10 Things You’ll Remember If You Grew Up In The 80s In Georgia

Oh, the 80's. A decade that will forever live in our hearts...and in our giant hairdos. Reminiscing about the 80's usually calls to mind rock music, hair bands, jean jackets and trips to the mall. But what about traditions that were Georgia-specific? Growing up in this fine state has allowed for some unique memories of its own. Have a look at some of those key happenings you'll remember if you grew up only in Georgia in the 1980's.

1. Kentucky Fried Chicken

This fast-food chicken joint sure hit its stride in the 1980's. Southern-style fried chicken, pretty much on demand? Georgians said a resounding YES.

2. UGA's BEST Mascot, Yet...

From 1981-1990, Seiler the bulldog, was the very first live mascot ever to be invited to a Heisman trophy presentation. It's probably important to note, Seiler also wore a stunning, custom-made tuxedo. We bet this pup looked sharp.

3. Six Flags Great Adventure

You couldn't drive past a Six Flags Great Adventure without a pang of jealousy for all those kids already having the time of their lives inside. Not to mention, if you were actually headed to the theme park....heart attack!!

4. Steve Martin at The Last Resort

Before he became huge, Steve Martin toured around the country, showcasing his hilarity and hijinx at famed clubs such as The Last Resort in Athens, Georgia.

5. The Only Question you Needed to Answer: "What'll Ya Have?"

Grab yourself some pop and a chili cheese dog at this famed Georgia fast food drive-in. Forever in our hearts, and in our minds, continuously during the 1980's. Well really, every decade since the 1920's, right?

6. There's No Jam Quite Like SnowJam 1982

It even has its own website. That's right. The snow storm that hit Georgia in January of 1982 will forever live in infamy. The huge, unpredictable snowstorm paralyzed parts of Georgia, created havoc among the residents and forever became one of the most memorable storms in history.

7. R.E.M's First Gig Ever

In a crumbling church in 1980, famed rock band R.E.M. played their very first gig. To think, Michael Stipe sung his first lyrics in Athens, Georgia. If you were lucky enough to attend, you're a true 1980's Georgian rock fan.

8. The B-52's Built a Love Shack in our Hearts

Speaking of rock legends, did you also know that 80's rock group the B-52's also hail from Georgia?! Thanks to these Georgia Rock Lobsters, the world got a taste of New Wave and Post-punk, mixed with a bit of Rockabilly.

9. The Last Championship for UGA....

If you're a UGA fan, then you know the year perfectly well. 1980: the last year the Georgia Bulldogs won a National Championship. Raise your hand if you miss Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award winner Herschel Walker.

10. Claudell Washington & the Atlanta Braves

While we're on the topic of sports, we can't leave out one of the greatest parts of the early 1980s--Claudell Washington. One of the youngest All-Stars in Major League history, not to mention one of the primary reasons our channels were tuned to WTBS, The Super Station at 7:05pm EST.

Ahh, the 1980's were quite a wild time. Some great rock-and-roll bands emerged, along with some very memorable moments in sports. And then there was the SnowJam! My oh my, Georgia was never the same after this "gnarly" decade. Feel like we missed anything? Share in the comments below!