Watkinsville, GA

On Friday I took our visitine out-of-town friend to the First Friday on Main in Watkinsville to see what was going on. Although there weren't as many people downtown as I have seen in the past, probably due to the fact that there were several high school football games Friday night.

However, there were a lot of events for children, including 2 trains, arts and craft activities, a rock climbing wall, moonwalk and other activities.

Additionally, there was a booth promoting Grace's Birthday Party coming up at Ashford Manor on September 21 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. For more information about Gracie's party, go to WWW.gracesbirthday.com.

It was a bit disappointing that only a few of the shops were open this month. Maybe next time.

Anyway, we had a good time on a pleasant Friday evening.

But the news is still mixed.

In Watkinsville the sliding 12 month sales figures have shown a steady increase in both the average and median sales prices of homes since May with the last two months averages above the figures from Jan. 1.

At the same time D.O.M. has increased by 16% (27 days) from 168 to 195 days and the number of units sold has shown a decrease of about 26%

The following chart shows the sliding 12 month figures:

Wooded beauty, babbling shoals, and covered picnic areas all work together to bring peace to your heart when you visit Harris Shoals Park. Harris Shoals Park is located off Experiment Station Road, near downtown Watkinsville. Other fun things to do in the park:

• Horshoe Pits
• Childrens Playground
• Baseball Field
• Walking Trail - dog friendly (leash laws apply)
• Play in the Shoals - dog friendly (leash laws apply)

Take a short drive down Georgia Highway 15, towards Greensboro and watch for the Elder Mill Covered Bridge signs on the left. This bridge was constructed in 1897 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges that allows traffic to cross in Georgia that has not been reinforced with steel beams underneath. The bridge, 100 feet long, originally covered Calls Creek and was moved to its current location in 1924. Restoration was last done to the bridge in 1997.

Other Oconee County, Georgia Parks to Check Out:

• Oconee Veterans Park
• Herman C. Michael Park
• Heritage Park

Watkinsville, Georgia is becoming a shopping mecca!  Out the stretch of Highway 316, which runs along the south edge of Oconee County, Georgia, you'll find the big name shops like Kohls, WalMart, Kroger Grocery Store, Lowes & Home Depot, and more.  But hidden away in the heart of the downtown district are some really cool shops like: 

• Georgia Originals - featuring products made only in Georgia - how cool is that?  A fabulous place to find gifts for family and friends.
• Southern Belles and Beaus- premium children's clothes with custom embroidery available.
• Circa Antiques & Art- always has the most gorgeous glass Christmas ornaments and something special for your home or gift.
• Books Galore is my favorite place to get my reading fix!  I buy new books there and then get to trade them back in for other used books.  I visit several times a month and Gail and her staff are super friendly and knowledgeable!  Be prepared for them to ask you which books were your favorites!

Join me below on a quick tour of some shopping areas in and around Watkinsville- where there really is something for everyone! And of course there are plenty of places to grab a delightful bite to eat so you can refuel during your shopping frenzy!

Downtown Watkinsville is home to many diner's delights!

Almost every special occasion my family has celebrated by dining out is spent at Gautreau's Cajun Cafe in Watkinsville, GA. When they first opened they started out just up the road, then moved over to a location in Athens, GA for a few years and returned home to downtown - we've loyally followed them all over!

The best kept secret around is probably their "Blacked Filet Mignon", tender enough to cut with a fork and melt in your mouth delicious. It's a hard decision to make though - the ettoufee is awesome and often David and I go home with bowls of it for the next day :)

Save some room for dessert a couple of doors down at "Sweet Retreat"

Both of these fabulous eateries are located in Town Center on Main Street along with Maison Bleu which serves incredible everything, and is a Winner in the Best Food Taste of Athens in 2007 & 2008. They were also featured in Southern Living MagazineJuly 2008. Not to be be missed at Maison Blue - the creme brulee!

Early Saturday mornings in the summer, you'll often find me at the Oconee County Farmer Market located at 26 North Main St, Watkinsville, GA 30677 in front of the Eagle Tavern Museum. Open: Saturday mornings from May 13 until October.

The vendors offer fresh certified naturally grown and locally grown produce and flowers, free range eggs, herbal body products and more.

Eat fresh...Have Fun!