Athens, the county seat of McMinn County, is located along I-75 between Knoxville and Chattanooga. The city is blessed with rich architecture and assets in its historic downtown including the McMinn County Courthouse, Market Park, National Quilt Trail locations, Mayfield Dairies Corporate Headquarters and Visitors Center, and the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum. These assets and several unique destination businesses bring locals and visitors to the downtown for community arts and events, shopping and dining and use of government services. Described as “The Friendly City”, downtown Athens serves as a vibrant cultural center and market place for the community.