The Georgia gateway to the Appalachians is the site of the first U. S. gold rush. Dahlonega is home to The Gold Museum, gold mines and gold panning facilities.
Dahlonega is the Heart of Georgia's wine country. Tour all the local wineries and downtown tasting rooms, or plan a wedding in their enchanting surroundings.
Spend the week or a night in town with lodging to suit every taste and budget - from delightful bed and breakfasts to country inns and mountain cabins.
Take the opportunity to enjoy casual fine dining in any of Dahlonega's many famous restaurants. The culinary delights range from gourmet to good old southern homestyle.
In Dahlonega a bride and groom can arrange their dream ceremony surrounded by an enchanted castle, scenic mountain peaks, quaint country chapels or magnificent vineyards.
Welcome to Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia – An Award-Winning, Appalachian Mountain Destination known as “The Heart of the North Georgia Mountains” & “The Heart of Georgia Wine County”
An “Authentic” getaway only an hour north of Atlanta, Dahlonega is the historic site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush and excels in hosting visitors seeking relaxation and “Adventure”.“Arts” and entertainment fill downtown Dahlonega’s National Registered district where preserved architecture surrounds shopping, dining, music, and theater just a gold steeple away from the traditions of North Georgia College & State University.
From the Dahlonega Wine Trail to the Appalachian Trail, wine enthusiasts and nature lovers all enjoy Dahlonega’s trail-friendly community and “AgriTourism” attractions. Tasting a gold medal winning vintage or tying the knot at a vineyard, our award-winning wine region offers farm-based fun and has quickly become Georgia’s destination wedding venue. Waterfalls, lazy river sports, a signature golf course, and National Forest welcome you to the north Georgia outdoors. The only fast-paced activity is the premier cycling challenge of the beautiful mountain terrain.
We invite you to rediscover Dahlonega’s golden town with no rush, experience the wine country, rest at your choice of B & B’s, Cabins, or Hotels, and explore the endless outdoor adventure.
This Spring marks the 12th Anniversary of the Georgia Wine Country Festival, held annually at Three Sisters Vineyards in Dahlonega-Lumpkin County. For 2013, the popular wine event has been extended to every weekend in June. The 12th Anniversary Georgia Wine Country Festival will include unique musical guests every weekend, Various Georgia charities have been invited to participate.
Looking for something fun to do when school is out? This summer, Dahlonega is inviting families and friends to the 3rd Annual Movies Under The Stars series, Presented by Chestatee Regional Hospital. On Friday, June 14th, 2013, come watch Escape From Planet Earth, and enjoy summer evenings in Hancock Park in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, while soaking in family favorites on a 23-foot screen.
Cecylia Arzewski, violinist and former concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, had a vision to begin a chamber music festival in northeast Georgia and is the artistic director of the inaugural North Georgia Chamber Music Festival. This event, coming on June 15th & 16th, 2013, will feature world-class musicians in an intimate setting on the campus of University of North Georgia campus in Dahlonega. The concerts form the centerpiece of a perfect summer getaway to the cool mountains and region brimming with activities ranging from wine tasting to hiking.
The 24th Annual Mountain Top Rodeo, June 21st & 22nd, 2013, will be a highlight on the Rodeo circuit not only for all the world-class competitive action, but also for the breathtaking beauty of it’s North Georgia Mountain location. This year promises to be one of the best years to date with non-stop action, hilarious antics, and more fun than you can handle!
The Midway will be filled again with vendors with everything from funnel cakes, boiled peanuts and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs to bungee jumping, a rock wall, and a mechanical bull. So shine up your spurs, get out your timers, and let’s get ready to RODEO!
Join us on July 4, 2013 to celebrate the Fourth family-style in Dahlonega on the historic town square.The day begins with the new Dahlonega Firecracker 5k/10k! Do you remember being a child and what the 4th of July meant –hot dogs, watermelon, parades, flags waving and fun with family and friends while you waited until it got dark enough for the fireworks? Then you sat watching the skies with anticipation as you heard the swoosh of the rocket and the ooohs and ahhhs at the burst of light and sparkles.
Looking for something fun to do when school is out? This summer, Dahlonega is inviting families and friends to the 3rd Annual Movies Under The Stars series, Presented by Chestatee Regional Hospital. On Friday, July 12th, 2013, come watch The Croods, and enjoy summer evenings in Hancock Park in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, while soaking in family favorites on a 23-foot screen.
Looking for something fun to do when school is out? This summer, Dahlonega is inviting families and friends to the 3rd Annual Movies Under The Stars series, Presented by Chestatee Regional Hospital. On Friday, August 9th, 2013, come watch Oz: The Great and Powerful, and enjoy summer evenings in Hancock Park in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, while soaking in family favorites on a 23-foot screen.
Join us August 17 & 18, 2013 for this exciting 2nd Annual Dahlonega Wine Trail event in the “The Heart of Georgia Wine Country” - also Georgia’s premier destination wedding region and home of award-winning winemakers! The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, along with Dahlonega’s five unique Wineries, will host the second “Dahlonega Wine Trail” (DWT) weekend passport event.
Coming on September 29, 2013 and taking place in Georgia's Premier Cycling Venue, the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty boasts many of the same roads and mountain climbs as the elite Tour de Georgia. Come ride the Ride of the Pros!
The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 25th Annual Six Gap Century and Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride – Tour of the North Georgia Mountains.
Gold Rush Days are held the third weekend in October (the 19th and 20th for 2013), when thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement!
It has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Ghosts, goblins, witches, wizards and more will be wandering the streets of Dahlonega on October 31st, 2013 for our three great Halloween events. Start your Halloween festivities at Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega on the downtown square, participate in the Halloween Costume Contest at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, then finish up a great evening with even more fun at the NGCSU Trunk or Treat event.
HemlockFest is an annual benefit music festival to increase public awareness and generate funds to help save the eastern and Carolina hemlock trees, to be held this year on November 1st-3rd, 2013. Money raised will be used for support of the Georgia laboratories rearing adelgid-devouring beetles, education and research on the HWA problem, and assisting businesses and homeowners to protect hemlocks on their private property.
Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas is a month-long celebration held from November 29 through December 22, 2013, set into motion with the Lighting of the Square. A real home-town parade officially bringing Santa to town occurs the first Saturday in December.
Plenty of other festive holiday events continue almost daily throughout December until after New Year’s with caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, live theater Christmas events.
For more information, please contact the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center at 706-864-3513.
The 10th annual Dahlonega Literary Festival, celebrating authors we all know of as well as many new and regional authors, will be held on March 8th & 9th, 2014, in beautiful mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia. This year’ festival is being held at the Continuing Education Building of the North Georgia College and State University, South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega.
The vernal equinox marks the first day of spring. In 2013, the equinox occurs on March 20, right after the NOrthBOund Thru Hiker kickoff season at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The third annual Spring on Springer Dahlonega Trail Fest will be held on March 22-24, 2013 and celebrate Dahlonega's designation as an AT Trail Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Dahlonega’s position as the southern gateway to the Appalachian Trail.
The Winegrowers Association of Georgia is holding the 7th Wine Highway Weekend Friday-Sunday March 22nd-24th, 2013. Each year this event has grown in popularity as more people have discovered the National and International Award Winning Fine Wines that are made right here in Georgia, from Georgia Grown Grapes.
Come and discover the superb wines, outstanding experience our wineries have to offer, and the hospitality our Affiliate members offer in the way of lodging, restaurants, and shopping!
The 17th annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival , an incredible weekend of music and art held each spring in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, will be April 20th-21st, 2013.
Old time and blue grass music will fill the Historic Public Square in Dahlonega, GA. Jamming goes on day and night around the square while other local, regional, and national musicians take the stage all day Saturday and Sunday.
A juried artist's marketplace features traditional mountain art and crafts. Extensive music workshops, a Sunday morning Gospel Jam, a street dance, a live auction, children's activities, a heritage center demonstrating mountain traditions, and of course, food, complete the offerings, making Bear on the Square the perfect outing for the whole family.
Statement regarding the 5th RTBn Open House: "Due to our current budget situation and guidance from our Headquarters at Fort Benning, we regret that the Camp Frank D. Merrill Open House and Mountain Ranger Run for 2013 have been cancelled. Camp Merrill and the 5th Ranger Training Battalion appreciate the continued support from the local community and hope that we can continue the Open House as an annual event in the future."
Looking for something fun to do when school is out? This summer, Dahlonega is inviting families and friends to the 3rd Annual Movies Under The Stars series, Presented by Chestatee Regional Hospital. Beginning on Friday, May 10th, 2013 with Disney's Wreck-It Ralph, enjoy summer evenings in Hancock Park in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, while soaking in family favorites on a 23-foot screen.
If you are looking for a unique experience on a Saturday this spring, look no further than Dahlonega, Saturday, May 11, 2013. Take the Dahlonega Art Trail around downtown and see artists doing what they do best, creating art and fine crafts. Chestatee Artists, a local art organization, and other artists from the region are providing demonstrations of a variety of media as artists show their creative talents from 11 am to 4 pm.
The 27th Annual Mountain Flower Art Festival will be held May 18th & 19th, 2013 on the Dahlonega Public Square.
Come out and enjoy over 70 artists of all varieties and even watch some of them as they create their art on the spot. From pottery to two dimensional artwork, to photography, we have something for everyone.
At your leisure, learn about Dahlonega’s Gold history, Georgia’s Lumpkin County legacy – America’s first major Gold Rush. With multiple attractions, museums, tours, and hands-on gold panning, both families and heritage seekers won’t have to rush to enjoy fun, gold-filled days!
Dahlonega has something to offer men of all backgrounds. Men looking to be active will find fishing, golfing, cycling, canoeing, hiking, and many other activities in Dahlonega. Now that you know that Dahlonega is the perfect getaway for all men, grab your bros and plan a man-cation to Dahlonega!
With so many fun activities for the whole family, Dahlonega is the perfect destination for your family. Your family will enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the premier city in the Northeast Georgia Mountains! For the family that likes to play outside, the Chattahoochee National Forest is great for hiking, fishing, or horse-back riding. In Dahlonega, you can keep the family first!
Dahlonega’s many lodging options range from darling B&Bs with scenic views and spa, wellness or outdoor packages; elegant amenity-laden mountain cabins; and historic in-town accommodations that put you within easy strolling of shopping, dining, theatre and music venues. Come and enjoy all that Dahlonega has to offer!
The heart of Georgia’s wine country beckons girlfriends who love to gather, celebrate their sisterhood and sample the grape. Dahlonega, site of the first gold rush in U.S. history in 1828, has scads of shops and boutiques, spas and eateries, arts and crafts and history—all situated against a backdrop of mountains, forests and vineyards.
Dahlonega, site of the first gold rush in U.S. history in 1828 and the heart of Georgia wine country, is where the best of art, history, cuisine and nature merge in a mountain setting surrounded by the layered peaks of the Blue Ridge and at the first steps of the Appalachian Trail. This three-day getaway will familiarize you with the best of Dahlonega!
With the highest concentration of wineries and vineyards in North Georgia,the Dahlonega mountains are recognized as "the Heart of the Georgia Wine Country". Grape growing conditions and favorable mountainous elevations make Lumpkin the perfect place to grown and ripen a wide variety of European, French hybrids and American winegrapes. Breathtaking beauty and unique sights await adventurous travelers to Dahlonega's vineyards.
Planned around an “old family farm” theme, Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery features a c.1820 hand-hewn log cabin, disassembled and moved down from Tennessee. Next door is the winery, with three sides below ground, styled after an old-fashioned barn like the one already on the property. The “loft” of the barn houses the tasting room atop the winery, with a spacious deck extending over the crush pad below.
Frogtown Cellars is a 57 acre wine estate located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains equal distance between Dahlonega and Cleveland Georgia. Frogtown encompasses 28 acres of vineyards and a tri-level gravity flow winery specifically designed to produce the unique wines made from Frogtown grapes.
At the heart of the Montaluce Estate and at its highest point, the property boasts a modern 25,000-square foot winery building. Reminiscent of a grand Tuscan villa, with sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains beyond, guests will discover here the Italian ideal of "La Vita Bella," or the beautiful life--centered around food, wine and sharing.
Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery is a small family farm situated on a hundred and eighty acres in the heart of the Frogtown District in historic Lumpkin County, Georgia. Located eight miles northeast of the site of the first major US gold rush, Dahlonega, the farm's name was inspired by the property's spectacular view of Lumpkin County's Three Sisters Mountain.
Situated atop a mountain ridge and surrounded by vineyards, The Winery at Wolf Mountain commands a spectacular view of the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The Old World ambiance of our Cellar and Cask Room sets the stage for our labor intensive protocols which focus on a less invasive use of gravity, minimizing the need for filtration.
If you don't have time to hit all of the wineries in our area, visit a tasting room where your selection recommendations are handled by well trained staff that look forward to serving you. At the tasting rooms, you can sip, taste, linger, socialize, learn more about wine, buy wine to take home, or just generally enjoy all the pleasures life offers.
Located just one hour north of Atlanta and nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the historic community of Dahlonega (pronounced Duh-lon-a-ga), Georgia, is site of the first U.S. Gold Rush in 1828, twenty years before the well-known California gold rush. The excitement and financial success of gold mining created a robust community in the early 1800’s, only to be surpassed by a “new” kind of gold rush in Dahlonega today.
Dahlonega is home to an award-winning community theatre; an historic town square filled with artisan galleries and shops, excellent restaurants, cafes resounding with local music, and tasting rooms from local wineries. Just outside of town are four very different, award-winning vineyards and wineries, with two more are under development. Stop inside the Dahlonega Visitors Center for an overview of the area and directions to the local vineyards. Dahlonega is a bit of true Americana where the best of nature, arts, and culinary treats await visitors.
With the magnificent setting of the North Georgia Mountains as a backdrop and the boundaries of the Chattahoochee National Forest just steps away, Dahlonega is the ideal meeting spot for anyone with a love of the great outdoors. Among the almost infinite number of activities available are hiking, camping, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, wildlife viewing, trout fishing, and naturally, exploring the many magnificent waterfalls cascading among the serenely stunning scenery.
The Appalachian foothills of North Georgia have become one of the prime destinations for a retirement escape plan. The small communities dotting this scenic area are far enough from the big city to avoid traffic, noise, and congestion, but close enough to enjoy convenience, quality health care, and access to travel. The beauty of the area provides an endless supply of new discoveries: scenic mountain views; the rushing rapids of rivers, streams, and waterfalls; and preserved forested lands with a bounty of plant and animal life. North Georgia towns are definitely growing, but most civic leaders are focused on building infrastructure without destroying the natural surroundings.
U.S. News & World Report: Bargain Retirement Spots - Dahlonega, Georgia A Golden Spot
In a story and video released on June 3, 2007, U.S. News & World Report chose Dahlonega as the third most economical retirement location in the country. The story appears in the June issue of the publication. Read the story
This summer, Dahlonega is inviting families and friends to the 3rd Annual Movies Under The Stars series, Presented by Chestatee Regional Hospital. On Friday, June 14th, 2013, come watch Escape From Planet Earth, and enjoy summer evenings in Hancock Park in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, while soaking in family favorites on a 23-foot screen.
The 24th Annual Mountain Top Rodeo, June 21st & 22nd, 2013, will be a highlight on the Rodeo circuit not only for all the world-class competitive action, but also for the breathtaking beauty of it’s North Georgia Mountain location. This year promises to be one of the best years to date with non-stop action, hilarious antics, and more fun than you can handle!
Join us August 17 & 18, 2013 for this exciting 2nd Annual Dahlonega Wine Trail event in the “The Heart of Georgia Wine Country” - also Georgia’s premier destination wedding region and home of award-winning winemakers! The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, along with Dahlonega’s five unique Wineries, will host the second “Dahlonega Wine Trail” (DWT) weekend passport event. 
Coming on September 29, 2013 and taking place in Georgia's Premier Cycling Venue, the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty boasts many of the same roads and mountain climbs as the elite Tour de Georgia. Come ride the Ride of the Pros!
Gold Rush Days are held the third weekend in October (the 19th and 20th for 2013), when thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement!
Ghosts, goblins, witches, wizards and more will be wandering the streets of Dahlonega on October 31st, 2013 for our three great Halloween events. Start your Halloween festivities at Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega on the downtown square, participate in the Halloween Costume Contest at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, then finish up a great evening with even more fun at the NGCSU Trunk or Treat event.
HemlockFest is an annual benefit music festival to increase public awareness and generate funds to help save the eastern and Carolina hemlock trees, to be held this year on November 1st-3rd, 2013. Money raised will be used for support of the Georgia laboratories rearing adelgid-devouring beetles, education and research on the HWA problem, and assisting businesses and homeowners to protect hemlocks on their private property.
Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas is a month-long celebration held from November 29 through December 22, 2013, set into motion with the Lighting of the Square. A real home-town parade officially bringing Santa to town occurs the first Saturday in December.
The 10th annual Dahlonega Literary Festival, celebrating authors we all know of as well as many new and regional authors, will be held on March 8th & 9th, 2014, in beautiful mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia. This year’ festival is being held at the Continuing Education Building of the North Georgia College and State University, South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega.
The vernal equinox marks the first day of spring. In 2013, the equinox occurs on March 20, right after the NOrthBOund Thru Hiker kickoff season at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The third annual Spring on Springer Dahlonega Trail Fest will be held on March 22-24, 2013 and celebrate Dahlonega's designation as an AT Trail Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Dahlonega’s position as the southern gateway to the Appalachian Trail.
The Winegrowers Association of Georgia is holding the 7th Wine Highway Weekend Friday-Sunday March 22nd-24th, 2013. Each year this event has grown in popularity as more people have discovered the National and International Award Winning Fine Wines that are made right here in Georgia, from Georgia Grown Grapes.
The 17th annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival , an incredible weekend of music and art held each spring in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, will be April 20th-21st, 2013.
"Due to our current budget situation and guidance from our Headquarters at Fort Benning, we regret that the Camp Frank D. Merrill Open House and Mountain Ranger Run for 2013 have been cancelled. Camp Merrill and the 5th Ranger Training Battalion appreciate the continued support from the local community and hope that we can continue the Open House as an annual event in the future."
If you are looking for a unique experience on a Saturday this spring, look no further than Dahlonega, Saturday, May 11, 2013. Take the Dahlonega Art Trail around downtown and see artists doing what they do best, creating art and fine crafts. Chestatee Artists, a local art organization, and other artists from the region are providing demonstrations of a variety of media as artists show their creative talents from 11 am to 4 pm.
The 27th Annual Mountain Flower Art Festival will be held May 18th & 19th, 2013 on the Dahlonega Public Square.
Dahlonega has something to offer men of all backgrounds. Men looking to be active will find fishing, golfing, cycling, canoeing, hiking, and many other activities in Dahlonega. Now that you know that Dahlonega is the perfect getaway for all men, grab your bros and plan a man-cation to Dahlonega!
With so many fun activities for the whole family, Dahlonega is the perfect destination for your family. Your family will enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the premier city in the Northeast Georgia Mountains! For the family that likes to play outside, the Chattahoochee National Forest is great for hiking, fishing, or horse-back riding. In Dahlonega, you can keep the family first!
Dahlonega’s many lodging options range from darling B&Bs with scenic views and spa, wellness or outdoor packages; elegant amenity-laden mountain cabins; and historic in-town accommodations that put you within easy strolling of shopping, dining, theatre and music venues. Come and enjoy all that Dahlonega has to offer!
The heart of Georgia’s wine country beckons girlfriends who love to gather, celebrate their sisterhood and sample the grape. Dahlonega, site of the first gold rush in U.S. history in 1828, has scads of shops and boutiques, spas and eateries, arts and crafts and history—all situated against a backdrop of mountains, forests and vineyards.
Dahlonega, site of the first gold rush in U.S. history in 1828 and the heart of Georgia wine country, is where the best of art, history, cuisine and nature merge in a mountain setting surrounded by the layered peaks of the Blue Ridge and at the first steps of the Appalachian Trail. This three-day getaway will familiarize you with the best of Dahlonega!
Planned around an “old family farm” theme, Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery features a c.1820 hand-hewn log cabin, disassembled and moved down from Tennessee. Next door is the winery, with three sides below ground, styled after an old-fashioned barn like the one already on the property. The “loft” of the barn houses the tasting room atop the winery, with a spacious deck extending over the crush pad below.
At the heart of the Montaluce Estate and at its highest point, the property boasts a modern 25,000-square foot winery building. Reminiscent of a grand Tuscan villa, with sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains beyond, guests will discover here the Italian ideal of "La Vita Bella," or the beautiful life--centered around food, wine and sharing.
Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery is a small family farm situated on a hundred and eighty acres in the heart of the Frogtown District in historic Lumpkin County, Georgia. Located eight miles northeast of the site of the first major US gold rush, Dahlonega, the farm's name was inspired by the property's spectacular view of Lumpkin County's Three Sisters Mountain.
If you don't have time to hit all of the wineries in our area, visit a tasting room where your selection recommendations are handled by well trained staff that look forward to serving you. At the tasting rooms, you can sip, taste, linger, socialize, learn more about wine, buy wine to take home, or just generally enjoy all the pleasures life offers.
Located just one hour north of Atlanta and nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the historic community of Dahlonega (pronounced Duh-lon-a-ga), Georgia, is site of the first U.S. Gold Rush in 1828, twenty years before the well-known California gold rush. The excitement and financial success of gold mining created a robust community in the early 1800’s, only to be surpassed by a “new” kind of gold rush in Dahlonega today.
