If you’re coming from out of town, where do you stay?

Find a great Athens friend who loves to host for a full game day weekend experience—or book the Athens Airbnb right on Milledge for the perfect mix of charm and convenience!

Where are you going for your morning coffee?

Jittery Joe’s is a go-to if I’m near Five Points—I love an iced matcha latte! Foxtail Coffee is another favorite, a quaint new spot closer to downtown Athens with a cozy vibe. Independent Baking Co. in Five Points also serves up a rich espresso and is a perfect place to grab a fresh cinnamon roll and enjoy the local scene.

What’s for breakfast?

Our family loves Farmcart on Baxter. Kelly and Kaitlyn always order “The Farmer” breakfast—a buttermilk biscuit with sausage, fried egg, cheddar cheese, organic microgreens, and pepper jam. Lyla and I go for the vanilla yogurt parfait, and they serve great coffee too! Another iconic breakfast spot (my son, Porter loves) is Mama’s Boy—known for their biscuits, Georgia Peach French Toast, and the always-busy patio vibe on game day mornings.

You have a little time before you tailgate—where do you go to spend a little time while you’re in town?

We love strolling through the shops in Five Points—Appointments at 5, Amelia’s Apparel, and Fleet Feet are always on our list. If it’s a later game, walking through downtown Athens is a must! So many amazing local boutiques (Heery’s, Fabrik, Epiphany) and delicious lunch spots—Ted’s Most Best is a family favorite. We also love a stop at Condor Chocolates for a sweet treat. Last Resort Grill is also a classic stop for lunch—fresh, Southern-inspired, and always a crowd pleaser.

Any pregame traditions?

Yes! We always start the day with movement. For years, we’ve done a Game Day run—starting in Five Points, jogging or walking to the stadium, and doing a loud and proud “GOOO DAWGS!” before jogging back—we always wear our red and black active wear. If it’s an afternoon or evening kickoff, we’ll do a strength workout at TransFit Athens in Five Points to get those touchdown arms ready!

Tailgate time—where are you picking up your favorite provisions?

We love trays of delicious bites from Marti’s at Midday and barbecue from White Tiger—Athens favorites that never disappoint.

Where do you tailgate?

We’ve always loved tailgating on North Campus near the library. Now that we have kids at UGA, we also love walking around campus, visiting with their friends and families—it’s such a fun way to soak in the energy of game day.

Game time! Where are your seats? What do you wear to show your team love? Any favorite in-game traditions?

We sit wherever we can grab the best seats for that particular game! We rotate with our kids and family. Our outfits are always red and black—and chosen carefully to beat the Georgia heat! One of our favorite moments is hearing the lone trumpet play “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and watching the Redcoat Band and majorettes during pregame. It gives me chills every time.

What are you doing after the game?

Depending on the game time, we love heading back to the tailgate to reconnect with friends and relive the highlights. Honestly, after a full day of cheering on the Dawgs, we’re usually wiped out—but it’s always worth it! And if we’re still feeling energized after a big win, we might celebrate with friends on the rooftop at the Georgia Theatre—great views and unbeatable post-game energy!

What’s your favorite thing about game day in your college town?

The best part of game day is the people. Reuniting with old friends, meeting new ones, seeing how families have grown—it’s a beautiful blend of nostalgia and celebration. No matter where life has taken us, we all come back together to cheer on the Dawgs. There’s nothing like a Saturday gameday in Athens!