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Have you had a long, stressful week? Are you in need of rejuvenating relaxation in Dahlonega, GA this weekend? If so, we strongly recommend hopping in your 2024 Ford Mustang and checking out one of these great relaxing activities you can drive to in the Dahlonega area. 1. Visiting Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo One of our favorite ways to relax and unwind in Dahlonega is to visit Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo at 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy. This wildlife preserve is open daily from 10 to 4, and you are free to enter the preserve between 10 and 2:30, but we find the morning the best time to go. Many of the animals that live here are alert and excited for you to feed them. more If you want to go after lunch, we recommend going around 1. At 1:30, you can enjoy a special sloth encounter. For roughly 20 minutes, you can forget about everything else going on in your life, sit on the floor, and feed the adorable two-toed sloths Flash and Sissi. You will not be able to pick up the sloths, but they will approach you and touch you and you can touch them and give them gifts. 2. Hiking the Lake Zwerner Trail We also find peace and tranquility hiking the Lake Zwerner Trail early in the morning. This 3.2-mile loop trail provides scenic views of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir, mountains, and woods, and you can park at 1680 Morrison Moore Pkwy E. We recommend heading towards the dam first, especially if you go in the middle of the day. Past the dam, the trail is shaded. Besides hiking, this trail is ideal for dog walking and bird watching. 3. Trail Riding Trail riding with Gold City Corral & Carriage Company at 49 Forrest Hill Road is another great way to relax. You and your partner can take a private guided trail ride in the middle of the week. If you do not mind riding with a group of strangers, you can go for a one-hour, two-hour, or half-day trail ride. The one-hour trail ride is a great choice for beginner riders, and you can get a lesson before the ride. The two-hour trail ride provides the opportunity to trot and canter, and the half-day ride is ideal for experienced riders. With a reliable Ford, there are many relaxing ways you can spend your time in the Dahlonega area. However, you must remember that routine maintenance is required to keep your car operating as it should. Contact us today at Chestatee Ford to schedule a service appointment if it is time for an oil change.

Are you near Dahlonega, GA and in need of some easy weekend getaways? Look no further! There are great places to explore all around you, and these are just a few ideas to start. 1. Blue Ridge, Georgia Just an hour's drive from Dahlonega is Blue Ridge, a great place to enjoy both Georgia's natural wonders and its rich culture. Adventure through Chattahoochee National Forest, check out the latest at the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association, and take a scenic 26-mile round-trip train ride on a historic track. This stop is ideal for all ages. 2. Moccasin Creek State Park Also an hour away is Moccasin Creek State Park, perfect for a weekend camping trip. Relax on the shore of Lake Burton or go out on the water for some fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. You can camp in a tent or bring an RV, or book accommodations nearby in a cabin or hotel. If you're looking for a last-minute, low-effort trek into nature, this is the place for you. more 3. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountains are a must-see feature of the Southeast US. Here you can observe wildlife and blooming wildflowers year-round, explore historic buildings and burial sites, fish, horseback ride, and camp out. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the most well-known gateway to the mountains, but there are over a dozen others to choose from on either side of the border. Take advantage of all nature has to offer across the span of over 520,000 acres. 4. Spartanburg, South Carolina Just under two and a half hours away is Spartanburg, a diverse hub of history, art, nightlife, and nature. Stop by the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, a stunning botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. Then check out the Hub City Railroad Museum to learn about Spartanburg's long history of industrial productivity. There's something for everyone here. 5. Asheville, North Carolina Just under three hours away, Asheville has everything you could want from a weekend trip. In fact, you might even want to come back and visit for longer. Go on a zipline tour, visit the historic Biltmore Estate, and explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Asheville is chock full of shopping and food, and the River Arts District is the place to be for any artist or art lover. Spring is fast approaching, and it's time to get up and go. Whether you want to shop, hike, or just relax, the world around you is ready to be explored, and the 2023 Ford Explorer is ready to take you away. Stop by Chestatee Ford today for a ride as primed for adventure as you are.

Fall is such an amazing time of year in Georgia. The weather cools down, and we have the first rains! Fall also means plenty of outdoor activities – hiking, biking, and fishing. We're here to suggest some great fall activities you can drive right to from Dahlonega, GA. Lake Zwerner Trail The Lake Zwerner Trail is a 4.5-mile loop around Lake Zwerner, and it's easy for hikers of all ages. There are several spots along the trail where you can park and head out on foot, or you can park at one of the paved parking lots near the trailhead and take a stroll with your family or friends. The lake is stocked with trout and has a boat ramp and dock for fishing enthusiasts. The view from the dam is beautiful, especially when it's beginning to get dark out and the lights come on! more Amicalola Falls State Park Amicalola Falls State Park is one of Georgia's most scenic state parks. The park contains the highest waterfall in Georgia, a beautiful waterfall that drops over 80 feet. The park also offers miles of hiking trails, swimming holes, and camping spots. It's a great place to spend a day or weekend with your family. The park is located just outside of Dahlonega on Highway 52. There are several hiking trails that will take you to the top of Amicalola Falls, where you can take in the view from above. You can also take a ride on the trolley that runs between the parking lot and the visitor center. You can even stay overnight at the campground or cabins located within the park grounds if you want to make an all-day trip out of it! Vogel State Park Located just over an hour from Dahlonega, Vogel is the perfect place to enjoy some autumn weather. The park offers 5 miles of hiking trails, a picnic area, camping, and more. The park's most popular trail is the Chimney Tops Trail. It's an easy 2-mile hike that takes you up to the top of Chimney Tops — Georgia's highest point — where you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is well marked with red blazes, and there are several places along the way where you can stop for a break and enjoy the scenery. An adventurer like you needs a car that can handle the busy Dahlonega roads. Whether you are headed to one of the locations above or even running your weekly errands, you need a car that can withstand it. With the lane keep assist of the Ford F-150 XLT, you can safely navigate the local Dahlonega area. Stop by Chestatee Ford to help you find the perfect car for your lifestyle.

Surrounded by national forests, large reservoirs, and some of the most scenic nature reserves in the northern part of the state, the city of Dahlonega, GA, is a fantastic gateway to explore the region in your 2022 Ford Ranger. If you are searching for the best swimming spots to enjoy a summer day with your friends or family, here are three beautiful destinations you can reach in one hour or less from the city center. 1. River Forks Park Featuring a 40,000-square-foot beach on the shores of Lake Lanier, River Forks Park is a well-known destination among swimmers and water sports enthusiasts from all over northern Georgia. Covering an area of about 112 acres, this park is located just 25 miles south of the Dahlonega city center and can be reached in a little over half an hour via route GA-60. Some of the amenities that make this place a popular summertime destination include a large family campground equipped with electricity and water hookups, lakeside picnic areas, a public boat ramp, and a fishing pier. Open year-round between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm, River Forks Park is a great day trip destination for Dahlonega locals. more 2. Don Carter State Park Situated on the north end of Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park is a top-rated destination that draws thousands of visitors each year and offers excellent facilities for water lovers. Whether you want to swim, fish, hike, or simply enjoy a lakeside picnic with your friends, this public recreation area is a place you should definitely check out while exploring the region. Some of the facilities that make Don Carter State Park a great weekend or day trip destination include a large network of multi-use trails, public boat ramps, a primitive camping area, a fully equipped campground, designated fishing spots, and a long beach. Located a little over 20 miles southeast of the Dahlonega city center, this state park can be reached in about half an hour via route GA-52. 3. Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area Located about 55 miles northwest of downtown Dahlonega, Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area is another fantastic summertime destination where you can swim, hike, camp, and enjoy many other recreational activities in an idyllic nature reserve. Open year-round between 7:00 am and 8:30 pm, this place features picnic spots, a 43-unit campground, and a kayak rental shop. Getting here takes about one hour by car via route GA-52. If you are searching for a trusted local dealership to buy a new or used vehicle in Dahlonega, visit us today at Chestatee Ford! One of our expert team members will tell you all about our latest models and the flexible financing plans we have available for our customers.

Brunch is the perfect way to start your day, and Dahlonega, GA has many great restaurants that offer this meal. From down-home country cooking to vegan options, there are brunch places for everyone. So, whether you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy good food with friends or family, or you are looking for a quick and easy meal before exploring all that Dahlonega has to offer, be sure to check out these great places for brunch. Corner Kitchen If you are looking for a great brunch spot in Dahlonega, the Corner Kitchen is the place to go. This restaurant offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to enjoy some delicious food. You can choose from several breakfasts or brunch items, including bagels, croissants, frittatas, and sandwiches such as smoked turkey, Cuban, Reuben, Muffaleta, Black Forest ham, BLTs, and even pasta. Plus, there are salads, sides, and even Costa Rican coffee to round out your brunch for an unforgettable meal. more Picnic Cafe and Dessertery The Picnic Cafe and Dessertery is a small and cozy place for brunch and is a little bit different than your typical restaurant. This cafe offers a wide variety of brunch items, including vegetarian and vegan options. If you are looking for a hearty breakfast, their sausage gravy biscuits are delicious and worth trying. Or, if you are in the mood for something sweet, their Sweet Georgia Peach Chicken Salad Sandwich is sure to hit the spot. And, of course, no brunch is complete without a delicious latte, espresso, or Colombian coffee. So, whether you are looking for a relaxed brunch with friends or a quick meal before exploring Dahlonega, check out the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery. Chastain Southern Catering & Cafe If you are looking for a nice spot for a healthy brunch in Dahlonega, look no further than Chastain Southern Catering & Cafe. This restaurant offers a down-home twist on country cooking with all of your favorite health-conscious & vegan foods. From Missy's Famous Gourmet Chicken Salad to the Smoked Turkey and Cranberry Wrap, there is something for everyone at Chastain Southern Catering & Cafe. And, if you are looking for a truly unique brunch experience, be sure to try their homemade quiche and hummus. You won't be disappointed! Bourbon Street Grille When it comes to brunch with a New Orleans flair, nothing beats The Bourbon Street Grille. This restaurant is well worth the visit and overlooks the heart of Dahlonega's historic district. It offers a brunch menu with delicious items such as New Orleans-style French toast, Crab Cakes, crawfish, and more. Plus, the bar offers many different beverages such as Mimosas, Hurricanes, Bloody Marys, & more. You can indulge in a delicious brunch here from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Just remember to drink responsibly and designate a driver. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Restaurant Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Restaurant is a scenic spot for an upscale brunch experience. It's located just a 10-minute drive outside Dahlonega, GA, in the North Georgia Mountains, and appeared in Southern Living's June 2021 issue. This restaurant has a beautiful setting with mountain views and serves delicious food. They have a wide variety of brunch options, including pancakes, waffles, omelets, eggs benedict, and more. In addition, the winery has won over 200 awards, and wine tasting sessions are available. They have a great selection of wine and cocktails, and the service is friendly and efficient. It's a great place to brunch with friends and family or for a romantic getaway. Just be sure to drink responsibly. As you can see, brunch is a great way to start the day, and Dahlonega has plenty of places to enjoy a tasty meal. Whether you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere or something more upscale, your Ford F-150 will have plenty of room to kick back in after you've satisfied your cravings. If you're in Dahlonega, visit us at Chestatee Ford and check out our inventory!

Georgia is a beautiful state, and it can be hard to know where to start when exploring the outdoors. We've taken the guesswork out and have written up our top best views near Dahlonega, GA. Fall Branch Falls (Benton MacKaye Trail) Fondly referred to as a hike for non-hikers, this short trail leads you up a quick incline to picture-perfect waterfalls. The hike is nearly all uphill but is only .25 miles one-way. The waterfall is encapsulated within moss-covered rocks, thick forest undergrowth, and clear Georgian air. The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) is over 300 miles long, stretching from Springer Mountain to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Fall Branch Falls is only a minuscule section of the BMT. more The area below the falls makes for a perfect picnic or water break where you can enjoy the sound of the falling water. Thick-leaved rhododendrons line this trail and are only one of the many species of plant life you'll be able to discover. Woody Gap Trailhead This trailhead is directly off highway 60 where the Appalachian Trail crosses into the Blue Ridge District. Following the trail leads you to incredible views of the North Georgia Mountains. If you're looking for a day hike, we recommend traveling east to Steel Trap Knob and Jacobs Knob. You'll then find yourself in Lunsford Gap, which begins a switch-back climb to the very top of Big Cedar Mountain. This section of the trail is rated moderate to difficult because of the steep incline, however, the length is only 1.1 miles long. From Preacher's Rock near the peak, you'll have a breathtaking view of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Make sure to bring that camera! Amicalola Falls State Park Coming in at 829 acres of perfect Georgian wilderness, this State Park is only 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail and is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest. While we mentioned a beautiful waterfall earlier, we had to mention another one. Here, you will see a 729ft waterfall that's the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. There are a total of 10 trails spreading throughout the park with one trail being a connection to the Appalachian trail itself. The 8.5-mile Approach Trail takes you from the state park to Springer Mountain and is recommended for more serious hikers. Make sure to pack everything you'll need into your new 2022 Ford Escape Titanium. We suggest extra water, some trail snacks, and lots of sunscreen! Being outside and appreciating nature is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Whether you're looking for a quick trip that's under a mile, or a hard and heavy trail to challenge you, these great views will have what you're looking for. Stop by Chestatee Ford today so we can find you a vehicle perfect for any adventure.

Dahlonega, GA, is a small city in the Blue Ridge Mountains' foothills with many scenic sites, historical landmarks, and charming vineyards. Similarly, it has many beautiful spots for a romantic date, whether you want to celebrate an anniversary or schedule your first date. Here are some great date night ideas within a short drive of Dahlonega. Consolidated Gold Mine Spend an evening with your partner exploring the fantastic historical gold mines from the 1800s. The Consolidated Gold Mine is a historic landmark built in 1875 and spans 92 acres. The mine was officially closed in 1906 and is now one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Take a 40-minute tour 200 feet below the surface with your significant other, including listening to stories of miners and learning about the mine's significance in the Georgia Gold Rush. On your tour, you can also try panning for gemstones and gold. more Gibbs Garden Pack a picnic basket in your spacious 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and drive to Gibbs Garden for a memorable picnic in a scenic and tranquil environment. The Gibbs Garden is an award-winning, world-class facility with over 16 themed gardens spanning over 300 acres. The garden's beautiful and colorful flowers provide a picturesque backdrop, so bring your camera and enjoy a fun photo session with your loved one. Gibbs Garden has several themed sections scattered throughout the garden, as well as a cozy café, stunning sculptures, and gleaming ponds. There is a grand manor with a beautiful gazebo where you can enjoy a picnic meal while overlooking the garden. Wolf Mountain Vineyard Walk arm in arm with your significant other at Wolf Mountain Vineyard, sampling various grapes. Wolf Mountain Vineyard is a family-run winery located in the North Georgia Mountains. The vineyards were planted in 2000, and in 2003 the winery produced its first wine using its grapes. The vineyard has grown tremendously since then, winning many awards for its distinctive fine wine. Spend an evening wine tasting and perusing 19th-century French wine artifacts. Please drink responsibly and in moderation. The vineyard is open from Thursday to Saturday, and visitors can enjoy a private tasting. The Historic Holly Theatre The Historic Holly Theatre is an excellent venue for watching Broadway shows, movies, and live musical performances. The 1948 movie house is an essential landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Holly Theatre has been in operation for over 70 years, but the theatre was repurposed into a community theatre in the last two decades. No seat at the Holly is more than seventy feet from the stage so that you won't miss any action. The relaxed, informal atmosphere of the theater makes it a great place to go on a date, sip a glass of wine and watch a show. Visit the above locations and make the necessary arrangements as you plan your romantic date. Visit us at Chestatee Ford for all of your automotive needs. We also have fantastic deals and discounts on various vehicles.

The small, historic town of Dahlonega, GA was once the site of the country's very first gold rush. The town's awe-inspiring natural surroundings seem to carry the spirit of those rugged pioneering days. With the dramatic slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lush wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and plenty of lakes, parks, waterfalls, and wildlife preserves, there are endless excellent picnic spots to be found nearby. Read on to learn the best of them. Lake Zwerner For a picnic spot with stunning views of a sparkling lake and towering mountains in the background, head to Zwerner Lake right beside town. To fully experience the lake at its best, it's well worth following the hiking trail that circumnavigates its banks. Along the way, you'll come across several benches and picnic tables to stop at for your lunch. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo Take your kids along for a picnic they'll always remember at this lovely little wildlife sanctuary. You can build up an appetite while marveling at the Bengal tigers, camels, zebras, giant turtles, parrots, sloths, and all other manner of exotic animals. Then, settle down at one of many picnic tables to eat your lunch with a scenic backdrop of farmstead, fields, and forest. more Yahoola Creek Park This much-loved local park offers miles of hiking paths alongside a meandering, babbling creek, with plenty of picnic tables next to the water. There are also many facilities for recreation here, including fields for soccer, softball, and baseball. You can even stay for camping if you fancy a few extra days of back-to-back outdoor meals in the fresh country air. Lumpkin County Park To the south of town, you'll find the northern tip of the vast and beautiful Lake Lanier. The park there is a great destination for picnickers who are also fishing enthusiasts. There are many places to settle down for a peaceful day with your rod, line, and lunchbox, where you won't be disturbed by another soul for hours on end. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge A short drive to the west of town lies this nature-lover's paradise. The park is named after its most prized feature, a magnificent, thundering 729-foot cascading waterfall. You can stroll around the falls and park, choosing your ideal spot to picnic. Here, you can also experience a whole range of outdoor adventures, including archery, zip-lining, guided hikes, and nature classes. There's even a large lodge, for those who simply don't want to leave. R-Ranch in the Mountains For a quintessential old west experience, enjoy a day trip of picnicking and rodeo-watching at this quaint, old-style ranch to the north of town. With jaw-dropping scenery all around, it's a very popular venue for events and weddings. The gorgeous ranch and horseback riding lessons are all overseen by top-notch staff who have plenty of classic Georgian charm and friendliness for all their guests. Wherever you choose to enjoy your picnic, follow it up with a visit to Chestatee Ford, a family-run firm with family values. At Chestatee Ford, we're active community members, and we treat all our customers with care, respect, and impeccably good service.

Dahlonega in Georgia is nestled among mountainous scenery which offers some superb hiking areas. The trails are rated from moderate to difficult so there's something to suit people of most abilities. Here are four of the best trails that enable you to make the most of the majestic landscape. The Appalachian Trail to Long Creek Falls A stretch of the Appalachian Trail (AT) heads through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Three Forks Creek valley. The hike to Long Creek Falls is only a two-mile round trip, although it's rated as moderate because of the change in elevation. The trail takes you through a lush valley and at the end, you are rewarded with the rushing cascade of the waterfall. more Hiking through the beautiful forested valley, you'll see steep cliffs with blankets of moss, wildflowers, and possibly a variety of wildlife. Three boulder-strewn trout streams converge in the valley giving it the name. The trail to Long Creek Falls begins at a trailhead on Forest Road 58. Springer Mountain Loop This hike is a 4.7-mile loop taking in stretches of the AT and Benton MacKye Trail (BMT) that takes you to the summit of Springer Mountain. The gain in elevation requires a reasonable degree of fitness and is rated as difficult. The hike takes you through a hardwood forest and a shaded valley with a mossy, burbling creek lined with rhododendron bushes. You'll join the trail on Forest Road 42 and follow the AT white rectangular blazes. As you climb towards the summit of Springer Mountain, you can experience the stunning views from multiple overlooks along the way. On the return, you pick up the BMT following the white diamond trail markings. This is a beautiful hike in any season. Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain For a longer day hike or maybe an overnight camping adventure, taking the Appalachian Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain is a 15.5-mile round trip. Rated as difficult, the hike begins near the top of Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall in Georgia. The waters cascade over multiple tiers to create a dramatic sight. You start out at the AT Approach trailhead and follow the blue blaze markers. This trail takes you through stunningly diverse forests, crosses creeks, and offers superb vistas from scenic overlooks. On the return leg, you can change the route by taking the Hike Inn Trail, although that adds 1.7 miles to the hike. Woody Gap to Preachers Rock One of the easiest, but most rewarding hikes starts at the Woody Gap trailhead on Highway 60 and climbs to the rocky outcrop of Preachers Rock near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. It's only a two-mile round trip that follows a short section of the AT with its white rectangle markers. It offers some of the best views you'll see, particularly in fall and springtime, and exemplifies the majesty of the mountains. At any time of year, these hikes give you the opportunity to enjoy some of Georgia's most amazing scenery. Preacher’s Rock, Appalachian Trail via Flickr by timcorradino Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

If it's a day full of photo opportunities you're looking for, you'll find it at any of the many waterfalls near Dahlonega, Georgia. There are so many in and around the nearby national parks and forests that you would be hard-pressed to see them all in one day. Take a look at some of our favorite spots below. You definitely won't be disappointed by these gorgeous examples: Amicalola Falls This is by far one of our favorite falls in the area. Located in Amicalola Park to the west of Dahlonega, this 600-foot tall cascading waterfall makes for one of the most picturesque natural sights you'll find anywhere. There's a walkway that travels to the top of the falls so you can travel up and get a closer view of the waterfall. If you want to see one of the highest waterfalls the park has to offer, this is the one to visit. more Cane Creek Falls The Cane Creek Falls are shorter than the Amicalola but no less picturesque. The waterfall spills into a reflecting pool before the water continues down the river. You'll find Cane Creek Falls at Camp Glisson, practically walking distance from Dahlonega. Head north on US19 and GA60 for two miles, and then turn left when you see the sign for Camp Glisson. One mile from there, you'll find a parking lot at the falls. Dicks Creek Falls Just over 15 miles north, Dicks Creek Falls offers more fantastic photo opportunities. It's in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and unlike most of the other waterfalls in the park, you're allowed to get in the water at the base of the waterfall. This is one reason we love Dicks Creek Falls so much. It's the perfect way to cool off during your hikes or to just stretch out and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Anna Ruby Falls This is your two-for-one deal when it comes to waterfalls. The two waterfalls are from two different creeks, the Curtis and York Creeks, and at the bottom they join to create the Smith Creek. Curtis falls from 153 feet and York falls 50 feet. Together, they make for a unique natural experience that should not be missed. You'll find Anna Ruby Falls about 30 miles northeast of Dahlonega, past Smithgall Woods State Park. DeSoto Falls Tucked away in the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, you'll come across the DeSoto Falls. If you want to hike through Georgia's natural beauty, you'll love the great trails this recreation area offers, especially the ones that lead to the waterfall. The multiple steps the waterfall makes before moving on makes this creek worth exploring. You'll find two separate falls near one another as you travel up Frogtown Creek. Exploring Georgia's natural beauty in the Dahlonega area is easy, thanks to the proximity of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Pull on your hiking boots and experience the reasons why the first peoples of the area decided to calls this corner of Georgia home. Amicalola Falls State Park - Amicalola Falls (2) via Flickr by jared422_80 Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Dahlonega, Georgia, sits in the heart of the state's beautiful, up-and-coming wine country. If you love wine as much as we do, there's no better way to spend the day than enjoying a glass of your favorite varietal in the tasting room of one of the many world-class vineyards in the area. If you're looking for a place to start, we suggest these four best wineries and vineyards in the Dahlonega area: Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery Cavender Creek prides themselves on offering a warm and relaxing wine experience you can enjoy with friends and family. Visit their tasting room to try their selection, listen to music, and talk with the wine stewards about how the wine is made. The vineyard itself grows Norton, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Manseng grapes, and Cavender's creations from those grapes are some of the best in the area. more If you want to stay at this winery, you can do so at their "Cabin in the Vines," a rustic 1820s handmade log cabin. But even if you just have an hour or two to spare, a visit to Cavender Creek is always rejuvenating. Wolf Mountain Vineyards If you want to try great gold medal wines, head to Wolf Mountain Vineyards. This winery has won over 200 medals with their thoughtful varietals. The vineyard itself is charming, covering Georgia hillsides to make for a picturesque view. Their wine-tasting room is just as charming. You can take a tour of their wine-making process and try firsthand some of the wines that put this vineyard on the map. Kaya Vineyard and Winery For a wine retreat, book a holiday at Kaya Vineyard and Winery. Their cottages allow you to stay the weekend on their beautiful property, tasting wines, exploring the world of wine-making, and enjoying the light lunch fare they offer in their tasting room. From chardonnays and cabernets to rosés and merlots, Kaya has a wine to match every palate, as well as some more uncommon varietals that will delight the senses. Sign up for one of their many tasting and tour packages to get the entire Kaya experience. Montaluce Winery and Restaurant Perfect for a distinguished date night, Montaluce offers a full wine experience with their chef-inspired restaurant and vintner-inspired wines. If you're here for the wine, their tasting menu will take you through a tour of their wares. Sign up for a 1.8-mile wine hike through the vineyard to get up close and personal with the history of the area and its wine. If you're here for the restaurant, you'll love the unforgettable items that line their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus — think cedar plank salmon, rabbit duet, and veal chops. Montaluce's offerings will let you spend the entire day wining and dining and enjoying the great Georgia wine country. Explore these and many other vineyards that consistently produce fantastic wines to find your favorite place to relax. A visit to a vineyard is always a peaceful, fun way to enjoy Georgia's beautiful days. Grapes via Flickr by tribp Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to wildlife galore. With the abundance of hunting opportunity, sometimes it can be overwhelming to find somewhere to hunt. With more than 600,000 hunters in Georgia, it's vital to utilize the public land properly. We've compiled a list of our three top hunting spots in Dahlonega. We hope one suits your needs and you can get the perfect prize! Chestatee Wildlife Management Area The Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is one of the top areas for hunting in Lumpkin and White counties. With more than 27,000 acres of land for you to explore, it's an ideal location for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, as well as fishing. Find somewhere and settle in for a day full of hunting fun. more The close access to water makes the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area area home to many wild animals, enabling you to see many different animals. There are visible hiking trails in the area to make it easy for you to find your way back after a day of hunting. The views you see here are ones you will remember for a lifetime, and the memories of the animals will be even better. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is located at 955 Dicks Creek Road in Dahlonega. A hunting license or Georgia Lands Pass is required to hunt at the park, and you'll need a fishing license if you also plan to fish. Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area The Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area is located in Fannin, Union, and Lumpkin counties and offers more than 20,000 acres of land, giving you access to deer and bear, as well as turkeys and other small game animals. Accommodations and facilities include hiking trails, a lake, and primitive campsites that are perfect for hunting, hiking, camping, lake and river fishing, and general wildlife viewing. Located at 905 Rock Creek Road in Suches, the park doesn't charge a fee to access the land; however, appropriate licenses are required to hunt and fish. Coosawattee-Carter's Lake The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia and is managed by the Department of Resources as well as the Army Corps of Engineers. Situated on 6,000 acres of land, it's perfect for hunting deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and small game animals. The accommodations and facilities at Coosawattee-Carter's Lake provide for canoeing, biking, hiking, hunting, primitive camping, lake and river fishing, private boating, water skiing, and general wildlife viewing. Wheelchair hunters are also welcome and need to apply via mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between Aug. 15 and Sept. 10. The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at 750 Powerhouse Road in Chatsworth. There is no charge to come onto the land with the appropriate licenses required to hunt and fish. ATVs are not allowed on the property. There are fewer activities in life that epitomize the Ford Tough mission than hunting and fishing, and with so many hunting spots in and around Dahlonega, you have plenty of opportunities to have a memorable time. Bear via Flickr by Kylie Kae under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original