Newcomers are always amazed that just a short drive away leads to beautiful winding roads, bubbling brooks and a tranquil feeling one gets by traveling roads that lead to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the closest mountain roads is Scenic Hwy 197, which starts in downtown Clarkesville and smoothly winds north all the way to Lake Burton.

The Scenic 197 Business Association offers a perfect spring get-away. Visit participating shops, restaurants and lodging during our spring celebration: The theme is flowers.

MARK OF THE POTTER: After a cold, dark winter, celebrate the renewal of the earth with a beautiful floral arrangement in a locally made, hand crafted vessel. We will be featuring specialty floral items such as vases, Ikebana, bowls, miniature vases, and more from our four potters

SERENDIPITY STAINED GLASS: Featuring flower designs in stained glass.

BATESVILLE RESTAURANT: Locally grown plant starters and seedlings will be on display. The restaurant will be decorated with a floral theme.

HICKORY FLAT POTTERY: Hickory Flat Pottery - Dogwood flowers will be in bloom, etched on mugs, vases, lanterns and Ikebana! Floral artist, Suzie McKay will demonstrate the ancient form of Japanese Ikebana Flower arranging. New Copper Garden Stakes will deck Cindy's garden!

NORTH 40 LODGE: Enjoy a display of antique floral quilts collected by owner Jinger Blackburn.

COTTAGE GARDEN FURNITURE: See an array of rockers, chairs and benches filled with moss, flowers and herbs. New artist Jan Peacock will show off wonderfully painted garden chairs especially created for our Spring show. Then see how to do it yourself as Judie Harman demonstrates how to make a garden chair at 11:00a.m. and again at 2:00p.m.. Bring an old chair and for a small fee, you’ll get the material and help to make your own chair!

BURTON GALLERY & EMPORIUM: From 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.The gallery will feature Lucia Scroggs and Debra McInvale, owner of McInvale Studios in White County. Lucia demonstrates how she creates her ribbon flower pins. She will also be showing her new wall hangings using paint and threads on fiber. Debra McInvale demos flowers painted on porcelain and displays new work of painting on glass.

PAZZOS: Ladies who come for dinner will be presented with a flower.

PARADISE PROPERTIES: Guest may choose their choice of lodging! Stay includes free tickets to Evening Star Music Series live at Sautee Nacoochee Center! 1-888-646-0646

Enjoy your visit to one of North East Georgia’s most beautiful drives, a charming place to spend night or two, or for a relaxing day trip. Go to www.scenic197.com and check out the other 2008 events hosted by members, as well as detailed maps, phone numbers and links to each member’s websites. Your friends at Scenic 197 await you!