Why Visit Athens Texas

Making the most of your visit to Athens

By Darlene Forshage

If you’re reading this, chances are SOMETHING has already sold you on the idea of coming to Athens. Be it retirement, a sporting event, a weekend retreat, or just plain curiosity . . . you’ve either made the trip or are planning to; and, if we’re doing our job as residents, you’ll be made to feel welcome. Still, during your stay you will have certain needs to be met in order to feel as though your time in town was worth the effort. True?

To better plan for your trip, find us online at www.athenstx.org. Our new website is very user-friendly, engaging, and informative. You may find an upcoming event at the Henderson County Fair Park appealing. Perhaps details in our online itineraries sparked you to gather information about the East Texas Arboretum or the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and create your own interactive excursion? Maybe the site pointed you in the direction of a series of GPS clues that will lead you to hidden geocache “treasures” throughout town? Or, did you submit an online request to our travel professionals for their help in planning a guided tour for your group? Whatever activities you decide upon, we’re going to make sure that you enjoy yourself! While on the website, remember to “like” us on Facebook. Our Facebook Friends receive weekly updates on events, and frequent access to promotions available only through our Facebook connection!

Get the most out of your Athens visit. Make your first stop the Athens Welcome Center, just one block southwest of the downtown courthouse square at 201 W. Corsicana Street. Home to the City of Athens Department of Tourism, the Welcome Center can offer you a variety of informational pieces on local and area hotels, attractions, dining, events, shopping, arts, parks, health care, interesting facts and much more. Our detailed street maps pinpoint the location and contact details of our major attractions, shopping areas, government offices, and ATM machines, and even provide the latitudes and longitudes if you’d rather rely on your GPS unit to get you there. Oh, and don’t forget to ask for one of our famous Discount Pages, containing special offers available ONLY to our out-of-town visitors!

As you look around town, you’ll quickly see the charm of days gone by. But don’t let our quaint appearance fool you! Today’s Athens is very technologically savvy. Many local businesses are wireless hot-spots. More than two dozen towers represent all major cell phone providers and ensure uninterrupted reception while you’re in the area; and the majority of our restaurants and shops are Foursquare-friendly, offering specials when you check-in with your wireless device. We want you to relax and enjoy your time in Athens, but we totally understand if you need to conduct a little business while here. With 75% of our local hotels and motels offering high-speed internet access, you’ll never be totally disconnected from family and friends.

We’re going to do our very best to ensure that your experiences in Athens are fun and fulfilling. In return, we only have one request . . . won’t you please help us to spread the word about how great our town is? Your candid comments are always welcomed on our website or Facebook Page.

You'll find us here

The Athens Welcome Center is located at 201 W. Corsicana Street (LAT: 32.204050N; LON: 95.856630W) and is opened Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For additional information and directions, call (888) 294-2847 or visit www.athenstx.org. For information about retiring in Athens, please visit www.athenstxretirement.org.