The first time I saw The Southern Seasons Inn, I was—unintentionally—breaking the law. Following my GPS, I mistakenly turned the wrong way down a one-way street and sought refuge in a brick-paved courtyard.
Bathed in the golden summer sun, the inn instantly reminded me of Anne of Green Gables—a perfect blend of farmhouse simplicity and the understated luxury of Southern wealth. As I circled back, I took in the sweeping veranda adorned with delicate gingerbread trim, as intricate as lace doilies. Its exterior, the soft hue of freshly skimmed buttermilk, was complemented by deep phthalo green shutters and floor-to-ceiling windows framed in crisp white. I half-expected to see a freckled redhead orphan in an apron bustling about. Instead, I spotted a poised woman in a sundress, effortlessly lounging on the porch—an unintentional embellishment that further enhanced the storybook setting.
When I returned home, I looked up the inn and found a constellation of glowing reviews. My background in history prompted me to research the story behind the clearly historic building.
A historic setting with modern appeal
CC BY-SA 3.0)
Built in 1901, the Southern Seasons Inn, located at 120 Asbury Street in Clarkesville, GA, originally belonged to the prominent Asbury family, who owned a hardware store in downtown Clarkesville. Designed in the Plantation Plains style, the home earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Now, in 2025, the Henry Asbury House seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary comfort, offering a curated guest experience that sets it apart from the increasingly impersonal world of short-term rentals. With only five rooms, each carefully designed to reflect the home’s storied past while offering modern amenities, Southern Seasons Inn provides an intimacy and attention to detail that Airbnb cannot replicate.
More than a stay: A true hospitality experience
The rise of Airbnb has shifted the landscape of travel accommodations, offering convenience and variety. But in doing so, it has sacrificed the very essence of hospitality. At Southern Seasons Inn, every guest is personally welcomed by owners Kevin and MaLisa McOmber, who view their role not as landlords but as stewards of an experience. Unlike Airbnb hosts, who often remain faceless behind automated check-in codes, Kevin and MaLisa engage with guests, offering concierge services that cater to individual needs and interests.
“I don’t just run it heads to beds,” MaLisa explains. “When someone books a reservation, I learn their reason for coming, their dietary restrictions, and what kind of experience they’re looking for.” This hands-on approach fosters a sense of connection and community, something increasingly absent in the self-service model of Airbnb.
Moreover, the interior of The Southern Season’s Inn is nothing short of exquisite. Here, there is no soulless modernity, no commercial carpet, no corporate lobby chairs. Yet, it also avoids the musty antiquity of floral valances and overcrowded tchotchkes often found in traditional bed-and-breakfasts.
The design is timeless—high ceilings, wide hallways, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with a soft natural light. Real flowers adorn the smooth wooden tables, their delicate fragrance mingling with the gentle strains of music that float in and throughout the house. The thoughtfully spaced rooms ensure privacy, while carefully planned nooks, hidden balconies, and secluded alcoves offer perfect settings for intimate conversations and quiet moments of reflection.
Beyond the walls, two honest-to-goodness southern verandas provide several cozy pockets for private seating, ideal for a quiet morning with family or an intimate evening with a spouse, as the inn is exclusively for guests 21 and older. As night falls, a rock feature visible in the glow of a cascade of string lights casts a warm ambiance, creating a restful retreat beneath a vast, star-strewn sky. The distant thrum of cicadas hums through the air, the perfect background noise as one leans in their chair, a glass of wine in hand.
The inn advantage: Service, security, and atmosphere
Unlike Airbnb rentals, which can be unpredictable in terms of cleanliness and upkeep, Southern Seasons Inn guarantees consistency and high standards. MaLisa personally oversees every aspect of the inn, from housekeeping to much of the landscaping, ensuring that each room meets an exacting level of cleanliness and comfort.
Guests enjoy Egyptian cotton sheets, plush robes, and a gourmet multi-course breakfast served in the dining room, all included in their stay. Thus, if you never leave the property, you will still enjoy an upscale and restful vacation.
Then, there is the matter of security. Airbnb has faced increasing scrutiny over hidden fees, last-minute cancellations, and safety concerns. Stories of guests arriving to find unclean spaces, missing amenities, or even fraudulent listings have become common. In contrast, an established inn like Southern Seasons offers peace of mind with no surprise charges, no extensive chores, and a professional approach to hospitality that prioritizes guest safety and satisfaction.
A community asset, not a strain
The growing presence of Airbnb has raised concerns in small towns like Clarkesville, where short-term rentals often drive up housing costs and erode community ties. In contrast, traditional inns contribute to the local economy without displacing residents.
“The town embraced us from the beginning,” MaLisa says. “Clarkesville didn’t have a downtown lodging option before we opened, so we’ve been able to fill a real need.”
Unlike many Airbnbs, which operate in residential neighborhoods with little oversight, Southern Seasons Inn is a purpose-driven establishment. It fosters tourism without disrupting the fabric of the community. The inn also serves as a hub for local partnerships, directing guests to area businesses, from wineries to hiking trails, ensuring that tourism dollars remain in Clarkesville rather than flowing to absentee Airbnb hosts.
The future of travel: A return to authenticity
As the short-term rental market faces increasing regulations and community pushback, travelers are reconsidering the value of traditional inns and bed-and-breakfasts. What was once dismissed as outdated is now recognized for what it always was: an intentional, elevated experience designed for genuine hospitality.
At Southern Seasons Inn, guests can set the rhythm of their stay—whether exploring the Appalachian foothills, visiting nearby vineyards, or simply unwinding on the veranda with a cup of tea. They are not just passing through; they are welcomed as part of a story that began in 1901 and continues to unfold today.
For those seeking more than just a place to sleep, for those who crave history, connection, and a true sense of place, the choice is clear. A stay at an inn like Southern Seasons is not just better than Airbnb—it is an entirely different experience altogether, one that reminds us why hospitality matters in the first place.
Carly McCurry is the publisher of The Cute North Georgian magazine. Her work appears on NowHabersham.com in partnership with Now Network News.
