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There’s no shortage of mountain activities and historic downtown charm in this North Georgia town.
I could just live here, he recalls.
Credit:Explore Georgia / Ben Galland
The town wasnt much to speak of until the Tallulah Falls Railroad arrived in 1904.
Today, themountain townis a far cry from its ramshackle beginnings.
The easy hikes tobeautiful waterfallsand seeing mountains drifting past your window.
Credit:Explore Georgia
Where To Stay
One of Claytons charms is that it’s uncommercial.
For now, theres only one hotel in the downtown area, and thats theWhite Birch Inn.
The bed and breakfast resides in a 1920s brick building which gives it warmth and historic charm.
With only six bedrooms, each one uniquely designed, the inn is an intimately cozy accommodation.
Nearby, theBeechwood Innalso brings a 100-year-old building to life with its stylish accommodations.
There are also two cabins available.
Another hotel is on the horizon for the small town.
The forthcomingBridge Creek Innplans to open by Labor Day 2023.
The revitalized historic property will have 45 rooms as well as a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant.
Its only a 10-minute drive from town.
On the fancier-yet-approachable side,Fortify Kitchen and Baroffers New American cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Dishes might include cornmeal and almond-crusted trout alongside Charleston Gold rice and quail with oyster dressing.
Fortify Pi, their sister restaurant, is a pizza-lovers dream with pies topped in myriad ways.
Wings, sandwiches, and salads round out the menu.
Located next-door to White Birch Inn is its coffee shop,White Birch Provisions.
Satisfy your sweet tooth atthe Farm House, a doughnut purveyor.
They come in a variety of toppings like sprinkles and Fruity Pebbles.
What To Do
Rabun county is an outdoorsy persons ideal destination.
Make Clayton a home base before hitting the road to explore nearby trails.
In town, its all about shopping local.
Start with Ghost Apothecary which, as owner Dave Ranney says, specializes in restorative care.
Soon, the upstairs portion of the shop will transform into a tea room with books and magazines.
Ranney also suggests visiting Wander North Georgia across the street.
“It’s the perfect thing to bring back for folks.
The Clayton shop is about 10,000-square-feet of clothing, gear, and accessories.
Down the street, Lulu and Tully Mercantile sells country-chic home decor as well as vintage finds and art.
When To Visit
Theres really no bad time to visit Clayton as each season offers something beautiful.
Winter is the quietest time as people arent out hiking.
Fall and spring in the mountains are hard to beatlook out for those beautiful wildflowers in April.
Summertime hops with excitement as families hit the road.
Those long days make it easy to get in a hike before some downtown exploration too.
Hurricane Helene has impacted the South.
Learn how you could help support our neighborshere.
