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You may talk about a meal's succulent meat choice or recommend the perfectly paired wine the waiter offered, but you will never forget a good bread or delicious dessert. That is why finding the best bakery for your weekend dinner party or just your Tuesday night dinner is a must. Alon's Bakery and Market Alon's offers a plethora of baked goods with wine and cheese pairings to match right in the store. Everything from old world breads, jellies and sauces, wine, cheese, beer, cakes, and french macaroons can be found at Alon's. Chef Alon grew up in Europe, working in bakeries and restaurants across the continent before coming to the United States with $500 and a backpack. Open seven days a week, Alon's offers everything from simple pastries to prepared food and even catering. At Alon's Bakery and Market, you will always be able to find what you need when you need it. H&F Bread Company H&F Bread Company provides the best breads and pastries to restaurants across the city, but if you come down to the main storefront in Westside, you can take the treasures home with you at retail prices. You could try a new product each day and only have a couple twice, as H&F makes over 300 different products fresh daily. They have everything you could need and then some. In January of 2018, they constructed a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to making gluten-free products. Partnering with KNOW Foods, Atlanta's hottest new food startup, as well as Zac Brown's new label, Remedy Bake Shop, you will be seeing a lot of H&F's products around town. more Southern Sweets Bakery Focused on Southern-style goods, Southern Sweets offers a variety of desserts including pound cakes, tarts, full cakes, and vegan/gluten-friendly options. Starting as a pie supplier for a local steakhouse, this bakery and eatery has grown into a major supplier for Atlanta's top restaurants and hotels, now serving breakfast and lunch to their customers. A wedding cake can be the most important and most remembered piece of desert in a person life, and Southern Sweets will make you a cake that provides a memory that will last the ages. Sitting down with their wedding cake manager, she will get all the tastes to describe the bride in perfect detail to make it a truly one-of-a-kind cake. They also make cakes for grooms, so the gentleman at the wedding can have a cake made to taste just for them. The Cookie Studio The first baked good most of us ever experienced was the cookie, and The Cookie Studio makes them the best. Each day they showcase over 18 flavors of cookies, yummy cupcakes, melt-in-your-mouth brownies, whoopie pies, and more. They make custom designs, shapes, and flavors to suit whatever style you need. School and company logos can be added to their cookies to make an extra special treat for group events. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, these four bakeries in Atlanta are sure to hit the spot.   Image via Pixabay | CC0

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

Mother Nature often supplies a beautiful backdrop for a mountain town, and the area around Dahlonega is no exception. Home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, North Georgia has it all. Bring your camera to capture the falls in action. Amicalola Falls The Amicalola Falls are located in Amicalola Falls State Park. You can reach the highest falls east of the Mississippi River via an eight-mile long trail. After you are done taking pictures along the falls, you don't have to leave the park. Instead, set up camp and enjoy nature's beauty at various locations throughout the park. There are 24 campsites available that can fit six people each. ADA-accessible and RV back-in or pull-through campsites are also available. more The park is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. As you prepare for your trip, remember that all cars require a Georgia State Park pass that costs $5. Anna Ruby Falls The Anna Ruby Falls features two waterfalls formed from the Curtis and York Creeks. The falls are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia. This is a beautiful hike for anyone no matter what your hiking experience because the trail is paved. Along with your camera, pack a water bottle and some light snacks as it is a nine-mile hike round-trip. Before you set off on your hike, stop by the visitor's center for a map, so you can enjoy the trail as much as you do the falls. The path winds through the forest, giving you beautiful views to enjoy on your way to and from the falls. The trail is stroller- and pet-friendly, so the entire family can enjoy a day in nature.  There are two viewing platforms just past the trailhead for the Smith Trail. Helton Creek Falls The Helton Creek Falls features two separate waterfalls, one upper and one lower, that are also located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia. You can see both these and the Anna Ruby waterfalls in the same day. This is a natural trail that is less than a mile long and is a perfect way to introduce children to the forest. It is a short, but easy-to-moderate hike so make sure everyone is ready before setting out. The trail leading to the falls begins just south of Vogel State Park. It offers a variety of heights giving you a chance to get some stunning pictures. If you want to reach the lower falls, take the short side trail, which leads you to a staircase that takes you to the falls. The upper falls are the larger of the two falls. You can see them from a viewing platform that is just three-tenths of a mile up the trail. Before you set out on your adventure, visit us at Chestatee Ford to find the perfect vehicle to fit your adventure. We have a wide variety of rugged vehicles that can seat as many people as you want to accompany you. Plan your trip today! Image by Lee Edwin Coursey via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

When it comes to taking great pictures to share on your social media profiles, picking the right photo location is key. A bad location can be boring, have inadequate natural light, and lack focus. If you're in the Dahlonega, Georgia, area, you're in luck. Dahlonega is a beautiful spot with waterfalls, rivers, and superb architecture. There are many beautiful, natural places to take amazing photos that are sure to get many likes. Here are four Instagram-worthy sites worth visiting in Dahlonega. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge If you are looking for natural wonders for pictures, then you'll want to start at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. Off the beaten path, you can find Amicalola Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southeast. It stands at 729 feet, which means there is plenty of falling water for bright, glistening, and moving pictures. In the area, you'll find a restaurant and places to stay. For many, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge marks the beginning or the end of a long trip through the Appalachian Trail as it ends nearby. If you are lucky, you may find several hikers coming down off the trail to star in your pictures too. more Chestatee Overlook If you would rather take a road trip to get your pictures, check out the Chestatee Overlook. You can look over the edge and see clearly all the way out to the horizon. Then, you can drive down the winding path toward Dahlonega. It is a great way to get several breathtaking shots for your social media page. Just be sure to have a driver come along with you so that you can take pictures safely while you travel. Burt's Farm Every social media channel needs colorful fall-themed pictures for the changing season. The best way to get those is to go somewhere that people associate with changes in nature, like Burt's Farm. Getting to Burt's Farm is easy since you take the same drive to get to Amicalola Falls with one different turn. The farm is getting ready for the fall, which means there are plenty of fun fall events to do. You can take hayrides and see the farm before the pumpkins are harvested. It is a great place to get all the shots that you need for the fall. Jake and Bull Mountain Horse and Bicycle Trails One of the best ways to get great shots for the fall social media changes is to take a bike or a horse up through the Jake and Bull Mountain Horse and Bicycle Trails. Biking and horse riding allows you to get to places that you normally cannot. You can also go at your own pace and stop where you want to get good pictures. Anyone of these Dahlonega places would make for beautiful Instagram pictures. Whether you're looking for a stunning landscape shot or for a location to serve as the backdrop for selfies, you have choices. You could try to visit all of these spots to create a series of photos featuring Dahlonega's most notable places. Photo by darrenduke via Flickr| CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original.

Dahlonega, Georgia, is often called the Napa of the South. Just as Napa is famous for cabernet sauvignon, so is Dahlonega. If you are into wines and you want to explore new options in the Dahlonega area, here are three great Dahlonega wineries famous for their wine selections worth exploring, even if it is just for a taste. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery One of the first places that should be on your list is the Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery. It is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega. Wolf Mountain follows the French style of winemaking but focuses on blending European ingredients to create new wines. The result is the Estate Grown wine series, which won awards for its multiple varieties. So far, Wolf Mountain has won over 100 awards. The wines focus on providing a unique flavor profile that pairs well with other foods, but can also stand on its own. more The winery hosts tasting events on a regular basis, and it is easy to get tickets. Group tours of the facility are available so that you can see its high-tech gravity-fed winery. All reservations are made over the phone, and the winery is open all year. Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery If you are looking for a place to get away for a bit, check out the Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery. It is located at 3610 Cavender Creek Road. Cavender Creek hosts events in the vineyard, as well as in the surrounding area. It owns a log cabin from the 1800s that you can rent for the night. It has been fully updated with modern amenities. The winery itself hosts tastings every day of the week, and you can make reservations by calling the main office. The winery has several varieties that it uses to produce the wines. These include Norton, cabernet sauvignon, and petit manseng, which were all planted by hand by the founders of the winery. Kaya Winery and Vineyard For something a bit different, try Kaya Winery and Vineyard at 5400 Town Creek Road. Kaya is relatively new as it was reopened in 2012. The facility is open every day except Mondays, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. While Kaya currently consists of a winery, it has plans to add a hotel and other facilities to make it a stay destination. You can take a tour of the facility or check out the tasting room. Tastings are affordable and let you choose from a wide range of options. If you are looking for a place to host an event, the vineyard can be reserved. Kaya routinely hosts weddings and other local events. You can also stay in the newly opened on-site cottages. Kaya has four craftsman-style cottages that can fit a family, and they make a great place to stay for a weekend or a special event getaway. Tasting a delicious cabernet sauvignon can be a fun hobby. As each new year brings a new batch of grapes and wine, you never know what wine is available for you to enjoy. Make it an annual trip to taste the latest year's creation. Photo vis Pixabay | CC 0

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

If you are prone to the occasional sweet tooth, there are a few cookie shops in the Atlanta area that are worth checking out. Karma Daisy & The Cookie Studio Although Karma Daisy & The Cookie Studio now serves a full menu with brunch, lunch, and dinner entrees, they initially gained their popularity in the Atlanta area from their baking studio. Every cookie is baked fresh daily with the freshest of ingredients. They are always concocting new cookie recipes for the most adventurous of diners. Of course, you can always stick with one of the traditional cookies on the menu including chocolate chip, peanut butter, or gluten-free macaroons. Be sure to check out the hand-painted walls of the Cookie Studio when you visit. Insomnia Cookies Atlanta locals can now have more than pizza delivered. Insomnia Cookies delivers fresh and delicious cookies until 3 a.m. every night of the week. You can even follow your delivery order with the convenient Cookie Tracker. Just a few of the cookies worth trying at Insomnia Cookies include the triple chocolate chunk, the s'mores cookie, or the cookie a la mode. Insomnia Cookies also serves ice cream, cookie sandwiches, and brownies. more Henri's Bakery and Cafe Henri's Bakery and Cafe has been perfecting their cookie recipes since 1929. The cookies are affordable and mouth-watering. Be sure to try the sugar cookie or the black & white cookie. Henri's also serves other bakery items including croissants, apple fritters, and muffins. Want to fill up before dessert? Henri's Cafe has a full deli menu with items like Po-boys, chicken salad sandwiches, and the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. Highland Bakery Highland Bakery was created out of one person's enthusiasm for a quality cup of coffee. The owner wanted to introduce Atlanta locals into the world of designer coffee. In the process, she found that locals enjoyed the premium coffee but that they also needed tasty breakfast bakery items. The carefully designed menu is a combination of fresh foods with a southern twist. They sell everything from freshly baked bread to some of the best cookies you will find anywhere in the area. Come visit the Highland Bakery for a hot cup of coffee and a traditional chocolate chip cookie. Ebrik Coffee Room The Ebrik Coffee Room not only has great cookies and refreshing coffee, but they also have a cozy dining room. Conveniently located in downtown Atlanta, this is the perfect spot to stop for a coffee refuel and to take a break from your busy day. One of the most popular items on the menu are the chewy cookies. The staff at the Ebrik Coffee Room are accommodating, aiming to make every customer feel as comfortable and welcomed as possible. The shop is also a popular spot for book launches, poetry nights, and charity fundraisers. Atlanta, Georgia, knows how to make delicious cookies. Whether you are looking for a late night cookie delivery or a comfortable spot to enjoy coffee and cookies, Atlanta has something for you.   Image 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

Blues music has its own unique sound and is always full of emotion. Atlanta is a great city to hear the blues live, whether it is a performance by a local band or a more well-known musician. Make sure to check out these places when you want to get a bit of soul in Atlanta. Blind Willie's Blind Willie's is probably one of the most well-known blues bars in the Atlanta area. The club gets its name from the legendary blues and ragtime performer Blind Willie McTell. Blind Willie's has live music seven nights a week with sets featuring new and upcoming local bands along with some national favorites. Some of the performances you can catch here include James Armstrong, Bob Margolin, Delta Moon, and The Nighthawks. The menu at Willie's features the best dishes from Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans with items such as Larry's red beans and rice, Jambalaya, and gumbo. Northside Tavern Northside Tavern might not look like much, but this dive bar is one of the best places to listen to blues music in the city. Each night the stage features some of the most talented musicians such as Mudcat, The Holiday Brothers, and Zydefunk. Customers voted Northside Tavern one of the top 10 dive bars in America and since 1972 artists have soulfully played their tunes on its stage. There is no cover during the week, but you can expect to pay about $10 to get in on the weekends. more Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint In downtown Atlanta, you'll find Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint. This place is huge and is both a restaurant and a music venue. There is live blues music every night of the week, and the restaurant features classic southern cuisine. Keep in mind that Sweet Georgia's charges a $5 entertainment fee if you want to sit at a table, and you need to order an entree while you sit and listen. You can also hear live music during Sunday brunch at Sweet Georgia's. Sit and relax on the weekend and enjoy bottomless mimosas, chicken and waffles, and grits along with the live music. Kat's Cafe Kat's Cafe in midtown is a great spot for a date night or a laid-back night out. There is live music most nights of the week, and the food is also delicious. There is open mic night on Thursday, so you can hear local musicians, and there is always a great mix of music ranging from some newer stuff to the classics. The crowd at Kat's is also eclectic, and since the venue splits into two halves, you can also head to the back if you want to get away from the music and watch your favorite sports. Kat's doesn't charge a cover fee, and they have free valet parking. Check out these blues bars and clubs for a night out with great music and a fun atmosphere. Whether you want a lively band and a big crowd or a small, relaxed atmosphere, you can find it right in Atlanta.   Photo via pixabay

The wide variety of Atlanta neighborhoods means the city has many different atmospheres, cultures, and many different local hangouts. This city also has a large number of excellent restaurants with some that might not be as well known to the general public, but they are local favorites. Check out these places where you can eat like a local in Atlanta. The Varsity The Varsity in midtown has some of the best and cheapest chili cheese dogs in Atlanta. Customers have been getting their dogs here since 1928, and they are still as good as they were 90 years ago. Make sure to get the thick cut onion rings to go with the dog, and if you want to eat like a local, you can't leave without getting the signature frosted orange drink. You can also get excellent burgers and sandwiches at Varsity, and this place makes their own coleslaw fresh every day. more HomeGrown Want fresh local food? Head to HomeGrown in Cabbagetown. This place uses their Facebook page to show pictures of the veggies they will pick each day, and then you can go in to see what they've done with them. HomeGrown also uses local pork and chicken. This is the Atlanta place to go for a friendly atmosphere and good old southern comfort food. You can get dishes such as soft shell crab po'boys or sloppy Joes made from scratch, and if you really want something that feels like home, get the fried bologna sandwich. Ria's Bluebird Cafe Ria's Bluebird Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch and is a favorite with the locals. You can get a traditional southern breakfast here complete with grits, biscuits, and of course huevos rancheros. The atmosphere in this place is laid back and casual, with murals created by local artists on the walls. Pub 71 Pub 71 is an Irish pub owned by a local and is the place for just hanging back with friends and family while enjoying some good food and a drink. The Irish-themed bar and restaurant serve up homestyle food such as a smoked brisket sandwich, Pub 71 wings, chicken pot pie, and even shepherd's pie for a dish that tastes just like home. The taps also feature many of the usual favorites, along with some more unique choices such as New Holland Dragon's Milk and Sweetwater Festive Ale. No Mas! Cantina No Mas! is a staple in the Castleberry Hills area and serves up authentic Mexican dishes and tequila. This is the type of place where you are likely to see the owners sitting at the bar along with all of their guests. The décor in the restaurant makes you feel like you are sitting in Mexico, and the music makes you want to get up and dance. This is a great place to go with friends, on a date, or for a family dinner. Eat like a local at these Atlanta restaurants, and you are sure to get an excellent meal along with friendly service. Photo by Central Atlanta Progress via Flickr licensed under CC-BY 2.0 | Cropped from original