Are you near Dahlonega, GA and in need of some easy weekend getaways? Look no further! There are great places to explore all around you, and these are just a few ideas to start. 1. Blue Ridge, Georgia Just an hour's drive from Dahlonega is Blue Ridge, a great place to enjoy both Georgia's natural wonders and its rich culture. Adventure through Chattahoochee National Forest, check out the latest at the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association, and take a scenic 26-mile round-trip train ride on a historic track. This stop is ideal for all ages. 2. Moccasin Creek State Park Also an hour away is Moccasin Creek State Park, perfect for a weekend camping trip. Relax on the shore of Lake Burton or go out on the water for some fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. You can camp in a tent or bring an RV, or book accommodations nearby in a cabin or hotel. If you're looking for a last-minute, low-effort trek into nature, this is the place for you. more 3. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountains are a must-see feature of the Southeast US. Here you can observe wildlife and blooming wildflowers year-round, explore historic buildings and burial sites, fish, horseback ride, and camp out. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the most well-known gateway to the mountains, but there are over a dozen others to choose from on either side of the border. Take advantage of all nature has to offer across the span of over 520,000 acres. 4. Spartanburg, South Carolina Just under two and a half hours away is Spartanburg, a diverse hub of history, art, nightlife, and nature. Stop by the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, a stunning botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. Then check out the Hub City Railroad Museum to learn about Spartanburg's long history of industrial productivity. There's something for everyone here. 5. Asheville, North Carolina Just under three hours away, Asheville has everything you could want from a weekend trip. In fact, you might even want to come back and visit for longer. Go on a zipline tour, visit the historic Biltmore Estate, and explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Asheville is chock full of shopping and food, and the River Arts District is the place to be for any artist or art lover. Spring is fast approaching, and it's time to get up and go. Whether you want to shop, hike, or just relax, the world around you is ready to be explored, and the 2023 Ford Explorer is ready to take you away. Stop by Chestatee Ford today for a ride as primed for adventure as you are.
If it's a day full of photo opportunities you're looking for, you'll find it at any of the many waterfalls near Dahlonega, Georgia. There are so many in and around the nearby national parks and forests that you would be hard-pressed to see them all in one day. Take a look at some of our favorite spots below. You definitely won't be disappointed by these gorgeous examples: Amicalola Falls This is by far one of our favorite falls in the area. Located in Amicalola Park to the west of Dahlonega, this 600-foot tall cascading waterfall makes for one of the most picturesque natural sights you'll find anywhere. There's a walkway that travels to the top of the falls so you can travel up and get a closer view of the waterfall. If you want to see one of the highest waterfalls the park has to offer, this is the one to visit. more Cane Creek Falls The Cane Creek Falls are shorter than the Amicalola but no less picturesque. The waterfall spills into a reflecting pool before the water continues down the river. You'll find Cane Creek Falls at Camp Glisson, practically walking distance from Dahlonega. Head north on US19 and GA60 for two miles, and then turn left when you see the sign for Camp Glisson. One mile from there, you'll find a parking lot at the falls. Dicks Creek Falls Just over 15 miles north, Dicks Creek Falls offers more fantastic photo opportunities. It's in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and unlike most of the other waterfalls in the park, you're allowed to get in the water at the base of the waterfall. This is one reason we love Dicks Creek Falls so much. It's the perfect way to cool off during your hikes or to just stretch out and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Anna Ruby Falls This is your two-for-one deal when it comes to waterfalls. The two waterfalls are from two different creeks, the Curtis and York Creeks, and at the bottom they join to create the Smith Creek. Curtis falls from 153 feet and York falls 50 feet. Together, they make for a unique natural experience that should not be missed. You'll find Anna Ruby Falls about 30 miles northeast of Dahlonega, past Smithgall Woods State Park. DeSoto Falls Tucked away in the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, you'll come across the DeSoto Falls. If you want to hike through Georgia's natural beauty, you'll love the great trails this recreation area offers, especially the ones that lead to the waterfall. The multiple steps the waterfall makes before moving on makes this creek worth exploring. You'll find two separate falls near one another as you travel up Frogtown Creek. Exploring Georgia's natural beauty in the Dahlonega area is easy, thanks to the proximity of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Pull on your hiking boots and experience the reasons why the first peoples of the area decided to calls this corner of Georgia home. Amicalola Falls State Park - Amicalola Falls (2) via Flickr by jared422_80 Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original
Dahlonega, Georgia, sits in the heart of the state's beautiful, up-and-coming wine country. If you love wine as much as we do, there's no better way to spend the day than enjoying a glass of your favorite varietal in the tasting room of one of the many world-class vineyards in the area. If you're looking for a place to start, we suggest these four best wineries and vineyards in the Dahlonega area: Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery Cavender Creek prides themselves on offering a warm and relaxing wine experience you can enjoy with friends and family. Visit their tasting room to try their selection, listen to music, and talk with the wine stewards about how the wine is made. The vineyard itself grows Norton, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Manseng grapes, and Cavender's creations from those grapes are some of the best in the area. more If you want to stay at this winery, you can do so at their "Cabin in the Vines," a rustic 1820s handmade log cabin. But even if you just have an hour or two to spare, a visit to Cavender Creek is always rejuvenating. Wolf Mountain Vineyards If you want to try great gold medal wines, head to Wolf Mountain Vineyards. This winery has won over 200 medals with their thoughtful varietals. The vineyard itself is charming, covering Georgia hillsides to make for a picturesque view. Their wine-tasting room is just as charming. You can take a tour of their wine-making process and try firsthand some of the wines that put this vineyard on the map. Kaya Vineyard and Winery For a wine retreat, book a holiday at Kaya Vineyard and Winery. Their cottages allow you to stay the weekend on their beautiful property, tasting wines, exploring the world of wine-making, and enjoying the light lunch fare they offer in their tasting room. From chardonnays and cabernets to rosés and merlots, Kaya has a wine to match every palate, as well as some more uncommon varietals that will delight the senses. Sign up for one of their many tasting and tour packages to get the entire Kaya experience. Montaluce Winery and Restaurant Perfect for a distinguished date night, Montaluce offers a full wine experience with their chef-inspired restaurant and vintner-inspired wines. If you're here for the wine, their tasting menu will take you through a tour of their wares. Sign up for a 1.8-mile wine hike through the vineyard to get up close and personal with the history of the area and its wine. If you're here for the restaurant, you'll love the unforgettable items that line their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus — think cedar plank salmon, rabbit duet, and veal chops. Montaluce's offerings will let you spend the entire day wining and dining and enjoying the great Georgia wine country. Explore these and many other vineyards that consistently produce fantastic wines to find your favorite place to relax. A visit to a vineyard is always a peaceful, fun way to enjoy Georgia's beautiful days. Grapes via Flickr by tribp Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original
