Athens

Athens, TN

The Friendly City

Welcome home, to Athens, TN. Named the friendly city for a reason, here you’ll find a welcoming community with plenty to do. Located directly between two major Tennessee cities, Knoxville and Chattanooga, you are always minutes away from any of your favorite hobbies. The downtown area of Athens provides dining options, local boutiques and entertainment. Each year, the community gathers for festivals, parades and concerts.

Since TWU’s founding in 1857, the partnership between city and school has played a large role in the economic development of the region.  Approximately 90 percent of Tennessee Wesleyan’s expenditures are made, on the average, in the five counties of McMinn, Bradley, Monroe, Loudon, and Knox. From 2012-2017, Tennessee Wesleyan contributed more than $343 million to the local economy (an average of $68.6 million per year).

TWU and Athens share deep roots. Core to the mission of the school, Wesleyan has and will continue to be dedicated to educating the students of this region, and beyond. 

Let's Grab a Bite

Athens boasts an array of restaurants, both chains and local joints, for every pallet. Whether you want Mexican food, a steak, barbecue, sushi, or a great sandwich, there’s something within walking distance from campus or a short drive. If you’re craving something Athens doesn’t have, our proximity to Chattanooga and Knoxville will help you find what you’re looking for in less than an hour.

And don’t forget, Athens is home to Mayfield Dairy Farms. Visit the dairy less than five minutes from campus, and enjoy the hand dipped Mayfield ice cream in the dining hall every Friday.

Experience East TN

In the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Athens is surrounded by all the beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures East Tennessee has to offer. In less than 2 hours you can find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee National Forest, the Nantahala National Forest, and the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are nearly 20 waterfalls within an hour of campus, and opportunities for rafting, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.

Let's Catch a Game

TWU boasts a strong athletic program and there are always events happening on campus. If you want to catch some professional sports, there are multiple opportunities close to Athens. Whether it’s minor league baseball (Chattanooga, Sevierville) or hockey (Knoxville), or the big leagues in Atlanta and Nashville, you can catch a game at any level within a couple hours of campus.

Maybe Go Appreciate Some Culture?

If art and music are more your thing, in Athens you can catch the annual summer concert series, arts crawls and productions, and celebrate holidays with the famous Pumpkintown Festival and one of the best Christmas parades you can find.

Shopping Time!

Walk to downtown Athens to see a number of boutique shops like the White Street Market and Greeks Bearing Gifts, among numerous others. Area cities like Cleveland, Chattanooga, and Knoxville provide malls and department stores.

Let's Go To Church

No matter the type of church you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it within minutes of campus. We even have a church directly adjacent to campus, pastored by our University Chaplain.

TWU prepares students with the transformative experience and to be well-rounded leaders who make a positive impact on the world.

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