Fall is fast approaching and if you enjoy hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback trail riding, or any type of non-motorized recreation, there’s a festival designed just for you!

Dahlonega is surrounded by excellent canoe and kayak opportunities, offering many days of paddling. Whether you are looking for a leisurely float trip on flatwater or an exciting whitewater run, one does not have to look far from the Historic Dahlonega Public Square! There are two kayak and canoe outfitters only minutes from downtown. Or bring your own boat for access to more remote sections of river.

Memorial Day has traditionally signaled the start of summer across the country.  Graduations, warmer weather, swimming pools, and of course cook outs, are all part of what we have come to expect as May comes to a close.

Though I love hiking in the winter, with the open woods, open views, lack of reptiles and insects, sparse human contacts, and no sweat (if properly layered with proper clothing), spring is an amazing time to watch nature and the Earth be reborn. This is the prime time of the year to see new life emerging and experience the transformation from stark grey tree trunks and dead leaf litter on the ground to various hues of green and the spectacular palette of spring wildflowers.

For the past twenty years, Dahlonega's annual "Bear on the Square" Mountain Music Festival has continued to attract more featured events and visitors every year.  As the town prepares to celebrate its 21st Bear on the Square weekend, here's the story behind its origins.