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Ford unveiled the all-new 2020 Explorer at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and included in the lineup is the Explorer ST which replaces the Explorer Sport. As well as being a three-row family hauler, it is a high-performance car with dynamic styling and enhancements from the Ford Performance stable. Exterior Styling The Explorer ST features a red ST badge on the bold black mesh grille which flows into the sleek headlamps and signature daytime running lights. The narrow fog lights and black lower fascia give the car an aggressive road presence. The sculpted hood carries a black Explorer badge. more The aerodynamic profile is enhanced by black fender trims and lower side moldings with an embossed Explorer logo, black roof rails, available 21-inch high gloss black alloy wheels, and red-painted brake calipers. At the stylish rear end with its sharp lines are wrap-around taillights, an ST tailgate badge, black tailgate applique, and bright dual quad exhaust tips. Power and Performance Featuring standard all-wheel drive, the ST is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that is performance tuned. Ford says it can achieve a top speed of 143 mph, making it “the fastest SUV under $60,000.” The ST has responsive steering and throttle, performance-tuned suspension, and an enhanced engine note. Available for the ST are a Street Pack and a Track Pack which, as well as the 21-inch wheels and red brake calipers, offer larger brake rotors, sport-tuned electric brake boost, and improved brake pad compound. Interior Inside the ST is perforated leather upholstery with contrasting silver stitching and the embossed ST logo. It features power-adjustable front sport bucket seats, fold-flat second-row seats, and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats. With the second and third rows folded, you have more than 87 cubic feet of cargo space. Multiple seat configurations enable you to maximize the cargo and passenger capacity. The interior is black with metal trim and accents, and the sill scuff plates have the Ford Performance logo. Features include a flat-bottom multifunction leather steering wheel, tri-zone automatic electronic climate control, rotary gear shift dial, and a drive mode selector with snow, sand, mud, and gravel modes. A customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel allows you to configure the function and appearance of your driving information. Technology The ST has the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system featuring a central 10.1-inch portrait touch screen with pinch-to-zoom and swipe functions. For using and charging multiple devices, the Explorer ST includes a wireless charging pad as well as nine power outlets for regular plugs and USBs. In addition to a whole range of safety features, the ST has as standard a trailer tow package and an automated parking system that enables parallel and perpendicular parking without driver input. The new 2020 Explorer is due to go on sale in June when you can head down to Chestatee Ford for a closer look. Until then, you can sign up for updates on the Ford website. Image via Ford

The foothills of North Georgia are the perfect environment for wineries to produce award-winning vintages. Known as the Heart of Georgia Wine Country, Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to five wineries and 12 wine tasting rooms. Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery Founded in 2006, Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega produces award-winning, hand-crafted red and white wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton, and Petit Manseng. Take a seat in the tasting room and spend the afternoon sampling both dry and semi-sweet wines. Live entertainment is also offered throughout the year, so be sure to check the vineyard's calendar for upcoming events. more Spend the weekend at the winery, and stay at the 1820s cabin-in-the-wines on site. The log cabin features modern amenities and is the perfect spot to sip on your favorite wine while enjoying views of the vineyards and donkeys, dogs, and chickens playing in the pasture. The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Frogtown Cellars Situated on 57 acres at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Frogtown Cellars is Georgia's most award-winning winery. With a unique terrain made of rolling hills and steep elevation changes, Frogtown Cellars is a tri-level gravity flow winery. The winery features more than 22,000 grape vines with 25 different types of grapes. When you visit, you'll have a chance to enjoy a variety of delicious red and white vintages under the Frogtown and Thirteenth Colony brand names. The winery also includes a bistro where you can munch on tasty cheese and charcuterie platters, pizza, paninis, and more while sipping on your wine. The winery is open Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Sitting atop a ridge at 1,600 feet and offering spectacular panoramic views of the mountains is Kaya's Vineyard and Winery. The winery features Italian and American varieties of wines made from grapes grown exclusively on site. Enjoy the view out of the 12-foot windows in the tasting room, or sit outside on the 2,000-square-foot covered deck and enjoy the fresh air. Take a guided tour to learn more about the vineyards, or sit back and enjoy live music. The vineyard and tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30  p.m. to 5 p.m. Three Sisters Vineyards Three Sisters Vineyards produces 100-percent Georgia-grown estate wine and makes 3,500 to 4,000 cases of each vintage. Varieties include Cabernet Franc, Cab Franc-Merlot, and Merlot, among others. The winery sits on 184 acres and offers a laid back atmosphere where you can sip on their vintages while browsing the collection of Georgia and Southern folk art. Enjoy the cool breeze while relaxing with a glass on their Crush Pad Deck or Rock Wall Patio. The winery is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There's no need to travel far to enjoy bold and beautiful wines, as Chestatee Ford gives you Dahlonega's wineries that have wines to suit every palate. Image via Flickr by smallkaa / under use of CC BY-ND 2.0 /Cropped from original

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia, is just one hour north of Atlanta and has much to offer. Visit the town's many historic sites, take in a show at the historic theater, or get goose bumps while listening to scary ghost stories. With so much to offer, there's plenty of reasons to spend the day in historic downtown Dahlonega. Learn the History at Dahlonega Gold Museum The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, one of Georgia's oldest standing buildings. Visitors can peruse exhibits depicting the history of the area, including a complete set of rare coins, a hydraulic cannon and nozzle, and a gold nugget weighing more than five ounces. Take a walk through the courthouse and note its beautiful features such as the wooden chapel seats that date back to 1889. Take a seat and watch a short film, and pick up souvenirs in the museum's gift shop. With advance notice, tours and group rates are available. more The museum is located at 1 Public Square and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Watch a Film at The Holly Theater This historic Holly Theater is situated in the Dahlonega town square and is the perfect spot to enjoy a live show. No seat is further than 20 feet from the stage, providing a perfect view of live music, theater, and comedy acts. Partnering with local businesses, the theater offers theatrical and educational programs to the residents of Dahlonega and its neighboring towns. Sip on a beer or glass of wine, and enjoy a show at this beautiful and historic theater. The Holly Theater is located at 69 West Main Street and the office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Showtimes vary, so check their site for upcoming events. Take a Ghost Tour With its rich history, there's no shortage of ghost lore in Dahlonega. There's no better way to learn about the things that go bump in the night than on a ghost tour through town. Grab a map to take the Dahlonega Haunts Self-Guided Tour to visit sites that are sure to give you chills. Stop by The Picnic Café where a ghostly woman is said to be waiting by the window. Or visit Park Place Hotel where the owner swears that doors open and close by themselves, pots are found in the wrong cabinets, and plates are left in odd spots. The Butler Building is also on the route and is said to have paranormal activity. Observers have seen flying plates and teapots moving across shelves and have heard footsteps when no one was around. Start your self-guided ghost tour at the Dahlonega Gold Museum (inside the historic courthouse), hitting all 10 spots and ending at the Mount Hope Cemetery. The map can be found on the Dahlonega website. Whether you're a history buff or love the arts, Chestatee Ford gives you a list of activities and entertainment for the entire family in historic downtown Dahlonega. Gold Nugget via Pixabay

2018 is quickly winding down, so the time has arrived to start planning your New Year's Eve. Although there's nothing wrong with a casual affair at home, some years just call for something more upscale and special. If you feel that the last day of 2018 should be spent in a luxurious environment with good music, tasty food, and stylish decor, check out these three events happening in Atlanta on Dec 31. Atlanta's 14th Annual Downtown Countdown at Southern Exchange Come dance the night away at Southern Exchange, located at 200 Peachtree, this New Year's Eve. The 14th annual Downtown Countdown will offer its guests a premium open bar, a gourmet supper, and a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight to celebrate the new year's arrival. If you purchase a VIP ticket, you will gain access to the mezzanine balcony area and will be enjoying bottle service at your reserved seats. Music will be provided by DJ Suspense, who will be playing a variety of your favorite beats, including hip-hop, house, and dance tunes, on a state-of-the-art sound system. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the dress code is casual or cocktail attire. Tickets are available from $89 to $169. more New Year's Eve With Yacht Rock Revue New Year's Eve With Yacht Rock Revue, which will feature live music by Yacht Rock Revue, will be hosted at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. The party will start at 9 p.m. and continue into the wee hours of the morning. Food and drinks will be covered throughout the event, with, for instance, a midnight breakfast buffet offering all-time favorites such as breakfast burritos and doughnuts. Park Tavern also serves delectable sushi, freshly flown in on a daily basis. At midnight, guests will usher in the new year with a complimentary glass of champagne. VIP tickets, available at $200, offer champagne, oysters, and wagyu beef on the menu. General tickets cost $99. Bonnie & Clyde's New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball This year sees the premiere of Bonnie & Clyde's New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at the Gateway Hotel, located at the Renaissance Atlanta Airport. The event promises to be a night filled with luxurious entertainment and upscale opulence. A general ticket will give you access to a premium open bar, a champagne toast and countdown at midnight, complimentary party favors, a complimentary snack bar, as well as a free cash raffle. So put on your favorite mask and dance your way into the new year to the beats of DJ Soulnuficent. There are also VIP tickets up for grabs, which include guaranteed seating, a gourmet meal, as well as dedicated servers. If you really want to spoil yourself, book into one of the lovely hotel rooms that will be offered at a discounted rate to all of the Masquerade Ball guests. Doors will open at 9 p.m. and will close again around 2 a.m., Tickets are available from $130 to $640. Spoil yourself this New Year's Eve by attending one of these exciting parties in Atlanta. Sometimes one just needs to put on dancing shoes and celebrate life — and there is no better time to do that than on New Year's Eve!   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Eating healthy does not mean eating boring, tasteless food. In Atlanta, there are many restaurants that offer wholesome, nutritious food that also tastes great. If you want to invest in a healthier, more energetic you, drop in at these restaurants and try some of their delectable, healthy dishes. Cafe Sunflower Cafe Sunflower has been a popular spot with vegan and vegetarian locals, as well as their carnivore cousins, for over 20 years. Cafe Sunflower offers fresh and original vegan dishes, served from two different locales in Atlanta that feature varied and exciting menus. At Cafe Sunflower, you can enjoy tasty starter dishes like spring rolls or artichoke and spinach dip with vegan cheese and organic corn chips. On the entree menu are delectable vegan dishes, such as spicy basil tempeh, featuring broccoli, shitake mushrooms, onion, chili peppers, peanuts, and organic brown rice, or spicy pad Thai noodles, with a variety of fresh vegetables, baked tofu, coconut-tahini sauce, and crushed peanuts. The Buckhead venue serves fresh juice cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of fine wines, while the Sandy Springs venue serves tea, coffee, and freshly prepared juices. more The venues boast stylish and modern interior designs, featuring lots of wood, for a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant is open for lunch and supper. True Food Kitchen Although one doesn't always expect to find healthy food in a chain restaurant, True Food Kitchen offers a variety of wholesome and nutritious meals. As seasonal fruit and vegetables are used in the restaurant's dishes, the menu is rotated regularly. Clients are also able to customize their orders according to their specific needs and tastes. The interiors of the venues feature lots of green plants and modern, hip furniture for a fun, lively vibe. On the starter menu are healthy options, such as the farmers market crudites, with a variety of fresh, raw vegetables, served with tzatziki and a black olive dip, or an herb hummus served with pita bread. For mains, you can bite into an inside-out quinoa burger or enjoy a poke bowl with albacore, avocado, quinoa rice, a variety of vegetables, and cashew nuts. True Food Kitchen also serves nutritious beverages. You can find anything from unique cocktails to house-made teas to refreshers on the drinks menu. Tassili's Raw Reality Cafe The owner of Tassili's Raw Reality Cafe believes that optimal health can be gained by eating raw vegan foods. On the menu, you will find a variety of wraps, such as the Punany wrap, made with soy mayo, spicy kale salad, avocado, sweet corn, and couscous. You'll also find a variety of interesting and wholesome raw dishes, such as "Way Better Than OkRa," prepared with sun-dried tomatoes, corn, onion, and spices, and Karamu couscous, prepared with raisins and berries. If you have a sweet tooth, spoil yourself with African carob cake. It's so easy to fall into bad eating habits, especially over the Christmas season. Do yourself a favor, and drop in at these restaurants in Atlanta where you can enjoy healthy food that's also delicious. Image by marcoverch via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Lennox Square is a popular shopping destination in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. While the mall has plenty of high-end shops and chain retailers, there are also a few interesting shops worth visiting. These are a few of the most unique shops you will find in the Lennox Square complex. Crafted Crafted is a boutique on the upper level of Lennox Square. This shop specializes in selling local goods including clothing, home furniture, handmade gifts, and jewelry. The shop partners with local vendors, meaning the inventory is constantly changing and you are always given a unique shopping experience. Be sure to keep a look out for their frequent pop-up shops around the Atlanta area year-round. Crafted is also always on the lookout for new designers and artists wanting to sell their own items. more Hammer Made It might seem like most shopping malls cater to women and children's attire and accessories. Hammer Made, however, caters specifically to men. They have a team of stylists that continually refresh the men's clothing line. Men who want to update their wardrobe but are tired of the same designs found in large clothing chains are sure to enjoy Hammer Made. They sell belts, accessories, knits, and dress shirts. Everything is made from high-quality fabric with a classic and sophisticated fit in mind. Junk de Luxe Junk de Luxe sells a little of everything, except for junk. They are another brand that focuses on men's clothing and accessories. While they primarily focus on hip and urban clothing items, you can also find internationally designed outdoor attire, shoes, and accessories. Their street-ready inventory is high-quality, comfortable, and sustainable. There are not many brands that can promise those three characteristics in the clothing you buy. Sprinkles Sometimes shopping for sweets is just as much fun as strolling through the clothing and furniture stores. Sprinkles is an exciting shop to visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth. The brand first started in Los Angeles and is now available in the Lennox Square Mall. They are growing quickly as locals fall for their eight-layer cakes, fudge brownie cookies, and the convenient cupcake ATM. In a rush? Simply input into the machine what you want on your cupcake and then watch it as it is being made. The Merchant Atlanta locals have helped The Merchant expand into the popular shop it has become today. The first location was in Atlanta and has since spread to additional Georgia locations. They focus on an inventory of unique home furnishings collected from all over the world. Just a few of the brands that you might find in The Merchant of Lennox Square include 31 Bits, Illume Candles, Waste Not Paper, and Easy Tiger. Make sure you check back often as new merchandise is added to the inventory every week. Whether you are shopping for men's clothing, home furniture, women's accessories, or sweets, Lennox Square has something for you. You can easily spend an entire day strolling the large mall with its versatile and unique collection of shops.   Photo via Pixabay | CC 0

Peaches are a lovely seasonal fruit but can be enjoyed year-round, especially when you're able to pick them up from your local farmers market or produce shop. Want to snag a peck or bushel of peaches near Dahlonega, Georgia? Here are four places where peaches are always fresh and ready for picking. Dahlonega Farmers Market Situated in Hancock Park, the Dahlonega Farmers Market is a local favorite among residents who want to get their fill of fresh peaches and produce. Vendors love to stock up on new and seasonal items, so there's always something interesting to find at this yearly event. You'll see everything from vegetables like bell peppers and squash to fruits like mixed berries and plums. You'll even notice a diverse selection of baked goods, canned jams and jellies, and decorative flowers. Peaches are very much on the menu as well, especially during this year's Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 20 where these lovely fruits will be sold in abundance. Otherwise, you can stop by the Dahlonega Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. more Holland Produce About 31 miles northeast of Dahlonega is the Holland Produce Farmers Market in Clarkesville. The shop is open year-round and offers a variety of sweet and exquisite peaches, including South Carolina and Georgia varieties. Making a homemade dish and need to stock up on a few ingredients? Holland Produce sells goods such as Georgia vine-ripe tomatoes, russet potatoes, and romaine lettuce, too. They also have a nice selection of other fruits, including watermelons, cantaloupe, and Asian pears. Want to plan a trip the next time you're in town? Market hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jaemor Farms Head southeast of Dahlonega to the town of Alto and you'll find Jaemor Farms, a 500-acre property that's family-owned and operated with special care for the quality of their produce. You'll find an assortment of sweet fruits such as peaches, apples, berries, and watermelon; and vegetables like squash, corn, and zucchini. Need a fun activity the whole family can enjoy? Jaemor Farms hosts an annual Peach Festival in August where you can pick your own peaches by the peck or bushel. You'll also find an annual Strawberry Festival, an 8-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, and a seasonal pumpkin patch on the horizon. If interested, the farm is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mercier Orchards If you don't mind driving a bit further out into Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchards could be your next stop for a pack of fresh peaches. They're available in-season and are always ripe and ready to purchase. What's more, you can stop by throughout the year for seasonal u-pick events that include strawberries in May, peaches and blueberries in June, blackberries in July, and apples from August through November. Best of all, Mercier Orchards is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Are you looking to find the best peaches in and around Dahlonega? These four spots are sure to have exactly what you need. Image by plong via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Did you know Dahlonega was home to an 1829 gold rush? Around 15,000 prospectors gathered in the Cherokee Nation in the hopes of striking it big with gold. While residents today likely won't attempt to pick and pan for real gold, that doesn't mean the opportunity to learn about mining is lost. Here are three places where you can educate yourself on the rich and fascinating history of Dahlonega's gold mining industry. Dahlonega Gold Museum Located inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, the Dahlonega Gold Museum features everything from a gold-flecked brick frame, to 19th-century wooden chapels, to a vintage-styled theater showing a film on the history of gold in Dahlonega. The museum was opened on July 1, 1967, and its first curator was Madeleine K. Anthony, a woman often praised for her public service and contributions to the city. On Feb. 28, 2012, a video to honor her efforts as an active resident was dedicated at the museum. more Want to learn more? The Dahlonega Gold Museum is open daily for tours (with advance notice), and there's even a gift shop where you can purchase your own little treasures to take home with you. Authentic artifacts such as rare U.S. Branch Mint gold coins, gold nuggets, gold pans, and historic courtroom furnishings can all be found on display. The Smith House Gold Mine Shaft Back in 1895, Captain Frank Hall built what is known today as The Smith House Mine Shaft. He moved from Vermont to Dahlonega in 1868 to oversee the area's mining operations. During construction of the home, Hall struck gold when he discovered a 20-foot vertical-drop mine shaft in his basement. Wanting to earn more money by selling the home with a completed basement, Hall decided to cover the mine shaft with concrete, effectively sealing it off from the view of future owners. It was rediscovered in 2006 during a renovation project by then-owners Fred and Thelma Welch. The home also served as a boarding house in 1922, so many personal belongings and interesting items were found during the mine shaft's excavation. These include various glass bottles, an inscribed lotion case belonging to Frank Hall's mother, a lovely china set belonging to Mrs. Smith, and a 1909 GE Mazda lightbulb still in working condition, all of which you can find on display. Consolidated Gold Mine Take a walking tour of this massive hard-rock gold mine and uncover the secrets of how prospectors once searched for gold in the mine's quartz veins. Founded in 1896, the Consolidated Gold Mine has been delighting Dahlonega residents for more than a century. Today, guests can take a 40-minute tour of the mine that will lead them 200 feet underground, visit the gift shop, and engage in hands-on activities. Pan for gold and store your findings in a souvenir bottle; mine for precious gems such as emerald, moonstone, and sapphire; and visit the Lapidary Studio to turn your gems into custom jewelry pieces. Want to learn more about Dahlonega's gold-mining history? Visit these top places with the perfect backdrop for your next gold adventure. Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Looking for the perfect location to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends? Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets, and get ready to mark the anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence with all the festivities in Dahlonega, the site of the first major U.S. gold rush. Only an hour's drive north of Atlanta, for a full day of exciting family-fun activities and events for everyone, come on up. Firecracker 5K and Fun Run 5K starts at 8 a.m. Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Start the festivities early with the 7th Annual Firecracker 5K and Fun Run. Take a scenic tour of historic downtown Dahlonega through winding roads and up gently sloping hills. The run starts in the downtown square in front of the Dahlonega Gold Museum located inside the oldest courthouse in Georgia. Race pass scenic Hancock Park, through shady, tree-lined neighborhood streets, and by many historic buildings. Cross the finish line just in time to enjoy the rest of our city's Independence Day celebration. Patriotic Ceremony Starts at 9:30 a.m. The patriotic city of Dahlonega is proud of our deep military heritage. Join us and show your support for America's freedom with this annual ritual. The gala kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem, the presentation of Colors by Dahlonega's Junior ROTC, and a quick address from the keynote speaker. more Dahlonega Car Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Don't miss the Dahlonega Car Club Car Show. Travel back in time with over 150 fully restored classics, and experience the beauty and vintage styling of some of the finest cars in north Georgia. The cars are on display in the parking lot at Lumpkin's County Library. A $20 entrance fee for all cars showcased at the event benefits the county's DARE Program and local fire department. Proceeds purchase toys to help comfort young fire victims. Fourth of July Parade Begins at 11 a.m. The Dahlonega's Fourth of July parade is always a crowd-pleaser. Don't miss the patriotic-themed floats and entertainers as they cruise through town. The procession starts at Memorial Drive and circles through the city's historic square. After the spectacle, grab a bite to eat at one of Dahlonega's 18 restaurants and consider a nap in your hotel room before the big show. Dahlonega offers guests an excellent selection of charming lodging choices, such as a bed and breakfast like the Mountain Top Lodge or a family-friendly hotel like The Quality Inn. Whether you stay for a night or a week, discover restful accommodations and real southern hospitality that suits every fancy and budget. Grand Fireworks Display Starts at Dark Wrap up the day's festivities with Dahlonega's Fourth of July family fireworks celebration on the drill field at the University of North Georgia. Known for having one of the best fireworks displays in the state, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spread out to watch the grand finale. This year's family-fun Independence Day celebration is bigger and better than ever before. Head up to Dahlonega and spend the day with us. Photo by ThoroughlyReviewed via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Georgia's wine country is up along the northern part of the state, not too far from Atlanta. There are also a few further south, but either way, you won't have to travel very far if you want to go on a winery tour in Atlanta. If that sounds appealing and you want to spend a weekend or a whole week's vacation touring the vineyards of the South, you should do yourself a favor and make some time to visit at least one of the wineries on the following list. Chateau Elan Winery and Resort Chateau Elan has the advantage of being a resort hotel on top of being a winery, and since it's halfway between downtown Atlanta and Georgia's wine country over on I-85 it's the perfect place to sleep between trips. On most afternoons you can go on a free guided tour of the Elan Winery whether or not you've booked a room, although you will have to pay if you want to taste what they create. They also regularly host special events that teach you things like the basics of winemaking and wine tasting. more Wolf Mountain Vineyards Wolf Mountain Vineyards is up along US-19 north of Dahlonega. It's nestled along the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, and the vineyards sit on the hillsides and use a clever gravity-based irrigation system that keeps the vines hydrated. Wolf Mountain planted its first crop in 2000, but they make a point of doing everything by hand and so their production is always limited compared to some of their neighbors. The winery offers guided tours with tastings at noon on weekends, but you can stop by the cafe on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and a tasting. Georgia Winery Georgia Winery is right near Chattanooga on I-75. This winery dates back to 1983, making it one of the oldest vineyards of Georgia's modern wine country. Tours of the winery take place on Saturday, The tasting room is open throughout the week and offers flights of Georgia Winery's 20 wine varieties, and while they don't have a cafe they do have a gift shop where you can buy branded products, wines, and several desserts and pastries made on location using Georgia Winery wines. Frogtown It's an unusual name for a winery, but Frogtown is an award-winning winery deep in Georgia's wine country and east of Wolf Mountain. The main vineyard estate is near Dahlonega, but they also have tasting rooms up in Helen and all the way down south near Valdosta. The tasting room at the vineyard is open every day of the week, but come on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon and you'll get to enjoy a panini or cheese plate with your wine. Georgia's wine country is young and growing, with new brands and new flavors popping up every year. If you live in Atlanta you don't have to cross the country to get a Napa Valley experience, you just have to drive north less than 100 miles and tour some of the best wineries on the East Coast.   Photo: " Cheers! " by Marlon E licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Summer camps can be a fun way for kids to learn about outdoor skills, science, music, or any other activities they might be interested in. At the same time, they'll get to spend time with other kids their age they would never have met otherwise. It's a unique growing experience, or at least it can be if it doesn't become a major disaster instead. Summer camp is a great idea, but you should be sure you and your child are prepared for it before you drop them off. How Long Does the Camp Last? Day camps like Zoo Atlanta's summer sessions are a better choice for younger kids, especially if they aren't used to spending nights away from home or away from their parents. All you have to do is drop them off at the start of the day and pick them up in the early evening, just like how daycare works. Overnight camps have your kids staying on location from start to finish, whether that means a weekend, a week, a month, or the entire summer. Like with day camps, longer stays are more appropriate for older kids. more What Does Your Child Want to Do? Different camps focus on different topics. Some of them are camps in the classic sense: pitching tents in campgrounds, learning how to forage for food and set fires, and otherwise spending time away from civilization. Other camps focus on things like science, math, acting, sports, or music. A dedicated camp like the Spruill Center Summer Camp can be a good way for a child to get into a new hobby or learn a new skill, but if it's something they don't like then spending all day for a week on it can feel like torture. That's why you should make sure your kid knows what kind of camp they're going to and that they're interested in the camp's subject. You could even offer a few different options so your child will have some say in where they go. What's Your Budget? Summer camps can be expensive, even if they only last for one week. They tend to start at hundreds of dollars and go up from there, and some specialty camps can cost $1,000 per week or more. On the bright side, this cost covers just about everything the camp uses, including equipment, supplies, food, shelter, and anything else a specialty camp might need. Still, you shouldn't plan on sending your child to any summer camp unless you know for sure you have enough room in your budget for it. A summer camp can be a fun time and an important event in a child's life, and if you can afford the tuition fees for even one week of sessions it can end up being an important experience for your kid. Just make sure that you've planned everything out, your child knows what kind of camp they're going to, and you're aware of the costs involved whether it's tuition or the extra supplies you're expected to bring.   Photo: " Summer 2017 Moment " by Gem Webb licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Dahlonega, Georgia, may not initially be known for its barbecue cuisine. However, it is home to some delicious local BBQ places that are worth giving a try. Smokin' Gold BBQ Smokin' Gold BBQ is a newer BBQ joint in Dahlonega, GA, but it has already become a favorite of the locals. Located in Dahlonega's main square, Smokin' Gold BBQ sits in a converted auto garage building. The menu is what you would expect from a traditional BBQ restaurant including pulled pork BBQ plates and brisket sandwiches. You will also find a Brunswick stew and peach cobbler on the menu that is worth giving a try. Request a table on the patio to enjoy your BBQ dinner, while overlooking the downtown city of Dahlonega, Georgia. more Farmhouse Produce and The BBQ Kitchen This unique destination combines a BBQ restaurant and a small produce market. The Farmhouse is a family owned small business, but it does not disappoint in food quality. Each of their menu and product market items are made with the freshest of ingredients, all from within Dahlonega. While the interior is quaint, the food is exceptional and will leave you wanting more. Some of the favorite items on the menu include the fried BBQ pickles, the fried green tomatoes, and the BBQ rib tips. Hickory Prime BBQ Hickory Prime BBQ came from owners who entered many BBQ contests. After winning several first place awards, they decided to serve their quality BBQ to the public. The menu is quite expansive, but consider items like the chopped beef brisket sandwich, the smoked pulled chicken plate, or the sweet and spicy BBQ grilled cheese. The restaurant also has a large to-go and catering menu, perfect for serving this delicious BBQ at your next event. The Jukebox Cafe The Jukebox Cafe is a favorite food and entertainment place in Dahlonega. The menu is simple boasting comfort BBQ foods like grilled cheese, grilled mac and cheese, and the pretzel Ruben. The entire menu is fresh daily and cooked using locally sourced ingredients. The Jukebox hosts many live events throughout the week with comedians, bagpipe performances, and southern musical artists. You will often find guests sticking around after dinner for a night of dancing. Jr's Roadkill BBQ & Ribs Jr's is a local favorite in Dahlonega. The menu is authentically BBQ inspired and includes pulled pork dishes, sweet potatoes fries, and BBQ ribs. The joint country store is a perfect stop after dinner to load up on local crafts and souvenirs. Stop by on a weekend night for dinner and live entertainment. Fridays are karaoke night from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and Saturdays host a live band. Before you leave, make sure you write your name on the outdoor deck table. It keeps track of the many satisfied customers of Jr's Roadkill BBQ history. Dahlonega, Georgia, has established a loyal BBQ following. With a couple of local restaurants dedicated to delicious BBQ and entertainment, it is worth visiting Dahlonega to meet your BBQ cravings. Photo by Southern Food Alliance licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original