Nestled along the picturesque Soque River in a century-old-grist mill is a little studio with one-of-a-kind pottery. Mark of the Potter celebrated its 40 birthday last year.

“It’s the kind of place you don’t forget,” says Potter Mary Weese. Besides the unique and beautiful stoneware to be found here, she believes the magic of the old wood and the trout bring people back, whether they want to buy pottery or not.

Weese is one of four on-site potters whose work is available at the store. The others are Matt Henderson, Maraiah Wenn and MaryAnn Lesterdiedrick. The potters take turns demonstrating on the weekends. The work of some 25 additional potters can be found here as well. “Every piece is handmade, and every piece is different,” adds Weese. In addition, they are microwave and dishwasher safe and lead-free. Mark of the Potter also carries books about the region, local crafts, jams and jellies.

Just the drive to get here has a little magic – Hwy. 197 travels alongside the Soque for several miles west of Clarkesville.

There was a mill on this site as far back as 1820. It burned and another one replaced it in 1831. The present mill, called Watts Mill, was built in 1930 by Robert Watts and his father, Allen “Grandpa” Watts on the site of an older mill. It ceased production in the 60s, when high water ruined the machinery. In 1968, John and Glen LaRowe were making that drive, admiring the clear mountain river and happened upon the old building. They bought it and moved in, with the intention of making it a pottery studio and store.

The legend is that Mrs. Watts fed the trout. Large trout still congregate in the clear waters of the Soque below the mill’s porch, waiting for the children of visitors to toss trout food to them. (Don’t bother bringing your rod…fishing is not allowed here.)

The LaRowe’s retired from the business in the mid 1980s and sold it to Jay and Janis Bucek. Jay, a potter himself, died this year, but the store is still run by Janis and the dedicated Mark of the Potter staff. Whether you “need” something beautiful for your home or not, you won’t forget a visit here.