7 spots to have a ’50s-inspired day in downtown Athens, Alabama

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View Athens through a ’50s lens with these fun spots. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Immerse yourself in the charm of the quaint downtown Athens, Alabama adorned with ’50s-inspired spots.

Visit Athens to see for yourself why these classic spots have been cherished for years, and they’re not going anywhere.

1. Kreme Delite

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I can’t visit downtown without getting a swirl cone from Kreme Delite. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Kreme Delite has stood proudly in Athens since 1951. This retro, walk-up dairy bar is always packed in the summer with people lining up for soft serve, milkshakes and hotdogs.

2. Gulf Gas Station (​aka College Inn/Newby Gulf Station Museum)

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Check out these original gas pumps preserved in downtown. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Located just across from the Duck Pond stands the Newby Gulf Station Museum, a restored full service station built in the 1930s according to Visit Athens. It’s one of the only of its kind in the state that is still standing, and it’s now a museum.

  • Location:
  • Call 256-233-8728 to schedule a tour of the museum

3. U.G. White Mercantile

U.G. White is the ultimate old-timey spot in Athens. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

U.G. White has been one of my favorite spots to explore since I was a kid. There aren’t any modern goods here—shop a variety of provisions, dry goods, gear, vintage toys, merch and more. This mercantile has been an icon of downtown for over a century.

There’s also a cute, retro coffee bar, Hi-Plane Coffee inside. Sip on some freshly roasted coffee while imaging you’ve stepped back in time.

4. Limestone Drug

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I love a cooling down with a good chocolate malt milkshake from Limestone Drug. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

In true old-fashioned style, there’s an original ice cream counter inside this corner-of-the-block pharmacy. They sell a variety of ice creams and shakes at the counter set in front of a gorgeous original built-in.

5. Limestone Legends Billiards

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Limestone Legends Billiards has 7 pool tables, a lounge area and plenty of events. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Pool, anyone? This quaint billiards lounge in downtown is a hub for hanging out, enjoying a cold beverage, listening to live music and brushing up on your pool skills.

6. Vinyl Revival

Browse a collection of ’50s music and other classic oldies at Vinyl Revival. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Round off your retro Athens day with a stop by the locally-owned record shop. You’ll find all the oldies and plenty of good vibes here.

7. Timeless Athens Restaurants

Wildwood Deli, Ro’s Grille, and Washington Street Diner will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Athens is home to several classic, timeless restaurants that have been loved for years. Satisfy your hunger with any of these locally-owned restaurant favorites.

  • Dubs Burgers | a beloved burger joint open since 1961
  • Washington Street Diner | classic Southern breakfast, lunch, sandwiches and fixin’s
  • Ro’s Grille | family favorite for lunch and dinner with hefty portions and a variety of tasty meals
  • Wildwood Deli | a quaint deli in the heart of downtown with fresh and tasty sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and more

Let us know how you like to spend a day in Athens, Alabama on FacebookTikTok and Instagram.

Elizabeth Hobbs
Elizabeth Hobbs
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