James July-August 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 10
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DAHLONEGA
influx of miners after it was discovered to have the largest gold deposits found east of the Mississippi
River. In fact, the shining dome of
Georgia’s Capitol in Atlanta features
pure Dahlonega gold. Today the city
celebrates its rich past with attractions that visitors of all ages can enjoy-- from educational opportunities
including museums and artifacts to
interactive experiences such as gold
panning and mine tours.
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Dahlonega is located in one of
the most highly acclaimed wine
regions in the South, and was officially designated as the Dahlonega
Plateau AVA (American Viticultural
Area) in 2018. McDuffie says that
from Italianate hillside mansions to
craftsman-style lodges, visitors can
tour these distinctive wineries to
learn first-hand what it takes to coax
award-winning wines from ground
to grape to glass.
As the town closest to the southern terminus of the Appalachian
Trail, Dahlonega also offers a plethora of outdoor activities from kayaking and tubing to fishing and biking.
There are many hiking trails both
for day hikes and backpacking trips
near Dahlonega in the Chattahoochee National Forest Trails of Lumpkin
County. For adventure lovers, there
are plenty of waterfalls, road cycling
through the gaps and mountain biking on trails, kayaking on the Chestatee River and more.
After a day spent exploring the
plentiful Dahlonega attractions,
visitors can stroll the square of the
historic district, with many of the
restored wood and brick structures
on the National Register, where they
will find an abundance of dining, live
music and theater.
Rabun County
Whether gazing off at the sunrise
from the top of a mountain or look-
