Well, the beautiful weekend weather didn't really hold up as forecasted, did it? After a full Friday of high temps, blue skies and no precipitation, the last few days have consisted of rain, rain and more rain in a weather 180°. (http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/images/uploads/movie_theatre.gif)
Luckily, the Moms Walk for a Cure was able to come and go without a single raindrop, but most of the weekend events moved indoors. Because we all know in Athens, when it rains it pours.
But the great thing about this city is, whether it's a show uptown or a university event, there's constantly something to do - despite the rain. And even on a lazy, rainy Sunday, there's always the chance to catch up on recent box office flicks. Below is a compilation of the best local theaters, their prices and attractions.
The Athena
Although The Athena uptown offers 5 dollar matinee tickets, 4 dollar movie Tuesdays and free Arts for Ohio Cinematheque screenings for all Ohio University Students, sometimes you just want to see a mainstream movie. In a theater that offers independent films, and usually only 3-4 movies at a time, mainstream movies aren't really an option.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2819617194_d7a6e28367.jpg)The Athena Grand
Your next closest bet is Athena Grand on East State Street. Offering 3D movie options, a small arcade and a broad range of concessions snacks (including over 12 flavored popcorn toppings - yum!), it's pretty much your basic local movie theater. But with tickets at 6.50 (12 to 13 dollars for 3D films), plus food and arcade games, a trip to the movies quickly turns into costing the price of a full tank of gas.
(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Athens-OH/Athena-Grand/101425333232551?v=wall#!/photo.php?pid=8163&id=101425333232551&fbid=101520463223038)Movies 10
So all you avid Athena Grand goers out there, listen up. I will let you in on a local student secret. Only 7 minutes north of Athens on US Route 33 in Nelsonville, OH, is Movies 10 theater. Although it's further from town, it's more than well-worth the trip.
First of all, they just built a brand new, amusement park-sized arcade facility called the Fun Barn featuring more games than you can count, a mini bowling alley, bumper cars, food court and the only flight simulator in the state. Check out this article by Athens Midday for more information on the Fun Barn, as well as the video below showcasing their main attractions.
But aside from the Fun Barn, the biggest upside to Movies 10 is the fact that they offer 4 dollar movie tickets for all ages, all the time. And really, nothing gets better than that. And I haven't even mentioned the popcorn prices. Movies 10 also offers a small popcorn or soda for a dollar.
Yes - you did in fact read that correctly. 1 dollar popcorn and soda! So even with all those arcade games, whether before or after the movie, at least you know the movie itself comes at a reasonable price. So hop on the Movies 10 bandwagon - your wallet and bank account will thank you later.
Here's a coupon from the Fun Barn Cafe's blog for your next visit, and until next time... April showers bring May flowers :)
