Athens has another trophy to add to its case. The Melting Point was named one of PASTE magazine’s “America’s 40 Best Music Venues.”

PASTE magazine called the venue, located in The Foundry Park Inn & Spa, the “best place to turn a concert into an Athens vacation.”

“I think The Melting Point deserves to be in the top 40. It’s beautiful and new, but built in a historical building,” said Katie Carmody, a senior from Roswell who has worked there since it opened.

Before (or after) seeing a show, patrons may visit the spa for a massage, eat a gourmet meal, or choose their drink of choice from an unusually long list for a concert venue.

With the extras and its intimate feel, The Melting Point easily became an Athens staple.

“We wanted to create a nice, intimate venue that caters to all types of audiences,” said Scott Drake, one of the developers and owners of the venue. “Our shows usually start at 8 p.m., so everyone can come early to enjoy dinner or stay after the show for a few drinks and still not get home too late.”

The three places included in the location are Athens Steam Company Pub, Hoyt House Restaurant & Pavilion and The Conference Center. In addition to its incredible style it has great food and, of course, alcohol.

“With a restaurant and extensive drink list, we can provide the right atmosphere for each show – we don’t want our shows to be ‘just another concert.’ We want to create an experience,” Drake said.

Although it houses more than 10,000 square feet, The Melting Point still offers an intimate concert, holding three levels of seating.

“It sounds great – every seat is within 50 feet of the stage, so every performance is really intimate. We have two full bars and a kitchen, so you can eat, drink and listen closely,” Carmody said.

“We have worked with PASTE magazine before,” Drake said. “I think they wanted to acknowledge great venues that everyone might not know are great.”

Although The Melting Point exceeds many standards, employees still were shocked to see their name on such a short list.

“Yes, I was very surprised to see our name on that list,” said Troy Aubrey, booking director for The Melting Point.

“We haven’t even been in existence for two years, so it’s a huge honor to be named the top 40 over hundreds of other businesses that have been around for 20 years or more.”

With a killer ambience, great lineups and a hard-working staff, it’s no wonder Athens, and now America, loves this place so much.