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If you're looking for a vehicle for a quick holiday getaway, there are some very good reasons to consider the 2019 Ford Escape. Yes, even with the debut of the redesigned 2020 Escape, there is still a lot to be said about the robust and agile earlier version. First, it offers a smooth ride and easy handling with accurate steering on both narrow urban streets and open highways. Second, there's the compelling price, even on the premium and fully equipped trims. We have four well-equipped SUV trims—S, SE, SEL, and Titanium— under $35,000, so you're getting a good bargain. Next, the 2019 Ford Escape can seat five people comfortably, and the upper trims offer push-button start and remote start as well as power windows. Here are some more reasons to consider getting this Ford vehicle for your getaway trip. more Powerful Engine and Transmission You can select from three engines, all four-cylindered and with six-speed automatic transmission. There is the standard 2.5-liter engine and the 1.5-liter and 2-liter turbocharged engines. The 2-liter engine is quick without any throttle lag and offers powerful acceleration and deft maneuvers. Comfortable Interior The front seats are roomy enough for most adult passengers, and, in the Titanium trim, they are leather-trimmed and power-operated. Aside from the base S trim, the Escape comes with a Sync3 multimedia system that will keep you entertained on the drive to your getaway. It has an 8-inch touchscreen on top of the dashboard and is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. So, there is not going to be any issue with making hands-free calls or navigation checks. Other available features include a Sony premium stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and 4G LTE connectivity. More Cargo Space You won't have to worry about where you can pack in all your getaway luggage. The 2019 Ford Escape has 34 cubic-feet of cargo space, but you can expand it to 68 cubic-feet by folding down the second seat row. Since the  seats fold completely flat and the wheel wells don't extend too much into the interior, you can pack in lots of stuff in the cargo area. Plus, with the low lift-over height, you won't have to strain too much to get your getaway luggage inside. There is also a center console storage. If you think you're going to need an SUV trailer for additional luggage, the 2019 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Decent Safety Features While the Escape does not have standard advanced driver assist features, you can install them for under $1,000. If you get the Safe and Smart Plus package, you will get features such as blind spot alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rain-sensor windshield wipers. All things taken into consideration, the 2019 Ford Escape is a stylish vehicle with a sturdy performance. It also comes with some quite decent features well worth your attention. Wherever you want to go, it can get you there safely and in comfort and style. Image via Ford

If there's a heavy snowfall and your car gets buried, you might not want to drive it anywhere while road conditions are poor. It's tempting to leave the car covered in snow until it thaws out, but here are five reasons for getting a shovel and digging your car out sooner rather than later. Drained Battery Your car's systems depend on its battery, which has to work harder in freezing temperatures. Having the lights and heating on most of the time takes its toll, but at least the battery is getting charged. When you leave the car sitting under snow for a long period, the battery can drain completely, especially if it's older. more You may be able to jump-start your car, but, once the battery has been fully discharged, you might need to charge it slowly or replace it. If your battery dies, you will have to reset the memory settings in your car. Dig your car out as soon as possible and run it for 10 or 15 minutes to keep the battery charged. Brake Problems When packed snow gets in and around your brakes, it can cause problems. The calipers, pads, and seals can get damaged. If the snow is left long enough, it can cause the discs to rust. When you eventually dig out the car, you might find that the brakes will squeal and screech until you've used them a few times. If a caliper fails, it was most likely going to need to be replaced anyway, but the snow can speed up its demise. Packed Snow The weight of a load of snow on your car is not going to affect it — it's designed to carry people and luggage. But, when new snow falls on old snow, it gets compacted and will be forced into every orifice, making it harder to clear. Doors and locks can stick and, if you don't clear packed snow from the exhaust tail pipe, carbon monoxide can be forced into the cabin. Make sure to clear ice from the engine bay as it can damage moving parts. Damage to Bodywork If there's any damage on your bodywork, such as dents and scrapes that have left exposed metal, you could be in for some more expensive repairs. The snow can absorb salt or chemicals that are used on the roads and those substances will find their way into any weak spots. Your paint job can also be damaged by prolonged exposure to chemicals. Even if you do dig your car out, it's advisable to clean it to get rid of harmful substances. Hard Work The longer you leave your car under its coating of snow, the harder it's going to be to dig it out. Fresh snow is relatively easy to shift, but packed snow can freeze to be hard as concrete. After your car has been under the snow, if you think there are any problems with your engine, brakes, or battery, the service department at Chestatee Ford can check it over for you. Image via Pixabay

Mornings are more enjoyable with a perfect cup of coffee. The aroma, taste, and caffeine all combine to perk you up and get you ready for the day. Whether you drink coffee in the morning before leaving the house, grab a cup on the way to work, or enjoy a few throughout the day, coffee never disappoints. Because coffee is as addictive as it is delicious, coffee shops are very popular in almost every community. Here are a few located in Dahlonega. Picnic Cafe Located in the square, Picnic Cafe serves coffee even the most careful connoisseurs are content with. The ambiance inside, however, is far from pretentious. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you would like to relax and people-watch while enjoying coffee and a delicious cookie. The staff will bring your order to your table and highchairs are also available for little ones. more The food offerings go far beyond just coffee. This cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch and they conveniently offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items. The food is classic American cafe style. The coffee, food, and ambiance mix so well that many who experience Picnic Cafe once, come again and again. The Crimson Moon It is not every day you can get your caffeine fix in a historical building. At The Crimson Moon, you can have this unique and immersive experience. Located on the square on North Park Street, this organic coffee shop invites creativity and also hosts musicians in one of the famous old buildings in the historic square. The walls are lined with paintings, local art, and musical posters. The music is eclectic and can be enjoyed while relaxing on a comfortable couch. Whether you are looking for an early morning breakfast cafe or a late-night place to hang out, you can find it here. Serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, The Crimson Moon is open all day. In fact, they are even open for late-night eats and drinks at their bar. If you are the kind of person that enjoys a coffee shop with a lot of character, The Crimson Moon is a great choice. Starbucks Starbucks is one of the most widely recognized names in coffee. Located in Dahlonega at 110 South Chestatee Street, it is a fixture in this community. With its variety of light, medium, and dark roast coffees from all over the world, Starbucks is the quintessential coffee shop. The ambiance here is cozy with comfy chairs inside. There is also seating and tables outside. Because of the location, in the University of North Georgia administration building, friendly students are always coming in and out. It is a great location to people-watch while enjoying a morning cup of Joe. The university is a military one, so you might even catch some cadets jogging by. Coffee drinkers go nuts for a great coffee shop with loads of character. These locations offer three very unique experiences, and they all have amazing coffee. Dahlonega locals and visitors alike enjoy the variety and cozy environment these cafes provide. Image via Pixabay

When you're looking for a thrilling drive, Ford has a variety of cars that offer adrenalin-inducing power and exciting handling. These vehicles will have you wanting to take the long way home to prolong the driving pleasure. Here are four of the fastest Fords for 2019. Ford Fiesta ST For big thrills in a small package, the Fiesta ST is a good-looking hatchback that packs a punch. It features Ford's turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. A slick shifting six-speed manual transmission keeps you firmly in control of the power. more Whether you're zipping around the city or heading out on the highway, the Fiesta is fun to drive and offers nimble handling. It can take you from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 144 mph. Its unique sports suspension and torque vectoring control help to keep you on track on the windiest roads. 2019 is the Fiesta's final year. Ford Edge ST If you need more space and versatility, but without sacrificing power, the Edge ST is an SUV with attitude. It also has the 2.7-liter V-6 turbo that delivers 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST has a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and its top speed is limited to 133 mph. Electronic stability control, traction control, curve control, torque vectoring control, and the intelligent all-wheel drive system keeps you glued to your seat while you enjoy the driving. Ford Fusion V-6 Sport The 2019 Fusion V-6 Sport has the appearance of a mild-mannered family sedan, but under the surface is a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for controlled gear changes. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a little over 5 seconds and the V-6 Sport tops out at 155 mph. To handle the power, it features electronic suspension damping that softens or stiffens the suspension as needed. All-wheel drive is standard. Ford Mustang For legendary muscle car motoring, the Mustang is at the peak of its class and the Bullitt has a style of its own. Inspired by the car from a movie of the same name, it has a 5.0-liter V-8 producing an awesome 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. With a top speed of 163 mph, it can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. If that's not enough power for you, the track-bred Mustang Shelby GT350R features a 5.2-liter V-8 delivering 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. You'll be pinned in your seat as it accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and to the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds. For track use, it has a top speed of 175 mph. The Ford performance team works to bring you the best in driving excitement. To find out more about these high-performance models, visit Chestatee Ford.

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

Welcome to the all-new, completely redesigned Ford Explorer. The 2020 Explorer has received the update we've been waiting for. What was already a great SUV has now been readied for what the future holds. Here's a look at what's new with the 2020 Ford Explorer, and why it's the best yet: A New Generation The 2020 Ford Explorer is the first of its generation and has been fully redesigned to bring you an updated SUV ready for your adventures. Its features are more swooping and aerodynamically pleasing than the 2019 model. Where the 2019 Explorer was boxy and rectangular, the 2020 Explorer is slick and streamlined — more of what we expect from a new generation that we'll live with for the next few years into the future. more More Power The 2020 Ford Explorer has even more power, especially when it comes to towing. The 30 extra pound-feet of torque it has on the 2019 model lets it tow 600 more pounds for a total of a 5,600-pound towing capacity. The 2020 Explorer's top engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, produces 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to take your camping and lake trips to the next level. More Liveable The 2020 Ford Explorer aims to be your home away from home. The center dashboard has a less busy design compared to the 2019 Explorer, and makes room for the available tablet-sized 12.3-inch touch-screen display. If you don't need a laptop in your SUV, the standard 8-inch screen is more muted but still useful. The traditional shifter has been replaced with a space-saving rotary selector. The dashboard has less of those buttons you never use and leaves the ones you do. In short, the 2020 Explorer has a more aesthetically modern, minimalist design that lends more to the cabin's ambience. One of the major selling points of the Explorer is the great amount of passenger and cargo space it has. The 2020 model still seats seven people in three comfortable rows. The third row can be folded down to create up to an impressive 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Evidently, the Explorer is ready for anything that you and your family throw at it. Safer The 2020 Ford Explorer has more safety features that keep you and your family even more secure than before. It has been equipped with even more driver-assist technologies such as automatic high-beam headlamps, a lane-keeping system, automatic emergency braking, and more. If you're worried about the driving an SUV-sized vehicle, fear not — these technologies act as the Explorer's co-pilot to help you navigate the world with ease. If you're ready to make the jump to the SUV world, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a great place to start. If you're already a fan of Ford's expertly designed SUVs, you'll love what the new Explorer has to offer. Visit us at Chestatee Ford for a test drive of your new SUV today.

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

If you're looking for your next full-size SUV, look no further than the 2019 Ford Expedition. It has everything you need to take on life's adventures in style. Here are four reasons the 2019 Ford Expedition stands out from the crowd: Powerful Performance When you get a full-size SUV, you want the most space on the most powerful system. Meet the 2019 Ford Expedition. It has a best-in-class tow rating of 9,300 pounds and makes it easy with features like the Pro Trailer Backup Assist. If you want to head off the beaten path, equip your Expedition with the FX4 Off-Road Package to add off-road shocks, two-speed automatic four-wheel-drive, skid plates, and more. more If you get the Platinum trim level, you'll get up to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Equip your Expedition with the Terrain Management System to better equip your SUV to handle inclement weather and rough roads. The list of performance features for the Expedition is as long as your confidence is big while you're driving this reliable SUV. Family-sized Cabin Whether you're taking the family trip of your dreams or embarking on another grocery store run, the 2019 Ford Expedition has the space you need. The Expedition seats eight people — you and seven of your favorite people, or your in-laws. If you're worried about being cramped, don't — the 2019 Expedition has best-in-class legroom in the second and thirds rows, as well as more hip room than many competitors. The available tip-and-slide second row gives people easy access to the third row. If you need more room for gear than you do for people, all the seats in the Expedition fold down to allow for 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Customize your seating arrangement to get the perfect cabin for your group's adventure that day. New-Generation Technology A new SUV should keep you connected in new ways. The 2019 Expedition is full of tech that lets you stay in touch with the rest of the world from the comfort of your vehicle. The dashboard-mounted touch screen is phone-friendly and allows you to use many of your favorite features directly through your SUV. Driver-assist technologies enhance your awareness on the road to keep you safer than ever. A Wi-Fi hot spot, premium audio system, rear-seat dual-screen entertainment screens — the Expedition makes the dullest drives shine. Stylish to Boot Not only is the 2019 Expedition full to the brim with features and creature comforts, but is also holds it all in style. The chiseled, elegant exterior balances charm with a ruggedly capable atmosphere. Inside, Ford's keen eye for design makes for a cabin that's full of pleasant ambience — from the multiple upholstery colors to the available dual-pane sunroof. If you're ready to explore the world in a 2019 Ford Expedition, visit us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, Georgia. See how this top-notch SUV can change the way you think about your trips first-hand with a test drive. Ford Expedition via Flickr by JLaw45 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

Ford has a long earned reputation for rolling out high-performance vehicles. Since the turn of the century when Henry Ford and his team of engineers developed the “Sweepstakes” race car with state-of-the-art innovations like mechanical fuel injection and insulated spark plugs, this automaker never looked back. Is there a performance Ford in your future? Let's explore a few of today's top picks. The 2019 Ford Fiesta ST The new Fiesta is especially fun behind the wheel. It's one of the liveliest subcompact cars on the lot, with nimble handling and dynamic engine performance, particularly the ST trim. Its 197-horsepower powertrain consists of a turbocharged EcoBoost engine and a six-speed manual transmission. This combination delivers enthusiastic acceleration and precise steering thanks to its sport-tuned suspension system. This trim offers plenty of other noteworthy features including high-performance brakes, automatic climate control, push-button start, and a proximity key. more The 2019 Ford Edge ST For the 2019 model year, Ford replaced the Edge Sport trim with the high-performance ST variant. It now comes equipped with an improved, eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the outgoing six-speed gearbox. The new Edge ST's twin-turbocharged, 2.7-liter V-6 engine outputs 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It's an excellent choice for families thanks to its highly-competitive fuel economy estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This spacious two-row, midsize SUV also touts a refreshed interior, updated exterior styling, and multiple advanced driver assistance and safety features. The 2019 Ford F-150 The 2019 Ford F-150 is one of the most capable trucks in its class, and it comes with plenty of choices from bed lengths to cab configurations. Loaded with performance equipment, this pickup can out-tow and out-haul the competition. The new F-150 pickup offers a selection of six power engines, including the Limited trim's high-output EcoBoost V-6. The Raptor variant comes outfitted with new shocks and a new trail control system, while the luxurious Platinum trim boasts wood trim accents. The new F-150 touts a spacious, comfortable interior stuffed with user-friendly technology including the SYNC 3 infotainment system. The 2019 Ford Mustang Since 1964, the Ford Mustang has held a special place in the hearts of muscle car enthusiasts, and this year's model is no different. The 2019 Mustang is a magnificent example of what a well-rounded, modern-day sports car should be. It's handsome and fun to drive, with a comfortable cabin and plenty of high-tech extras. This pony-car strikes an appealing balance between performance and versatility thanks to its athletic handling. The Mustang's available 460-horsepower V-8 engine delivers a thrilling experience, yet it rides smooth for a relaxing, daily commute. The new model offers up two celebratory variants, including the Mustang Bullitt and the California Special package. Ford's passion for performance and unmatched ingenuity has powered the development of its performance line of vehicles. Head to your local showroom today and find the perfect Ford for your future. Ford Mustang emblem via Flickr by John Beans Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Perched atop one of the richest deposits east of the Mississippi River, the city of Dahlonega is home to the first gold rush. Two decades before miners headed west to California to find their fortunes, gold was discovered right here in Georgia. Experience a taste of gold-fever in the Dahlonega area at one of these hot spots for treasure hunting. Consolidated Gold Mine The Consolidated Gold Mine at 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road was the largest gold mining operation in the area. Blasted out in the early 1900s, the mine's deep tunnels are open daily for public tours. Travel 200 feet underground and enjoy a 40-minute exploration of the mine shaft, learn about the original miner's struggles, and pick your tour guide's brain. Staffed by expert miners, this underground adventure is the perfect prelude to your own search for gold. After your tour, experience the thrill of gold panning. Learn the tricks of the trade from some of the world's best panners. Use the water-powered flumes to reveal hidden nuggets. With luck, you'll strike it rich. Once you find a keeper, have your gold nuggets made into jewelry right onsite. more Crisson Gold Mine Established in 1847, Crisson Gold Mine at 2736 Morrison Moore Parkway East is what's called an "open pit" gold mine. Explore antique gold mining machines at the site, including a 125-year-old stamp mill that's still used today to crush quartz rock into ore. Pan for gold at the gold mine or buy a five-gallon bucket of ore to take home with you. For serious treasure hunters, use the site's trommels to quickly separate your gold from the sand. You can also go gemstone grubbing at Crisson. Sift through dirt from Franklin, North Carolina at the mine. It contains rubies, emeralds, sapphires, crystals, amethysts, and garnets. Some stones are even good enough to make into jewelry. The Tesnatee River Try your luck panning the Tesnatee River. For more than a century, miners have scoured the rivers and creeks of Georgia in search of riches. There's always a chance of still finding a nugget today. Recreational gold panning is allowed in most streambeds in the Dahlonega area. When using only a shovel and pan, no special permission, permits, or fees are required. The Tesnatee River is 12 miles long and is a reliable place to find gold. Dahlonega Gold Museum Your search for riches won't be complete without a stop at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Located at 1 Public Square, it's one of the most visited historic sites in the area. Formerly the Lumpkin County Courthouse, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look into Georgia's mining history. The courthouse building served the community from 1836 to 1965 and was made from local bricks that held trace amounts of gold. Discover rare coins, see a five-ounce gold nugget, and browse the gift shop for unique treasures. Discover gold in Dahlonega today. Although you may not strike it rich, its wealth is in the experience. Image via Flickr by Chris Fithall under use of CC BY 2.0

Ford built the completely redesigned Escape for style, comfort, and fun. This small crossover SUV features a spacious new cabin, and will turn heads with its sleek, revamped exterior. The vehicle is engineered for life on the go with the return of its hybrid powertrain. Let's get to know the 2020 Ford Escape. Your Choice of Advanced Powertrains The new 2020 Escape comes with your choice of traditional gas engines or a hybrid motor. Pick either the efficient 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-cycle plug-in hybrid or one of two EcoBoost setups. There's the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and the 2.0-liter powertrain with fuel-efficient auto start-stop technology. more Get improved power and acceleration with sporty performance that can tow up to 2,000 pounds thanks to 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque from the 1.5-liter engine. The larger engine delivers 250 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque and offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Both gas engines pair nicely with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Plenty of Amenities The new Escape features an updated exterior design giving it a more sedan-like appearance. It touts sliding second-row seats that vastly improve comfort and versatility, adding 40.7 inches of legroom and a total of 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. You'll appreciate this SUV's modern, rear liftgate design that's also newly available for the upcoming model. Ford's state-of-the-art SYNC 3 infotainment system features an 8-inch freestanding touchscreen. It's loaded with Apple CarPlay, Ford+Alexa, Android Auto, and 4G LTEWi-Fi capability standard across all trim levels. Contemporary Performance The all-new, fourth-generation 2020 Ford Escape has amenities which will make your journeys comfortable, such as selectable drive modes to help improve your overall driving experience. Easily handle varying road surfaces with five different settings, including normal, eco, slippery, sport, and snow/sand. These distinct modes automatically modify the Escape's electronic stability control and traction control systems. Save fuel with Ford's available all-wheel drive disconnect. This innovative feature allows you to automatically disconnect the rear driveline when necessary. With only the front wheels moving the vehicle, it reduces drag and the drivetrain's energy demands. You'll also appreciate active park assist and adaptive cruise control, all standard features of the 2020 Ford Escape. The Added Protection of Co-Pilot360 Ford has equipped each new Escape with the Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, all standard. This bundle includes blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, auto high-beam headlamps, pre-collision assist, a lane-keeping system, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Stay in command from the driveway to the highway with additional technology that's designed to keep you safe on the road such as Ford's head's up display. This displays information at eye level, reducing visual distractions so you can keep your eyes on the road. The 2020 Escape is available in five trim levels: the base S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and the range-topping Titanium. Seek out possibilities and blaze new trails in your new SUV. Test drive your favorite trim at a Ford showroom near you. Image via Ford.com