Happy Tuesday, Athens. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Athens Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:

• Sully’s Steamers 🥯
• Music Walk legends 🎵
• Cursive writing ✍️
• Things to do 📆

Let’s get to it.

📰 In the news

Downtown’s newest bagel spot: Sully’s Steamers opens at 255 E. Clayton St. next Monday (July 9) serving all-day steamed bagel sandwiches from classics like bacon, egg and cheese to its signature Griswold — get the full scoop.

Athens inducts 2025 legends: The Athens Music Walk of Fame announced five new honorees during AthFest on June 20, set to receive a bronze plaque downtown this fall — see who made the cut.

Georgia Flora mural unveiled: Athens-Clarke County’s new 100-foot “Georgia Flora” mural by UGA alum Amanda Burk is now on display along the East Campus Connector of the Athens Greenway — see it for yourself.

The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.

Highlights this week

• Georgia embraces cursive writing
• Check out the 100+ new laws starting today
• Kids explore nature at Sweet Pea Club
• Discover flora with the Thursday morning ramble
• Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment

🫶 We got your back

Scoops of sunshine: ZZ & Simone’s is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.

Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than China Wok—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.

See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? Five Points Eye Care Center isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.

Kickflip ready: Drop in for decks, wheels, and gear that won’t bail on you—Pedal Driven Cycles keeps everything locked in so you can focus on landing that trick instead of worrying about snapped axles.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🦇 Tears, Academy Order, Nerve Clinic and Support Group @ Flicker Theatre & Bar | Tuesday (7/1) at 8 pm – Four acts, one night, and twelve bucks gets you a deep dive into deathrock, industrial, and experimental noise. Philly’s Academy Order joins Athens’ own darkwave staples for a night that’ll rattle your bones and synth your soul.

🎤 July Open Mic With Featured Reader Rupert Fike @ Globe Athens | Wednesday (7/2) at 7 pm – This month’s Word of Mouth open mic rolls out the welcome mat for counterculture poet Rupert Fike, whose new book All Things in Common dives deep into ’60s revolution and community vibes. Sign up at 6 pm and grab a spot upstairs—readings kick off at 7 pm sharp. Whether you’re wielding a mic or cheering from the crowd, expect heartfelt verses, surprising stories, and maybe a flashback or two. Free entry and good vibes guaranteed.

🎶 Johnny Falloon + Trepid + Zastava @ The World Famous | Wednesday (7/2) at 9 pm – Three acts, one night, and absolutely no rules. Johnny Falloon brings the no wave noise, Trepid layers melody over distortion, and Zastava deals in raw Detroit energy. It’s all ages and $10 suggested, but no one’s turned away—just bring your ears and an open mind.

🐦 Nature Ramblers @ State Botanical Garden of Georgia | Thursday (7/3) at 9 am – Take a mindful stroll through the garden with fellow nature lovers, pausing for butterflies, mushrooms, or a good poem along the way. It’s not a hike—it’s a ramble, and you’re welcome to drop in anytime. Bring your favorite nature writing if the mood strikes.

🏕️ Inaugural Pryce Acres 4th of July Camp Out + Paintball Battle @ Pryce Acres | Friday (7/4) at 12 pm – Gear up for a legendary long weekend under the stars, where you can pitch a tent or bunk in a cabin for free, or just roll in for the day starting at five bucks. Spend your days splashing in the creek, duking it out on the paintball field, and belting your favorite karaoke jams by twilight. When night falls, cozy up around the fire with s’mores in hand, then cap it all off with an explosive fireworks show—freedom never felt this fun.

🎲 Friday Night Initiative – Learn to Play RPGs @ Tyche’s Games | Friday (7/4) at 7 pm – Grab your lucky dice and join us at Tyche’s Games for a sneak peek at our latest roleplaying adventure starting at 6:30 pm. New players are more than welcome—no experience needed to roll your first character. It’s free, fun, and the quest officially begins at 7 pm!

This weekend

🥕 Athens Farmers Market @ Bishop Park | Saturday (7/5) at 8 am – Roll out of bed and saunter over to Bishop Park for locally grown goodies—think jewel-toned berries, homemade jams, and flaky pastries. Over 40 vendors means more options than your Aunt Edna’s spice rack, plus freshly brewed coffee to fuel your weekend shopping spree. Don’t forget your furry sous-chef; pups are welcome outside the pavilion (just keep them off the courts).

🎵 2025 Classic City American Music Festival @ The Foundry | Saturday (7/5) at 1:30 pm – Celebrate the heart and soul of Americana with a day-long showcase of bluegrass, folk, and country-rock at one of Athens’ coziest indoor venues. Pull up a chair, snag some BBQ off the truck, and let the grassroots sounds of local and regional acts transport you across the decades of classic American tunes. It’s $10 in advance (or $15 at the door), kids 12 & under are free, and UGA IDs score a sweet discount.

🕹 90s Night Themed Party @ Athentic Brewing Co | Saturday (7/5) at 6 pm – Dust off your denim and plaid for a neon-soaked throwback bash featuring Super Nintendo and N64 classics all day long. Jam out to Youvegotmail.band’s live 90s covers from 6–8 pm, then strut your retro best in the costume contest at 8 pm. Keep the vibe bumping with a rad DJ dance party until 11 pm, plus mouthwatering bites from Paltas Kitchen to fuel your booyah energy. It’s the ultimate nostalgia-fest you didn’t know you needed!

🧘 Athens Yoga Collective Yoga Class @ Athentic Brewing Co | Sunday (7/6) at 1 pm – “Fun yoga in fun places with fun people” hits the patio at 108 Park Ave. Kick off your week with a free flow led by Athens Yoga Collective on the first and third Sundays. BYO mat and prepare to find muscles you forgot existed.

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 7/1 Open Improv Jam @ Flying Squid Comedy – 8 pm
• 7/1 Academy Order and more @ Flicker Theatre & Bar – 8 pm
• 7/1 Open Mic @ Normal Bar – 8 pm
• 7/2 Gorgeous George’s Improv League @ Buvez – 7 pm
• 7/2 Karaoke w/ DJ Gregory @ Athentic Brewing Co – 7 pm
• 7/2 Open Mic @ MaiKai Kava Lounge – 8 pm
• 7/2 Lanny Farmer @ The Root – 8 pm
• 7/2 Johnny Falloon and more @ The World Famous – 9 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.

Mary C. Smith (Corcoran Classic Living) – 4 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | Built in 1977 | 5407 sqft

Crystal Hills’ finest ranch just called: it’s showing off. Three and a half acres of private, wooded wonderland wrap around a sprawling home where hardwood floors meet gas fireplaces, and the kitchen is so glam even the countertops are quartzite divas. Vaulted ceilings and walls of windows ensure the great room is basically a sunbeam magnet, while the walk-in pantry and wet bar are ready for midnight snackers and wine snobs alike.

Bedrooms come with en suite baths and closets that could host a small party—or at least a built-in desk. Downstairs, terracotta tiles and French doors keep things light and breezy, while the pièce de résistance is the outdoor lodge: vaulted, stoned, and fireplace-equipped for year-round revelry. Privacy, luxury, and a dash of architectural swagger—Crystal Hills just raised the bar.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →