About
Oconee County is located in the Historic Heartland region of Georgia, just an hour east of Atlanta and 8 miles south of Athens. With a population of approximately 34,000, the county is comprised of four cities: Watkinsville, Bishop, Bogart, and North High Shoals. Watkinsville, the county seat, is known as the Artland of Georgia. The city is home to popular art attractions like the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation and Happy Valley Pottery. In Watkinsville and throughout the county, you can also find Farmington Depot Gallery and several other art galleries, shops, and studios. Oconee County is also known for its agriculture products and outdoor activities with numerous parks, U-Pick farms, and other locally-grown food destinations.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Oconee County was ranked the #1 county to live in Georgia by Niche.com in 2016 & 2017.
- Oconee County was ranked #12 on Niche.com’s list of best counties to live in the United States in 2017.
- Watkinsville was once a part of Clarke County, and served as the county seat before separating itself as Oconee County in 1875.
- Watkinsville is known as the Artland of Georgia for having more artists per capita than any other city in the state.
- The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation hosts the largest pottery show in the state and Southeast– Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational.
- Watkinsville is home to one of Georgia’s 13 functioning covered bridges– Elder Mill Covered Bridge.
Annual Events
- Hellebore Days, March
- First Friday on Main, April – October
- Oconee Garden Tour, April
- Tour d’Oconee, May
- Oconee 4th of July Fireworks, July
- Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational, August-September
- Stein & Stem, October
- Oconee Chamber Fall Festival, October
- Watkinsville Tree Lighting, December
Social Media Links
#VisitOconee