Feeling at Home in Habersham County

As everyone travels for the Spring and Summer, shouldn’t you feel welcomed and experience the comforts of home in a beautiful and friendly area?

Habersham County encompasses many “Feel Right at Home” communities within it’s broad 270 plus miles of pastureland, mountains, river and streams that include the Chattahoochee National Forest. Explore the towns of Clarkesville, Cornelia, and Demorest for a variety of lodging including hotels, cabins, and B&B’s. Lake Russell and Tallulah Falls State Recreational areas invite camping and RV sites.

Walking friendly brick lined streets in these towns invite you to see shops, restaurants, galleries, and antique stores to experience that small town atmosphere.

Habersham County takes pride in it’s community by preserving history and natural resources of outdoor recreational parks. Long ago, the Cherokee and Creek Indian tribes made these foothills their homeland as settlers came to the area. Habersham County was officially chartered in 1818 and named for Joseph Habersham, a Revolutionary War hero and the first Postmaster General under President John Quincy Adams.

Clarkesville was named after General John C. Clarke, governor of Georgia in 1819 – 1821. It was chartered in 1823 as the county seat of Habersham County and was the first of the major resort towns with wealthy families escaping the heat of the coasts of South Carolina & Georgia.

Visitors are welcome in the middle of May in the downtown square to enjoy the Mountain Laurel Festival that include activities for the whole family. Northeast Georgia’s Oldest Arts & Crafts event has a parade, duck race, live music, and food.

Historical sites in downtown Clarkesville usually start with the Mauldin House, at the corner of E. Waters & Jefferson St. It services as the Clarkesville’s Welcome Center and is the beginning of the towns walking tour of the Greek, Gothic, Victorian, and Plantation style homes in this beautiful historical district.

Neighboring Sam Pitts Park located by the beautiful Soque River offers a place for walking trails and picnics. Travel down the road on Scenic Hwy. 197 that follows the river for trout fishing and the small community that feature many regional handmade arts and crafts.

Just South of Clarkesville is Demorest, home of Piedmont College which founding roots date back to 1897. The 266 acre campus welcomes the public to visit The Mason- Scharfenstein Museum and Johnny Mize Museum that commemorates the legendary baseball player. The Swanson Center for performing Arts holds periodical shows and events for entertainment.

The town of Cornelia was first settled around 1860 for transportation and the railroad along the East Coast. Visitors can now step back in time to downtown Cornelia and see the beautifully restored Train Depot. The museum includes early railroad memorabilia, model of the Talullah Falls train, and two restored cabooses by the depot. The nearby City Park also offers a Splash Pad and Club Canine for family fun.

The “Big Red Apple,” stands near the train depot as a monument that is seven feet tall, 22 ft. in circumference and weighs 5200 lbs. It was shipped from Virginia in 1926 to celebrate the apple industry. The monument was donated by the Southern Railway and in celebration of harvest a Festival is held in the fall. Cornelia has since been known as the “The Home of the Big Red Apple.

The Habersham County Historical Society and Telephone Museum is on North Main Street and has history of the area. Other Places on the National Register of Historic places include the Loudermilk Boarding House on Foreacre St. built in 1908 and the Community House on Wyly St. built in 1936. The adjoining park features picnic areas, playground and walking trails. The Chenocetah Fire Tower Built in 1936 is the last rock-constructed, working fire lookout tower in the east and stands 40 feet high. The overlook area from Chenocetah Mountain provides magnificent views of the lake and countryside.

Lake Russell Recreational Area is located in the beautiful community of Mt. Airy just past the Firetower. Hiking trails are available year-round and a 4.6 mile loop goes around the shore of this beautiful 100-acre lake. Lake Russell has a large grass-covered beach and swimming area plus; easy access to camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and non-motorized boating.

Whether your looking for quaint small town food and shopping or want to experience great outdoor adventures; Relax and enjoy friendly people who want to make your stay in Habersham County, “Feel Like Home”

For more information visit www.habershamchamber.com