Historic Downtown

"Any way you look at it, Downtown Dahlonega is a mountain treasure and the gold standard in regional attractions"
    - Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority / Main Street Program

Dahlonega’s historic public square is the hub of the county’s thriving tourism industry, and residents enjoy the city’s charm as much as visitors do. Connected by shaded brick sidewalks, shops, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment spots fill our 19th-century buildings. It’s not unusual to hear musicians jamming on the square and see artists with their sketch pads whiling away breezy afternoons.

Enjoy history, charm, fine dining, local wines and unique retail stores in a beautiful and memorable atmosphere. Dahlonega's Downtown District -- listed on the National Register -- features historic streets and public square, walking tours, and green-space parks and is one of the South's most quaint and active town centers. Downtown Dahlonega is an award-winning Main Street City and an exciting place to visit, shop, live, and do business.

Known for its gold rush history, Dahlonega is truly a golden experience. While the gold mines and Georgia's State Historic Site, the Dahlonega Gold Museum, are popular day-trip destinations for families, culinary adventures also broaden the appeal. Diners enjoy over a dozen downtown restaurants and regional Georgia wine tasting rooms. Downtown Dahlonega, centered around the landmark historic Gold Museum, formerly the 1836 Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, is also adjacent to the renowned University of North Georgia campus rich with activities, attractions, architecture and traditions. Downtown offers over one hundred shops, restaurants, and other local, small businesses attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.