While most small towns have barbeque and good meat-and-three restaurants, the charming little town of Clarkesville seems to have more than its share of great restaurants. This year they’re sharing their bounty by holding a Taste of Clarkesville September 25 from 11 - 3. Fifteen restaurants are participating, including The Attic, Baron York, Big Green Egg, Chicago’s Pizza, The Copper Pot, Country Crossroads, Fitz’s BBQ, Java Joe’s, Hawg Wild, McDonald’s, Natalie Jane’s Cafe, Old Time BBQ, Olie’s Grill & Soda Shop, Pueblos, Time to Eat Café and The Vines. Four North Georgia Wineries will be part of the celebration, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards, Habersham Winery and Tiger Mountain Vineyards. There will be music and other entertainment.

Most “tastes” sell tickets which you exchange for small plates. Clarkesville’s Taste gives you three portion sizes at $1, $2 and $3, and the option of a $25 “grazing pass” for unlimited “tastes.” The wineries are offering a souvenir glass for $10, which allows tastes of 12 different wines.

 Clarkesville is one of several municipalities in Habersham County. Nearby is Cornelia, home to the Big Red Apple Festival (Oct. 2) and the Everything Elvis Museum, located at the historic Loudermilk Boarding House. Included in the collection of over 30,000 items of Elvis memorabilia is an actual wart he had removed. For a number of years, the Loudermilk Boarding House has been the site of the Big E Festival ETA competition, held to choose the best Elvis Tribute Artist. This year, three previous winners, Matthew Spalding, Robby Dean Scott and Damon Hendrix will be featured at the Big E Championship Show at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair in Clarkesville on Sept. 18th.

Situated along the beautiful Soque River, Clarkesville has attracted many to its scenery, culture and outdoor recreation opportunities. (Ted Turner is a part-time resident, drawn by the Soque’s trout.) Habersham Community Theater has an active schedule, including the Rocky Horror Picture Show scheduled this Halloween and nearby Piedmont College adds to the sophistication of the area. Visitors can enjoy the shops, art galleries and historic buildings as they make their way around the “square.” A self-guided walking tour is available on the town’s website, with a description of the various buildings. The leaves will just be beginning to turn by the Taste of Clarkesville, so if you can’t wait for fall, head on up to the mountains.