Persimmon Creek

Persimmon Creek
Clayton, GA

Forget Napa Valley -- you don't need a plane ticket to experience luxury vineyard accommodations and stunning views of rolling, vine-covered hillsides. Nestled into a valley amid the mountains of Rabun County, Persimmon Creek vineyards (from $325, persimmoncreekwine.com) is the ideal getaway if you're seeking solitude, serenity, and isolation but aren't exactly in the mood to rough it. Perched on a hilltop in the vineyard's 110 private acres are three luxury cottages (brand new, just finished in 2009) that look like they were ripped from the pages of a Pottery Barn catalogue. The look: exposed beams, viking appli- ances, impossibly high-thread-count linens, stone fireplaces, and three distinct custom interior design schemes (rustic, farm style, and french country) that don't overlook a single detail. oh, and did we mention the hearty homemade breakfast and two complimentary bottles of wine that are waiting for you when you arrive? Unfortunately, you can't move in permanently -- believe us, we checked.  -- Jenn Grabenstetter

What to Do

1. Your tour guide around the property is Mary Ann Hardman, the propri- etress and heart and soul of the whole operation. You'll get an up-close look at (and private tasting of) the four different types of grapes grown at Persimmon. You'll also see the wind turbine that powers the electronics in their teenage son's room, and Hardman's favorite spot on the whole property -- a sunken stone structure that is at least 100 years old.
2. This protected park features some of the most outstanding vistas in the Blue Ridge Mountains (gamountains.com). Hiking trails will take you past relaxing streams and waterfalls, and numerous scenic overlooks give you plenty of breathtaking views. At 3,640 feet, this is the highest state park
3. in Georgia.
4. At Tallulah Gorge, grab a free permit, which is issued every day (limited to 100 per day) to visitors who want to hike to the bottom of Tallulah Gorge (gamountains.com). The trail to the bottom (Hurricane Falls Staircase) is strenuous but worth the strain for the incredible views of the Tallulah River and its waterfalls along the way. Stop at the suspension bridge, which hangs eighty feet above the gorge floor to get the best waterfall views.
5. Antique stores, art galleries, furniture stores, and quaint eateries are packed in side by side, perfect for a lazy afternoon of window shopping. Don't miss Persimmon on the Square (28 E. Savannah St., 706-212-7972), the retail shop for the vineyard, where you'll find locally made cheeses, gifts, and small home décor and servingware items, as well as products made with its homegrown lavender (downtownclaytonga.com).
6. Make the short trip over to nearby Kingwood Resort and treat yourself to an all-day spa retreat featuring a sugar scrub followed by an enzymatic sea mud wrap and Vichy shower, European facial, fifty-minute massage, manicure, and pedicure ($250, kingwoodresort.com).