Clarkesville, Georgia

Clarkesville is the county seat of Habersham County and one of the oldest towns in northeast Georgia, founded in 1823. It sits about 25 minutes south of Helen on GA-17, and the drive takes you through rolling mountain foothills. Where Helen is busy and tourist-focused, Clarkesville is quiet and genuine. The historic downtown square has antique shops, a small-town courthouse, and streets lined with old brick buildings. It is the kind of place where you can park once and walk everywhere you need to go.

The town's biggest draw is Mark of the Potter, Georgia's oldest craft gallery, located in a converted 1930s gristmill on the Soque River. Watching potters work at their wheels while the river rushes past the windows is one of those experiences that sticks with you. The Soque River itself draws fly fishers from across the Southeast for its trout waters. Glen-Ella Springs Inn, a beautifully restored 1890s inn on Bear Gap Road, is one of the most romantic getaways in the mountains. Add in good restaurants like Copper Pot and the nearby Habersham wineries, and Clarkesville makes for an easy, rewarding half-day trip from Helen.

Mark of the Potter sits at 9982 Highway 197 North in a historic gristmill that overhangs the Soque River. The building was converted into a pottery gallery decades ago and has been operating ever since. Inside, you will find handcrafted pottery, blown glass, jewelry, and woodwork from regional artisans. The potter's wheel is usually going when the shop is open, and watching the process up close is a highlight for visitors of all ages.

Summer hours are daily from 10 AM to 6 PM; winter hours run 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free. Call (706) 947-3440 for current hours. The river view from the back of the shop alone is worth the stop. If you are driving the scenic Highway 197 corridor from Helen toward the lakes, Mark of the Potter is right on the route and easy to combine with other stops.

Downtown Clarkesville centers on the Habersham County Courthouse and the surrounding square. The streets have antique shops, small boutiques, and a couple of good restaurants. Copper Pot serves wood-fired pizzas and craft beers with a creek-side patio that feels great on a warm evening. The Attic does steaks and American classics. For something more upscale, Glen-Ella Springs Inn has a restaurant with Southern-inspired dishes in a historic setting.

The Soque River, which runs through the area, is known for excellent trout fishing. Access points are available along Highway 197. If you prefer wine to fishing, Habersham Winery is nearby and several other wineries dot the Habersham County landscape. Clarkesville pairs well with a visit to Cornelia, which is just 10 minutes away and has its own set of quirky attractions.