An independent travel website is reaffirming what many locally have argued for years: Athens is one of the coolest towns in the United States.
In its list of "the 20 coolest towns in the U.S." posted online Thursday, the Matador Network ranked Athens at 11, calling it a "progressive oasis in the western Allegheny foothills."
The Matador Network specifically cited Athens' "music scene, massive street festivals, supposed hauntedness, and, of course, the college the town revolves around: Ohio University" as reasons for the honor.
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It gave specific nods to the vegan fare at Casa Nueva on West State Street and the pizza and beer made at Jackie O's Pub & Brewery on West Union Street.
It also listed OU football and basketball games, ghost hunting at the Ridges and attending house parties as components of a "perfect day" in Athens.
Last semester, USA Today readers named Athens the second best place in the U.S. to spend a "College Town Weekend."
@SamuelHHoward
sh335311@ohio.edu
