With a population of just about 8,000, Dahlonega, GA, is a small city located less than 70 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Right in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, it is known for its past as the site of the second major discovery of gold in the state of Georgia. Although it is a relatively small town, Dahlonega welcomes thousands of visitors each year, with several local attractions, cozy cafés, and small restaurants. 
1. Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
Housed in the building of an old courthouse, the Dahlonega Gold Museum is the main touristic attraction in the city. Featuring an impressive collection of artifacts from the 1836 gold rush, it is located just a block away from Hancock Park and the Dahlonega Visitors Center, right in the city center. Guided tours can be booked by phone, and tickets can be bought on-site, with discounts available for youth and senior visitors.
If you are looking for a place where you can learn more about the history of the area and the events associated with one of the first gold rushes in the country, the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site is a place you should definitely check out while in town. In the permanent exhibition, you will find several old gold coins, gold panning equipment, gold nuggets, as well as educational films and books.
2. Dahlonega Historic Downtown
With charming streets, brick sidewalks, small local shops, art galleries, and restaurants, Dahlonega’s historic downtown area is a place where you can go for a relaxing stroll and have a pleasant time with your friends or family. Most buildings in the area were built during the 1830s, when the region’s gold rush began attracting workers from all over the region. A good tip for visitors is to stop by the Dahlonega Visitors Center and grab a free map of the town.
Some of the places you should not miss while in Dahlonega’s historic downtown area include Hancock Park and the city’s main square, as well as the Holly Theatre, the Old Jail, the Price Memorial Hall, and the Chestatee River Diving Bell. Once you are done exploring these sites, stop by one of the charming cafés along Main Street and grab a delicious dessert, or, if you are feeling hungry, check out the restaurants serving local and international food.
3. Crisson Gold Mine
As you might have noticed, most of the attractions in and around Dahlonega are linked to the gold rush that took place in the area in the early 19th Century. While the Dahlonega Gold Museum is an excellent place to start, there is nothing like visiting an open-pit gold mine to learn more about the town’s history. Crisson Gold Mine is located just five miles north of the downtown area and offers guided tours for visitors.
Are you looking for new or used vehicles for sale in the Dahlonega area? If the answer is yes, stop by Chestatee Ford. We have an extensive catalog of cars, as well as the most convenient financing plans in the market.
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