Michael on the Map

from Laurel of Northeast Georgia April 22

Mental Health - Gratitude

By Michael Detrick

In this series I will be traveling to the towns of northeastern Georgia and western North and South Carolina, sharing my adventures and discoveries as I meet the locals who make up the area. Hop in my Jeep and let’s hit the road!

Take 4: Clarkesville This past month in our pocket of the country, according to the highly valuable “Georgia’s 12 Seasons” table (which a Google search can provide for you), we found ourselves somewhere in the midst of “Spring of Deception” and “Third Winter”. Mother Nature – per typical temperament of the first quarter of the year – found herself confused, indecisive, unsettled. It was 75 degrees in mid-March, and then snowed later that week. Calm, blue, sunny skies again turned white and so windy our tin roof served as an overhead gong. This deposit of snow was far from enough to fashion Frosty, and the weather again leveled out to a more comfortable climate as your weekend nomad set out on my travels. I had some places in mind as I jumped in the Jeep with Echo and the Bunnymen (these are not friends of mine – unfortunately – but another one of my favorite bands) and headed the 38 miles south to the town of Clarkesville.

With a population of 1,800 residents, the seat of Habersham County was founded in 1823 and named in honor of former Governor of Georgia General John C. Clarke, who was the son of former Revolutionary War general Elijah Clarke.

Located on the south side of the Soque River (known for its outstanding fly-fishing), Clarkesville was originally the first of the major resort towns of Northeast Georgia, and today boasts one of the most charmingly picturesque Main Street downtown squares found anywhere.

Right off this square sits the Mauldin House and gardens and cottages, which also serves as the Welcome Center.

Dating to the late 19th century, this large Victorian cottage and grounds were originally owned by A. M. Mauldin, an accomplished hatmaker, and his wife. Adjacent to the house can be found the millinery shop featuring an extensive exhibit of antique hats, clothes, gloves, and the like. Another structure, the Big Holly Cabin offers a preserved peak into primitive living of times past. Beginning from this point of interest, The Downtown Clarkesville Historic Walking Tour features an impressive collection of 18 additional other homes, churches, antique commercial buildings, and the Old Clarkesville Cemetery. Take a stroll back in time. Clarkesville is truly a rare gem. Another historic excursion less than a mile from the square is something you would not likely expect to find in such a small town. Located in the Old Clarkesville Mill (a former textile mill which also houses a huge antique mall and a bowling alley), Miles Through Time Automotive Museum boasts a collection of 60 cars – meticulously maintained – dating back to pre-1900s buggy days. Moving forward into the following century and spread across some 20,000 square feet, one will find everything from Ford Model Ts to both German and American WWII vehicles, vintage Plymouths, Chevies, muscle and exotic cars, Cannonball Run crosscountry roadsters, a Ford concept car, as well as vintage motorcycles and bicycles – most of which are pristinely preserved – including the 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille inherited by Founder Sean Mathis in 2015. On starting the venture, which operates as a non-profit co-op, Mathis said, “After a while, car shows got a little old, and instead of just storing (the 59 Cadillac) in a warehouse, I opened the museum with just one car in 2017.” When asked how he got other sets of wheels literally rolling into his then one-off museum, Mathis

Michael on the Map

chuckled, “It’s funny. The guy who installed my internet had a classic car, and I took it in.” A modern convention breeds a vintage collection. As donated pieces are the only permanent displays, most of the contents of the museum are constantly changing, keeping each visit to Miles Through Time fresh, fun, and exciting. Executive Director Truitt Phillips is responsible for the vision and construction of the near life-size old town main street storefronts found inside, as well as all exhibits. Vintage Garage Antiques market serves as the gateway to the automotive museum. My tour guide Gabe Jones was an absolute ace, knowing everything about every car. For instance, the user manual of the German Type 181 from WWII is dated June 6, 1944, D-Day. The Shelby Mustang on file was owned by Mrs. Shelby herself. Things like that.

Open 7 days a week, check out more at www.milesthroughtime. com. After the day’s multiple history lessons, I was starving and only one thing would do. Pizza and beer.

So, on the recommendation of local lifestyle apparel store owner Of These Mountains, Kendall Rumsey (who is opening a second location in Clayton), I set out for Copperpot. Opened by owner Jeff Morris in 2007, Copperpot is described as a “buzzy pub featuring wood-fired pizza, seasonal entrees, craft beers and specialty cocktails, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. “On Fridays and Saturdays, we offer an entrée and specialty cocktail combo. And all our simple syrups are made in house using all-natural ingredients,” co-manager Stephanie Henslee shared. The seasonal libations menu is created by staff bartenders, one of which – Kasey (who was awesome) – served me one of many specialty pizzas as well as my go-to favorite of pepperoni and mushroom, and a flight of four mini draft beers for my inquisitive palette. Everything was delicious. All pizzas, whether personal or full-size, are two-for-one on Sunday. Holy bonus!

So once again, I left a town educated and full. My favorite combination.

The Clarkesville area offers a total of 167 galleries, shops, and restaurants, and the artsy vibe found here will really take you by surprise if you have never been. I went, I took in, I came home and wrote this article, and I’ll be going back. But first I’ll leave you with some Bunnymen as I head to bed: “Under blue moon I saw you, so soon you’ll take me”