Autumn in Athens

   In Athens, Ohio Zach’s cousin Sara and her husband Roy welcomed us into their home and gave us a thorough and thoughtful orientation to Athens.  They were delighted to have visitors and told us all about the sights and history in and around Athens.  We were excited to hear the surrounding area offered a wealth of hiking and nature exploration, but many of the sites involved considerable drives to get there, so we opted to bike on the bike path and into downtown Athens.    

   Athens was a adorable little town, nestled in the crook of a diverted  river.  Home of the university of Ohio, it is pretty hip and happening for a town of its size, with youthful stores and bars and “co-eds” teeming the streets.  Roy told us of the “court street shuffle” a challenge to go to all 12 of the bars on the main street of town: court street.  We toyed with the idea, but decided we were content to just explore the town in the daylight and relax in the evening: a developing theme of ours.   

   With the crisp leaves on the ground, a little bit of a chill in the air (down from 70s-80s in DC), the and the wealth of college students, Athens reminded us of the allure of New England autumns.  As we wandered the little streets we stopped into Farmacy, the local co-op; hung out at the Donkey, a hip little cafe; and perused Athens Underground, the funky thrift store. 

   The next morning glad to once again have use of a kitchen, we made scallion pancakes for a hearty savory breakfast before heading onward to Chicago.  As we left Athens, we passed through Nelsonville, the next town over, and as Roy informed us, the home town of the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker! We were so glad to have a place to stay in Ohio and a nice little sojourn in the country before the Windy City.

the bean counter
miles traveled: 366
pieces of snail mail sent: 7
mullets: 0