The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/9/07 Section: Variety

Media Credit: JENNA FINDLAN The Ritz is one of the clubs downtown, perfect for University students younger that 21 years of age. [Click to enlarge]

A distinctive blend of modern culture and sophisticated Southern charm, Athens is a bustling college town that offers endless possibilities for fun.

By day, downtown provides amazing food and shopping and by night, the city comes alive with an abundance of bars and clubs that offer a variety of entertainment.

But let's face it, civic pride aside, Athens can suck for the under-21 crowd. At least for the law-abiding under-21 crowd.

Sure, there are always fake IDs, but University rules and policies concerning underage drinking have gotten much stricter in the past few years. Sanctions for alcohol misconduct include mandatory awareness classes, suspension and even expulsion.

"In my job, I've seen a lot of people get in trouble for underage drinking or having fake IDs," said Resident Assistant Ishita Chowdhury. "To me, it's not worth it. One night of fun is not worth losing your education."

Then of course there's always getting arrested - pesky cops.

Luckily, if you know where you're going, there are a lot of alternatives to clubs and bars for a good time.

Concerts provide good fun, and thanks to the city's musical heritage, live music shows abound here in Athens.

Some common 18+ venues are 40 Watt, Caledonia Lounge, Tasty World and the Georgia Theatre. Just make sure to check age restrictions for special events.

Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, restaurants are a good place to hang out.

Most stay open until 10:30 or 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and provide a nice atmosphere for you and your friends to relax.

If you're in the mood for more upbeat things to do, some places have live music and some, like Wild Wings Cafe and Amici Italian Cafe, have special nights for things like karaoke and trivia.

Coffee shops can also be a good option, especially for music. Starbucks is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Jittery Joe's is until midnight. If you're a late-nighter, check out The Grill and Hot Corner Coffee, both open 24 hours.

Of course, what would a night out be without going to the club?

Luckily, Athens has something to offer here, too. If you're more into dancing than live music, your best bet is The Ritz. This huge downtown club plays a variety of music and even has a salsa night with free lessons on Wednesdays.

The music is usually hip-hop on the weekends, and is frequently used for parties.

While clubs give you a chance to get your groove on, be prepared to pay; there's usually a cover for those under 21.

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