Mornings are more enjoyable with a perfect cup of coffee. The aroma, taste, and caffeine all combine to perk you up and get you ready for the day. Whether you drink coffee in the morning before leaving the house, grab a cup on the way to work, or enjoy a few throughout the day, coffee never disappoints. Because coffee is as addictive as it is delicious, coffee shops are very popular in almost every community. Here are a few located in Dahlonega. Picnic Cafe Located in the square, Picnic Cafe serves coffee even the most careful connoisseurs are content with. The ambiance inside, however, is far from pretentious. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you would like to relax and people-watch while enjoying coffee and a delicious cookie. The staff will bring your order to your table and highchairs are also available for little ones. more The food offerings go far beyond just coffee. This cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch and they conveniently offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items. The food is classic American cafe style. The coffee, food, and ambiance mix so well that many who experience Picnic Cafe once, come again and again. The Crimson Moon It is not every day you can get your caffeine fix in a historical building. At The Crimson Moon, you can have this unique and immersive experience. Located on the square on North Park Street, this organic coffee shop invites creativity and also hosts musicians in one of the famous old buildings in the historic square. The walls are lined with paintings, local art, and musical posters. The music is eclectic and can be enjoyed while relaxing on a comfortable couch. Whether you are looking for an early morning breakfast cafe or a late-night place to hang out, you can find it here. Serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, The Crimson Moon is open all day. In fact, they are even open for late-night eats and drinks at their bar. If you are the kind of person that enjoys a coffee shop with a lot of character, The Crimson Moon is a great choice. Starbucks Starbucks is one of the most widely recognized names in coffee. Located in Dahlonega at 110 South Chestatee Street, it is a fixture in this community. With its variety of light, medium, and dark roast coffees from all over the world, Starbucks is the quintessential coffee shop. The ambiance here is cozy with comfy chairs inside. There is also seating and tables outside. Because of the location, in the University of North Georgia administration building, friendly students are always coming in and out. It is a great location to people-watch while enjoying a morning cup of Joe. The university is a military one, so you might even catch some cadets jogging by. Coffee drinkers go nuts for a great coffee shop with loads of character. These locations offer three very unique experiences, and they all have amazing coffee. Dahlonega locals and visitors alike enjoy the variety and cozy environment these cafes provide. Image via Pixabay
4 Places to Discover Gold In and Around Dahlonega, GA
Perched atop one of the richest deposits east of the Mississippi River, the city of Dahlonega is home to the first gold rush. Two decades before miners headed west to California to find their fortunes, gold was discovered right here in Georgia. Experience a taste of gold-fever in the Dahlonega area at one of these hot spots for treasure hunting. Consolidated Gold Mine The Consolidated Gold Mine at 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road was the largest gold mining operation in the area. Blasted out in the early 1900s, the mine's deep tunnels are open daily for public tours. Travel 200 feet underground and enjoy a 40-minute exploration of the mine shaft, learn about the original miner's struggles, and pick your tour guide's brain. Staffed by expert miners, this underground adventure is the perfect prelude to your own search for gold. After your tour, experience the thrill of gold panning. Learn the tricks of the trade from some of the world's best panners. Use the water-powered flumes to reveal hidden nuggets. With luck, you'll strike it rich. Once you find a keeper, have your gold nuggets made into jewelry right onsite. more Crisson Gold Mine Established in 1847, Crisson Gold Mine at 2736 Morrison Moore Parkway East is what's called an "open pit" gold mine. Explore antique gold mining machines at the site, including a 125-year-old stamp mill that's still used today to crush quartz rock into ore. Pan for gold at the gold mine or buy a five-gallon bucket of ore to take home with you. For serious treasure hunters, use the site's trommels to quickly separate your gold from the sand. You can also go gemstone grubbing at Crisson. Sift through dirt from Franklin, North Carolina at the mine. It contains rubies, emeralds, sapphires, crystals, amethysts, and garnets. Some stones are even good enough to make into jewelry. The Tesnatee River Try your luck panning the Tesnatee River. For more than a century, miners have scoured the rivers and creeks of Georgia in search of riches. There's always a chance of still finding a nugget today. Recreational gold panning is allowed in most streambeds in the Dahlonega area. When using only a shovel and pan, no special permission, permits, or fees are required. The Tesnatee River is 12 miles long and is a reliable place to find gold. Dahlonega Gold Museum Your search for riches won't be complete without a stop at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Located at 1 Public Square, it's one of the most visited historic sites in the area. Formerly the Lumpkin County Courthouse, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look into Georgia's mining history. The courthouse building served the community from 1836 to 1965 and was made from local bricks that held trace amounts of gold. Discover rare coins, see a five-ounce gold nugget, and browse the gift shop for unique treasures. Discover gold in Dahlonega today. Although you may not strike it rich, its wealth is in the experience. Image via Flickr by Chris Fithall under use of CC BY 2.0
The 4 Best Vineyards to Visit in the Dahlonega Area
North Georgia is home to numerous wineries as well as gorgeous mountain views. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the view with a glass of wine in hand. Here's a list of the best vineyards to visit in Dahlonega, Georgia. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery was established in 1999 and features hillside vineyards similar to those of wineries in Napa. The grounds may give off a California vibe, but the wines offered at Wolf Mountain are more European in nature. Wolf Mountain proudly showcases its award-winning, handcrafted wine through numerous events and tastings around the 30-acre estate. Public events at Wolf Mountain include a variety of wine tastings and tours, a Sunday brunch, a cafe lunch, and a gourmet dinner. Wolf Mountain also hosts private events such as wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. more Accent Cellars Known as Dahlonega's micro-urban winery, Accent Cellars is located a couple of minutes outside downtown Dahlonega. It specializes in creating handcrafted wines that are made with fruit that's sourced from farms throughout Georgia, California, Texas, and other states across the United States. Accent Cellars features a wine-tasting area where guests can grab a quick bite to eat, sit down, and enjoy the wine. Food can be purchased on-site, or guests can bring their own food into the winery. The winery also hosts private events such as birthday parties and wedding rehearsals, ceremonies, and receptions. The interior of the winery can accommodate 60 guests, while the outdoor space can accommodate over 100 guests. Montaluce Winery Located in Dahlonega, Montaluce Winery features delicious wines and breathtaking views of North Georgia. The winery provides an on-site tasting room as well as a restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition to traditional wine-tasting events, Montaluce Winery offers a wine hike that lets guests explore the grounds by following a nature trail that leads through the vineyard. At the end of the hike, guests may take part in a wine tasting. The winery also hosts private events, including wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and private tours and tastings. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Kaya Vineyard and Winery makes its home in Dahlonega and features a panoramic mountain view. All wines at Kaya are created from estate-grown grapes. The vineyards at Kaya are planted with European, Italian, and American grapes. The winery provides a tasting room as well as a covered patio with live music in the spring and summer. Kaya also hosts private events including weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. The main event offered is The Kaya Vineyard and Winery Tour, which takes guests on a tour of the grounds and the barrel room. After the tour, guests will have an opportunity to taste the wine. Reservations are required for the tour. Each of these wineries offers unique tasting events and incredible views of the North Georgia mountains. Explore the beautiful vineyards of Dahlonega today. Image via Pixabay.com
A Look at Some of the Most Exciting Future Vehicles From Ford
Ford continues to amaze car enthusiasts with each model year. With an incredible lineup of vehicles currently on the market, what will Ford come up with next? Here's a look at some of the most exciting future vehicles from Ford. 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 According to Ford, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will be the fastest Mustang model in its lineup. This new Mustang will include an upgraded 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine and a dual-clutch transmission. more Additional standard features for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 include an enormous digital instrument cluster, a MagneRide damping system, and an active valve exhaust system. These features, as well as the optional add-ons, are sure to make the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 the most impressive Mustang to date. 2021 Bronco With availability beginning in 2020, Ford is bringing back the Bronco SUV. This new-and-improved Bronco will include a completely redesigned exterior and interior. It's safe to assume that the new Bronco will feature plenty of up-to-date interior technology as well as multiple advanced safety and security features. You can bet that Ford will offer numerous ways to customize the Bronco by offering an abundance of add-on packages. Not much else is known about the 2021 Bronco so far, but Ford has promised that there will be more information to come soon. 2020 Super Duty Ford is well-known for its line of reliable and rugged trucks that can tackle any challenge easily and efficiently. For 2020, Ford is releasing a new 2020 Super Duty truck that will feature exterior and interior design enhancements. The upgraded 2020 Super Duty will come equipped with a 10-speed transmission and a choice of a 7.3-liter V-8 engine or a 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine. Advanced driver-assist technologies for the 2020 Super Duty include a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer reverse guidance, pro-trailer backup assist, a 360-degree camera, and FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot. 2020 Transit Specifically designed for businesses, the 2020 Transit is so much more than just a van. The 2020 Transit is completely customizable with three engine options and various sizes of body lengths and roof heights. The engine configurations for the new 2020 Transit include a 3.5-liter port fuel and direct injection V-6 engine, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, and a direct injection 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine. In addition to these innovative engine options, the Transit also sports a 10-speed automatic transmission. New available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, automatic high beam headlamps, and a rearview camera. Additionally, available intelligent all-wheel-drive can help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in adverse weather conditions. With these brand-new vehicles on the way from Ford, it's clear that the automaker has a bright future ahead. Stop by Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, Georgia, to inquire about Ford vehicles: past, present, or future. 2020 Ford Shelby via Ford
Seatbelts Matter: Understand the Importance of Buckling Up
Even though vehicles today are equipped with more safety features than ever before, including lane departure prevention systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, and back-up cameras, none of these devices play as crucial of a role in driver and passenger safety as a seatbelt. Read on to learn why seatbelts matter and better understand the importance of bucking up. Safety You can't understand the importance of buckling up without talking about the obvious - safety. This is a seatbelt's only function, to help keep you and your passengers safe. When in an accident, they can keep you from being thrown through the windshield, ejected from the car, or flying forward where you could be thrown into or hit your head on the steering wheel. It's just as crucial for your passengers, whether they are in the front or back seats. Again, this prevents them from possibly getting thrown from the vehicle. more You'll also notice that your seatbelts engage in less violent circumstances, such as when you have to break quickly or perhaps hit a rough patch of terrain. This helps keep you in a position to have the best control over your vehicle and ensure you keep you and your passengers clear from harm. It's the Law “Click it or ticket” is a common slogan used in seatbelt campaigns. It only takes a minute to click your seatbelt, abide by the law, and keep yourself and your passengers safe. If you choose not to buckle up, you could be pulled over and cited. These tickets will cost you hundreds of dollars and are meant to sting financially to drive home the concept that this simple action is far less expensive than the ticket, or worse, injury or death. Make it a Habit Next to entering your vehicle and maybe starting it, putting on your seatbelt should be one of your first actions. If you get in the habit of doing this, it will begin to feel almost foreign not to. Sit down, put on your seatbelt. Period. If you're the driver and you have passengers, make sure they all do the same. Even if you're just going “down the street,” go ahead and buckle up. Sometimes, those situations where we think we'd be most safe are the ones that can surprise us because our guard is down and it's completely unexpected. That's the idea with seatbelts though, right? To protect you and everyone in your vehicle from the unexpected. Like any other standard piece of vehicle equipment, seatbelts are meant to be used each and every time you get into a vehicle. Doing so further adds to the effectiveness of other safety features such as air bags. All vehicle models at Chestatee Ford come standard with driver and passenger seatbelts; some are even adjustable for personal comfort. Come see us today. With everything from luxury to off-road vehicles available, you're sure to find the car, truck, or SUV that's just right for you. Rock via Flickr by PabloEvans under the use of CC By 2.0 / Cropped from original
3 Top Hunting Spots in Dahlonega
Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to wildlife galore. With the abundance of hunting opportunity, sometimes it can be overwhelming to find somewhere to hunt. With more than 600,000 hunters in Georgia, it's vital to utilize the public land properly. We've compiled a list of our three top hunting spots in Dahlonega. We hope one suits your needs and you can get the perfect prize! Chestatee Wildlife Management Area The Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is one of the top areas for hunting in Lumpkin and White counties. With more than 27,000 acres of land for you to explore, it's an ideal location for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, as well as fishing. Find somewhere and settle in for a day full of hunting fun. more The close access to water makes the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area area home to many wild animals, enabling you to see many different animals. There are visible hiking trails in the area to make it easy for you to find your way back after a day of hunting. The views you see here are ones you will remember for a lifetime, and the memories of the animals will be even better. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is located at 955 Dicks Creek Road in Dahlonega. A hunting license or Georgia Lands Pass is required to hunt at the park, and you'll need a fishing license if you also plan to fish. Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area The Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area is located in Fannin, Union, and Lumpkin counties and offers more than 20,000 acres of land, giving you access to deer and bear, as well as turkeys and other small game animals. Accommodations and facilities include hiking trails, a lake, and primitive campsites that are perfect for hunting, hiking, camping, lake and river fishing, and general wildlife viewing. Located at 905 Rock Creek Road in Suches, the park doesn't charge a fee to access the land; however, appropriate licenses are required to hunt and fish. Coosawattee-Carter's Lake The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia and is managed by the Department of Resources as well as the Army Corps of Engineers. Situated on 6,000 acres of land, it's perfect for hunting deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and small game animals. The accommodations and facilities at Coosawattee-Carter's Lake provide for canoeing, biking, hiking, hunting, primitive camping, lake and river fishing, private boating, water skiing, and general wildlife viewing. Wheelchair hunters are also welcome and need to apply via mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between Aug. 15 and Sept. 10. The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at 750 Powerhouse Road in Chatsworth. There is no charge to come onto the land with the appropriate licenses required to hunt and fish. ATVs are not allowed on the property. There are fewer activities in life that epitomize the Ford Tough mission than hunting and fishing, and with so many hunting spots in and around Dahlonega, you have plenty of opportunities to have a memorable time. Bear via Flickr by Kylie Kae under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original
Discover Why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the Perfect Mid-Size Pick-Up
The 2019 Ford Ranger has been re-imagined and is now better than ever with the technology, design, and performance that you desire at a price you can afford. Chestatee Ford is proud to be able to offer you this newly designed truck with its many best in class features. Read on and discover why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the perfect mid-size pickup. Technology You Crave The 2019 Ford Ranger has many upgraded technology features that consumers have been craving, including the Ford Co-Pilot 360, the voice-activated SYNC 3, and the FordPass Connect. more Drive the highways with confidence and crowded roads with ease with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 offering driver assist technology such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear-View Camera to help you navigate the world around you. The SYNC 3 system includes voice-activated communications and entertainment. It is easy to use and consists of an 8-inch center stack touchscreen and a user-friendly interface that allows you to stay connected any time you are in your truck. Finally, the FordPass Connect keeps you connected with LTE Wi-Fi capability. Design Features Inside and Out The design features of the 2019 Ford Ranger are no longer isolated to the just interior; the exterior has just as much to offer now. Starting with a twin dome hood and rounded wheel arches to show off its new off-road design, the exterior also features a newly designed Ford grille and a variety of performance packages that allow you to customize the way your new Ranger will look. Moving inside the 2019 Ford Ranger continues to emphasize function and style while adding the essential element of comfort with supportive and firm seating accommodating up to five in the spacious and versatile four-door SuperCrew. Controls and instruments are easy to operate and read thanks to the optional dual LCD instrument cluster productivity touch screens providing an array of useful operating information and the available 8-inch center touchscreen. Finally, the available Ford navigational and connectivity features, premium Bang & Olufsen audio performance, and driver-assist technologies create an experience everyone will love. Power and Performance The power and performance of the 2019 Ford Ranger are phenomenal, starting with the electronic four-wheel drive easy shift option that allows you to change from two-wheel to four-wheel drive with a simple turn of the dial. Drive comfortably regardless of where you may be thanks to the Terrain Management System, providing four selectable drive modes including normal, grass, gravel, and snow to choose from. Best-In-Class Gas Torque There is nothing like raw torque when tackling the demands of off-road terrains. The 2019 Ranger has you covered thanks to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering 310 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower while the 10-speed SelectShift optimizes gear progressions offering quick, smooth shifting up and down. With more technology than ever and the power you have come to expect from Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger indeed may be the perfect mid-size pick-up truck around. Stop into Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself. White Ranger via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
4 Best Restaurants Serving Chicken & Dumplings in Dahlonega
They say to experience a place you need to experience its food truly, and Georgia is no different. Whether you're a local to the area or just passing through, taking time to enjoy one of the favorite comfort foods around is a must. Here is our list of the four best restaurants serving chicken and dumplings in Dahlonega. Wagon Wheel The Wagon Wheel with its friendly staff and homey decor is a perfect place to stop in for a bite to eat whether out with the family or just grabbing a bite with friends. In addition to chicken and dumplings, they offer an excellent selection of breakfast favorites, hoagies, sandwiches, clubs, wraps, and dinner entrees. more Located at 1108 North Grove Street in Dahlonega, Georgia, the Wagon Wheel is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Crimson Moon In addition to their delicious chicken and dumpling soup, The Crimson Moon offers an electric "New South" menu with several gluten-free and vegan options available, with the majority of their items "Moon Made." Enjoy brunch daily with a variety of drinking and dining atmospheres both upstairs and downstairs. Visit their cozy Coffee House for one of their hand-crafted organic/shade-grown fair trade coffee drinks or step back in time to the Half Moon Saloon for a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer. Located on the historic public square of Dahlonega in the second oldest commercial structure, The Crimson Moon is open Monday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Yahoola Creek Grill Whether a local foodie or an out-of-town guest looking to take in all that Dahlonega has to offer, Yahoola Creek Grill provides a dining experience you won't forget. Featuring a made-from-scratch menu using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, their dishes strike the perfect balance between contemporary and classic Southern cuisine. Along with delicious chicken and dumplings, they offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus; the Yahoola Creek Grill is an ideal location for weddings, family gatherings, or other large events where you can experience beautiful mountain views from any of their versatile dining areas. Located at 1810 S. Chestatee Street, The Yahoola Creek Grill is open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reid's Cafe Known for their friendly staff and excellent service, Reid's Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, children's, and dessert menus featuring chicken and dumplings, cooked sausages, and four sizes of Ribeye steaks. Located at 5337 Thompson Bridge Rd in Gainesville, Reid's Cafe is open Monday - Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. With so many great restaurants available in the Dahlonega area, there is always one to visit and experience something new. Mmm...chicken dumplins via Flickr by jeffreyw under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original
Which Ford F-150 Trim Suits Your Business?
If you're in the market for a new work truck, the Ford F-150 is a great choice. With several trims to choose from, there's an F-150 that's sure to meet your needs and your budget. Let's discuss what these various trims have to offer. XL The F-150 XL is a sturdy workhorse with all the power and capability you need to get the job done. It comes equipped with a 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that's capable of putting out 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, you never have to leave any of your gear behind. The XL has a miles per gallon rating of 20 in the city and 25 on the highway. While cloth seats are standard, you can opt for a vinyl bench seat, which is perfect for heavy-duty work use. more XLT Like the XL, the F-150 XLT is powered by a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine capable of putting out 265 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow up to 7,700 pounds. What sets it apart are some added luxuries that make it a great truck for drivers who are frequently on the road for work. The XLT comes standard with a CD player and Ford's SYNC infotainment system, meaning you won't miss your favorite music or those important work calls. Lariat If you need an even more powerful ride, the F-150 Lariat comes standard with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine capable of putting out 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. With the Lariat's LED box lighting, you can tackle any task, day or night. The Lariat also features BoxLink, which can be used to secure ramps, storage bins, dividers, and so much more. The Sync 3 system and an 8-inch productivity screen make the Lariat's cabin a great entertainment and workspace. King Ranch The F-150 King Ranch comes equipped with a powerful 395-horsepower 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 engine capable of producing 400 pound-feet of torque. It features a heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats, perfect for when your work takes you into warm or cold climates. The King Ranch's color touch screen displays phone, audio, and navigation functions. Other features that help you get the job done include a remote tailgate release and a 110-volt/400-watt power inverter. Raptor The F-150 Raptor, powered by a twin-turbo, intercooled, DOHC 24-valve, 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, puts out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard as an all-wheel drive, and with its higher ground clearance and upgraded suspension system, the Raptor can handle any terrain. It's the perfect truck for getting the job done and then having some fun off-road. Platinum While the platinum was built for work, it's also designed for comfort. Features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, and black carpet flooring with unique front and rear mats. These are just some of the trims available on the F-150. Consider taking a test drive so you can see which one works best for you. Ford F-150 via Flickr by SoulRider.222 under the use of CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original
4 Questions to Ask When on a Test Drive
With so many vehicle types on the market today and multiple car brands competing for your attention, it's hard to make a decision when buying a new car. Even after you've done your research and have all the info you need on a car you're interested in buying, the only way to really get to know it is by taking it out for a spin. Here's what you need to be on the lookout for when on a test drive. Is This the Exact Trim and Model I'm Interested in? Most vehicles today come in a variety of trims and can include a multitude of optional packages. This leads to dozens of possible combinations of features, so it's important that the car you test drive has all the options and characteristics you want. The most important information you get from testing a new vehicle is how it feels when you're driving it, so the test car needs to have the same engine, transmission, suspensions, and generally everything related to how the car behaves on the road. more It's also important to test the car's interior features. On paper, virtually all models nowadays come with features such as air conditioning, touch-screen display, or smartphone integration, but some work better than others. How Does Everything Work? Most functions are intuitive and common to all cars, but you need to remember that the sales representative knows that particular vehicle inside and out. Before assuming that you can figure everything out on your own, you should ask him or her to demonstrate features related to the car's technology, active safety, or transmission. This way you can discover the proper ways to operate everything. Things that you may find difficult to use may be simpler than you thought. Is This Model Selling Well? A car's popularity is usually a good indicator of its quality, so ideally you'll want your dealer to tell you it's one of their best sellers. Of course, a relative lack of sales is not always an indicator of a possible fault, but it's definitely an incentive to research the exact reasons it hasn't sold well. Maybe it wasn't marketed as much as it should be, or certain characteristics put off many drivers but don't really affect your opinion. Whatever the reason, you need to know it and determine if it's important to you. Ask Yourself: Do I Like It? The final question isn't for the sales representative, but one you should ask yourself. After getting all the relevant info on the car's characteristics, inner workings, and popularity, the last box it needs to check is how you feel while driving it. Do you feel good behind the wheel or does driving it feel difficult? Only you can answer that. Buying a car is a very important decision because not only will you depend on it to get you from point A to point B, but it will also be the place where you will be spending thousands of hours. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you have all the tools for taking an informed decision. 2019 F350 Super Duty Custom Diestamp via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original
Relive the Georgia Gold Rush with these Three Experiences
When most people hear about the gold rush, they think about California. However, Georgia had its gold rush that you can relive in Dahlonega. Check the Rivers Even though the gold mines have closed, you should still look for gold in nearby rivers. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy as you search nearby waterways. One of the best places to check is the Etowah River in Cherokee County. As you explore this area, do not forget to check the waterways that flow into it. more Another fun river to check for gold is the Chattahoochee. If you are interested in this river, explore it through White and Lumpkin Counties. Bring your gold pan and don't forget to check Duke's Creek. The creek runs near the town of Sautee. Before you explore this area, you may want to rent a metal detector as the banks have the potential of holding a variety of treasures. Camp Near the Old Gold Mines Another great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the history of gold is camping. There are a variety of campgrounds located near the old mines. Each gives you an opportunity to bring home gold while spending time with friends and family. If you enjoy gold panning along the Etowah River, bring your camping gear and stay overnight. The Etowah River Campground has room for tents and RVs. When you make your reservation, you can choose between a river site or something more secluded. Beyond panning for gold, you can also go trout fishing in the river. Another fun campground near Cleveland is the Gold'n Gem Grubbin' Campground. This location adjoins a strip mining operation that allows campers to pay for the chance to look for gold. There is also a Gem Shack on site where you can create custom items. The campground can handle both tents and RVs. Visit the Gold Museum If you are in the mood to explore history, but the weather is keeping you inside don't worry. Stay in Dahlonega and visit the Gold Museum. The museum is open seven days a week. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is in an old Lumpkin County courthouse. It features exhibits like a large gold nugget that weighs more than five ounces. You can also see a hydraulic cannon that broke gold loose from the mountainside. If you are into old coins, check out a set of rare coins from the 1800s when the town was home to a U.S. mint branch. There are also educational films that explain the gold history of the area. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to bring home a piece of your journey. When you finish with the museum, explore the courthouse that houses it before you leave the area. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the experience with you. These adventures would also be a great way to teach your children the history of the gold industry in Georgia. Don't forget to dress appropriately especially when heading to the mines. Gold-bornite-quartz hydrothermal vein via Flickr by James St. John under the use of CC-BY 2.0 / cropped from original
Top Three Golf Courses Near Atlanta
Are you looking for a new golf course to enjoy as the weather warms up? The Dahlonega, Georgia, area is full of courses for all ability levels. Chestatee Golf Club The Chestatee Golf Club is located on GA-400 in Dawsonville. The mountain-like terrain is designed to fit in with the area. This challenging course was designed by Denis Griffiths. Some of the features included in this 18-hole course include water holes, and a championship feel to the links. During your time on the links, keep in mind par is 71. more Once you finish with your game, enjoy the clubhouse and a mouthwatering menu from the Heron Grille. If you want to work on your game between rounds, there is a practice green and bunker on the property. There is also an extensive driving range for you to enjoy at this semi-private club. Non-members are allowed to use the practice range for a $25 fee that gives you unlimited practice range balls. The rates to play the course change depending on your age and the time of year. Mossy Creek Golf Course When you make the trip to Cleveland, Georgia, you can enjoy the 18-hole Mossy Creek Golf Course. The public course opened in 1965 as Eagle Greens at Skitt Mountain. The course is perfect for rookies, but can also challenge more experienced golfers. At its longest tees, the course is more than 6,000 feet in length. It is a par-70 course. The onsite pro shop has everything you need to enjoy a day on the links. You can rent clubs from the pro shop as well as set up lessons. After your round, enjoy a delicious meal at The Grill @ Mossy Creek. It is located above the pro shop and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Achasta Stay in Dahlonega and enjoy a Jack Nicklaus signature course when you play at Achasta. While you are playing the course, keep an eye on the Chestatee River. It winds through the course and can impact the result of a majority of the holes. It is a par-72 course with a par 36 on each set of nine holes. It is a semi-private club that allows the general public to play the course. The greens are G2 bent grass. The fairways and trees are Bermuda grass. If you want to warm up before your next round, there is a practice facility on site. This all-grass area includes both a putting and chipping green. After your game, enjoy a meal at the Achasta Grille. The grille is inside the clubhouse. It offers outdoor seating for warmer temperatures. There are also two indoor dining spaces, the main dining room, and the Nicklaus room. Achasta is open six days a week; it closes on Monday for maintenance. Explore each of these public courses provided to you by Chestatee Ford on a different weekend. If you enjoy a trip to one of these courses, bring friends for your return game. Urbanowicz_Krzysztof_GOLF via Flickr by Chris Urbanowicz Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original