If you’ve signed an August-to-August lease on your off-campus housing, you’ll get to experience summertime in Athens, Ohio. Since the town is inextricable from the university, the mass exodus of students each May really changes the social landscape, both for the remaining students and for the people who live here. What’s so special about it? We’ll tell you:
Fast-Paced Classes
Summer semester is totally different than Fall and Spring. You’re fitting 15 weeks of material into 5 or 6, which means fast-paced classes dense with information. You’re probably like, “Okay, how is this cool?” Hear me out – some classes that are just absolutely awful to take in the Fall or Spring actually end up being way easier in the summer. Since lectures are more focused and timelines are tight, that Human Physiology class you bombed in the Fall gets way simpler in Summer semester. And, for those of us that actually enjoy lectures, having so much info packed into each class is actually more engaging.
Fun in the Sun at Stroud’s
Stroud’s Run is great all times of the year. But in the late Spring and early Fall, the beach gets super-crowded because it’s townies as well as students. The middle of the summer is different, and whether you’re sun-bathing on the beach, playing volleyball, hiking, or renting kayaks, it’s a little oasis – a way to get away from it all in less than a 10-minute drive.
Micro-Communities at the Bars
The barscape on Court Street totally changes during Summer semester; and it’s awesome. No more super-crowded bars and waiting in line for twenty minutes at Broney’s to grab one solitary drink. But it’s not a ghost town either. Students who stay for the summer and live in rentals near the bars tend to visit the same haunts over and over during the summer. This leads to meeting people you normally wouldn’t and forming friendships without ever needing to trade numbers or Snapchat handles. It’s a throwback to simpler times, and an experience that makes you feel like a part of a little community.
Local Events Uptown & Around
Athens comes alive in the Spring, and the people who live in this small town love to have fun just as much as the students do. Some things to check out during your summer in Athens are:
Athens’ Farmers Market: This is a year-round situation, but it’s in full swing in the Summer. And it’s not just amazing local produce and farm-raised meats – there are local artists vending there all the time, too.
Dairy Barn: This building used to be part of the Ridges (which is also totally cool to visit in the summer). They have exhibits from local artists, a bunch of cool classes you can take, and frequent events to go to.
Hocking Hills and Burr Oak: Between the archaeological history and the unique geological features, hiking these state parks is absolutely beautiful in the summer. And they’re only 30 minutes away from town!
Disc Golf… or Regular Golf: OU’s campus boasts a fun disc golf course as well as a riverside golf-golf course. There’s also now a secret little backwoods disc golf course over by Armitage Farms that weaves through woods and orchards.
Local Music: Local bars and restaurants use the summer to pack their performer schedules, and there are many great local artists and bands that come to Athens in the summer for just this purpose.
Local events include:
Spring Literacy Festival (April)
Ratha Con (April)
Thunderbunny Trail Races (May)
Cruise in and Food Truck Rally (May)
Black Diamond Music & Arts Festival (June)
Summer Solstice at Wisteria (June)
Cruise in for the Shelter Dogs (July)
Athens County Fair (August)
Boogie on the Bricks (August)
PawPaw Festival (August/September)
Here for the summer? Get more details on what’s coming up from these sources: