Located in Rabun County the most north eastern point in Georgia, Clayton and the surrounding counties offer a wealth of recreation options. From beautiful mountains, numerous waterfalls, forests, five mountain lakes, and the famous Tallulah Gorge, to strolling the many studios and galleries of regional artists. Clayton and Rabun County offers something for every taste. 

Blessed with some of the steepest, well drained hillsides in the US, Rabun County's topography, elevation, and climate is extraordinarily well suited to vineyards. Benefiting from the classic wine friendly soils of the region, Georgia vineyards are producing wines of truly exceptional quality

Things to Do:

Clayton has five scenic mountain lakes that are all suitable for water sports, swimming, fishing, etc.
Lake Burton, a 2,775 acre lake with over 62 miles of shoreline.
Lake Seed, a 240 acre lake with 13 miles of shoreline.
Lake Rabun, a 835 acre lake with 25 miles of shoreline.
Tallulah Lake, a 63 acre lake with 3.6 miles of shoreline.
Lake Tugalo, a 597 acre lake with 18 miles of shoreline with no developement.



Minnehaha Falls
60 Feet Cascade
0.3 mile easy hike one way

Directions:  Just north of Tallulah Falls, make a right onto Old Hwy 441 and continue approx. 2.5 miles, then turn left on Lake Rabun Rd.  Proceed approx. 6 miles then make a left onto the road that crosses Lake Rabun just below Seed Lake Dam.  Proceed across the bridge to the stop sign.  Bear left onto Bear Gap Rd. and proceed approx. 1.5 miles to the pull off area on the left. 




Tallulah Gorge
One of the most spectacular gorges in the eastern US, this charsm is two miles long and nearly 1,000 ft deep.  The parks breathtaking views and the towns rich histroy make this area a favorite stopping point along US Hwy 441.
Approx. 2700 acres for tents, trailers, RV sites, campsites, miles of hiking and biking trails, gorge overlooks, 63 acre lake with beach, picnic shelters and tennis courts.
Park Hours:  8am-Dark,  Park Office Hours:  8am-5pm
$4.00 parking fee, free on Wednesdays


Black Rock Mountain State Park
Named for its sheer cliffs of dark colored biotite gneiss.  Located astride the eastern continental divide at an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is the highest state park in Georgia.

Winery tours, tastings, dinners, and festivals:
Persimmon Creek Vineyards:   www.persimmoncreekwine.com
Tiger Mountain Vineyards:  www.tigerwine.com

The Dillard House
The Dilliard House, is a located  in Dillard, GA  it's restuarant is known for its "family style" menu and Southern cooking. It also features a motel , cottages, petting zoo, stables, fishing, chalets, and rooms in the original stone Dillard House, now called the Oaklawn Inn. There have been a large number of celebrities come and visit, they include: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone ,Walt Disney, Arnold Palmer, Larry Bird Johnson, and even politicians such as President Jimmy Carter, Senator Max Cleland, Mayor Maynard Jackson and Ambassador Andrew Young. Make sure you take the time to visit this great place. For more information reguarding The Dillard House visit: www.dillardhouse.com .

Persimmon Creek Vineyards
28 East Savannah Street
Clayton, GA 30525
706-212-7380
www.persimmoncreekwine.com


Tiger Mountain Vineyards
2592 Old 441 S
Tiger, GA 30576
706-782-4777
www.tigerwine.com

Golf (If you want to hit the linx check out)
Kingwood Golf Club & Resort, 401 Country Club Dr, Clayton, GA 30525, (706)212-4100, Public, 18 hole, 6,000 yds, Par 71, Course Rating -68.8
Rabun County Golf Club, 1322 Old 441 S, Clayton, GA 30525, (706)782-5500, Municipal, 9 hole, 5,347 yds, Par 70, Course Rating -65.7
Waterfall Country Club, 1105 Waterfall Dr, Clayton, GA 30525, (706)212-4000, Private, 18 hole, 2,964 yds, Par 32, Course Rating -34.5
Sky Valley Resort Sky Valley Way, Sky Valley, GA - (706) 746-5303


Calendar of Events:
7/21/2010 - 7/31/2010 - 60th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Wednesday July 21st through Sunday July 31st time(TBA)
Description: Enjoy first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family. The Georgia Mountain Fair, is known as Georgia’s most “Unique Fair”. Those who visit the Fair will enjoy a flower show, Country Music, an Exhibit Hall, arts & crafts, and carnival rides. The pioneer village, a replica of just how the Ole Mountain towns used to be, it has demonstrations that will take you back in time such as soap and hominy making, moonshine, quilting, blacksmith shop and more.
Costs: $9 admission for all adults, children under 9 free and $2 parking fee.
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

8/6/2010 - 8/7/2010 - Georgia State Championship Barbeque Cookoff Sanctioned by the KCBS (Kansas City Barbque Society)
Location: Dilliard,GA
Costs: 1 day pass - $10 per person, 2 day pass - $15.00 per person, Children 12 and younger - FREE
Description: The Dillard Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival started in 1997 and has grown to what it is today through the hard work, dedication, and efforts of many volunteers and BBQ enthusiasts from around the country. Each year people come from across the nation to compete in this once a year event, and to listen to real Bluegrass music played by numerous bands from all over, and to savor the mouth watering smells and sights of smoking meats of all kinds. There are always lots to do and things to see for the whole family at this wonderful event. The cooking rigs are a sight to behold, and the vendors serving the many foods and delicasies are some of the best in the world. Make plans to take your vacation in August next year and spend a few days in the north Georgia mountains. There is nothing like it anywhere in the USA. Your kids will love it and once you have been here you will make it a yearly tradition to come back like so many other people do.
Contact: Call Jane Tomlin  (Festival Chairman) at 706-746-2690.

8/14/2010 - Ricky Skaggs
Location: Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday August 14th Time (TBA)
Description: Sometimes in life, things come full circle. That's the story of Ricky Skaggs. By age 21, he was already considered a "recognized master" of one of America's most demanding art forms, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. Now the road has brought him back to where it all began - bluegrass music.
Costs: Tickets range from $35 to $45
Contact: For more information call 866-273-4615.

8/21/2010 - Annual Tomato Festival at Crane Creek Vineyard
Location: Crane Creek Vineyard, Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday August 21st Time(TBA)
Costs: Tickets sold at the door:adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free
Description:  Celebrate the fruit of the other vine with your friends and family at Crane Creek Vineyards! Local restaurants and food vendors will be out giving away samples of their cuisine. Chef David and his Culinary Team will be preparing lunch for everyone with all things tomato. This is a great day of food and wine! Ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.

8/28/2010 - Diamond Rio
Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday August 28th
Costs: Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Contact: For more information call 866-273-4615.

9/4/2010 - Labor Day Weekend Festival
Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday September 4th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Description: Featuring: Tim Surrett and Balsam Range, The Hayes Family, Jimmy Blackwood and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, The Singing Browns, The Rochesters, and The Inspirations.
Costs: TICKETS: $10-$20

9/5/2010 - Labor Day Weekend Festival
Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Sunday September 5th from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Description: Featuring: The Primitives, The McKameys and The Inspirations
Costs: TICKETS: $10-$20

10/2/2010 - Foxfire/Mountaineer Festival
When: Saturday October 2nd from 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM.
Description: More information to follow.
Contact: For more information call the Raburn Chamber of Commerce at 706782-4812.

10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Friday October 8th through Sunday October 16th time(TBA)
Description: With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. This event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers' Convention. Music daily in The Anderson Music Hall, Flower Show, Arts and Crafts, Exhibit Hall. Demonstrations will take you back to the Old Ways’ as local folks show how Moonshine was made,along with Quilting, Soap and Hominy making, Blacksmith Shop and more. The Pioneer Village, is a replica of an era gone by.
Costs: $9 admission for all adults, children under 9 free  and $2 parking fee.
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

10/22/2010 - 10/23/2010 - 14th Annual Pumpkin Fest
Location: Downtown Franklin, NC
When: Friday October 22nd and Saturday October 23rd
Description: Come Join us for he 14th Annual Pumkin Fest. It's held in downtown Franklin along Main Street. The event features crafters, the famous pumpkin roll, live music all day, pie eating contest, games, costume contest and parade along with food. Fun for the entire family.
Contact: For more information call 828-524-2516  

10/23/2010 - Annual Harvest Festival
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday October 23rd from 11:00 AM till 6:00 PM
Description: Come celebrate our Annual Harvest Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards.There is something here for everyone. Events include hayrides, grape stomping, tours of the winery, and even a kids tent. Your ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.
Costs: Tickets will be sold at the door: adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.

12/17/2010 - Oak Ridge Boys
Location:  Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Friday December 17th from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM and from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Description: The Oak Ridge Boys, with that unmistakable four-part harmony, have produced dozens of hit songs - including "You're the One in a Million", "I'm Settin' Fancy Free", "Sail Away", and of course, "Elvira" - earned just about every industry accolade available, including Grammy, Dove, ACM, and CMA awards, and won millions of fans worldwide. Their newest albums, "The Boys are Back" and "The Oak Ridge Boys: A Gospel Journey" are now available.
Costs: TICKETS: $15-$18 

12/21/2010 - Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Tuesday December 21st from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM
Description:Come celebrate the longest night of the year at Crane Creek.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.


Where to Stay:
GA Mountain Rentals
210 Hwy 441 North
Clayton, GA. 30525
706-782-2772
rabunrentals@windstream.net
www.rabunrentals.com

Real Estate Information:
Julie Barnett
Harry Norman Realtors Luxury Lake and Mountain
Cell:  404-697-3860
Office:  706-212-0228
Fax:  706-212-0161
www.juliebarnettrealtor.com


Favorite Area Restaurants:
Jonis Fireside
115 Sweetwater Circle
Clarkesville, GA. 30523
706-947-1631
Reviews: Not Fancy, slow service during the summer, but has great Grouper, Music on weekends during the summer is nice, beer and wine only, Joni's is an original.