Clarkesville, Georgia

See the city's calendar and our events calendar. The Mountain Laurel Festival returns in mid-May 2027, date to be announced.

Clarkesville was established in 1821 as the Habersham County seat and is named for John Clark, Georgia's governor at the time. It grew up along the Unicoi Turnpike, an old Native American trade route. Today the walkable square has antique shops, galleries, boutiques and the Habersham County Courthouse. Sam Pitts Park, at 221 Sam Pitts Circle, has trails for walking and running and is a good picnic spot.

The city offers a historic walking tour; download it from the city site. Habersham Community Theatre stages shows through the year; see our events calendar for the current run.

Mark of the Potter sells handmade pottery from local and regional artists in a 1930s mill at 9982 Highway 197 North, on the Soque River. Summer hours are 10 AM to 6 PM every day; call 706-947-3440 for current hours, since the shop posts seasonal schedules. It has operated for more than five decades. If you want to stay longer, the owners rent a mountain retreat on Airbnb.

Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant, at 1789 Bear Gap Road (706-754-7295), is a historic inn more than a century old with 16 guest rooms. The restaurant serves the public as well as guests; reserve by phone or OpenTable. For other options on the square, check the city's visitor guide or ask at city hall for current picks.

Habersham Winery is in Helen, not Clarkesville, but it's an easy stop on the drive between the two. Tastings end 30 minutes before closing, and the winery hosts live music on weekends through October 31. More in our Habersham wineries guide.