are quickly filling up.
Brandy and Erin, the talented designers behind The Avenue, are excited to work with you to create something absolutely special for your student. They have handpicked a selection of suites for you to choose from, each carefully curated to ensure a seamless transition from dorm living to future homes For those looking for a truly unique touch, The Avenue also offers the option of a completely custom design tailored to your preferences and needs. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your student's living space and make their college experience even more memorable.
University of Georgia Brumby dorm room featuring custom scalloped panel window treatments, velvet LauraParkPillows,storageottoman,foldoutsetteeand drumlighting.
Moving your child into college can be a significant milestone filled with mixed emotions for both parents and students alike. Brandy and Erin, parents to college-aged children, recognize the challenges and emotions involved in setting up a dorm room. Their mission is to alleviate some of the stress that comes with this transition, giving parents more time to spend with their children during this important time.
Creating a vibrant and welcoming dorm room can help transform it into a comforting and personalized space for your child as they embark on this new chapter in their lives. A welldecorated and functional dorm not only provides a cozy home away from home for your child but also offers parents peace of mind, knowing they have helped create a nurturing environment where their children can thrive and make lasting memories.
By focusing on making the dorm room setup process fresh, fun, and organized, parents can support their children in adjusting to college life while also fostering a sense of independence and self-expression. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the living space but also strengthens the bond between parents and their college-bound children during this significant transition.
If you're looking to transform your child's dorm room into a stylish and functional space, The Avenue's professional design services are the perfect solution. By reaching out to The Avenue, you can kickstart the process by scheduling your initial consultation to discuss your design aspirations and preferences.
You can easily contact The Avenue through various channels such as phone, email, or by completing an interest form via the provided link. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards creating the dorm of your child's dreams by connecting with The Avenue today
University of Alabama dorm room featuring Laura Park beddingandaccentpillowlayeredwithacustompillowsham againstanupholsteredheadboard.Customwindowtreatments arealastdecadenttouchtothisdormroom.
Elevate your dorm with our curated collections or let us create a custom design just for you.
Creating the perfect dorm room is an exciting adventure, a chance to express your unique style and transform a simple room into a cozy, personalized haven. At The Avenue, we understand the importance of having a space that feels like home, especially when embarking on your college journey. That's why we've carefully curated five distinctive looks to inspire and help outfit the dorm of your dreams, ensuring there's something for every taste and preference.
For those who adore a blend of vintage charm and modern flair, our Grandmillennial theme in powder blue and our Peony theme in blush pink, are your go-to. Imagine stepping into a space filled with soft florals, fun textures, dotted with ruffles, bows, and monograms. It's a nod to the nostalgic, brought to life with a fresh, youthful twist, think LoveShackFancy.
If you appreciate the timeless appeal of classic patterns with a modern twist, The Park, is our take on Laura Park designs. Offering a vibrant, playful selection that brings life and color to any dorm room Featuring a refreshing palette of green and soft blue with gold accents
If your style leans more toward high fashion and you live by the mantra "shopping is my cardio." our designer-inspired option, The Bespoke, will resonate with you. This collection is for the trendsetter, the girl who knows her brands and isn't afraid to show it It's a bold statement of identity and luxury, featuring iconic designs and logos that reflect your chic, avant-garde taste.
Finally, we are excited to introduce something for the boys. The Faber is our play on an elevated mancave with subtle speakeasy vibes Designed with the college lifestyle in mind, everything from the window treatments to the area rugs, are washable. Proudly host overnight guests with the use of a lay flat, faux leather futon. Handsome fabrics, warm leathers and clean lines round out the design
At The Avenue, we are committed to making your dreams a reality. Whether you choose one of our complete looks, mix and match your favorite pieces, or opt for a fully personalized concept with the help of our talented designers, we are here to ensure your college living space, be it a dorm, sorority house or apartment, is not just comfortable, but a true reflection of you. Welcome to where style meets personal expression—welcome to The Avenue.
BEDDING WINDOW TREATMENTS TABLES STORAGE HEADBOARDS HUTCHES OTTOMEN CHAIRS FUTONS RUGS PEEL + STICK WALLPAPER LIGHTING ART ACCESSORIES DECOR
Our stylish storage cabinets are perfect for neatly tucking away a mini fridge while serving as a bedside table Inside you will find 4 additional shelves to help you organize all the things
Two styles to choose from: JUSTINE : circular accents available in white
JUDD: rectangular accents
camel back
Customize your Headboard selecttheshape selectthesize selectthefabricfromour extensivelibrary
LET THE AVENUE DESIGN THE DORM OF YOUR DREAMS. WE HAVE 3 OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO CHOOSE FROM FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN, VIRTUAL DORM DESIGN AND OUR FINISHING TOUCHES DESIGN SERVICE WE CATER OUR SERVICES TO YOUR NEEDS OUR INITIAL, ONE HOUR CONSULTATION IS $150 AND CAN BE BOOKED ONLINE O
BOOK YOUR DESIGN CONSULATION W LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE DEADLINE TO ORDER CUSTO CHING
shoptheavenueathens Avenue Athens WWW.THEAVENUEAT
May 1
July 14
July 15 - August 8
July 30
August 7- 8
August 8
August 9 - 10
August 11 - 12
August 13 - 15
August 16
August 17
Registration Opens
Registration Closes PNMs Watch Chapter Videos
PNM Videos Due PNM Move In PNM Orientation
Round 2
Round 3
Break for Classes
Preference Round BID DAY
avenue.
Welcome to Athens, Georgia and to THE We are excited to bring something NEW to the rush experience at UGA and are looking forward to working with you to help your PNM have the BEST RECRUITMENT EVER! We
toget little and for
a happy is a small thoughtful, unexpected gift to show love and encouragement also known as a surcee, surcie or surcey no matter what you call it or how you spell it , it is sure to brighten your pnm ’ s day
We know how hectic and fast-paced recruitment can be The Avenue Rush Team put together a few things to make the recruitment process a little easier From our Rush Prep Pack to our Happies and Bid Day Baskets, we want to help make gift giving fun and exciting for you and your favorite girls!
We kick off recruitment week during move-in with PNM WELCOME DAY and our Rush Prep Pack Totes that can be used all week are filled with emergency items PNMs may need during recruitment GREEK DAY is for our exclusive Go Greek tee shirt DORM DAY is for fun items to add to their new dorm room DAWG DAY is for all things Bulldog from game day earrings, clear purses, and beaded straps to tailgating supplies and art TREAT DAY is for yummy snacks to get over the midweek hump SPA DAY brings with it all things to soothe and comfort, from gel eye patches to and satin pillowcases. ENCOURAGEMENT DAY is the perfect time to send journals, devotionals or anything to make them smile and remind them that they are in the final stretch JEWELRY DAY is an opportunity to send her a special piece of jewelry to wear the next day on her Pref round Finally, HAPPY DAY is time to send something to celebrate the end of recruitment We also have a selection of candy and snacks to add to any Happy
You may send a "HAPPY" each day or pick & choose the days you would like to send a gift Prices for Happies start at $32 for the tee shirt on day 1 and can increase depending on what you would like to include You can leave it up to us what goes in your happy or you can stop in or give us a call to select items yourself There are no set prices for Happies only suggested averages spent in previous years There is an $8 delivery fee for each Happy
A "HAPPY" is a non-Greek gift sent during recruitment week to say,
"WE LOVE YOU" "WE ARE THINKING OF YOU" "WISHING YOU GOOD LUCK"
[Starts at $150]
You can order a Happy online or by calling The Avenue We will gladly help walk you through the process You are also invited to visit the shop where you can hand select your Happies
2025 Go Greek Tee Shirt $32 Tee can be added to any order while supplies last
DAY 1 OF 3 WEDNESDAY | 08.13.25
body
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We've made renting super easy at our retail space located inside The Avenue, an upscale boutique at 468 North Milledge. Feel free to stop by and explore our distinctive collection in person and try on any pieces that catch your eye. This location also serves as a convenient pickup and dropoff point for all rentals.
WHEN DO I ORDER?
The sooner the better Our pre-selected baskets sell out every year.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SORORITY TO ORDER?
We receive the sorority bid list from the University of Georgia Panhellenic office on bid day and add the sorority info to your order.
HOW WILL SHE RECEIVE THE GIFT?
We deliver all bid day packages to the sorority houses
When will my student receive her "Happy"? "Happies" go out daily during recruitment based on your chosen day(s) The Avenue staff delivers the Happies to the dorms.
How will my student know she will be receiving a "Happy"?
Your student will receive a text message the day of letting her know she has a gift and the location where she can pick up her "Happy".
What if my student cannot pick up her gift a certain day?
We will re-deliver the next day Students are also welcome to pick up at the shop We just ask that they let us know
When will I be charged for "Happy" gifts? Happy gifts will be charged as they are prepared
When should I order?
The sooner the better Our most popular items sell out quickly We will continue taking orders throughout recruitment
When will my student receive her basket?
We will start delivering the Monday after Bid Day and finish within the next few days Please see the delivery schedule in the following pages Bid Day Baskets will be delivered to the sorority houses We will text the girls that they have a gift waiting at the house Once the gifts have been delivered, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items
What if my student needs to exchange a Bid Day Gift Item?
If she receives an item that she would like to exchange, she may do so during our exchange period (08 19 2025 - 09 01 2025) Greek items may only be exchanged for other Greek items
What if my student drops or chooses not to accept her bid? Call us immediately. We will send a non-sorority gift.
DON’T WAIT! ORDER EARLY, WE WILL SELL OUT.
THE AVENUE specializes in custom Bid Day gifts, offering a curated selection of timeless Greek items and new on-trend pieces. Our dedication to providing the perfect and unique gift for your student is paramount, and we strive to meet your needs promptly and professionally. For your convenience, we offer three options for Bid Day:
By investing $450 or more, you have the opportunity to specify each item included in your Bid Day gift. Alternately, you can leave the details up to us, and we will pull together a selection of our most popular items for you. These Shining Star Gifts will be the first assembled on Bid Day When ordering, please specify your budget for the Shining Star and list your desired items in the notes section We recommend contacting us for our "white glove service" to assist in selecting your items
This is the simplest option! Our collection features the most popular Bid Day gift items, carefully designed based on years of experience All you need to do is choose a package from our Bid Day Gift Menu (see subsequent pages), and we will handle the rest! You are welcome to add items; however, substitutions are not allowed
If you wish to request a specific item, you may opt for an AVE Custom gift. Please note that these gifts will be assembled last on Bid Day and are more susceptible to substitutions due to potential inventory shortages The assembly order prioritizes Shining Star gifts, followed by PreSelected AVE Classics, with Custom gifts taking the longest to prepare Must be a minimum of $150 before tax and delivery
WE CAN NOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF ORDERING EARLY AS AVE PRE-SELECTED BASKETS WILL SELL OUT
If we do sell out of something you had your eye on, please know that we will have a variety of items available to create a basket you will be proud to give. We will also restock and can send additional items as they become available if you so choose.
THE AVENUE reserves the right to substitute items if inventory requires. Gift Cards can be added to any gift purchased All Bid Day Gifts have an $8 00 delivery fee
DATE ORDER PLACED: EMPLOYEE:
If you need any help, please give us a call and we will walk you through everything. You can also visit us in the shop to see all the wonderful gifts we have in store for your girls. Be sure to follow our social media to see new items and stay up to date on events and promotions. We are here to help you select your own personal Bid Day Basket for your special girl. Come by the shop or give us a call to get started
GIRL'S NAME:
SORORITY:
CUSTOMER NAME:
CC #:
PHONE #:
ORDER #:
CUSTOMER PHONE #:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION + ITEM REQUESTS
I understand that not every item is available for every sorority I also understand that The Avenue will make comparable substitutions as needed
I understand that once charged there are no refunds It is my responsibility to inform The Avenue if my PNM drops or does not accept her bid
AVENUE AVENUE THE BID DAY BASKET
SUBSTITUTE ITEMS AS INVENTORY REQUIRES. **
monday AUGUST 18
tuesday AUGUST 19
wednesday AUGUST 20
thursday AUGUST 21
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
SIGMA DELTA TAU
ALPHA OMICRON PI
DELTA DELTA DELTA
1064 south lumpkin street delivered to the dorms
1190 south milledge avenue
1111 south milledge avenue
ZETA TAU ALPHA
PI BETA PHI
KAPPA DELTA
SIGMA KAPPA
897 south milledge avenue
886 south milledge avenue
750 south milledge avenue
654 south milledge avenue
ALPHA GAMMA DELTA
KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
DELTA PHI EPSILON
KAPPA ALPHA THETA
530 south milledge avenue
440 south milledge avenue delivered to the dorms
338 south milledge avenue
CHI OMEGA
GAMMA PHI BETA
ALPHA PHI
DELTA ZETA
324 south milledge avenue
397 south milledge avenue
387 south milledge avenue
317 south milledge avenue
friday AUGUST 22
DELTA GAMMA
PHI MU
ALPHA DELTA PI
ALPHA XI DELTA
290 south milledge avenue
250 south milledge avenue
150 south milledge avenue delivered to the dorms
THE AVENUE will continue to accept and deliver Happy & Bid Day Basket orders even after recruitment is over. It is never too late to celebrate the girls you love.
Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM
12 PM - 5 PM