Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center near Clayton, Georgia, is not only a place to visit and discover what historic life was like in the Appalachian Mountains, but also to learn how to practice many time-honored customs in present day. Since the mid-1960s, the customs, crafts, traditions and lifestyles of Appalachia have been chronicled in a set of publications called the Foxfire Series. Learn why the series has become so popular in the United States and other countries when you visit the museum and center.
The topics are far-reaching, from herbal remedies to broom making, bee keeping, log cabin building, constructing wooden coffins, making moonshine and many more. With the emphasis on a simpler life and self-sufficiency, all ages are often intrigued about lessons they can learn.
Spend time on the attraction’s 106 acres (43 hectares) to see 10 authentic pioneering log cabins and more than a dozen other structures that have been built using traditional construction methods. These methods often go back 180 years to the time when pioneers settled in the region.
Current activities are also taught, such as zip lining and video making. Longer heritage skill classes are taught from spring to fall and specialized camps for all ages are conducted covering a number of skills. Visit the store, which has many items produced by Foxfire students. Publications are available for purchase.
The museum is a showcase of crafted items, with every piece telling a story and providing glimpses of the past. Specials events are held at various times, such as Heritage Days and the Foxfire Mountaineer Festival.
Find Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center in Mountain City, less than a 2-hour drive northeast of Atlanta, 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) from Clayton in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The site is generally open year round, with closures on certain days. Guided tours are available.
