Story Ideas

Dahlonega, GA is an authentic Appalachian Mountains town, known for being the site of the FIRST major U.S. gold rush. Many of the historic wood and brick structures surrounding the historic Public Square and the Historic District are on the National Register, and filled with restaurants, independently-owned shops and boutiques, art galleries and great places to stay, dine and browse.

Get safely snowed in, whether in a cozy downtown inn, a B&B or a cabin in the woods with all the amenities. Rather than wait for a spring visit, the adventurous look forward to a romantic Snowcation, with discounted rates. Visitors watch the hour-by-hour forecasts, head up before snowfall and enjoy a weekend of horseback riding, snowball fights, hot tub relaxation and s’mores around the fireside. Several innkeepers offer Snowcation specials. At www.dahlonega.org visitors can search properties by amenities, specific or flexible dates.

Dahlonega is a magnet for the musical arts and has been home to several prominent musicians, including Shawn Mullins, Zac Brown, Amy Ray (The Indigo Girls), The Fiddleheads (America's Got Talent) and Bluebilly Grit (2012 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Winners). From outdoor festivals and jam sessions in historic Downtown Dahlonega to live concerts at the Historic Holly Theater and intimate venues, the mountains are alive with the rhythmic sounds of Dahlonega.

From decks overlooking the Chestatee River to sweeping vineyard vistas, Dahlonega is a dining destination with unique casual and fine dining options. Enjoy traditional Southern cooking and barbecue in historic venues, oysters on the back deck, or enjoy a sidewalk bistro on a sunny day. On a beautiful day, visitors can enjoy their meal on restaurant balconies and porches while taking in the peaceful, natural scenery or the bustle of historic downtown.

No need to hop a plane to California, France, or Italy to savor award-winning Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese, Tannat, and more – Dahlonega is the heart of Georgia’s acclaimed wine country and is the Wine Tasting Room Capital of Georgia. Learn from the vintners what it takes to coax award-winning wines from ground to grape to glass. From Italianate hillside mansions to Appalachian-style lodges, each produces its own unique offerings and ambiance. Visitors can tour five distinctive wineries. Pressed for time? Visit the six tasting rooms in downtown Dahlonega to sample them all.

Known as the site of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828, 21 years before California’s rush, the historic downtown is now home to the artifact-rich Dahlonega Gold Museum. Experience the rush of panning for gold and touring the ruins at the Crisson Gold Mine and Consolidated Gold Mines and processing mill. Learn the gold mining history of the newly-restored Chestatee River Diving Bell, a giant 6-ton, submarine-style, maritime artifact. The Dahlonega-Lumpkin Visitors Center offers a money-saving Gold Fever Package with admission to the mines and the Gold Museum, with maps, dining, and lodging options.

As trees don their rich autumn jewel tones, visitors rush to Dahlonega with the enthusiasm of the gold miners who hit pay dirt here over 185 years ago. Today, Dahlonega stakes its claim on a rich lode of architecture and history, hiking trails, fall festivals, vineyard tours, and family fun. Dahlonega’s color palette includes more than just Fall foliage: Harvest a bounty of reds and whites in the winery tasting rooms, walk a yellow corn maze, take a hayride, pick orange pumpkins, and explore nearly 30 different green and silvery waterfalls.

With the closest access to both Springer Mountain and Amicalola Falls State Park, Dahlonega has served as the favorite hub for north bound hikers (nobo’s) every spring. Located only one hour north of Atlanta, Dahlonega is proud of its designation as an official Appalachian Trail Community™. Join us for the annual Dahlonega Trail Fest every year as we celebrate the beginning of spring, our designation as an AT Trail Community™, and our connection with the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

Dahlonega’s unique arts scene offers culture seekers both one-of-a-kind collectables and memorable experiences. From visual and performing arts to culinary and vintner arts, from music and storytelling to writers and filmmakers, welcome to the cultural hub of the Northeast Georgia Mountains!

Festivals are an integral part of Dahlonega's rich heritage and are a superb way to take in the outdoor beauty of the area. From the Dahlonega Trail Fest in March to the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration in December, more than a dozen fun-filled festivals are held throughout the year.