As a new student, it’s easy to get so caught up in your studies that you forget to enjoy all that Athens, OH, has to offer. Whether it’s your first semester at Ohio University or you’ve been here for years and just haven’t taken the time to see the sights, step outside of your Ohio University apartments and try visiting some of these other places in the Athens area.
Kennedy Museum of Art
This museum is actually owned by Ohio University. It features a rotating art exhibition, which means that there will be new displays here on a regular basis. So, consider coming back once every couple of months to see the new exhibit and get a taste of artistic beauty. Whether you’re an art student looking to brush up on your cultural studies or you’re simply looking for a quiet and refined way to spend an evening, the Kennedy Museum of Art is a great place to go.
Dairy Art Barn
The Dairy Art Barn is another art-centric place to visit. It combines art with a bit more of a rustic, hometown feeling. This art space and museum is, as the name implies, set up inside a dairy barn. The quilt exhibit gives you a look at a type of art that few people take the time to appreciate, and the gift shop sells goods from local artists and creators. They also host special events, including a holiday craft fair, so be sure to check their calendar so that you don’t miss out on anything fun!
Athens Farmers Market
The Athens farmers market is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Here, you’ll find fresh locally-grown produce, grass-fed beef, locally-made cheese and organic yogurt, homemade teas, and more. It’s a great place to pick up some groceries, treat yourself to a loaf of fresh homemade bread, or simply stroll along and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the outdoor market.
Athena Cinema
The Athena Cinema, like the Kennedy Museum of Art, is also owned by Ohio University. It’s been in operation since 1915 and currently shows a mix of both popular movies and lesser-known indie films. It’s a rite of passage for most OU students, so if you haven’t been to a movie at the Athena Cinema yet, it’s time to check their movie schedule and get down there!
O’Betty’s Hot Dog Museum
This is a must-see location for everyone in Athens—whether you like hot dogs or not. This fun and unusual museum is entirely dedicated to the hot dog and features things like hot dog-shaped cars and toys, hot dog-inspired candy and clothing, and entire cookbooks dedicated to different ways to prepare the hot dog. Of course, they sell hot dogs too. You’ll find a surprisingly large menu here, so try ordering a hot dog in a new and different way than what you’re used to. You just might be surprised, and you may even find a new favorite way to eat your hot dogs!
Athens, OH, may not be the tourism capital of the country, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to see or do. If you’re new to the area, try visiting some of these fun sites that are totally unique to Athens. And, if you’re still looking for Ohio University apartments in Athens, OH, be sure to check out the listings on our website.
