Town is artisan-friendly

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Fast-food chains are encroaching on the outskirts of Clarkesville, but the town's square and roads such as Ga. 197 along the peaceful Soque River continue to foster an artisan-friendly atmosphere and local entrepreneurs.

Mauldin House serves as the city's visitors center, where maps for a walking tour are available. Clarkesville's downtown square (at left) is home to art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.

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You're also likely to find former Atlantans who have chosen to flee the traffic and make this North Georgia town their home, opening businesses or practicing their crafts.

More changes likely are on the way. The city is working to achieve the Main Street/Better Hometown designation from the state, which will aid with downtown revitalization efforts.

Soque River

The winding river offers opportunities for fly-fishing. U2's Bono, Ted Turner and former President Jimmy Carter are among the luminaries who have caught trout at the privately owned riverfront habitat offered by Brigadoon Lodge. The property, one of the few pieces that were not sold to the National Forest Service for the creation of the Chattahoochee National Forest, is on both sides of a bend in the river and provides a rare setting with blooming 300-year-old plants. Reservations are required for catch-and-release fly-fishing at Brigadoon, which also has guest accommodations and is beginning to offer weddings. 706-754-1558, www.brigadoonlodge.com.

Another option is Blackhawk Fly Fishing. 706-947-3474;

www.blackhawkflyfishing.com.

The trails at Sam Pitts Park follow part of the river, and Jackson Bridge, on Ga. 197 north of Clarkesville, offers public access. Soque River Watershed Association, 706-754-9382; www.soque.org; U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Office, 706-754-6221.

Mark of the Potter

Travel alongside the Soque River to reach Mark of the Potter, which is 40 years old and touted as the oldest craft shop in Georgia. Pottery made by four locals and more than 25 Southeastern potters fills its shelves (and floors). A visit isn't complete without walking out back to view the tiered waterfall and throw food to the enormous trout. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday. 9982 Ga. 197 North, 706-947-3440, www.markofthepotter.com

Historical sites

A walking tour map, available at the visitors center in the historical Mauldin House, pinpoints 20 spots of significance in Clarkesville. Those include Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church, which were built by Jarvis Van Buren, nephew of former President Martin Van Buren, and are open to the public. Grace-Calvary, a white columned church with the original hand-blown glass and old-fashioned box pews, also claims to have the oldest pipe organ in Georgia. Annual events include the Grace-Calvary Heritage Festival on Sept. 25-27. 260 E. Green St., 706-754-2451, www.grace-calvary.org. The grounds of the Mauldin House, a Victorian cottage, feature a millinery shop and the Big Holly Cabin. 458 Jefferson St., 706-754-2220, www.clarkesvillega.com.

Events

Annual events include the 32nd Northeast Georgia Antique Auto Region Car and Truck Show on Aug. 14-16 at the Habersham County Fairgrounds (4235 Toccoa Highway, www.habershamga.com). Later this year, there's the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair on Sept. 11-19 at the fairgrounds, and the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour with demonstrations and open houses Nov. 13-15 (www.artstour.org).

Shopping

Parking is plentiful in the downtown square, where buildings house a handful of antique stores, clothing shops and art galleries, including Soque Art Works (1440 Washington St., 706-754-2449, www.soqueartworks.com) a recent addition with pottery, painted silk banners, gourds, unusual paper quilts and other items by regional artists.

Search for furniture and collectibles at Washington Street stores such as Once Upon a Time Antiques, Parker Place Antiques and Dixie Galleries. Just a half mile from the square, you'll find Homestead House (formerly in Crabapple), with primitive textiles, pewter pieces and folk art in an old log cabin. 511 Grant St., 706-754-0789, www.homestead houseprimitives.com.

Nearby, Old Clarkesville Mill houses antique markets, a sporting goods shop, a bowling alley and other businesses. 583 Grant St., store hours and phone numbers at www.oldclarkesvillemill.com.