Clayton

Clayton is a quaint Blue-Ridge-Mountains community just two hours north of Atlanta. On the Eastern Continental Divide, the town is the gateway to Black Rock Mountain State Park — the highest state park in Georgia. With wildflowers, fishing, waterfalls and 80-mile views, it’s a must-visit.

Go back in time at Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center, where 20 historical log structures make up an Appalachian Village outdoor museum. Or enjoy a thrilling trip down the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River aboard a white-water raft. The Southern Highroads Trail, a 364-mile-long loop of scenic and historic highways, runs through Clayton.

Visitors looking to experience the majesty of nature won’t want to miss the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting down the Chattooga River, water sports on Lake Burton and hiking to see some of the area’s most spectacular scenic overlooks and waterfalls, such as Dicks Creek and Martin Creek Falls. Motor over to Tallulah Gorge State Park for a lung-busting hike from the gorge’s scenic floor, or a more moderate trek to see cascading Bridal Veil Falls.

This “Farm-to-Table Capital” of Georgia offers up award-winning chefs cooking dishes with buttery biscuits and tender, fresh-from-the-farm, local meats and vegetables. But the eateries aren’t the only award winners. A weekend in the mountains isn’t complete without a glass (or two) of vino from Tiger Mountain Vineyards or Stonewall Creek Vineyards.

The charming streets of downtown contain upscale clothing boutiques, home decor mercantile and accessory apothecaries. Stop into Reeves Hardware, which began trading in 1928 and is still hawking everything from caulk to Carhartt and fly-fishing equipment. Outfit your crew for exploring the great outdoors with camping gear and locally made snacks at Wander North Georgia, and fuel up with a steaming latte from White Birch Provisions.

Of course, a trip to Clayton wouldn’t be complete without a hand-crafted, Georgia-peach Smash Soda at The Clayton Pharmacy and Soda Fountain Restaurant. Sunday Diner promises home-cooked comfort food beloved for breakfast, like Granny’s Tater Cakes, with coffee on the side.

Lovers of history and luxury will find much that appeals at Beechwood Inn, from spacious rooms, suites and cabins to amenities, including spa treatments, wine tastings — even picnics to a waterfall — all on or near the hotel’s century-old grounds.