Passion and vision create community for residents and visitors alike
OCONEE COUNTY, GEORGIA—SEPTEMBER 2022—Once the last outpost of the Southern United States with the Oconee River as the boundary line, Oconee County’s agricultural beginnings have evolved, drawing visitors who are looking for an authentic, contemporary experience. From eco-tours and agritourism to innovative restaurants, the arts and a live-work-play development, Watkinsville and surrounding Oconee County small businesses are the foundation of a community that’s as delightful for tourists as it is for residents.
Here’s a look at just a few of the organizations and local businesses whose vision and passion for their work have contributed to this vibrant and welcoming area.
Oconee Joe Paddle Co. Part historian part ecologist, Oconee Joe spends his days doing what he loves: offering unforgettable river tours by canoe or kayak, over the 60-plus miles of riverway from Athens, Georgia, downstream to Lake Oconee. He honors the past and feels a kinship with those who have made the river their home. After more than 10,000 years of habitation and river traffic, from Native American times unto now, it’s uncommon but not unheard of to find pieces of pottery or other artifacts along the banks. One of his most popular tours includes the ruins of White’s Dam, which created hydroelectric power in the early 1900s. What you’ll see depends on the weather and the season, but blue herons, hawks, crows, turtles and ducks are common. He welcomes paddlers from the very young to those in their eighties, and from fit to those with mild disabilities. Visit the website for details on trips from half-day to weekend explorations.
Oconee County is home to more than 30 delicious bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants ranging from an award-winning Mexican-Mediterranean fusion brunch to family friendly Southern-style eateries. For details, visit the Oconee County blog at VisitOconee.com/good-eats-where-the-locals-go, and peruse each one at VisitOconee.com/dining.
Jittery Joe’s coffee shop is just one example of how a vision of hospitality can draw a crowd. Their philosophy: the finest hand-roasted and brewed beans speak for themselves; the delicious aroma greets you before you even walk in the door. They’ve served the Athens area for 20 years, originally gaining fame for serving high-profile artists and musicians in a 24-hour establishment next to Athens’ hottest music venue, the 40 Watt Club. In the Watkinsville location, baristas serve espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and frozen specialty drinks along with specialty teas and more, along with snacks, pastries and breakfast items. 27 Greensboro Hwy, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677; (706) 769-4280
Hadden Estate at DGD Farms If you know that this area’s football team is the University of Georgia Bulldogs, it’s not hard to understand why the Haddens named their 24-acre homestead “Damn Good Dawg Farms.” The couple envisioned and brought to life their dream of having a U-pick blueberry farm and contemporary yet pastoral wedding venue that receives rave reviews. 1112 Cliff Dawson Rd, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677; (706) 705-6132
Washington Farms John and Donna Washington left their original careers in 1993 to begin farming. Their vision has evolved into one of watching families and friends laughing, enjoying spending time together having fun and making lasting memories. Nearly thirty years later, the family business has evolved from a spring strawberry U-pick and fall pumpkin patch, to a daylong entertainment experience. Washington Farms Fall Fun runs from September 24 through November 6. Pick from the pumpkin patch, a bouquet from sunflower and zinnia fields, get lost in the 6.5-acre corn maze and make a pledge on the wall of Growing Kindness. Far beyond wagon rides and a petting zoo, farm fun includes more than 30 activities from a vortex tunnel and human foosball to pig races, jumping pads, climbing wall and a zip line. (To avoid extremely large numbers of visitors, capacity is limited per hour.) The grill serves kettle corn, ice cream, hamburgers, pizza and more. To view fall U-pick, hours, activities and pricing go to www.Washingtonfarms.net/fall; 5691 Hog Mountain Road, Bogart, Georgia 30622; (706) 769-0627.
Wire Park is the culmination of a community vision. A creative network of partnerships, including residents, transformed an industrial plant that once supported the local economy into a contemporary mixed-use development that serves and supports today’s community. Wire Park welcomes visitors and locals to its restaurants, greenspace, gathering areas and amphitheater for music, fairs, movie nights and more. The Marketplace is a collection of enticing eateries and trend-setting shops. Current and future eating and drinking establishments include Scoops, SOCO Nutrition, The Original Hot Dog Factory, South Main Brewing, Mama’s Boy and Gekko Kitchen. 111 South Barnett Shoals, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677.
The not-for-profit Oconee Arts Foundation began in 1994 with the shared vision of a handful of individuals: to enrich lives and help build a vibrant community through the arts. OCAF today inspires creativity, learning, and personal growth through visual arts exhibitions, art education, cultural events and community collaborations. Events like the late summer Georgia Pottery Invitational draw from around the region. Its juried Holiday Market and Member Artists Shoppe (December 2-22) offers original/handmade pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, woodwork and more. Stop by Tuesday-Saturday to see new exhibits and peruse the many pieces for sale. 34 School Street, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677; (706) 769-4565
Of course, hospitality in Oconee County extends to comfortable and welcoming overnight accommodations. A variety of lodging options, from lofts to campsites to chain hotels, make it easy to rest before continuing the adventure tomorrow. www.VisitOconee.com