Ingles Open Road : Mark of The Potter
This Content is Sponsored By Ingles
The Soque (pronounced So-qkwee) River in north Georgia is a beloved tributary of the Chattahoochee. Taking its name from a long-lost Cherokee village, it’s a scenic setting for a hard-working old grist mill that now enjoys a second…shall we say…more artistic life as a renowned pottery gallery.
Home to Mark of the Potter since 1969, this mill retains many of its historical details. Originally built where the river could be channeled into a raceway, the mill’s “water-power” operated a system of gears and pulleys that turned the grindstone. As one of the oldest craft shops in Georgia, today the mill showcases one-of-a-kind, functional pottery that brings beauty, craftsmanship, and purpose to everyday life.
These days it’s actually in the studio across the street, where you’ll find water’s power at work. That…and the whirr of the potters’ wheel…turns Georgia clay into something remarkable.
The artisans at Mark of the Potter create useful as well as artistic pieces. Made by hand, each piece reflects the creativity of its maker and the rich, deeply rooted tradition known as North Georgia pottery. Some makers harvest clay from areas near the river, and each in-house potter stamps their unique insignia onto their stoneware.
History and pottery aren’t the only reasons to visit Mark of the Potter. Countless folks who travel Scenic 197 between Clarksville and Lake Burton stop in just to see the beautiful creatures who make a regular appearance right under this porch.
These huge trout are a delight to watch as they dance and tumble for their dinner. You can purchase food from the shop and have a ball feeding these well-loved, migrating pets. Chances are you’ll better understand where some of the potters get their inspiration.
If the Soque’s beauty makes you want to linger even longer, you can arrange to stay upstairs in the old mill’s sunny, 3-bedroom Airbnb apartment.
This beautiful retreat formerly housed the mill’s grain stores. The view from up here is outstanding. As a bonus, private pottery classes are available to lodgers on request.
So the next time you’re in North Georgia, join the folks who return to Mark of the Potter, in pilgrimage fashion, to collect clay treasures and enjoy this unique blend of history, art and nature.
