Dahlonega, Georgia is a truly unique small town vacation destination. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega is considered by many to be just far enough off the traditional tourist routes to maintain a true “Smokie Mountain” feel. Trust me; Dahlonega is well worth the one hour trip from Atlanta or Chattanooga. It is an amazing spot for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs to be entertained for days.
Known as the spot where America’s first gold rush occurred, Dahlonega has a rich history surrounding the ore that drives men crazy. You can see evidences of the vast mother lode of gold on the dome of Georgia’s capital building as well as North Georgia's Price Memorial Hall gold-covered steeple. Located on top of the largest gold deposits found east of the Mississippi River, gold was first discovered completely by accident in the Dahlonega area in 1828, 20 years before the Gold Rush to California. While visiting Dahlonega, you can pan for gold in the creeks, or go to one of the few remaining gold mines. The chances are pretty good that you won’t trip over a stray nugget like the one Benjamin Parks tripped over in 1828. That discovery beckoned some 15,000 miners to Dahlonega to find searching for gold for themselves. At that time there was so much gold in this area that it laid on top of the ground. Take the time and tour an old gold mine and visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum, Georgia’s oldest, which offers visitors an up close look at Georgia’s gold mining history.
Dahlonega is also famous for producing some of Georgia’s finest wines. As a matter of fact, Dahlonega is home to numerous award-winning wineries and vineyards. These North Georgia grapes make extraordinarily flavorful wines!! Our local winemakers are masters of grape cultivation and vintage production. Combined, the winemakers of Dahlonega cultivate 100 acres of grapes and produce 23,000 bottles of wine each year. These establishments also host exciting events throughout the year for visitors and locals alike, which is another reason to make Dahlonega a vacation destination.
Dahlonega is a popular spot for both romantic getaways and family vacations. Dahlonega offers some of the most spectacular settings for weddings and special functions that you will find in the North Georgia Mountains. Nature lovers and outdoor activists can participate in world-class cycling and hiking events that include views of magnificent waterfalls. Art lovers enjoy the town’s theaters, music venues, and quaint downtown district. Dahlonega plays host to year round weddings, waterfall and wildlife seekers, and world renowned bicycling events.
Experience our live music and theater, local shopping and dining, heritage museums and tours, and seasonal festivals. Anytime you find time, you are invited to join the fun and festivities, and unwind in beautiful Dahlonega. From the National Forest to the Nationally Registered Downtown Historic District, come see us in Dahlonega… "It's Pure Gold"!