Your pick: Pottery, berries

Off-the-beaten-path pottery studios and other unique attractions make Watkinsville, a bedroom community of Athens, a quick summertime destination.

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Lori Johnston / AJC Special

Dawn Black picks strawberries from the raised beds at Washington Farms. Strawberries are in season through mid-June. Then it’s time to start thinking about blueberries.

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Anne-Marie Winterhawk

Native American themes are found at Winterhawk Pottery in the old Farmington Depot. The studio is holding an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

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Oconee County

The Eagle Tavern Museum is one of the oldest structures in Oconee County, having opened as a stagecoach stop in 1801.

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Kathy Chappelle

Peaches are prominent on some pieces created at Happy Valley Pottery.

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Don’t miss:

» Happy Valley Pottery This ramshackle collection of buildings houses studios by five potters, including owners Jerry and Kathy Chappelle, plus glass artists Loretta Eby and Jeff Jackson. Open daily. 1210 Carson Graves Road, 706-769-5922. A pottery open house featuring Happy Valley and other artists is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today at Chappelle Gallery (25 S. Main St., 706-310-0985). Stroll Watkinsville’s Main Street and check out art at Sunshine Village Ltd., Main Street Studio & Gallery and newcomer C. Allee Studio and Gallery.

» Washington Farms: Kids and adults squat in the field to pluck juicy strawberries from plants grown in raised plastic beds. They are available through mid-June, followed by blueberries. Other activities include feeding goats and a bumpy slide made of plastic pipes. Produce, $10 per gallon (cash and checks only). 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 706-769-0627, www.washingtonfarms.net.

» Winterhawk Pottery: This studio featuring Native American-inspired pieces is outside Watkinsville, in the old Farmington Depot. Open house 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today (1011 Salem Road, Farmington, 706-310-1893, www.winterhawkpottery.com, regular hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday). The J.B. (Jeff Bishoff) and Friends pottery and art sale is down the street, noon-5 p.m. today (1790 Salem Road, Farmington, 706-769-8401).

If You Go

Getting there

Watkinsville is about 70 miles east of Atlanta.

Where to stay

Ashford Manor Bed & Breakfast: The Victorian inn dates to 1893; its 5-acre grounds host concerts on Mondays, June-September. $89-$199. 5 Harden Hill Road, 706-769-2633, www.ambedandbreakfast.com, www.amconcerts.com for lineup and tickets.

Where to eat

Big Easy Café: Enjoy cheese grits and New Orleans favorites. Breakfast and lunch weekdays, breakfast Saturday, closed Sunday. 20 Greensboro Highway, 706-769-3030, www.thebigeasycafe.com.

The Granary: Bakery and country store sells wheat and breads, baked goods and packaged items (closed Sunday-Monday). 20 C. Greensboro Highway. 706-769-6766, thegranarybread.com.

Mirko Pasta: Mirko Di Giacomantonio, co-owner of Figo Pasta, came to Watkinsville with a pasta shop in the Town Center. Lunch and dinner. 2 S. Main St., 706-310-1233, www.mirkopasta.com.

Maison Bleu Restaurant: This fine dining establishment, also in the Town Center, combines French fare with a regional focus. Lunch and dinner plus Sunday brunch. 2 S. Main St., 706-769-6480, www.maison-bleu.com.

Other attractions

Eagle Tavern Museum: This former stagecoach stop displays period items; call for tours. 26 N. Main St., 706-769-5197, www.visitoconee.com. Behind the museum, the Oconee Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from spring to fall. 26 N. Main St., www.oconeefarmersmarket.org.

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation: Center holds art exhibits and sales. 34 School St., 706-769-4565, www.ocaf.com.

Georgia Nature Center: Organic farm, clean energy exhibition, nature trails. Guided tours Monday-Saturday, call for the schedule. 3001 Salem Road, 1-800-800-2786, www.naturecenter.com.