James July-August 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 9
estled in the foothills
of the Appalachian
Mountains, North Georgia is where Southern
hospitality meets mountain majesty.
A region known for its rolling vineyards, quaint towns, misty peaks and
cascading waterfalls, North Georgia
offers a stunning and soothing retreat
from the modern world. Whether
you’re looking for scenic beauty,
small-town charm, or outdoor adventure, this corner of Georgia is packed
with treasures that captivate the
heart and stir the spirit.
Blairsville & Union County
Blairsville is a hidden gem for
outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty. According
to the Union County Chamber of
Commerce’s Gracie Nix, Blairsville
offers an abundance of outdoor
activities including hiking along
picturesque mountain trails, discovering breathtaking waterfalls and
enjoying boating or fishing on Lake
Nottely. Motorcycle riders will find
scenic routes with winding roads
and panoramic views that make
every ride thrilling.
“Whether you’re lodging at one
of our peaceful cabins, sipping local
wines at charming mountain wineries, or teeing off on a beautifully
maintained golf course, Blairsville
delivers the ultimate outdoor experience,” Nix said.
Blairsville’s quaint downtown
offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere without the crowds. Visitors
can stroll through locally owned
shops, enjoy a relaxed pace, and dine
at excellent restaurants known for
their farm-to-table meals made with
fresh, local ingredients.
“For those preferring to skip the
drive, Blairsville is home to a regional airport, and local transportation
options make getting around easy,”
said Nix. “Whether you’re flying in
for a weekend getaway or planning
a longer stay, Blairsville blends rustic charm, natural adventure, and
small-town hospitality in one unforgettable destination.”
WOLF MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS AND WINERY
Gold Rush & Grape Vines
Dahlonega is where Georgia’s
gold rush began, and its historic
town square still glitters with charm.
Described as a charming Appalachian mountain town, Dahlonega,
which is just over an hour away from
Atlanta, offers visitors so much more
from being wine country to embracing the town’s gold mining history
and offering ample opportunities for
outdoor adventure to agritourism.
“What makes Dahlonega truly
special is its blend of culture, historic
charm, and natural geographic appeal. From our gold rush beginnings
to today’s lively arts and wine scene,
Dahlonega has become a place
where history, creativity and mountain beauty all come together naturally,” said Sam McDuffie, executive
director of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin
County Visitors Bureau.
The first major gold rush of the
United States was not in California.
In 1829, 20 years before the boom
out west, Dahlonega welcomed an
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