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.

This might be urban legend, although it comes from a good friend, whom I trust. But that friend has a wacky sense of humor, so you never know. She claims that Rita Mae Brown, renowned and prolific writer of popular fiction, and noted horse person, has an employee managing her stables – whose name is … wait for it … Page Turner.

Harvest time is upon us in the North Georgia Mountains and now is the perfect time for you and your friends and family to get out and about. Breathe in the fresh fall air, enjoy the sounds of mountain music and literally be in hog heaven taking in the scents of BBQ smoke and fermenting wine. That sounds like one incredible weekend! Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery is hosting Swine Wine weekends taking place every weekend, all weekend, through the month of October. Dahlonega’s first family farm winery celebrates the 2016 vintage season with live music, delicious BBQ and wine tastings. Is it Saturday yet?

Whether you are an avid outdoorsman or a novice hiker, Dahlonega is the perfect place for you on the weekend of September 9th through 11th. You will discover a diverse celebration of outdoor recreation at the Dahlonega Trail Fest. This festival serves to welcome thru-hikers finishing (or starting) their nearly 2,200-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail and celebrate hiking, the great outdoors and this beautiful part of the country in general.  The festivities will include outdoor events, vendors, food, live music, guest authors and speakers, and will be held free of charge on Dahlonega’s Historic Public Square.

Get your bicycle ready because Dahlonega temperatures have cooled and University of North Georgia students are back – two sure signs that September and early autumn is nearly upon us. September in Dahlonega means that the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bicycle Ride -- one of the premier bicycle rides in the Southeast, maybe even in the nation – is right around the corner.