3 Reasons to Spend the Day in Historic Downtown Dahlonega

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia, is just one hour north of Atlanta and has much to offer. Visit the town’s many historic sites, take in a show at the historic theater, or get goose bumps while listening to scary ghost stories. With so much to offer, there’s plenty of reasons to spend the day in historic downtown Dahlonega.

Learn the History at Dahlonega Gold Museum

The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, one of Georgia’s oldest standing buildings. Visitors can peruse exhibits depicting the history of the area, including a complete set of rare coins, a hydraulic cannon and nozzle, and a gold nugget weighing more than five ounces. Take a walk through the courthouse and note its beautiful features such as the wooden chapel seats that date back to 1889. Take a seat and watch a short film, and pick up souvenirs in the museum’s gift shop. With advance notice, tours and group rates are available.

The museum is located at 1 Public Square and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Watch a Film at The Holly Theater

This historic Holly Theater is situated in the Dahlonega town square and is the perfect spot to enjoy a live show. No seat is further than 20 feet from the stage, providing a perfect view of live music, theater, and comedy acts. Partnering with local businesses, the theater offers theatrical and educational programs to the residents of Dahlonega and its neighboring towns. Sip on a beer or glass of wine, and enjoy a show at this beautiful and historic theater.

The Holly Theater is located at 69 West Main Street and the office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Showtimes vary, so check their site for upcoming events.

Take a Ghost Tour

With its rich history, there’s no shortage of ghost lore in Dahlonega. There’s no better way to learn about the things that go bump in the night than on a ghost tour through town. Grab a map to take the Dahlonega Haunts Self-Guided Tour to visit sites that are sure to give you chills. Stop by The Picnic Café where a ghostly woman is said to be waiting by the window. Or visit Park Place Hotel where the owner swears that doors open and close by themselves, pots are found in the wrong cabinets, and plates are left in odd spots.

The Butler Building is also on the route and is said to have paranormal activity. Observers have seen flying plates and teapots moving across shelves and have heard footsteps when no one was around.

Start your self-guided ghost tour at the Dahlonega Gold Museum (inside the historic courthouse), hitting all 10 spots and ending at the Mount Hope Cemetery. The map can be found on the Dahlonega website.

Whether you’re a history buff or love the arts, Chestatee Ford gives you a list of activities and entertainment for the entire family in historic downtown Dahlonega.

 

Gold Nugget via Pixabay

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