For most of my life, I passed through Clayton without stopping. My parents preferred the familiar destinations—The Dillard House, Dry Falls—so we stayed on the main road, bypassing the town entirely. I never wandered its streets or stepped inside its shops. In more than thirty years of traveling through this part of North Georgia, I had driven through historic Clayton fewer than five times. That changed when I founded The Cute North Georgian Magazine. Since then, I’ve returned repeatedly, drawn not just by its charm, but by its momentum.
Early 20th-century historian Andrew Ritchie once called Clayton, Georgia, “a ramshackle.” The town has since rewritten that narrative with a transformation as unlikely as it is remarkable. Clayton now draws visitors as a destination in its own right, where heritage and reinvention walk side by side. Ramshackle, a downtown festival that celebrates community, creativity, and the joy of shopping local, captures that evolution.
From “Ramshackle” to Renaissance
Clayton has reinvented itself, evolving from a quiet enclave into a destination driven by taste, style, and intention. Chef Jamie Allred ignited the shift when he opened Fortify Kitchen, bringing a bold farm-to-table philosophy to the heart of downtown. He sourced ingredients from nearby farms, built relationships with growers, and proved that fine dining could thrive in the mountains. Other chefs and restaurateurs followed his lead with the re-opening of venues like the delicious Clayton Café and a growing collection of seasonal, locally focused restaurants that now line the streets and fill the air with the scent of slow, intentional cooking.
As the food scene surges forward, the retail landscape keeps pace. Boutiques like Madison’s on Main bring curated fashion to the square—elegant yet made for everyday life. The Reeves Company, a generational fixture, redefines small-town shopping by offering a true department store experience in the model of Fifth Avenue, filling nearly an entire block with clothing, gifts, home goods, hardware, and more. Shady Creek Expeditions joins the Renaissance with a historic twist, resurrecting a “his and hers” styled outfitter that caters to both rugged outdoorsmen and women seeking a posh, comfortable aesthetic.
Visitors in search of conversation and respite settle into the Highroads Tasting Room, a refined space that channels the convivial spirit of 1920s café culture. They sip beer, mead, mocktails, wine, and sodas, often pairing their drinks with light snacks. Some gather at the long, communal table to meet fellow travelers and locals alike. Others lean against high-top counters by the window or cluster around small circular tables built for quieter exchanges.
Together, these businesses, among others have reshaped downtown Clayton, drawing visitors who seek both refinement and authenticity—all set against the dramatic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the untamed beauty of three surrounding state parks.
The Roots of the Ramshackle Street Festival
Ramshackle Street Festival serves as the flagship event of the Clayton Merchants and Business Association (CMBA), a group that Carol Reeves and Jay Dresser founded in the 1980s to coordinate seasonal events among local shops. Over the years, the organization has evolved into a vital engine of economic growth and cultural momentum in downtown Clayton.
Today, the CMBA counts 85 active members and invests in community initiatives that draw travelers off the highway and into the heart of downtown Clayton. The group plans events like Ramshackle and seasonal block parties to foster connection and boost local commerce. Members meet regularly to tackle practical challenges, from managing downtown parking to coordinating the logistics of large-scale gatherings.
Festival Features: A Day of Music, Makers, and Mountain Vibes
Ramshackle Street Festival unfolds on Main Street in downtown Clayton, transforming the town into a vibrant, walkable celebration of music, art, and mountain living. Organizers begin officially planning as early as February, and unofficially all year around, to prepare for the one-day event, drawing thousands of attendees into the city.
The festival showcases what Clayton has become: a community that honors its roots while embracing creativity, hospitality, and growth.
Live music anchors the festival. Throughout the day, acoustic sets fill the shaded pocket park near The Rock House, creating a more intimate listening experience. The main stage, set in front of the Reeves Company—family-owned since 1928 and a major sponsor—for continuous sets from late afternoon into the evening. Organizers spotlight a rising local star as the opener each year; this year, Breeze Cable sets the tone for the headliners Kobanova and Town Mountain.
Beyond the music, Ramshackle spotlights Appalachian craft not just as a product, but as a process. Demonstrating artisan’s work throughout the day, turning the event into a living gallery of traditional skills and modern interpretations.
The fun is not limited to adults however, behind Clayton Methodist Church—thanks to the generosity of Mr. Green—families find a grassy play zone complete with a bounce house, face painting, cornhole, and dart games. Organizers designed this area to keep children engaged.
A Community That Shows Up
A dedicated group of local leaders spearheads the event, each managing a different component of the day. Key organizers include:
● Sonya Shook – Reeves Company
● Lynda Ann Price – Highroads Tasting Room
● Tracey McCoy – The Laurel of Northeast Georgia
● Marlon Castablanco & Kendall Rumsey – Of These Mountains
● Trudy Krunkleton – City Liaison and behind-the-scenes coordinator
City employees don’t just approve the event—they participate. Council members, police, and sanitation crews work alongside volunteers to ensure Ramshackle runs safely and seamlessly. Rather than clashing over red tape or compromise, city leaders and local organizers recognize each other’s value and collaborate with a shared purpose. Their cooperation not only makes the festival possible—it likely fuels Clayton’s ongoing growth and controlled gentrification.
Conclusion
Ramshackle tells a story. It reclaims Clayton’s once-dismissed identity and reframes it as something rich with pride, talent, and possibility. Where critics once saw a “ramshackle” town, residents now showcase a destination defined by food, music, art, and connection.
At Ramshackle Street Festival, visitors eat, shop, and more—while dancing, learning, and celebrating in the heart of one of Georgia’s most magnetic mountain towns. Join the party on June 7th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM in downtown, historic Clayton.
Carly McCurry is the publisher of The Cute North Georgian magazine. Her work appears on NowHabersham.com in partnership with Now Network News.
