Athen’s Antebellum architecture marks the beginning of the Georgia Antebellum Trail and provides passersby glimpses of history dating back before the Civil War. One of the most sought out college towns and places to retire, this community is home to the University of Georgia, the birthplace of public higher education in the United States. It’s not just all history here, come and taste a bite of southern comfort food smothered in butter and fried to perfection.