Around Town Lookin’ at Local! By Tracy McCoy
A
new feature in our magazine this Fall is Around Town, a look at the businesses that are part of the Georgia Mountain Laurel. It may be news of a new store opening or professional service offered or it might be a more in depth look at the history, current and future plans of a local establishment. You are reading this magazine because these business owners help to put it in your hands. It is a community effort to offer a free magazine and without these men and women who open their doors to you it would not be possible. So our hats are off to local! We love mom and pop, family owned and operated, small businesses and you should too. These entrepreneurial enterprises are the backbone of our country and have put meat on the tables since this country’s humble beginnings. “Going to town” is an occasion in the south, it’s something you do and sometimes it isn’t a quick trip. It’s a let’s have lunch and walk from shop to shop kinda adventure. It’s look for those “boutiquing it up” with the girls or browsing the galleries for that perfect piece of local art for the house. It could be breakfast in your favorite “biscuit and gravy” restaurant with your best friend or a business meeting over coffee in a quiet corner. Look around town and you’ll see what all the buzz is about. Our town of Clayton for instance, just when I think it’s the best town in the world, it gets even better. The same
could be said for other mountain towns around us. The city of Clarkesville is a “walkabout kinda town”. There are unique eateries, boutiques, stores that celebrate adventure and art, home furnishings and fashions! Hiawassee, Young Harris and Blairsville have many hidden treasures and Towns County is home to Noblet’s, one of the state’s last true 5 & 10 cent stores. Hayesville and Franklin, North Carolina offer great downtown shopping, restaurants, art and framing galleries and some of I guess I want to encourage you to discover your town all over again. Whether it’s downtown or on the side roads, there are some really neat places to discover. No matter which county you are in there is something for everyone and much to celebrate. I can remember when my family would come to visit my granny and papa, going to town was one of the highlights of the trip. Back then all they had to say to get us in the car was “come on, we’re going to Harpers!” I can still smell the popcorn and taste the Coke Icee. Maybe, just maybe I’d get to run to the back left hand corner of the store to look at the toys! We thought it a great day to leave with a coloring book and small pack of crayons. On special occasions, if a quarter was easily accessed, I might get to ride the horse out on the sidewalk. Oh the memories, and many more to be made! So, without further adieu let’s look at what’s happening Around Town.
Belle & Barn Company • Clayton Mural • Timpson Creek Gallery • Mountain Aire Cottages Willow Valley RV Resort • Ogram Interior Design • Rusted Arrow Market • Erwin Heating & Air • Wood’s Mercantile 22 GML - October 2020
