Five Craft Breweries to Check Out in Atlanta, Georgia

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

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.