Blog

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

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

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

When you need a peaceful setting to reconnect with nature, head up to Amicalola State Park, just an hour and a half drive north of Atlanta. It's the perfect recipe for a great escape that everyone will enjoy. Experience a Georgia adventure at Amicalola, and plan to spend the day or spend the night — and plan to play. Exciting Activities Discover an almost endless list of day and evening activities at Amicalola Falls State Park. Take a guided fitness hike or sit in on the GoPro camera class and expertly capture all your memories at the Park. Get your heart pumping with a thrilling tree-top zip line, then test your skill at 3-D archery. Grab the kids and go on a GPS scavenger hunt, then spend the evening gathered around the campfire toasting marshmallows. Learn to endure the wilderness using outdoor skills picked up at Survivalist Camp, and get up close and personal with native birds of prey such as owls, falcons, and hawks. more The Park Amicalola Park is 829 beautiful acres of outdoor mountain adventures just waiting to happen. It's no surprise Amicalola is the most popular park in the area. Named for the 729-foot falls, Amicalola, or Tumbling Waters as known to the Cherokee nation, is the tallest cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi River. Wind through the park on miles of trails, including the 8-mile path to Springer Mountain that connects with the world-renowned Appalachian Trail. Fish for trout at the base of the trail or go geocaching. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. To park you must have a $5 Georgia State Park Pass. Your leashed, four-legged pal is welcome too. Accommodations in Amicalola Amicalola State Park's lodge is more than just a place to lay your head — it's a true highland retreat. Experience a welcoming "Bed and Breakfast" feel with cozy charm and spectacular views from every room. Modern conveniences abound such as suites, loft rooms for the kids, and Wi-Fi. For those who want a bit more seclusion, discover unique cabins nestled in the mountain surrounding the lodge. Designed for a romantic weekend or for families traveling with kids, there are one, two, and three bedroom cabins equipped with a full kitchen that offer heat, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Guests that want a real outdoor adventure are invited to pitch their tent in the park's primitive camping sites near the waterfall. RV hookups are also available, and the sites are roomy enough to spread out. The Maple Restaurant Delight in contemporary buffet-style dining at the Maple Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Delight in homemade, traditional American and classic Southern favorites, such as surf and turf, and order an adult beverage off the drink menu. They offer an excellent selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Dinner usually ranges from $15.99 to $19.99, depending on the carte du jour. Time your meal with a sunset view. You won't be disappointed. Don't miss a chance to make wonderful, lasting memories when you spend the day and night at Amicalola State Park. Photo by IIIP Photo Archive via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

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

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

Plan a summer getaway in Georgia this year. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone no matter where in the state you decide to go. Check out these summer vacation destinations in Georgia and get started on planning your fun-filled getaway. Alpharetta Alpharetta is a vibrant city located between Atlanta and the mountains of northern Georgia. There is so much to do in this area with hundreds of shopping and dining options and a growing music scene. The downtown area has a small-town, charming atmosphere where there is always live entertainment or a festival going on. You can also head outside to Cashin's Sculpture Garden or ride or walk along the Big Creek Greenway. If your idea of a perfect summer vacation includes a spa treatment, there are several to choose from right in Alpharetta. more Lakemont Lakemont, situated in northeastern Georgia is home to Lake Rabun. This area is just an hour and a half drive from Chestatee and offers a quiet place for the whole family to relax. You can rent a cabin along the shore of the lake and enjoy swimming and boating during your vacation, or take advantage of the nearby mountains if you want to spend the day hiking and exploring. There is also whitewater rafting in the area if you prefer to get your adrenaline pumping, or for something more relaxing, you can drop a line in the lake waters and try your luck with the fish. FDR State Park FDR State Park offers a variety of different activities making it the perfect place for a summer vacation. It is the largest state park in Georgia and sits just over an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta. With over 9,000 acres, the park has so much to offer; you'll need to spend your whole vacation exploring all the fun. There is hiking with beautiful views, boating and fishing, swimming, and historical sights to visit. You can rent a cabin, or choose from several types of camping experiences including backcountry sites, lakeside sites, and even one huge site with room for 75 people. Cloudland Canyon Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park to explore 1000-foot canyons carved out by years of running water. This park features over 64 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback riding trails. If you are an experienced wild caver, you can explore the caves in the park, or you can take a guided Wild Cave Tour with G3 Adventures. Make sure you take some time to hike up to see the waterfalls that are unlike any others in the state. Spend your vacation in a fully-equipped cottage in the park, or you can even rent a yurt if you want to try something new. If you have your own accommodations, there are also several different types of camping and backpacking sites available. The state of Georgia has many beautiful vacation spots. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or want to spend your time off shopping and trying new restaurants, you can do it in Georgia. Photo via Flickr by StephenGA CC0 1.0

Craft beer is becoming more and more popular, and with new breweries popping up all the time you can always get your fill. In the Atlanta area, there are several breweries to choose from where you can taste locally made brews, special seasonal beers, and quite often some delicious food to go along with it. Here are some of the craft breweries to check out in Atlanta. Scofflaw Brewing Co. Situated in the northwest neighborhood of Bolton, the Scofflaw Brewing Co has a huge production facility and a tasting room where you can sample some of everything from their IPAs to a barrel-aged stout. Scofflaw even offers tours Thursday through Sunday. The tour starts in the brewhouse and goes through the whole process from fermentation to kegging and bottling, and then ends in the tasting room. more Second Self Beer Co. Visit Second Self Beer Company on the west side of Atlanta and check out their canning room and the tasting room. You can take a tour of the brewery and get some samples of their limited-release brews along with the seasonal releases. Saturday is one of the best days to visit because it is always Taco Saturday at this brewery. Real Mexican Vittles supplies the tacos, and the brewery supplies the beer. Make sure to check in often to find out what new and unique beers this place has on tap. The staff is always trying new things and creating new variations for their customers. Monday Night Brewing Monday Night Brewing is one of the oldest craft breweries in Atlanta. The goal of this company is to brew flavorful beer that pairs well with a weeknight dinner. They offer a few different collections of brews including the Black Tie Series and the Garage Series, and there are also some seasonal and year-round brews. You can rent the taproom or the garage for a private event for up to 100 people, or you can just visit during their open hours and get a flight with four beers of your choice. Orpheus Brewing Check out Orpheus Brewing for creative new beers. The tasting room has decks overlooking Piedmont Park, and you can also go on a tour of the brewery. Try some samples of the brews in the regular rotation along with some samples of their limited releases and the barrel-aged beers that you can only get right at the brewery. The tasting room opens up on Thursday and Friday nights from 6 to 9 and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5. Torched Hop Brewing Company Torched Hop Brewing Company operates both as a brewery and a restaurant. Stop in here to taste the microbrews and have a bite to eat. The restaurant features small plates and a selection of sandwiches, while the brewery has a rotating selection of the beers brewed right on-site. There are many more craft breweries in and around the Atlanta area, but these are some of the local favorites. Stop by any of these breweries to taste the delicious beer and enjoy the atmosphere in the tap or tasting room.   Photo: " Beer Flight " by Nan Palmero licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original