Events and activities in
DOWNTOWN
Explore Dahlonega’s local dining and shopping scene.
Discover the sights and sounds of Dahlonega’s art galleries and performance venues.
More to explore, all within an hour’s drive of Dahlonega.
THE HEART OF GEORGIA MOUNTAINS.
THE SITE OF THE FIRST MAJOR GOLD RUSH.
AMERICA’S BEST WINE, BEER AND SPIRITS SMALL TOWN.
GEORGIA’S BEST SMALL TOWN.
BEST GEORGIA GETAWAYS
Wine Enthusiast
CHARMING SMALL-TOWN DOWNTOWNS IN AMERICA - Travel and Leisure - Southern Living Magazine
HGTV
Dahlonega is the premiere mountain getaway of the Southeast. Picture world-class vineyards, tumbling waterfalls and a Hallmarkesque square all rolled into one charming town and hidden in a valley between Blue Ridge mountains. Picture a place where the wine flows as freely as the rivers that deposit golden flecks into the pans of lucky miners. That’s Dahlonega.
LOCATED JUST 15 MINUTES FROM DAHLONEGA
Tipsy Toad cabin offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking respite from the daily grind. Whether you’re unwinding with a glass of wine from local vineyards, planning a weekend escape, or seeking a cozy haven while visiting loved ones, our Dahlonega hideaway promises an unparalleled experience.
For more info & reservations visit https://tipsy-toad.com/ @tipsytoaddahlonega
• Sleeps up to 4 People
• 1 Queen Bedroom
• 1 Full Bedroom
• 1 Sleeper Sofa
• Full Kitchen
• Great Room
• 1 Full Bath
• 1 Half Bath
• Dog Friendly
• 6 miles to Town Square
Blue Door, Dahlonega AirBnB Blue Door, Dahlonega VRBO
Dahlonega's newest luxury bed and breakfast located in the heart of wine country. Enjoy a romantic stay in a picturesque setting, modern farmhouse accommodations, and gourmet breakfast.
Wherever you prefer to rest your head, Dahlonega’s diverse inventory of accommodations is sure to please. Rusticate in a cabin in the woods or revel in the bliss of modern day comforts (like egyptian cotton sheets) at one of the area’s hotels and resorts. From tree houses and yurts to quaint B&Bs, rest assured the perfect lodging experience is awaiting you.
COPPERMINES LODGE
Luxury Log Home
Coppermineslodge.com
LOVE ADVENTURES - AT LAST
Floating in the trees
Small
MAISON PARADIS - NGVR
French Country Chateau
Large 10+ people
THE NEST - CARDINAL HILL
Sweeping Mountain Views
Medium to Large
TRAHLYTA CABIN
Luxmodern Cabin
Handicap Accessible
Blend of Nature and Modern Amenities
Tree House - Tech Time
“THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS!”
The popularized phrase shouted from the balcony of the old Lumpkin County courthouse, now the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, is a testament to the region of Dahlonega. A city among mountains that once truly held gold. As the site of America’s first major gold rush in 1829, twenty years before gold was discovered in California, Dahlonega holds a permanent spot in gold history.
Get a taste of life as a Dahlonega gold seeker in the 1800s at these historic sites that offer a trip back in time and a chance to strike it rich!
Explore the original tunnels built to reach the underground riches and hear tales of those who spent their days mining the rock walls in hopes of getting lucky.
Just inside one of the oldest courthouses in Georgia lies stories, mementos and artifacts of the Georgia gold rush.
Pan for gold, mine for gems and visit the only original working Stamp Mill in Georgia.
1828 1837 1838 1848 1861
A deer hunter, Benjamin Parks, trips over a rock and discovers gold.
The city is named “Dahlonega” in 1837 from the Cherokee language word “Dalonige,” meaning yellow or gold.
Dahlonega Federal Mint opens where Price Memorial Hall now stands on the UNG campus. Gold is discovered in California.
Dahlonega Mint closes. Over 6 million dollars in coins were minted here.
From deep underground to high above the clouds and everything in between, every square inch of Dahlonega’s outdoor scene is rich in natural wonders. With mountains, waterfalls, trails and rivers, everyone from the most avid explorers to scenic observers can delight in these sights. Hike, fish, ride, tube...whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it here in Dahlonega.
The longest hiking-only footpath in the world runs right through Dahlonega! Check out these hikes along the Appalachian Trail:
Trailhead starts at Woody Gap Recreational Area
Difficulty
Moderate (2 miles)
Elevation Gain
436’
CHESTATEE OVERLOOK
Difficulty Easy (Drive here!)
Elevation Gain
2,770’
These popular North Georgia waterfalls can be found in Dahlonega, while hundreds of other cascades lie just around us in the surrounding mountains:
Difficulty
Easy to moderate (2 miles)
Falls
480’
DICK’S CREEK FALLS
Difficulty
Easy to moderate (1.2 miles)
Falls Height
60’
RAMROCK MOUNTAIN
Elevation: 3,200’
WOODY GAP OVERLOOK
Elevation: 3,160’
Whether you’re looking to swim, fish or float, there are plenty of options for cooling off around Dahlonega:
Yahoola Creek Park
Lake Zwerner
Dockery Lake TUBING AND PADDLING PUT-INS:
Appalachian Outfitters River Outpost
Chestatee River Adventures
Lake Zwerner
BLOOD MOUNTAIN
Elevation: 4,458’
BIG CEDAR MOUNTAIN
Elevation: 3,721’
Take off your hiking boots and unstrap your life jacket for these unique outdoor adventures:
HORSEBACK RIDING
Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides
Sunny Farms North
OFF-ROADING:
Iron Mountain Resort
Nimblewill Gap OHV Road Wissenhunt OHV Trail
MOUNTAIN BIKING: Chattahoochee National Forest
Jakes and Bull Mountain Trails
Located in Chattahoochee Nat’ional Forest
WOLF LAUREL MOUNTAIN
Elevation: 3,766’
COWROCK MOUNTAIN
Elevation: 3,852’
Home to over 100 exotic and native animals, Chestatee Wildlife Preserve rescues orphaned, abused and illegally purchased animals in need of a forever home. This is a must-visit for all animal lovers!
Visit hundreds of butterflies in their natural habitat and the indoor greenhouse. Stroll through the gardens with a glass of wine in-hand as you learn about different species.
Ten wildernesses, 1,367 miles of trout streams, 430 miles of trails and 867,000 acres of tree-covered forest span 26 counties in Georgia. The natural wonderland that is the Chattahoochee National Forest poses numerous opportunities for observing wildlife, hiking, fishing and more.
Walk through fields of aromatic lavender at Red Oak Lavender Farm! As Georgia’s largest public lavender farm, Red Oak locally grows and harvests over nine lavender varieties and uses them to make such products as essential oils, soaps, jams and honeys, pottery, candles, jewelry and more.
Grab a wine glass and venture into Dahlonega’s foothills, a true Southern wine experience. The prime growing conditions of the Dahlonega Plateau AVA region produce over 30 grape varieties, including familiar favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as the more exotic Sangiovese, Chambourcin or Viognier. No matter your go-to, you’re sure to find something to please your palate in these hills.
Urban “micro winery,” Accent Cellars is only a two-minute drive from downtown. accentcellars.com
SIP ON: 2020 Shiraz
A very approachable medium bodied dry red with notes of cranberry pomegranate, plum, and baking spices.
CREEK
& WINERY
Come experience Southern hospitality at its best! Rustic charm. Casual elegance. Spend time with friends relaxing and drinking wine in our tasting room with a living room vibe, or sit out on the porch or patio around the firepits. We’re known as the winery with the donkeys! cavendercreekvineyards.com
SIP ON: Amendment 21
Paying homage to the repealing of Prohibition, our 100% North Georgiagrown Norton varietal was aged six months in Bourbon barrels from Legends Distillery. Pairs with barbeque, burgers, or pizza.
Sister property to Kaya, Dahlonega Resort & Vineyard produces the“Twisted” line of wines which can be tasted in their outdoor winegarden. dahlonegasresort.com
SIP ON: The Sisters
Aromas and flavors include dried cherries and cranberries, coconut, spice, toasted oak, mint and vanilla that comliment its deep, dark red and purple color. Tannins are medium to full with a balanced and dry finish.
Dahlonega’s newest vineyard rests atop the Dahlonega Plateau on 80 scenic acres of farmland. Doghobble’s rustic wine farm, plateau overlook and outdoor pavilion opens to the public soon! doghobblevineyard.com
SIP ON: Traminette
A white wine for sipping across seasons! Rose petal aromas. Fruity, almost full bodied blend of pear and citrus notes followed by a light spicy finish.
Most awarded Meadery in the Southeast, with over 70+ awards for Mead and Beer. Try something unique. First Farm Winery in the State of Georgia to be allowed to brew their own unique beers. Just three miles from downtown Dahlonega. etowahmeadery.com
SIP ON: RB&B
Sparkling Mead (honey wine) is made with Honey, Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries. Light and unique, multi-award-winning mead.
As one of the largest vineyards in the region, Frogtown proudly produces exclusively estate-grown wines under the Frogtown and Thirteenth Colony brand names. 57 acres (42 in vines) frogtown.com
SIP ON: 2020 Clos Primavera
Estate Rose
This light and fruity rose is the perfect sipping wine without being too sweet. Pairs well with a charcuterie board or chocolate-covered strawberries.
Kaya offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the North Georgia Mountains. 90 acres (30 in vines) kayavineyards.com
SIP ON: Lot 950 Red
Soft and easy with hints of bubblegum. Pairs with flatbreads and salads.
A little piece of Tuscany nestled among the North Georgia mountains, Montaluce features a 25,000 square-foot restaurant and winery and four rentable villas with sweeping views of the vineyard and mountains beyond. 400 acres (18 in vines) montaluce.com
SIP ON: NV Malbec
Fresh blackberries and blueberries welcome you into this wine, transitioning to petrichor and earth-driven aromas such as truffles and the forest during Autumn.
Named for the three peaks that rise to the west, Three Sisters is Dahlonega’s “first family farm winery” and is known for its fun, laid back atmosphere and unique collection of Southern folk art. 184 acres (20 in vines) threesistersvineyards.com
SIP ON: Fat Boy Red
…it’s big, it’s bold, it’s one husky wine! Just loosen your belt and enjoy!
With over 200 medals from major US and international competitions, Wolf Mountain Vineyards has cultivated a reputation for fine wining and dining at their stunning mountaintop estate. 30 acres (10 in vines) wolfmountainvineyards.com
SIP ON: Brut Rose Sparkling Wine
Crafted using the traditional French “Methode Champenoise” and reflects our house signature style. It exhibits soft red berry flavors with a crisp, dry finish.
BLACK BEAR STOUT
52 West Brewing: The head brewer of 52 West created this full-bodied stout packed with notes of coffee and molasses. Try it for yourself to see how Dahlonega does beer. 52westbrewing.com
FIGGY PUDDING MEAD
Etowah Meadery: The honey-based wines of Etowah Meadery are made with the finest, local honeys, fruits and spices and their Figgy Pudding blend of figs and spices aged in a charred whiskey barrel is no different. etowahmeadery.com
SMALL BATCH BOURBON
Big Creek Distillery: Crafted with care and nature’s finest grains, enjoy on the rocks or taste one of our seasonal cocktail options! bigcreekdistilling.com
THE INSTANT RETIREMENT IPA
Dahlonega Brewery: This award-winning IPA is known for its rich and refreshing flavor. As a byproduct of Dahlonega’s first craft brewery, it’s stood the test of time and earned its local approval today. thedahlonegabrewery.com
Bear on the Square (Apr)
Camp Frank D. Merrill Ranger Open House (Apr)
Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival (May)
First Friday Concert Series (May - Oct)
Appalachian Jam (May - Oct)
Wildflowers all throughout the North Georgia mountains are in bloom during springtime!
SUMMER EVENTS
Mountain Top Rodeo (Jun)
Independence Day Celebration (Jul)
Movies on Main (Jun-Aug)
Cool off and take a dip in one of Dahlonega’s many swimming holes.
CHECK OUT:
The Chestatee River
Dick’s Creek Falls
Six Gap Century Bicycle Ride (Sept)
Gold Rush Days (Oct)
Spend a day vineyard hopping and enjoy the wine festivals and scenic views of fall.
Old Fashioned Christmas (Nov/Dec)
Dahlonega Literary Festival (Mar)
Around here, Christmas lasts all month. Downtown is aglow every evening, Santa visits town every weekend and you never know when you may walk through the set of a Hallmark movie.
Step onto Dahlonega’s historic square and find yourself immersed in a scene straight from a Hallmark movie. (Literally!) With quintessential small-town staples like the general store, ice cream parlor and confectionary, as well as a few uniquely Dahlonega sights like glassblowing, guitar pickin’ and pottery throwing, life on the square tends to resemble the movies— that’s just the kind of world we live in here in Dahlonega!
Spend a day in our cozy downtown where art, food and wine come together and where community thrives. Whether you’re looking for a coffee shop to read a book and relax at or for an authentic Afternoon Tea experience transporting you to the land of teas and biscuits, Dahlonega’s downtown has it all! Walk around our square and take in the sights and sounds of the North Georgia mountains as you explore our unique shops and restaurants.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop that makes you feel like you’re at home, check out this bear-themed cafe! This unique spot is named after the owner’s dad’s love of bears and has a cozy ambiance perfect for reading or chatting with your friends! Try a signature drink like their Bear Latte with warm notes of brown sugar and cinnamon or if you can’t decide, their coffee flight is a hit. We recommend getting your caffeine fix first so you have plenty of energy to explore our beautiful downtown!
Discover Well Made Dahlonega, a charming shop brimming with handmade treasures and thoughtfully crafted designs. From locally made pottery and eye-catching prints to stunning jewelry and more, every piece tells a unique story. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or a one-of-a-kind addition to your home, this curated shop is your go-to destination for beautifully designed, locally inspired finds!
There’s nothing better than spending the morning in an antique shop, discovering a new treasure to take home as a memento for your Dahlonega trip! Browse through the shelves of this vast store full of furniture, vintage books and toys, kitchenware, seasonal items, jewelry and so much more. You can feel the history of each section because every item truly has a story behind it. Whether you find a new decor item to hang in your home or you just enjoy browsing through the antique store to see what might catch your eye, a stop at Gateway Antique Mall is a must.
As lunchtime approaches, deciding where to dine can be difficult as our downtown has a variety of cuisines that can appease any palette. To get a sense of the local flavors of the region, dining at Public House is the perfect place to start. Loacted about a mile from the square, the menu changes frequently to reflect the seasonal sourced ingredients but you’ll find that every dish truly tells a story. Make sure to pair your dish with a selection from their curation cocktail and beverage program for a well-rounded experience!
Now, a day spent in our vibrant downtown wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Paul Thomas Chocolates for a sweet treat to end the day. What makes this chocolate shop so special is that they make pretty much everything sold in the store from scratch! This means that the decadent smell of chocolate, caramel and anything else sweet welcomes you as soon as you walk inside. They sell a variety of sweets from fudges, caramels, truffles, candy bars, bark, baked goodies and much more. Make your selections at the display case to get a taste of their famous chocolates or even take a box home to share with your friends and family so they can see what they missed out on!
It’s not often that you can experience an authentic Afternoon Tea and not only does our downtown have one, but it’s housed in the renovated and historic Head House. Choose from a variety of differing tea packages that come with assorted tea sandwiches, macarons, scones with clotted cream and of course a pot of tea. For those with food allergies, they offer gluten-free and vegetarian options making it accessible for anyone to enjoy! You’ll feel like you’ve been transported across the pond at this magical tea room house.
Some of our visitors come to Dahlonega for the dining alone! Enjoy casual fine dining in nationally recognized restaurants to new bistros that have already earned their place among our culinary champions.
Dining in Dahlonega pleases all palates and offers many settings. Family Style, Romantic options, Fine Dining and Rustic Fare. Mountain views, On the River, Historic buildings or Porches. The authentic town, country, picnic, bed & breakfast, or vineyard experience awaits!
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF DELICIOUS DINING SPOTS IN DAHLONEGA, SCAN HERE!
No need to dig for gems. There are hidden treasures to be found all around downtown. Boutiques, flea markets and gift shops line the square, each stocked with mementos of our mountain town.
By combining natural botanicals and locally sourced tea from Tea Rabbit’s, this hand-crafted foot spa experience is one-of-a-kind. Unwind and let go of your worries as you bask in the tranquility of a STEAP experience.
By providing the community with access to sustainable sources of Georgia produce, baked goods, local art, coffee and much more, each purchase that you make supports local farmers and businesses.
EMBRACE YOUR INNER HIPPIE GRATEFUL DAYS SIPS AT BLEU
Unlike your typical women’s clothing store, this vibrant shop sells hippie-style clothing full of colorful tie-dye prints and band merchandise for those who love to express themselves through their wardrobe.
This community-focused wine tasting room combines locally made art with North Georgia’s premier wines. It is the perfect place to relax, sip and browse through a variety of art pieces.
BLACK BEAR MERCANTILE
Located in the heart of downtown Dahlonega, this unique gift store has something for everyone from home decor and kitchen goods to jewelry and locally made products.
DAHLONEGA GENERAL STORE
Step back in time at this old-fashioned country store where you’ll find a variety of goods like locally made jams and hot sauces, Dahlonega apparel, old-fashioned candy and more!
BOWMAN OUTDOORS
Perfect for the avid fisher or those new to the sport, check out Dahlonega’s only full-service fly shop where you can find fishing apparel and equipment and even take classes from the experts.
LOCAL PUP
This 1800s bank used to store Dahlonega gold is now stocked with a frenzy of treats, toys and accessories perfect for your furry companion.
FOR MORE HIDDEN TREASURES, SCAN HERE!
Music, theater, painting, pottery...Dahlonega’s hills are alive with the vibrancy of its arts and culture! Immerse yourself in the brilliant sights and sounds of “The Gold City.” Choose from several downtown venues for some evening entertainment, spend the day exploring a couple of our local galleries or get your own hands covered in paint! No trip to Dahlonega is complete without adding one of these artistic gems to your bucket list.
Next up on your Dahlonega check-list is a stop at the Old Storehouse Art Gallery for a few hours of creative fun! Home to The Dahlonega Art Alliance, this unique spot functions as a gallery, a classroom and a studio. Whether you’re interested in attending their drop-in and paint class or a special art exhibit and show, this is the perfect place to get a feel for the artistry within Dahlonega.
This art gallery and market features 25+ local artists and a variety of mediums: painting, pottery, jewelry, photography and more.
A Dahlonega staple where visitors can watch artist and poet, Brad, throw clay in his working studio. Each piece is accentuated with poetry and includes an original poem of his.
On the weekends, Dahlonega comes alive with the sounds of the North Georgia mountains. You never know when a local musician may pull out a banjo at a brewery, bar, distillery or pub.
For a slower rhythm, relax at this speakeasy-style listening room featuring music, comedy and the spoken word.
The Historic Holly Theater takes center stage in Dahlonega’s art scene, dating back to 1948! Be sure to catch a concert or one of their incredible theatrical productions!
FOR MORE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS, SCAN HERE!
There’s something special about Dahlonega. Maybe its mountain vistas and historic streets. Maybe its twisted vines and cozy cabins. Whatever it is, moments just seem to be more memorable when we’re in the background.
DO”
A local husband and wife dreamt up this picturesque altar and then brought it to life. Now, forevers begin here every week
Nature lovers and tree huggers can unite among the trees and then kick off the honeymoon in a romantic cottage. For a more intimate affair, check out the Elopement Package.
With a charming chapel, mountain views and rolling vineyards, this venue checks all the boxes.
This unique wedding space lets you say your I do’s while surrounded by wild bison that roam the property, making your special day even more memorable.
Make the rustic wedding of your dreams come true with this stunning property along the Chestatee River complete with a 100+ year-old cabin for you and your party to stay at.
Whether you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony, being surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains on this 15-acre property will surely be the perfect background as your venue.
FOR MORE WEDDING VENUES, SCAN HERE!
There’s more to explore! Check out these day trip destinations, all within an hour of Dahlonega!
1 HOUR OUTSIDE DAHLONEGA
If you’re looking to get a feel for all that North Georgia has to offer, this family-operated apple orchard is the perfect place to stop by. Aaron Family Orchards has been in operation since 1938, adapting and changing through each generation of the family. Visitors can pick their own apples and flowers during the season’s schedule or head over to the farm store on-site to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and much more.
40 MINUTES OUTSIDE DAHLONEGA
For those looking for an outdoor adventure, a day spent at the Don Carter State Park is a must! Located on 38,000 acre Lake Lanier, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor water recreation from boating, swimming, kayaking and more. For those who like to keep their legs on land, there are miles of multi-trail use for hikers and bikers to explore and reconnect with nature.
40 MINUTES OUTSIDE DAHLONEGA
This eatery and gaming establishment in downtown Gainesville combines the benefits of an elevated food menu with unique games for everyone to enjoy. Spend the day with your friends and family playing Duckpin bowling, tech-infused mini-golf or up to 13 different sports on their sports simulators. For those that are 21+, this stylish eatery also has a full-service bar that serves beer, wine and craft cocktails to enjoy.
20 MINUTES OUTSIDE DAHLONEGA
If you’re a motorsports enthusiast or you’re looking for an interactive activity for the family, stop by the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. From engaging exhibits on the evolution of the race suit to interactive racing simulators and experiences for kids to be a part of a mock pit crew, you’ll have hours of fun exploring this comprehensive museum.
• Panoramic Mountain Views
• Minutes to wineries & downtown
• 4.6 acres with 2 stunning residences
• Amenities galore – perfect for large groups
• 7 bedrooms, 7 full baths, 2 half baths
• EV Charger
• Speak Easy
• Firepit
• Barn Bar
Book now using these QR codes:
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The Mountain Top Lodge is where memories are made. Discover the perfect blend of luxury, hospitality, and natural beauty.