The Other Athens.

"Hi Peter, I'm Michael. This is Mike. Let's form a band."

Athens, GA – Pulling up to Terrapin Beer Company, we were disappointed to see a note on the door saying it was closed for a staff meeting.

But, we were in luck.

It turns out the brewery tour only opens at 5:30 p.m. four days a week, and we were early.

So, before returning, we walked through the University of Georgia's campus and had a delicious dinner on the sidewalk patio at Five Star Day Café. Stuffed meatloaf with jalapeno tomato sauce, mashed potatoes and mac 'n cheese left me too full to try the cobbler.

We were shocked to return to the brewery and find hundreds of cars snaked around it. Strains of bluegrass rock hummed from a band onstage and white lights twinkled overhead as people milled about, walked their dogs or tossed Frisbees.

Lots of beers and beards at the Terrapin Beer Company.

Most had one of a dozen different beers that had been set up at five different pouring stations around the property. It was an extremely relaxed setting, and everyone was remarkably friendly.

For $10, you got a pint glass to keep and a pink wristband, numbered 1-8, that told you when you had had enough. Each number was stamped for a a ¼-pour sample (closer to half), and four would get you a full pint.

Being from out-of-town *may* have resulted in a couple gratis pours.

Before long, we had made new friends who told us of can't-miss locales around town. Good food, good music, good beers and welcoming people. Athens felt like home.

I have a new favourite east-coast American city.

Seriously, I could live here.

Vitals:

• Time:10 hours
• Distance: 803.8 kms
• Weather: Light rain, giving way to sun
• States: Florida, Georgia
• Wildlife: Turtles on the road