Summer is the best time to relish and adventure into outdoor escapism. Where better to experience the great outdoors than through the small-town charm of Dahlonega? Whether you’re an out-of-towner or a Georgia native, Dahlonega is the perfect getaway for a long weekend this summer. To kick off the imminent arrival of the summer season, here are the top things you can’t miss when you visit our favorite part of North Georgia.
If you’re a fan of art, wine, and music, you can’t miss the Arts and Wine Festival on May 21 and 22. An annual event highlighting the creative North Georgia community, the festival begins at 10am and runs until 6pm on the 21st and 5pm on the 22nd. Adjacent to Hancock Park, you’ll find the Wine and Beer Garden, where you can taste local and regional wines and beers. You will find over seventy local vendors and craftsmen selling pottery, paintings, wood carvings, jewelry, sculptures, food, and more at the arts and crafts booths located in the downtown square. Featured musical groups will perform a variety of genres at the Hancock Park Pavilion Stage, including jazz, blues, and salsa. Music performances at the park begin at 1pm each day with free parking nearby. Pull up a lawn chair and grab a glass of wine!
While you’re checking out the festival, you may hear some music playing around town or even stumble across a live band. Appalachian Jams flood the public square with bluegrass and traditional mountain music every Saturday from 2pm-4pm. The Holly Theater and the adjacent Canopy & the Roots offer regular live entertainment and concerts for those who prefer indoor events. For those who just can’t get enough of the outdoors, the First Friday Concert Series in Hancock 
Park showcases local musicians on the first Friday of each month from May through October. It’s a perfect excuse for a summer picnic at the park!
After the Arts and Wine Festival concludes, you still have plenty of great options to spend a few days tasting the delicious wine of the region. There’s nothing better than a mountain wine tasting on a hot summer day. The Dahlonega mountains host the most concentrated number of wineries and vineyards in the whole state of Georgia. Experience and visit the eight local wineries around Dahlonega, six of which you can visit over a couple of days on Dahlonega’s wine trail. Hop on a wine tasting tour with DSH Transportation for a luxurious day with friends or chart your own course to the various tasting rooms at Montaluce, Cavender Creek, Wolf Mountain, and more.
Dahlonega offers many wonderful outdoor opportunities, starting with river activities. You can kayak and canoe in whitewater and
flatwater at many different locations across the 40-mile area surrounding Dahlonega. You can launch from many parks and rivers including the Etowah River, Chestatee River, Yahoola Creek, Chattahoochee River, and Amicalola Creek. For the fisherman in your party, take advantage of a fly fishing tour with Georgia Wild Trout and spend up to a whole day on the water.
If paddling on the river isn’t enough, you can also visit the many wonderful waterfalls surrounding Dahlonega. Desoto Falls features two different waterfalls and legends of a medieval Spanish expedition on a search for gold. For spectacular views, check out the 729-foot waterfall at Amicalola Falls State Park to the west of the city. You’ll find multiple viewing platforms, a reflecting pool at the bottom of the falls, and parking at three different levels. North of Dahlonega are Helton Creek Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, and Anna Ruby Falls. All have great hiking and viewing areas. If you’re interested in swimming or wading below a waterfall, check out Dicks Creek Falls!
Chances are if you’re interested in waterfalls, you’re also interested in hiking the North Georgia trails! For those who want the best of both worlds, Raven Cliff Falls offers an enjoyable hike of 2.5 miles with multiple falls along the way. Dahlonega is close to several hiking spots that access the Appalachian Trail, including Blood Mountain, Dicks Creek Falls, and Springer Mountain. For anyone wanting a less intense hike than the Appalachian Trail, check out the Sosbee Cove Trail, Yahoola Creek Park, and the Yahoola Creek Reservoir located on Lake Zwerner and Dockery Lake.
Horseback riding is another popular outdoor activity in Dahlonega. The area boasts of two local stables that offer trail rides and riding instructions. At Gold City Corral, you can ride horses, carriages, and even a horse-drawn wagon to a cookout. Sunny Farms North allows you to ride and explore the Blue Ridge Mountains on your own or with a trail guide. For more riding trail options, check out the Chattahoochee National Forest trails just ten minutes from downtown Dahlonega.
Once home to the largest gold deposits east of the Mississippi, the land surrounding Dahlonega is rich with legend and history. While
most of the gold has long since been mined, you can still get a taste of the gold rush by panning for your own gold at Crisson Gold Mine. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum to take a closer look at Georgia’s gold mining history and maybe even see some gold yourself. For an even deeper dive, visit the Consolidated Gold Mine for a 40-minute tour of a real mine.
A packed weekend exploring the great outdoors calls for a few good meals! For a family-friendly experience complete with live music, check out Shenanigans Restaurant and Irish Pub. With traditional Irish dishes and the largest beer selection in town, you’ll leave feeling like you had a home-cooked meal! Bourbon Street Grill offers Cajun cuisine with a twist and features intimate indoor spaces as well as 
spacious patios and decks. Don’t miss their weekend brunch! If you’re looking for something quick and delicious on your way to your next adventure, Corner Kitchen Deli serves quality salads, sandwiches, soups, and more.
Escaping into the great outdoors has never been easier than spending your summer days in Dahlonega. Whether you’re craving the idyllic silence of nature trails, the warmth of live music and a glass of wine, or the delightful commentary of a tour guide, you’ll find an adventure to suit your every mood. We can’t wait to welcome you this summer!
