Guide to Dahlonega
Known for its wine country, mountain vistas and performing arts community, Dahlonega is full of things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events year-round.
The site of the nation’s first major gold rush in 1829, Dahlonega in the North Georgia mountains was originally home to the Cherokee Nation. Along with its Native American history and landmarks, beautiful mountain views, and vibrant performing arts community, Dahlonega is known for its location in the heart of Georgia's wine country.
Things to Do
1. Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
Learn about the town’s origins as a mining site at the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, located in the historic courthouse in the heart of the town square. Exhibits showcase gold coins minted here and nuggets found that weigh more than five ounces.
2. Gold Mines
The Crisson Gold Mine shows the gold mining techniques first-hand, allowing panning for gold and gemstones. It has Georgia’s only working stamp mill as well as wagon rides, antique farm equipment, and farm animals like pygmy goats.
Similarly, the Consolidated Gold Mines is the site of the largest hardrock gold mine east of the Mississippi River. They’re open daily for guided tours of the mine, as well as gold panning and gemstone mining.
3. Historic Holly Theater
The Historic Holly Theater is an intimate venue where countless acts perform, including comedy, music, and drama. They also offer camps and classes to train the next generation of performers.
4. Appalachian Outfitters
Experience Dahlonega’s natural offerings on a trip with Appalachian Outfitters, a local outfitter that guides trips via canoe, kayak, or tube on North Georgia’s beautiful rivers. They have tours ranging from half-hour to overnight, including a shuttle service.
5. Waterfalls
Chase waterfalls, including Desoto Falls, one of five waterfalls along a three-mile trail within a 650-acre recreation area. And, just a short drive away, seek out Dicks Creek Falls located just below the confluence of the Dicks and Waters Creek.
6. Film Locations
Downtown Dahlonega's small-town charm has been captured in several movies, including Hallmark Channel's "Christmas in the Smokies" and "Christmas in Homestead." Fans of "The Hunger Games" series will want to visit Chestatee Wildlife Preserve, where scenes for "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay: Parts 1 and 2" were filmed.
Wineries, Breweries, Meaderies & Spirits
Don’t miss Dahlonega’s area wineries. And be sure to sample the local breweries, meaderies, and distillery, too.
1. Frogtown Winery
Located between Dahlonega and Cleveland, Frogtown Winery is set on 40 acres and is the most awarded winery outside California. It produces more than 30 different wines from the estate and offers tastings.
2. Montaluce Winery
The artisan wines at Montaluce Winery are also favorites, including red wines aged for 22 months in oak barrels. The winery has its own restaurant and villas for a weekend stay.
3. Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery
Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery is set on a family farm, complete with an 1800s hand-hewn cabin. The tasting room is styled after a barn, where you can sip the styles named for the donkeys and dogs that live onsite.
4. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
There are no better views than from Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, a European-style winery with a cafe offering one of the best brunches around. Stop by for tastings and winemaker tours.
5. Accent Cellars
In addition to carrying their own wines, Accent Cellars also carries a range of wines from around North Georgia. Stop in to relax with a glass of wine and play board games, trivia, Jumbo Jenga, corn hole, and more in the shady pavilion next to historic Cane Creek.
6. Three Sisters Winery
Bring your four-legged friends to the patio at Three Sisters Winery, a laid-back winery that has live music and chocolate pairings.
7. Kaya Winery
Set on a ridge at 1,600 feet, Kaya Winery’s panoramas make this the perfect place for a glass of wine, using estate-grown grapes.
8. Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
Rock on the porch while you sip a glass of wine and bask in the mountain views at Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sunday brunch paired with wines in the restaurant.
9. Doghobble Wine Farm
The newest "baby" vineyard in North Georgia, Doghobble Wine Farm thrives on 80 acres in the heart of Georgia's wine country. Visit to enjoy the wines in the outdoor pavilion with scenic views, roaming animals, and panoramic pastures.
10. Etowah Meadery & Dahlonega Brewery
Sample wines made with local honey at the veteran-owned Etowah Meadery, and taste the craft beers created by Dahlonega Brewery. The two businesses share one tasting room, so everyone can find something they enjoy. You can also find jams made with their meads, honey used to make their meads, and much more in the tasting room.
11. 52 West Brewing
Visit this farm-to-pint brewery in Dahlonega, where the owners source ingredients locally and live on the property, which features a barn transformed into the tasting room.
12. Big Creek Distilling Co.
Visit Big Creek Distilling to learn about the distilling process and experience the taste of small-batch, handcrafted spirits, including bourbon whiskey, gin, and more.
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Where to Stay
Cozy up at one of Dahlonega’s inns, hotels, or cabins.
1. The Smith House
The Smith House was the home of a successful Gold Rush baron. The inn and restaurant are only a block from the square and its attractions. Accommodation options include the main house's guest rooms and the carriage houses and villas nearby.
2. The Old Storehouse Inn
Located in historic downtown Dahlonega, The Old Storehouse Inn features the Canvas & Cork art and wine gallery on the first floor and three unique rooms upstairs. The cottage next door includes two more rooms and an art space for the gallery's classes. Stay here and walk to restaurants, shopping, music venues, and more in Dahlonega.
3. Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas
Also near the square, the Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas can accommodate couples and groups. Made up of 1800s buildings, there are guest rooms in the main building and self-serviced villas with full kitchens.
4. Yellow Daisy Bed and Breakfast
Set in a 1915 farmhouse, the Yellow Daisy Bed and Breakfast has been carefully preserved. The four rooms are only two blocks from the square and a few minutes from the area’s wineries. Innkeepers live onsite and are around to assist guests.
5. Cavender Creek Cabins
The Cavender Creek Cabins are on a full-service resort that is home to a stocked pond and creek. The cabins have central heat and fireplaces, as well as air conditioning, hot tubs, satellite television, and full kitchens.
6. Barefoot Hills Hotel
Just minutes from local vineyards and wineries, Barefoot Hills Hotel offers lovely mountain views, a fire pit, and a nightly happy hour. Spend the night in comfort in standard or deluxe guest rooms, suites, or private cabins.
7. Forrest Hills Resort
Forrest Hills Resort is set on 140 acres of wilderness between Dahlonega and Amicalola Falls. It has free WiFi, a restaurant, riding stables, a spa, and sports facilities.
8. Long Mountain Lodge
Located on its namesake mountain, Long Mountain Lodge has six rooms and suites with rustic decor, free WiFi, and bathrobes. The great room has a wood-burning fireplace, and breakfast is served daily by the onsite chef.
9. Lily Creek Lodge Bed and Breakfast
Inspired by a European chalet, Lily Creek Lodge Bed and Breakfast has 13 rooms and suites furnished with art and antiques. Full gourmet breakfast is included in your stay.
10. Dahlonega Hideaway Havens
With five vacation rentals less than 15 minutes from downtown and near local wineries, Dahlonega Hideaway Havens have a variety of options for couples, families, and friends. Ranging in size from one bedroom, one bath to three bedroom, two bath cottages, amenities range from outdoor hot tubs, grills, fire pits to fully equipped gourmet kitchens.
11. Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa
Each of the six guest rooms at Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa is furnished with whirlpool tubs, private balconies, sitting areas, and fireplaces. They also have one luxury cottage available for rent for a more romantic and intimate retreat. During your stay, you can enjoy the Oasis Day Spa for massage therapy treatments.
12. Stay Dahlonega
Choose to stay in a whimsical treehouse, a cozy farmhouse, a modern home just blocks from the Dahlonega square, or a farmhouse next to a waterfall with Stay Dahlonega's collection of vacation rentals.
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Where to Eat
Experience Dahlonega’s downtown dining scene.
1. Spirits Tavern
Enjoy gourmet burgers made with certified Angus grass-fed beef, Springer Mountain chicken, and vegan ingredients at Spirits Tavern. Add your own toppings and pair with one of their signature cocktails.
2. Gustavo's
Gustavo's is known for its pizza and Italian dishes, with dough made fresh daily. They also have a large selection of craft beer and spirits, and they host live music twice a month.
3. Bratzeit
For German and Swiss dishes, visit Bratzeit and enjoy classics like bratwurst, schnitzel, and fondue. They also carry authentic German beer like Warsteiner, along with decadent desserts like Black Forest cake.
4. Shenanigans
Every town needs an Irish pub, and Shenanigans is Dahlonega’s. They offer traditional Irish dishes and pub fare, along with pizzas and wings. There’s Guinness (of course!) and other Irish brews, along with cocktails and wine.
5. Le Vigne at Montaluce
Le Vigne at Montaluce is the winery’s in-house restaurant that incorporates local ingredients into modern Southern dishes. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch, menu highlights include shrimp and grits and the rabbit duet.
6. Bourbon Street Grille
Let the good times roll at Bourbon Street Grille, a bar and restaurant with dishes like gumbo, oysters, and redfish. The two-story historic building also has a full bar with drinks like the Hurricane.
7. Picnic Cafe & Dessertery
Start your day at Picnic Cafe & Dessertery, a bakery and ice cream shop with breakfast and lunch sandwiches made using their freshly baked breads. Save room for cakes and cookies for dessert.
8. The Station
From barbecue nachos to chicken and waffles, the menu at The Station has something everyone will love. Relax in the outdoor courtyard with a cocktail or beer, or catch the game on the TVs inside.
9. North Georgia BBQ
Dig into succulent smoked meats and all the traditional sides at North Georgia BBQ. And be sure to try the signature sandwich, the Pig Melt, a grilled cheese on Texas toast filled with chopped pork and topped with your choice of sauce.
10. Connie's Ice Cream Parlor and Sandwich Shop
Grab sweet treats like milkshakes, cookies, and ice cream sundaes at Connie's Ice Cream Parlor and Sandwich Shop located on the Dahlonega square.
11. Paul Thomas Chocolates
Across the square from Connie’s, Paul Thomas Chocolates serves up chocolates, caramel apples, coffee, hot chocolate, and more. In every season, their apple pie caramel apples and signature chocolate-covered s'mores always hit the spot.
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Events
There’s always something going on in Dahlonega.
1. Six Gap Century Bicycle Ride
Six Gap Century Bicycle Ride in September is one of the region’s premier rides. The challenging route has steep climbs and elevation gains. Nine rest stops provide food and drink along the way.
2. Gold Rush Days
Gold Rush Days honors the town’s history every October with more than 300 art and food vendors, performances, a parade, and a pageant. Run by the local Jaycees, the event benefits one of their local charities.
3. Bear on the Square
A community favorite for more than 20 years, Bear on the Square in April is an Appalachian Heritage Festival showcasing bluegrass and old-time music, a juried artists market, storytelling, free music workshops and demonstrations, and dancing.
4. 4th of July Celebration
Dahlonega’s 4th of July Celebration celebrates our nation’s birthday with a parade, 5K race and fun run, and, of course, fireworks, which are one of the best displays found in North Georgia.
5. Old Fashioned Christmas
The holiday season brings Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas. The event includes the Lighting of the Square, carriage rides, caroling, a parade, and appearances by Santa himself.
6. Arts & Wine Festival
Every May, the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival brings together high-quality wine from around the region, arts and crafts, and live jazz. Set in a park downtown with everything available in one place, there’s no need to go from vineyard to vineyard.
7. Literary Festival
In March, the Dahlonega Literary Festival brings in regional authors for programming and book sales.
8. Dahlonega Chocolate Crawl
The Dahlonega Chocolate Crawl is the place to be for chocolate lovers! Visit participating chocolate shops, stores, and restaurants to sample as much chocolate as you like. From hot chocolate, pies, fudge, cookies, drinks, and more, you'll find yourself in chocolate heaven at this annual event.
