Presto Reviews

Since I was reviewing an art studio, I figured I’d better make the cover photo look "artsy." Back in my younger days, I used to dabble in photography, so I welcomed the excuse to dust off my creative eye. Between my past behind the lens and the fact that my wife and son both enjoy art, an art exhibit is a frequent pit stop on many of our family road trips. Naturally, when we rolled into Clarkesville, Georgia this summer, Hemlock Studio Gallery was at the top of our itinerary. More Than Meets the Eye Hemlock Studio and Gallery did not disappoint. Tucked just off the town square, it looks deceptively modest from the sidewalk. However, once you step inside, the space opens up like a creative wonderland—it’s significantly larger than the exterior lets on. The owners, who traded the rocky coasts of Maine for the Georgia hills, are a delight. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and strike that perfect "host balance": they’re happy to give you a guided tour of the highligh...

Don’t let the minimalist branding fool you If you’re looking to take a literal step back in time, you’ll find the portal in Clarkesville, Georgia. On Google Maps, (at the time of writing) this spot is listed simply as "Antique Mall." While the name doesn't exactly scream "marketing genius," don’t let the minimalist branding fool you. In an era where most antique stores have quirky, pun-heavy names that sound more like a pub and grill, this place tells you exactly what it is. Besides, even the cleverest names often lead to shops that leave much to be desired; this one lets the inventory do the talking. The Layout: Wear Your Walking Shoes Once you step inside, you realize the "Mall" part of the name is no exaggeration. This is a massive operation. You’ll find dozens of long walkways chock-full of vintage goodies. To give you an idea of the scale take a look at the picture below: the store is twice as wide as it is long, and the depth alone is enough to...