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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

Wine enthusiasts are invited to explore the heart of Georgia's wine country. Located in the foothills of the state's northern mountains, the city of Dahlonega is the area's wine tasting capital. It offers the highest concentration of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the state. Enjoy award-winning vino and breathtaking views at one of these exquisite wineries. Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery Unwind and feel right at home at Cavender Creek Winery on 3610 Cavender Creek Road. This downtown tasting room takes immense pride in sharing their hospitality, knowledge, and enthusiasm for fine wines. Dahlonega's newest family grape farm, this intimate venue holds its wines up to the highest standards of quality. Sprawled over 15-acres, this property produces only 1,400 cases of truly hand-crafted Petit Manseng, Cabernet Sauvignon and American Norton varieties per year. more Accent Cellars Farm Winery Located at 215 Auraria Road, Accent Cellars Farm Winery is a topnotch urban micro-farm winery nestled just a two-minute drive from the city center. It produces hand-crafted wines and ciders and has earned a growing reputation in the area thanks to its festive atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy live music and a welcoming, knowledgeable staff, including the owners and winemakers themselves. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery If you're on the lookout for a highly-acclaimed, award-winning winery in Dahlonega, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery is a must-stop venue located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail. With over 150 medals in major national competitions over multiple categories, this winery is an established leader in fine wine production. Wolf Mountain provides a premier experience. Sample this venue's Champenoise Sparkling Wine and order a tasty dish off the menu. It's filled with traditional European and Southern regional cuisine. Three Sisters' Vineyards and Winery Dahlonega's first family-owned and operated winery, Three Sisters' Vineyards is Lumpkin County's premier wine grower. It produces up to 4,000 cases of 100-percent locally grown estate wine. This picturesque 184-acre property at 439 Vineyard Way hosts the annual Georgia Wine Country Festival and has a unique collection of Southern folk art on display. With a laid back and fun atmosphere, relax on the patio and sip your favorite vintage at Three Sisters' Tasting Room. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Kaya Vineyard and Winery, formerly Blackstock Vineyards, re-opened in 2012. Located at 5400 Town Creek Road, it offers a full, resort-like experience with a restaurant, hotel, craftsman cottages, and an event facility. Kaya Vineyard and Winery is shaping up to be Dahlonega's largest winery retreat north of Georgia's capital city of Atlanta. Perched atop a 1,600-foot ridge, Kaya Vineyard offers one of the most exquisite panoramic mountain views in the area. Its tasting room features 12-foot windows to take in the scenery. Guests are invited to enjoy the 2,000-square-foot covered deck. All of Kaya's wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on the property, mainly classic European, Italian, and American varieties. Head to Georgia's world-class wine country today. Discover one — or all — of these exceptional wineries in Dahlonega. Wineries via Flickr by Witches Falls Cottages Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

The scenic North Georgia mountains provide breathtaking views, especially in fall as the leaves change colors. Experience the beauty of autumn in North Georgia by visiting these fall festivals in Dahlonega. Dahlonega Trail Fest Dahlonega Trail Fest takes place in Dahlonega Square Sept. 6-8 and is a festival that celebrates Dahlonega's place along the Appalachian Trail. Loved by outdoor enthusiasts, Dahlonega Trail Fest supports all outdoor recreation, such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and orienteering. If you love the outdoors, this is the festival for you. At the festival, visitors have the opportunity to meet authors, listen to speakers, and take part in workshops. You can also enjoy an abundance of live music and delicious food. Walking along Vendors Row at Trail Fest, guests are able to purchase outdoor gear from a variety of locally and nationally known vendors. more Gold Rush Days Festival Located in downtown Dahlonega, Gold Rush Days Festival runs from Oct. 19-20. This fall festival gives visitors a chance to experience autumn in Dahlonega and celebrate the history of Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Gold Rush Days is an annual event that hosts thousands of visitors each year. A family-friendly festival, Gold Rush Days hosts hundreds of art and craft exhibitors. Multiple food vendors will be available as you make your way through the festival. Hemlock Festival Every nature lover will appreciate the Hemlock Festival, which takes place from Nov. 1-3. The Hemlock Festival is a family-friendly three-day music festival that includes camping and other outdoor activities. All proceeds from the Hemlock Festival will be used to help protect North Georgia's hemlock trees and rehabilitate American chestnut trees throughout Georgia. In North Georgia, a parasite has been killing the hemlock trees along the Appalachian Trail. Therefore, the purpose of the Hemlock Festival is to raise awareness and raise funds to help these trees survive the devastating effects of this parasite. In addition to protecting hemlock trees, another goal of the Hemlock Festival is to restore the American chestnut trees, which were invaded by a fungus and almost completely eradicated. You can help protect North Georgia's trees and its ecosystem by participating in the Hemlock Festival each year. Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega Spend Halloween by trick-or-treating with your family along the streets of downtown Dahlonega. Taking place on Oct. 31, Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega offers Halloween fun for the entire family to enjoy. All you have to do is get your costumes ready and head out to downtown Dahlonega. Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega begins in Dahlonega Square. There's no need to worry about traffic safety, as all roads around Dahlonega Square will be closed off and traffic routed elsewhere for the duration of the event. Multiple fall festivals take place in Dahlonega, Georgia, each year. Each of these fall festivals presents unique opportunities to have fun outdoors and learn about the history and nature of the area. Enjoy exploring Dahlonega's beautiful landscape this fall. Image via Flickr by Kevin Arscott under the use of CC BY 2.0

A vehicle's transmission is the system that enables the vehicle to change gears at different speeds. The transmission is an essential component of the vehicle and must be taken care of to ensure the vehicle functions properly. Check out these five tips for keeping your automatic transmission up and running. Schedule Regular Maintenance With any vehicle, it's important to always schedule routine vehicle maintenance. Keeping your vehicle on a consistent maintenance schedule is the only way to make sure that all vehicle fluids are filled to the appropriate levels and that your vehicle is performing as it should. Let the professionals run a checkup on your vehicle every so often just in case there are any problems. With regularly scheduled maintenance, potential problems could be caught early on, saving you money on repairs in the long run. more Check the Transmission Fluid It's important to have the transmission fluid checked periodically. Similar to checking the vehicle's oil, all you have to do is pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in, wait a moment, and then pull it out to check the fluid level. You'll also need to check if the fluid is dark or smells bad, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem. Get the Engine Cooling System Serviced The cooling system is vital to the vehicle, as it helps prevent the engine from overheating and helps cool down the transmission fluid. In order to keep all parts of the vehicle in good working order, it's best to have the vehicle's engine cooling system serviced every so often. Transmission and engine repairs can be incredibly expensive, so it's a good idea to keep everything under the hood in optimal condition. Don't Change Gears While the Car is Moving It's harmful to the vehicle if you change gears while the car is still moving because it puts excess strain on the transmission. To take care of your automatic transmission, be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before you change gears. For example, you want the car to be completely stopped before you switch from reverse to drive. Preventative Maintenance There are some preventative maintenance steps that you can follow to keep your vehicle's transmission healthy. First, have your transmission inspected by a professional annually. The service professional will check the transmission for leaking or other problems and will also check the transmission fluid's level, color, and smell. Second, it's better to let your vehicle warm up for a few minutes before you drive, especially in the wintertime. This is important because it lets the engine run and gets everything moving before you begin driving. Whether you're a novice or a professional regarding cars, it's important to learn how to take care of your vehicle so it continues to run in tip-top shape. With these tips, you'll be able to keep your vehicle's transmission in good working order for years to come. Image Via Flickr by Daniel Hartwig under use of CC BY 2.0

North Georgia is home to numerous wineries as well as gorgeous mountain views. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the view with a glass of wine in hand. Here's a list of the best vineyards to visit in Dahlonega, Georgia. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery was established in 1999 and features hillside vineyards similar to those of wineries in Napa. The grounds may give off a California vibe, but the wines offered at Wolf Mountain are more European in nature. Wolf Mountain proudly showcases its award-winning, handcrafted wine through numerous events and tastings around the 30-acre estate. Public events at Wolf Mountain include a variety of wine tastings and tours, a Sunday brunch, a cafe lunch, and a gourmet dinner. Wolf Mountain also hosts private events such as wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. more Accent Cellars Known as Dahlonega's micro-urban winery, Accent Cellars is located a couple of minutes outside downtown Dahlonega. It specializes in creating handcrafted wines that are made with fruit that's sourced from farms throughout Georgia, California, Texas, and other states across the United States. Accent Cellars features a wine-tasting area where guests can grab a quick bite to eat, sit down, and enjoy the wine. Food can be purchased on-site, or guests can bring their own food into the winery. The winery also hosts private events such as birthday parties and wedding rehearsals, ceremonies, and receptions. The interior of the winery can accommodate 60 guests, while the outdoor space can accommodate over 100 guests. Montaluce Winery Located in Dahlonega, Montaluce Winery features delicious wines and breathtaking views of North Georgia. The winery provides an on-site tasting room as well as a restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition to traditional wine-tasting events, Montaluce Winery offers a wine hike that lets guests explore the grounds by following a nature trail that leads through the vineyard. At the end of the hike, guests may take part in a wine tasting. The winery also hosts private events, including wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and private tours and tastings. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Kaya Vineyard and Winery makes its home in Dahlonega and features a panoramic mountain view. All wines at Kaya are created from estate-grown grapes. The vineyards at Kaya are planted with European, Italian, and American grapes. The winery provides a tasting room as well as a covered patio with live music in the spring and summer. Kaya also hosts private events including weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. The main event offered is The Kaya Vineyard and Winery Tour, which takes guests on a tour of the grounds and the barrel room. After the tour, guests will have an opportunity to taste the wine. Reservations are required for the tour. Each of these wineries offers unique tasting events and incredible views of the North Georgia mountains. Explore the beautiful vineyards of Dahlonega today. Image via Pixabay.com