Blog / Dahlonega

3 Relaxing Activities You Can Drive to Near Dahlonega, GA

relaxing activities
Have you had a long, stressful week? Are you in need of rejuvenating relaxation in Dahlonega, GA this weekend? If so, we strongly recommend hopping in your 2024 Ford Mustang and checking out one of these great relaxing activities you can drive to in the Dahlonega area.  

1. Visiting Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

One of our favorite ways to relax and unwind in Dahlonega is to visit Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo at 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy. This wildlife preserve is open daily from 10 to 4, and you are free to enter the preserve between 10 and 2:30, but we find the morning the best time to go. Many of the animals that live here are alert and excited for you to feed them. If you want to go after lunch, we recommend going around 1. At 1:30, you can enjoy a special sloth encounter. For roughly 20 minutes, you can forget about everything else going on in your life, sit on the floor, and feed the adorable two-toed sloths Flash and Sissi. You will not be able to pick up the sloths, but they will approach you and touch you and you can touch them and give them gifts.

2. Hiking the Lake Zwerner Trail

We also find peace and tranquility hiking the Lake Zwerner Trail early in the morning. This 3.2-mile loop trail provides scenic views of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir, mountains, and woods, and you can park at 1680 Morrison Moore Pkwy E. We recommend heading towards the dam first, especially if you go in the middle of the day. Past the dam, the trail is shaded. Besides hiking, this trail is ideal for dog walking and bird watching.

3. Trail Riding

Trail riding with Gold City Corral & Carriage Company at 49 Forrest Hill Road is another great way to relax. You and your partner can take a private guided trail ride in the middle of the week. If you do not mind riding with a group of strangers, you can go for a one-hour, two-hour, or half-day trail ride. The one-hour trail ride is a great choice for beginner riders, and you can get a lesson before the ride. The two-hour trail ride provides the opportunity to trot and canter, and the half-day ride is ideal for experienced riders. With a reliable Ford, there are many relaxing ways you can spend your time in the Dahlonega area. However, you must remember that routine maintenance is required to keep your car operating as it should. Contact us today at Chestatee Ford to schedule a service appointment if it is time for an oil change.
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If you're looking for great scenic drives near Dahlonega, GA, or throughout Georgia, we have some recommendations for you. Whether you prefer relaxing coastal road trips or winding mountain escapes, the diversity of the Peach State's landscape makes it easy to find awe-inducing views just by hopping in your car. 1. Georgia Mountain Parkway Enter the Georgia Mountain Parkway at 152 Orvin Lance Dr. in Blue Ridge and be prepared to encounter some of the most tempting outdoor entertainment that the state has to offer. Plan an extended trip down the parkway, also known as State Route 515, to take advantage of seasonal festivals, hiking, and rafting on your way to Atlanta. 2. Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway Enter the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway at the Prater's Mill Historic Site, located at 5845 GA-2. The 54-mile byway winds through the pastoral lands of northwest Georgia on GA-2 and offers gorgeous Cohutta Mountain vistas along U.S. 41 before heading into the Chattahoochee National Forest. Follow the byway to the end for breathtaking views from a mountain overlook. more 3. Highway 197 Head to Clarkesville to find the entrance to Highway 197, which will take you north toward Moccasin Creek State Park. On your way there, stop to explore pottery shops near historic Batesville or have a meal on the shores of Lake Burton. Load your gear into your Ford Bronco Sport before you head out and stop by LaPrade's Marina to rent a boat and spend a relaxing day on the water. 4. Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway If you're near Blairsville, hop onto Hwy 17 to traverse the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, a 40.6-mile stretch that winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Stop to hike along the Appalachian Trail, experience breathtaking views from Brasstop Bald, or simply admire the lush mountain landscape from the comfort of your car. 5. Dahlonega, GA Lumpkin-Union Loop If you prefer to stay closer to town, the Dahlonega Lumpkin-Union Loop offers stunning Appalachian views nearby. The loop is one of the town's best-kept secrets, which is why you might not be able to pull it up on your GPS — but finding it is simple enough. According to the visitors bureau, the loop starts at Hwy 19 and continues on to Hwy 129, SR 180, and eventually Hwy 60, taking visitors past several eye-catching waterfalls along the route. Whether you want to explore the best of what Georgia's small towns have to offer or be surrounded by the state's stunning natural beauty, there's bound to be something for you on the five drives above. When you've decided on your next adventure, stop by Chestatee Ford and our team of experts will help you find the perfect car for wherever your journey takes you.

Drive on Over: 3 Great Entertainment Venues in and Around Dahlonega, GA

Entertainment venue in dahlonega Are you looking for something fun to do here in Dahlonega, GA? There are lots of entertainment venues in the area that will be fun for either a date night or a family excursion. Take a look at the following options. 1. The Crimson Moon Come with a group of friends to The Crimson Moon where you'll enjoy live music, open mike night, and tasty snacks. Enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine, or cocktail, and then sit back, and relax. They have a large stage that hosts local bands as well as 150 seats. You can order food such as popcorn and pretzels, fruit and nuts, candies, chocolates, and more. Visit their website for their calendar of events. more The Crimson Moon is located at 100 Public Square N. and they are open Thursday through Sunday. Please drink responsibly and in moderation, and do not drink and drive. Alcohol is intended for adults of legal drinking age. 2. Consolidated Gold Mine This is a great destination for the whole family. Take a tour of an actual gold mine that is 200 feet underground, and you'll feel like it's 100 years ago. The knowledgeable staff members will tell you tales of how they actually panned for gold. Then let the kids pan for gold as the staff gives instructions, and be sure to visit the gift shop after your tour. The cost is $21.95 for ages 13 and up and $14.95 for kids ages 3 to 12. Kids under 2 years old get in for free. They are located at 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd. and they are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3. Shenanigans Enjoy this Irish-American pub where they host live music and they serve local beers, housemade cocktails, wine, and good food. You can enjoy karaoke every Wednesday, trivia on Thursdays, and live music every Friday and Saturday. Start with a dirty South martini or a Guinness Irish stout and then have the shepherd's pie, the bangers and mash, the grilled grouper, the balsamic basil sirloin, the seared ahi tuna, or the steak and spuds. They also have great burgers as well as many more options. Be sure to finish off with one of their delicious desserts, such as the Guinness chocolate cake or the dreamy chocolate pudding. Shenanigans is located at 87 N. Chestatee St. Drive in style to your next fun event in a brand new 2023 Ford Mustang GT Fastback. Visit Chestatee Ford at 44 Lumpkin County Pkwy and check out this vehicle for yourself. Also, ask about our specials and learn how you can finance your new dream car.

Five of the Best Beaches in Driving Distance of Dahlonega, GA

Summer is not too far off here in the Peach State, so it's time to break out the swim trunks and the tanning lotion. There's no better way to spend the weekend around Dahlonega, GA than near the water. Keep reading for five of the best beaches within driving distance of Dahlonega. Little Hall Park and Beach Family outings and big reunions will be perfectly suited for Little Hall Park on the Lake Lanier shoreside, less than an hour's drive from downtown Dahlonega. Little Hall has everything you need for a weekend gathering: outdoor tables, picnic shelters, and restrooms. The park provides grills for you to cook and allows your pets to tag along. more There is a swimming area for the little ones and a boat ramp if you plan to take everyone tubing. Little Hall has plenty of shoreline and hiking trails to discover for those who want to experience the great outdoors. Breathe in the fresh air and gorgeous lakeside views that only Lake Lanier can provide. Bolding Mill Day Use Beach Bolding Mill is one of the hidden gems in Johnson Creek, to the north of Lake Lanier. It's a campground with space for RVs and plenty of clearings for your own tents. Locals describe it as peaceful, and an excellent location for chance encounters with wild deer. If you are patient enough, you may spot a herd of deer feeding in the underbrush. For those who prefer the laid-back shoreside experience with a beer in hand, this is the ticket. But there is still plenty of water for swimming if your children want to hunt for tadpoles and crawdads. Keith's Bridge Park and Beach Situated just off the Chestatee Bay, Kieth's Bridge offers a similar park and beach setup like Little Hall. There are docks for your boats and plenty of waterfront to do some fishing. Feed local ducks, or else picnic with family and friends near the water. The Chestatee Bay is an excellent place to jet ski or go out on your fishing boat, so pack up your new Ford EcoSport and hitch up your trailer. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, then take the walkway to a more secluded area. Frog Beach and Clam Beach Nestled out on Three Sisters Island is the lesser-known Frog Beach and Clam Beach. This is the perfect place for those who want complete seclusion away from the crowded watersides of Lake Lanier. You'll need to find a way to get out here, but it is well worth the effort. Explore Tortuga Bay, or roam around Three Sisters in search of any local fauna. Need a vehicle that can keep up with your adventurous weekend getaways? Visit Chestatee Ford of Dahlonega and get that new Ford you've been saving up for.