The Athens center point is around the area of Ohio University Peden Stadium and the area of Kennedy Museum of Art.
With four distinct seasons, choosing the best time to visit Athens depends on what you want to see and do while you're visiting. June through August are the most popular months for visitors to come to the area. These summer months have average high temperatures in the upper 70s and lows 80s Fahrenheit. With the pleasant weather, plenty of festivals and events occur during these months. However, keep in mind that hotels can also raise prices during this prime to take advantage of the greater numbers of crowds.
As summer comes to an end, crowds start to thin out and hotel prices begin to drop. September still has average highs in the upper 70s, but by November, these highs are in the low 50s. If you don't mind bringing a coat to deal with slightly cooler weather, late fall is a great time to visit. You can find some attractive deals on hotel prices, and you get to enjoy the fall foliage.
Winter in Athens brings cold temperatures and snow. In fact, from December to February, temperatures hover in the 30s and 40s, and the area receives an average of 19 inches of snowfall for the season. However, if you can handle these conditions, this time of year can allow you to get great hotel deals. While you won't be able to enjoy some of the outdoor attractions, many indoor attractions remain open during the winter.
If you don't like the cold but you still want affordable hotel prices, consider visiting Athens in spring. While average highs in March are still in the low 50s, by May, temperatures have reached the low 70s. Spring is a great season to plan a visit because you get to enjoy the flowers that are starting to bloom. Additionally, spring is when many festivals start returning to the area.
You can find several hotels around Athens that offer good discounts to help you save money on your trip. Hampton Inn Athens gives AAA and CAA members a 10 percent discount off their room rates. Additionally, seniors 65 years and older can also enjoy 10 percent off the best available rate. If you're an AARP member, you can use your membership to get up to 15 percent off during your stay. Members of the military and their families are eligible to receive exclusive savings on their leisure stays, and qualified government employees can also take advantage of special per diem rates.
If you're an auto club member, you can enjoy a 10 percent or more discount off the best available rate when you stay at Baymont Inn & Suites Athens. AARP members can also get a discount of 10 percent or more. If you're 60 years or older, you can take advantage of special savings during your stay. Plus, Baymont Inn & Suites Athens provides per diem rates to qualified government employees, and corporate discounts are available for select companies. All these savings come in addition to the great amenities always offered at the hotel, including complimentary wireless internet access and a free breakfast.
The value option hotels in Athens give you a comfortable place to sleep and amenities that make your stay feel more like home. Ohio University Inn & Conference Center is conveniently located on the Ohio University campus. While the rooms are straightforward, they do include refrigerators, coffeemakers, flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels, work desks, and free wireless internet access. A 24-hour business center, outdoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center are also available. While you can head to Cutler's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the hotel also offers daily room service.
Choose to stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Athens, and you'll be 2 miles from the Athens County Fairgrounds and about a mile from Ohio University. You'll enjoy a comfortable room that comes with a 32-inch flat-screen television, iPod docking station, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and free wireless internet access. You can start every day the right way with the free hot breakfast buffet. Then you can get in your daily exercise at the fitness center or swim a few laps in the indoor pool. Other amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour business center, guest laundry facilities, and free parking.
Athens offers plenty of interesting attractions throughout the year that are worth exploring more. The Kennedy Museum of Art on the Ohio University campus is an important part of cultural life for students and residents. One noteworthy permanent exhibit is the impressive collection of Southwest Native American jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. Other parts of the permanent collection include a prominent selection of contemporary prints, drawings, photographs, American paintings, and African art.
When you want to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the area, you won't find a better place to do it than Strouds Run State Park. This 2,606-acre park includes a 161-acre artificial lake stocked with several types of fish, including rainbow trout. Along with fishing, the lake is also a popular spot for canoeing and swimming. You can enjoy a variety of hiking trails in the park that range from 1 mile to 7 miles in length. Additionally, you'll find 15 mountain bike trails and 10 horseback riding trails.
To learn more about Athens and the surrounding area, plan a trip to the Southeast Ohio History Center. During your tour of the museum, you'll learn more about the impact World War I had on local people. Another interesting collection you can view is the John Edwin Snow slides. From 1890 to 1930, John Edwin Snow took pictures of the changing landscape in Athens. Through his photos, you can also see how the area has changed over the years.
From outdoor fun to history, you'll find plenty to see and do in Athens. You'll also discover a variety of hotels that will provide all the comfort and amenities you need for your stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Athens, OH from an actual visitor's perspective.
Ohio University is beautiful!
Ohio University is beautiful!
Ohio University beautiful!
Clean
Brought back old memories, everything looked in good shape.
Athens is beautiful, great college.
I loved that it was traffic-free and peaceful!
Ohio University is gorgeous, and we enjoy Court Street too!
Love the city!
Convenient!
Nice, small college town.
Great outdoor adventures!
We came to visit the University of Ohio. It's a very nice school. They had a very well organized and informative Ohio Up Close event. We were well taken care of at both the university the restaurants we went to.
It's beautiful!
Great Small Town Atmosphere!
I love Ohio University campus!!!! My son is a Bobcat!!
I love the Ohio University Campus and that my son is a new Bobcat!!!
They were only hotel in area that allowed dogs. I was in Athena to meet a breeder and pickup a puppy.
Went to Ohio University, Broney's and a Bagel Shop!
Ohio University in Athens is my second home! I love everything about it.
Staff was friendly room clean and comfy. Athens in Ohio University are my second home. I love everything about it.
Small, historic town in a park-like setting with lovely restaurants and bars!
The many stores and restaurants. The town of Athens was quaint.
Nice size city with all you could want, plenty to do, Harley Davidson Dealer in town.
Easy access to shopping, restaurants and sporting events.
all seemed to be clean and very friendly and safe place to visit!!!!
Loved the downtown area!!