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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

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

If you're in the market for an SUV that can handle all your adventures, the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are both great choices. Both SUVs combine style and performance with the safety and reliability Ford vehicles are known for. Let's compare some of their exciting features. Exterior While the Edge and the Escape both feature a stylish and sporty exterior, the Edge is slightly larger at 188.1 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width. The Escape is 178.1 inches long and 72.4 inches wide and features the signature trapezoid-shaped grille Ford is famous for. Fog lights, chrome accents, and dual exhausts are added to the Escape's upper trim levels. The Edge has a slightly more muscular build with an eye-catching chrome grill, 18-inch wheels, and sleek wraparound taillights. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to get noticed while driving the Escape or the Edge. more Interior Both the Edge and Escape provide plenty of room for family, friends, and fun. While both SUVs comfortably seat up to five people, the Edge provides slightly more cargo space. The Escape has a maximum cargo space of 68 cubic feet compared to the Edge's 73.4 cubic feet. Depending on trim level, the Escape's upholstery choices include cloth, leather/leatherette, ActiveX cloth/leather, and all-leather seating. With the Edge, you have the upholstery options of cloth, premium cloth, leather, and Miko simulated suede/leather. Performance The Edge and Escape were both built to perform in any condition. Both SUVs come standard with six-speed automatic transmissions. The Escape SE, SEL, and Titanium are available in all-wheel-drive configurations. The Edge SE, SEL, and Titanium also offer an all-wheel-drive option. All-wheel-drive comes standard on the Edge Sport. Engine options for the Escape include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. With the Edge, your engine options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6. When it comes to towing, the Edge has a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the Escape's 3,500-pound tow capacity is one of the highest in its class. Technology Both the Edge and the Escape feature the latest technology to keep you safe and connected. Ford's Sync 3.0 infotainment system is available in both SUVs and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With this compatibility, you can access all your favorite music, apps, and navigation tools. You can also make calls and send texts hands-free. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring are all safety features that the Edge and Escape have in common. Also included in both SUVs are lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, park assist, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Edge features front and rear parking sensors. Whether you choose the Edge or Escape, you'll be provided peace of mind whenever you take the wheel. These are just some of the amazing features you can expect from the Ford Escape and the Ford Edge. Consider a test drive so you can decide which one is right for you. Ford Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2018 via Flickr by RL GNZLZ under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

If you're in the market for a new SUV that's a great fit for the entire family, the 2019 Ford Explorer is a great choice. It combines style and performance with several family-friendly features. Let's discuss some of those features. Spacious Interior With seating for up to seven people and 21 cubic feet of cargo space, there's plenty of room for family and fun in the 2019 Explorer.  When the third-row seats are folded, you get 43.9 cubic feet of storage capacity. Need more room? When the second- and third-row seating is folded, you'll have access to 81.7 cubic feet for cargo. Plus, there's room for smaller items under the seats. With available third-row PowerFold seats and a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate, loading your gear is a breeze. The twin-panel moonroof brings the outside inside, making family road trips even more enjoyable. more Entertainment The 2019 Explorer comes equipped with the latest technology to keep you entertained and connected. The FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot can accommodate up to ten devices. The Sync 3 infotainment system allows you to access all of your favorite music and podcasts, as well as navigation tools. Find restaurants and other points of interest that will make family vacations even more memorable. You can also use the system to control your smartphone, allowing you to make calls and send texts hands-free. When you connect the Ford+Alexa app, you can control smart-home devices while on the road, giving you additional peace of mind. Safety The 2019 Explorer was designed with the safety of you and your most precious cargo in mind. Standard safety features include brake assist, traction control, and a total of seven occupant-sensing airbags. The Explorer also comes equipped with a panic alarm, remote keyless entry, and rear child safety locks. If you opt for the Ford Safe and Smart Package, you'll have access to features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic high-beam headlamps. The package also includes a lane keeping system that alerts you in the event of vehicle drift. Adaptive cruise control helps you maintain a safe distance between your Explorer and other vehicles. Stay in control with the Explorer's curve control and hill descent control features. The forward collision warning system alerts you to potential collisions and applies the brakes if needed. For added peace of mind, the Explorer is the first in its class to offer inflatable rear safety belts. Comfort and Convenience Let the 2019 Explorer's convenience features take some of the stress out of your drive, whether it's your daily commute to work and school or a special road trip. You and your passengers will appreciate the dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control. You'll also enjoy the available heated bucket seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The comfortable seating will keep you relaxed and focused while the Terrain Management System will allow you to travel through mud, sand, gravel, grass or snow with confidence. These are just some of the features that make the Explorer a great family vehicle. Consider a test drive you can experience them for yourself. 2019 Ford Explorer via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

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

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

It's been a while since we've been able to tell you about a new Ford Ranger. Fortunately, for fans of the truck, the company has introduced a new 2019 model, and it's chock-full of all the features you've come to expect from an adventure-driven vehicle. Powerful performance, convenient amenities, a bold exterior, and advanced safety features are all in tow. Here's what you need to know about this incredible pickup. Handsome and Rugged Exterior Ford is well known for producing bold and statement-making vehicles, and the 2019 Ranger is no exception. With this all-new generation of the popular pick-up, you get an exterior that's expertly crafted and rugged enough for the road ahead. Its handsome grille is met by futuristic headlights that add dimension, character, and width to the face of the vehicle. You'll also find various design elements around the body that give the truck an aesthetic you typically find with pricier options. Overall, every buyer will be satisfied with the exterior of the Ranger. more Adventure-Ready Performance The 2019 Ford Ranger was built for adventure and its specifications under the hood prove that. The company includes a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, built with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It produces 270 horsepower with 310 pound-feet of torque and is paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. With this level of power under the hood, the Ranger is capable of carrying up to a 1,860-pound payload and up to 7,500 pounds of towed cargo. It's also optimized to take on any terrain or climate, making the vehicle the perfect truck to take on a cross-country, off-road adventure. Premium Interior Of course, to enjoy your adventure, the vehicle you take needs to be comfortable and pleasant for longer rides. Luckily, the 2019 Ford Ranger has just the cabin you're looking for. It features premium materials covering every inch of the space along with comfortable seating for all of your friends. A stylish aesthetic can be found from the dashboard to the last row of seats, with plenty of leg and body room for extra comfort. Convenient Amenities To add to the comfort and convenience of the interior of the 2019 Ranger, Ford also includes plenty of amenities. Examples like Sync 3 technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB charging ports, Bluetooth, a B&O audio system, a touch-screen display, FordConnect compatibility, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot are all included. Not only is the Ranger one of the toughest trucks on the market, it's also one of the smartest. Advanced Safety Features Speaking of smarts, Ford also includes a vast array of advanced safety features that make the 2019 Ranger a pleasure to drive since you'll be better aware of your surroundings. Onboard, you'll find things like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Each feature will help you and your passengers stay safer while out on the road. Of course, there's so much more to learn about the 2019 Ford Ranger, but we don't have time to cover it all. If you'd like to learn more about this amazing vehicle, be sure to visit Chestatee Ford. NAIAS 2019 Ford Ranger, All-New Ranger via Flickr by F. D. Richards under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

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

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

One of the things that makes Atlanta such a great city is there is absolutely no shortage of things to do. This is particularly the case on rainy days, or those spring days when the pollen is causing your allergies to go haywire. With a plethora of indoor activities available, it might be hard to pick just the right one. Here are three of the most popular indoor activities to explore in Atlanta. World of Coca-Cola A fascinating look at a slice of Americana awaits at the World of Coca-Cola, the official museum of the soft drink manufacturer. You'll enjoy checking out artifacts from history detailing the rise of the soda's popularity, including historical ads and photos. You'll even get a chance to peek into the Secret Formula vault. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the tour is the tasting room, where you can not only whip up a recipe all of your own and taste it on the spot, but over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world -- many of which are not available here in the States -- are waiting to be tasted and discussed. more Once your tour is finished, make sure to stop by the gift shop for cool Coke memorabilia. It's a visit you won't soon forget. College Football Hall of Fame Imagine a 95,000-square-foot shrine to all that is great about college football. In Atlanta, that's the College Football of Hall of Fame. If you're a sports fan, this is an absolute must-see. Take a trip down memory lane with the players and coaches who have made football Saturdays such a tremendous event across the country. The Hall of Fame isn't just a museum -- it's an experience. With over 50 interactive exhibits, you'll feel like you are part of the action. Did we mention the 45-yard indoor football field? This museum incorporates the latest technology, so you won't be passively enjoying the exhibits -- you'll be immersed in them! For even more sports action, pair your trip to the Hall of Fame with a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United of MLS. Better yet, why not catch a game while you're here? Atlanta has so many ways to get involved as a sports fan, whether you're cheering for Falcons or Yellow Jackets. The Georgia Aquarium One of the largest aquariums in the world and filled with 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater fish, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see, rainy day or not. Over 100,000 animals call the Aquarium home, so whether you are interested in bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, or whale sharks, you'll find them at this facility. The aquarium also offers classes for schools and families so you can get a hands-on experience during your visit. If you're looking for indoor attractions to explore in Atlanta, there are many more than just the top ones mentioned above. The next time you're stuck inside, take a moment to check out some of these amazing attractions.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0