Known as The Heart of the Georgia Mountains, Dahlonega is a remarkable historic town with fun things to do, places to shop, and tasty food to eat on your North Georgia getaway. Original architecture with Southern-style porches offers a glimpse into the past and a delightful experience as you check out downtown Dahlonega along the main street. Brick walkways lead to a variety of attractions, events, stores, sweet shops, and restaurants. And since Dahlonega is central to Georgia’s Wine Country, there are plenty of wine tasting rooms!
Beyond downtown, be sure to also check out favorites like hiking along the Appalachian Trail, visits to Amicalola Falls, sips at Kaya Vineyards or Montaluce Winery, panning for treasures at gem mines, and more outdoor adventures!
A Brief History
Dipping into history, Lumpkin County was originally home to the Cherokee people, and there are many valuable historic sites to appreciate today. Downtown Dahlonega was the birthplace of the nation’s first gold rush in 1829, leaving behind gold mines and museums to explore. Today, Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to a vibrant performing arts community, modern conveniences, like an electric car charging station, and the University of North Georgia (UNG), the state’s first agricultural college.
Things to Do
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown Dahlonega features a historic town square that hosts mountain festivals with parades, games, workshops, live music, local arts and crafts, Appalachian food, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. Plus, there are wine tasting rooms with wines from local vineyards, a performance theater, heritage museums, walking tours, a visitor center, and other fun attractions. There are plenty of fun things to do for all ages in Dahlonega, GA!
Fish at scenic Lake Zwerner and walk the hiking trail around the Yahoola Creek Reservoir. Plan a picnic with the whole family and check out the mysterious Chestatee River Diving Bell at Hancock Park. Visit UNG to see the gold steeple — one of 3 buildings topped with real Dahlonega gold in the state of Georgia — at Price Memorial Hall. Book a massage, body wrap, and facial at the Jolie Day Spa, then go wine tasting with friends. You can see a show at the performing arts theater and check out seasonal events for another unique experience.
Attractions
- 1884 Lumpkin County Old Jail & Museum
- Consolidated Gold Mine
- Crisson Gold Mine
- Dahlonega Gold Museum
- Dahlonega Walking Tours
- Holly Theatre
Wineries | Wine Tasting Rooms
- Canvas Cork Wine Tasting & Art Gallery
- Dahlonega Tasting Room
- DSH Tasting Room
- Naturally Georgia
- Taste Wine & Gourmet Foods
Seasonal Events
- Arts & Wine Festival
- Bear on the Square
- Gold Rush Days
- Literary Festival
- Science Festival
Places to Shop
Antiques, gifts, clothes, outdoor gear, gourmet items, handmade quilts, art pieces, home decor, specialty foods, cigars, and other local goods can be found in downtown Dahlonega shops. And of course, no town in the North Georgia Mountains is complete without a classic general store that’s filled with character and great souvenirs!
Shoppes
- Cranberry Corners
- Dahlonega General Store
- Dress Up Dahlonega
- Gateway Antique Mall
- Giggle Monkey Toys
- The Glassblowing Shop
- Gold City Antique Gallery
- Grateful Days
- Greenbrier Shopping Center
- Outlaw Jerky & Trail Grub
- The Humble Candle
- The Spice & Tea Exchange of Dahlonega
- Woodlands Edge
Dining Options
Whether you want a bite of homemade Appalachian fudge after a shopping spree or want to enjoy a memorable indoor or outdoor dining experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown Dahlonega has it all. From Irish, German, and Mediterranean to Southern, Mexican, and Cajun, the variety of restaurants is fantastic! Plus, you can sip wine, craft beer, cocktails, and Georgia moonshine and check out Dahlonega nightlife at taverns.
Restaurants & Pubs
- 19 North Seafood & Grill
- Bourbon Street Grille
- Capers on the Square
- El Jimador Mexican Restaurant
- GrapeVine’s Casual Italian Dining
- Gustavo’s
- Johnny B’s
- North Georgia BBQ
- Reen’s Bratzeit & Biergarten
- Shenanigans Irish Pub
- Spirits Tavern
- The Crimson Moon
Sweet Shops
- Connie’s Ice Cream Parlor
- Kilwins Dahlonega
- Paul Thomas Chocolates
- Picnic Cafe & Dessertery
- Sherry’s Sweets-n-Eats
- Sweet Treats by Leigh
- The Fudge Factory
Where to Stay
Taking a day trip to downtown Dahlonega won’t be enough to enjoy all the attractions, soak in the history, experience Appalachian culture, or explore the great outdoors in the North Georgia Mountains. Instead, plan a memorable and relaxing vacation with Georgia Cabins for YOU — featuring vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes plus tons of amenities to entertain!
Gaze at breathtaking mountain views while lounging on the deck, fire up the grill for a barbecue by the Toccoa River, or play pool in the rec room. Mix drinks at the wet bar, soak in the hot tub, or read by a crackling fireplace. You can cook in the full kitchen, unwind in front of a big screen TV, or slip away to your king suite with an indoor jetted tub every night.
Many of our cabin rentals near Dahlonega offer community extras as well, like swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, lakeside fun, and miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls.
Book YOUR North Georgia stay and experience all downtown Dahlonega has to offer!
