From the Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts (GHCA), Tallulah Falls, which is located at the entrance to Tallulah Gorge State Park Day-Use area, you can marvel at the beauty of the Gorge. As you travel south from GHCA, visit the Tallulah Gallery which is located in the renovated cow milking barn. Take Old 441 west toward Clarkesville. The perfect place to relax and step back to the grandeur of the of south is Glen Ella Springs Inn off Orchard Road. Enjoy an elegant breakfast provided by their gourmet chef.
Continuing on Old 441 into Clarkesville visit the Old Clarkesville Mill adjacent to Dirt Bag Pottery, and again, stepping back in time, the historic town build around the square just as it was in the eighteen hundreds. Shopping includes antiques stores (Once Upon a Time Co), art galleries (Mountain Gallery Fine Art), and unique shops (Gertie Mae's) and one that is for girls of all ages (Snitty Snoots). Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Baron York Cafe, and for those cramped muscles, take time for Therapeutic Massage to treat you royally.Leaving Clarkesville, head north on Hwy 197. This road has beautiful views of the Soque River. A must stop is Mark of the Potter to visit the largest trout you have ever seen swimming in the river right next to the old mill gift shop. Just up the road from Mark of The Potter, is Hickory Flat Pottery - which is housed in the 114 year old Historic Wikle House. Beyond are the Cottage Garden Shoppes and Burton Gallery & Emporium.
As you come to the junction of Hwy 197 (Tour B) and Hwy 255 (Tour C) you can make a decision to continue on 197 head west to the Sautee-Nacoochee Valleys.
Tour B - Hwy 197 and Lakemont
Continuing northeast on Hwy 197, you will find art galleries and art garden shops to visit. At Burton Dam Road, turn east to Seed Lake Road. At this juncture, you may choose to go north to Tiger to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting or continue on Hwy 197 where you'll find Timpson Creek Gallery; not just a furniture store, but an art furniture store on US Hwy 75.
Or turn south to Lake Rabun Road and visit Louie's on the Lake for a delicious pizza. In Lakemont, you again will find yourself back in history with shops (Lake Lodge Antiques and Garden Center), art galleries (Seven Oaks Gallery & Framing) and eateries located in century old buildings.
Tour C - Sautee-Nacoochee Valleys
Out of Clarkesville head west on Hwy 17 or as mentioned in Tour A head southwest on Hwy 255 at the Hwy 197 juncture to the Sautee-Nacoochee Valleys. The two restaurants and Bed & Breakfast inn (Nacoochee Valley Guest House and The Stovall House) advertised in the Art Guide Brochure are highly recommended for their ambiance as well as gourmet dining. This is a very historic area and a must stop is the Sautee-Nacoochee Center's Museum and Art Gallery located in the old school building.
After visiting the many gift shops (Old Sautee Store, continue west on Hwy 17 to Hwy 75. On your left and right is the Hardman property which has been donated to the state. Plans are to open it as a working farm of the early 1900's. Turning south on Hwy 75 head to Hwy 384 and turn southeast. You are now on the one of the prettiest highways in this area as you travel between two mountains and up the ridge to The Gourd Place. The ladies of Gourd Place have developed many ideas using gourds and their most recent is making pottery out of gourds and the creation of the Gourd Kids.
Tour D - Clayton and Dillard
Heading north on Hwy 441 from GHCA you will enter the town of Clayton. This community is a mix of the old and the new. Stop for lunch at either Grapes & Beans or Inger's Fine Foods.
Everything in Clayton is convenient for parking your car and walking to the art galleries (Main Street Gallery), antique shops (Butler Galleries & Butler's II) as well as taking time to enjoy the books at Prater's Main Street Books.
Continuing north to Rabun Gap take Wolffork Road to visit with one of our favorite artists and teachers, Tom Landreth.
As you drive into Dillard take Betty's Creek Road to enjoy another road winding between mountains. The peace of the area will invade your should as you visit the Hambidge Center Gallery. In Dillard you will discover an experience of a lifetime staying at the White Hall Inn after you have had a delicious dinner at the Cupboard Cafe Restaurant.
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