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If you're looking for great scenic drives near Dahlonega, GA, or throughout Georgia, we have some recommendations for you. Whether you prefer relaxing coastal road trips or winding mountain escapes, the diversity of the Peach State's landscape makes it easy to find awe-inducing views just by hopping in your car. 1. Georgia Mountain Parkway Enter the Georgia Mountain Parkway at 152 Orvin Lance Dr. in Blue Ridge and be prepared to encounter some of the most tempting outdoor entertainment that the state has to offer. Plan an extended trip down the parkway, also known as State Route 515, to take advantage of seasonal festivals, hiking, and rafting on your way to Atlanta. 2. Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway Enter the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway at the Prater's Mill Historic Site, located at 5845 GA-2. The 54-mile byway winds through the pastoral lands of northwest Georgia on GA-2 and offers gorgeous Cohutta Mountain vistas along U.S. 41 before heading into the Chattahoochee National Forest. Follow the byway to the end for breathtaking views from a mountain overlook. more 3. Highway 197 Head to Clarkesville to find the entrance to Highway 197, which will take you north toward Moccasin Creek State Park. On your way there, stop to explore pottery shops near historic Batesville or have a meal on the shores of Lake Burton. Load your gear into your Ford Bronco Sport before you head out and stop by LaPrade's Marina to rent a boat and spend a relaxing day on the water. 4. Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway If you're near Blairsville, hop onto Hwy 17 to traverse the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, a 40.6-mile stretch that winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Stop to hike along the Appalachian Trail, experience breathtaking views from Brasstop Bald, or simply admire the lush mountain landscape from the comfort of your car. 5. Dahlonega, GA Lumpkin-Union Loop If you prefer to stay closer to town, the Dahlonega Lumpkin-Union Loop offers stunning Appalachian views nearby. The loop is one of the town's best-kept secrets, which is why you might not be able to pull it up on your GPS — but finding it is simple enough. According to the visitors bureau, the loop starts at Hwy 19 and continues on to Hwy 129, SR 180, and eventually Hwy 60, taking visitors past several eye-catching waterfalls along the route. Whether you want to explore the best of what Georgia's small towns have to offer or be surrounded by the state's stunning natural beauty, there's bound to be something for you on the five drives above. When you've decided on your next adventure, stop by Chestatee Ford and our team of experts will help you find the perfect car for wherever your journey takes you.

Sitting in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Dahlonega, GA, is the perfect base to explore the breathtaking nature and the charming little towns of the region in your new 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. Whether you are searching for historical buildings, museums, cultural centers, cozy cafés, or great local restaurants, here are three small towns you can easily drive to from downtown Dahlonega. 1. Helen Known for its classic south German style, the town of Helen is the perfect destination for a memorable day trip with your family. Located just 25 miles northeast of Dahlonega, this small town can be reached in a little over half an hour by car via route GA-75. Despite the short drive, once you make your way here, you will feel as if you had traveled all the way to Germany. more The characteristic style of architecture that can be found in all public and private buildings of Helen is a result of the mandated zoning that was introduced in the 1960s. Nowadays, the town is a well-known tourist destination and a popular spot among day-trippers from all over the Atlanta metropolitan area. Once you are done exploring the city center, make sure to check out the surrounding nature reserves. 2. Canton Located just 45 miles southwest of Dahlonega, Canton is another beautiful town that can be reached in a little under one hour by car via route GA-369. The Downtown Historic District is the town's main attraction, featuring plenty of landmarks, excellent restaurants, and small cafés where you can grab a cup of coffee and get a glimpse of the town and its residents. The town of Canton sits right in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in what was once the Cherokee Nation. Those wanting to learn more about the original inhabitants of the area and the historical events that have shaped this town should not miss the Cherokee County Historical Society and the Cherokee Arts Center. Just outside the city center, you can find plenty of beautiful parks with beautiful nature trails and scenic viewpoints. 3. Blairsville Nestled in Chattahoochee National Forest, the town of Blairsville is a paradise for nature lovers and a great destination to visit throughout the year. Combining natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and plenty of historical buildings, Blairsville regularly hosts festivals and cultural events that draw visitors from all over the region. Some of the spots you should not miss while in town include the Union County Historical Courthouse and Mountain Life Museum. If you are looking for a trusted car dealership with the latest models in the market and the best financing plans in town, you've come to the right place. Pick up the phone and give us a call at Chestatee Ford or simply stop by our showroom.

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.

Nestled within the northern region of Georgia, Dahlonega is a hidden gem that never fails to attract nature enthusiasts at every corner. From its majestic, flowing waterfalls to the surrounding mountain landscapes, this gorgeous city is any outdoor lover's paradise. Here are four waterfalls in particular worth checking out during your next trip to Dahlonega. Cane Creek Falls Driving 2 miles north along Highway US-19 and GA-60 will lead you right to Camp Glisson. This property is home to Cane Creek Falls, a modest yet scenic waterfall flanked by a boardwalk and viewing area, plus several small trails leading right to the water's edge. It can be a bit tricky to find, but once you arrive, you can check in at the front gate or Welcome Center and enjoy full daylight access. Keep in mind that swimming isn't allowed at Cane Creek Falls, nor can you visit the grounds when camp is in session. But go at the right time and you'll find a scenic backdrop ideal for your nature photoshoot. more Amicalola Falls This natural wonder is located in Amicalola State Park, approximately 30 minutes west of Dahlonega along Highway GA-52. It features several paved walkways, a collection of bridges and stairs, overlook platforms, scenic trails, and picturesque mountain views. But visitors flock here for Amicalola Falls itself, which boasts a several-hundred-foot drop downstream into a reflecting pool and is surrounded by blooming shrubs and greenery. Since the park is a popular attraction, we suggest visiting in the early morning when crowds are less dense. DeSoto Falls Situated just 18 miles north of Dahlonega along Highway 19 lies the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. It's located within the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers up ample hiking trails, open camping spots, opportunities for trout fishing, and five waterfalls intersecting at Frogtown Creek. However, only two of these waterfalls are open to the public via the DeSoto Falls Trailhead. As you make your way past the trail, head up to the wooden overlook platforms and catch a gorgeous glimpse of DeSoto Falls from above. Raven Cliff Falls You'll have to travel a bit farther to reach Raven Cliff Falls, but the drive is definitely worth it. Just like DeSoto Falls, you can find this waterfall within the Chattahoochee National Forest. However, it's located closer to the cities of Blairsville and Helen, about 45 minutes southwest of Dahlonega. It's just off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway and a 2.5-mile stretch further inward from the entrance sign. Once you arrive, you'll be met with plenty of scenic views. In fact, Raven Cliff Falls is one of the tallest and more popular waterfalls in the state, and it's easy to see why. Enjoy close-up views from the base or at one of several viewing areas, go waist deep into the water itself, and find a spot to set up a picnic and relax among nature. You can also hike along a 5-mile roundtrip trail bordering Dodd Creek with waterfall scenes and flourishing blooms as company. After reading this guide, it's pretty obvious why visitors flock to Dahlonega for their outdoor adventures. With gorgeous waterfalls surrounding the area at every turn, there's no better time than now to plan your getaway to this North Georgia town.   Photo: " Desoto Falls " by Tim Corradino via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Dahlonega is without a doubt a top destination spot for those looking to sample some of the area's finest wines. With that in mind, here are just a few Dahlonega wineries we think you'll love. Canvas and Cork Canvas and Cork is located on the first floor of the historic Stanton Storehouse. This downtown gem features everything from stunning art displays to a hand-painted bar adorned with guest signatures. Oh, and a diverse selection of dry and sweet pink, red, and white wines. Head to the tasting room and sample five wines for $8, and stop by anytime to book a private wine and paint party, attend an art class or workshop, or enjoy the monthly Irish music jams. more Accent Cellars Just two minutes outside of downtown Dahlonega sits Accent Cellars. This winery is open daily and caters to wine and cider connoisseurs. Browse the menu for a variety of rosé gold, red, and white wines, which can all be ordered by the glass or bottle. If you're unsure of what to get, consider indulging your palate with some wine tasting. For $14 you can sample five wines, including sparkling apple wine, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. You can also host an outdoor picnic with friends and family or enjoy a live music event. At Accent Cellars, there's plenty to keep you entertained! Kaya Vineyard and Winery What once was Blackstock Vineyards has now transformed into a growing estate owned by Kaya Vineyard and Winery. With plans to add a hotel and restaurant, cottages, and 300-seat event facility to the property, Kaya Vineyard and Winery is set to become the biggest wine resort in the area. However, when you consider the breathtaking landscape views of north Georgia and rolling vistas on the horizon, you can already see why this destination is so popular. We think it's the fine wine collection, though, that really stands out. It includes everything from chardonnay and merlot to cabernet sauvignon. Wine tastings are available Tuesday through Sunday, and guided weekend tours offer guests the chance to learn about the estate's history and winemaking process. You can also stop by for lunch or during a special event, plus join the Wine Club for monthly discounts, exclusive event invites, and wine updates. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery No doubt the most decorated entry on this list is the 10,000-square-foot Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery. In fact, it's won hundreds of wine-tasting competitions in the U.S. alone. It's also architecturally stunning to look at with its fieldstone Craftsman-style cottage and tasting room with a four-sided cedar bar. However, no visit is complete without sampling some of this winery's most attractive wines. Take your pick from a list of dry white, rosé, and red wines, as well as sparkling and port wines. You can also take a tour of the grounds and enjoy a peaceful gourmet meal during your visit. If you're interested, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery is situated just five miles outside of Dahlonega. Now that you know more about some of the area's best wineries, which destination takes the top spot as your favorite? Photo via Pixabay

Even though vehicles today are equipped with more safety features than ever before, including lane departure prevention systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, and back-up cameras, none of these devices play as crucial of a role in driver and passenger safety as a seatbelt. Read on to learn why seatbelts matter and better understand the importance of bucking up. Safety You can't understand the importance of buckling up without talking about the obvious - safety.  This is a seatbelt's only function, to help keep you and your passengers safe.  When in an accident, they can keep you from being thrown through the windshield, ejected from the car, or flying forward where you could be thrown into or hit your head on the steering wheel. It's just as crucial for your passengers, whether they are in the front or back seats.  Again, this prevents them from possibly getting thrown from the vehicle. more You'll also notice that your seatbelts engage in less violent circumstances, such as when you have to break quickly or perhaps hit a rough patch of terrain.  This helps keep you in a position to have the best control over your vehicle and ensure you keep you and your passengers clear from harm. It's the Law “Click it or ticket” is a common slogan used in seatbelt campaigns.  It only takes a minute to click your seatbelt, abide by the law, and keep yourself and your passengers safe.  If you choose not to buckle up, you could be pulled over and cited.  These tickets will cost you hundreds of dollars and are meant to sting financially to drive home the concept that this simple action is far less expensive than the ticket, or worse, injury or death. Make it a Habit Next to entering your vehicle and maybe starting it, putting on your seatbelt should be one of your first actions.  If you get in the habit of doing this, it will begin to feel almost foreign not to.  Sit down, put on your seatbelt.  Period.  If you're the driver and you have passengers, make sure they all do the same. Even if you're just going “down the street,” go ahead and buckle up.  Sometimes, those situations where we think we'd be most safe are the ones that can surprise us because our guard is down and it's completely unexpected.  That's the idea with seatbelts though, right?  To protect you and everyone in your vehicle from the unexpected. Like any other standard piece of vehicle equipment, seatbelts are meant to be used each and every time you get into a vehicle.  Doing so further adds to the effectiveness of other safety features such as air bags. All vehicle models at Chestatee Ford come standard with driver and passenger seatbelts; some are even adjustable for personal comfort.  Come see us today.  With everything from luxury to off-road vehicles available, you're sure to find the car, truck, or SUV that's just right for you. Rock via Flickr by PabloEvans under the use of CC By 2.0 / Cropped from original

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

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

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

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

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

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.