My sister and her husband, John, just returned from a week in Hayesville, NC. They have some friends with a cabin there. Penny was so excited to tell me about the new places they discovered on their trip. Since I’m going up to stay at Sunset River Cabin in Blue Ridge this weekend, I plan to check them out.
Hayesville is an easy drive from the Blue Ridge area. Just drive east to Blairsville on Hwy 515/76 and stay on Hwy 76 thru Young Harris over to Hayesville. You’ll find a charming little town on the west side of lovely Lake Chatuge, and you’ll enjoy the pretty drive through the North Georgia Mountains.
Along the way, look for Gracie’s Flea Market. It has quite an assortment of stuff, including yard art made of wrought iron and concrete. They also sell fresh peaches and boiled peanuts to sustain you on your drive.
Sleepy Hollow is a magical place of more yard art for children of all ages. It features fairies, elves, playhouses and birdhouses–all made of wood and painted in bright colors. Penny says they sell some great art supplies as well.
Once you reach Hayesville, go to the old downtown square where you’ll find The Garden Shoppe & Bakery. It is across from the Library, and it sells beautiful decorations for the home and garden. It’s fun to just wander around and look. The bakery is open all day on Saturdays. The rest of the week it is only open for lunch. They have delicious quiche as a specialty. Across from The Garden Shoppe is an interesting Used Book Store, run by volunteers.
Penny and John’s favorite place to visit was St. Pierre Wood Pottery. Robert St. Pierre, an octogenarian, makes one-of-a-kind vessels from differing species of wood, in all shapes and price ranges. Each piece is a work of art that can be passed down from generation to generation. His “pottery” is even on display at the Smithsonian! He uses only saws and sanders, and puts the wood in a kiln to bring out the grain. He has a shop attached to his workshop and welcomes visitors. Sometimes he even shares some secrets. The shop is open roughly 11-5. My brother-in-law was happy to buy a trunkload of Mr. St. Pierre’s fine wood “scraps” to use in his woodworking hobby. Mary, Robert’s wife, is also a craftsman. She makes wonderful baskets and teaches basketry at the Campbell Folk School in nearby Brasstown. If you’re in Hayesville, follow Tusquittee Road about 8 miles east to find St. Pierre Wood Pottery.
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