Dahlonega is home to the Dahlonega Plateau and in 2018 it was recognized as a viticultural area. In layman’s terms it means that the area has unique soil characterizes, sunlight and climate that is special to growing grapes.
The Dahlonega Wineries
Etowah Meadery
The Etwowah Meadery offers a special unique wine to the Dahlonega area. Meads are a honey based wine that is made with fruits and spices from around the world, mainly China, Europe, and Africa. Mead has gained popularity in the US in recent years.
Their meads range in flavor and carry Southern Georgia naming conventions like: De Sotos Quest, Picking Up Paw Paws and Georgia Standard.
As a veteran owned business, sales from their Coop Dreams support disabled veterans.
This winery does not fall into the new category but their wines are just as delicious. This is a family ran business that sources fruits from Georgia, California, Texas and other locations which creates it’s complex flavors.
Accent Cellars offers wine tastings 7 days a week and have live music Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. What is unique about this winery, is they explicitly state to bring your picnic and enjoy their wine, (on their website) while other places frown upon the practice.
What’s amazing is that this winery grows 25 different grape varieties and makes some of the best blended wines around.
Frogtown Cellars has a long track record of wine awards since 2010:
2 Platinum
36 Gold
82 Silver
92 Bronze Medals
These winemakers have adopted French and Italian winemaking rules as they require strict compliance which protects and assists wine drinkers in identification of terrior-based wines.
Frogtown Cellars offers dining for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch at their Italian Bistro. While their wines are made on site, so is many of their foods: pizza dough, pasta dough, and desserts. All of their meats are smoked and cured on site except for the Italian imports.
Grab a glass, a charcuterie board and enjoy their long porches with spectacular mountain views.
Kaya Vineyard was renamed from the original Blackstock Vineyards. Along with wines, serving as a retreat and wedding venue, they have craftsman style cottages to relax a weekend away in.
They offer a light lunch menu from Tuesdays to Sundays with live music on the covered patio. Offerings include simple artisanal charcuterie boards to hand-helds and plates.
This winery was the first in the region. All their fruit is Georgia grown with most on their 184 acres. The property was purchased in 1995 with the first harvest in 2000 and named after Three Sisters Mountain.
When you arrive inside, you will be greeted with their large cherry wood tasting room. On Summer Saturdays, they have live music. If weather permits, enjoy a glass on their rock wall patio.
When you are at Wolf Mountain, you will feel like you are in Europe enjoying your wine instead of North Georgia. They use French winemaking processes and the European varieties make for much different wines than the other Dahlonega wineries.
And just to fit in with the wines, Wolf Mountain is designed to resemble a craftsman cottage that sits atop of the fieldstone encased cellar.
Along with their wines, they offer farm focused menus that are carefully paired with their wine selection. Their team prepares everything on-site and menus change seasonally with local selections.
Offers tastings 7 days a week. Cavendar Creek Vineyards was started when the original owner hand planted the original grape vines and produced the first vintage in 2009.
A mainstay and mascot on the property are the donkeys, so much so that they are affectionately knows as “the winery with the donkeys”.
They offer lodging, but it is limited to two cabins. One of them being 200 years old.
They offer wine tastings and represent Georgia’s oldest winery Georgia Winery located near Ringold, GA. They offer wine and pub tours along with ghost and history tours.
19 E. Main Street, Suite F, Dahlonega, GA 30533
CANVAS AND CORK, WINE TASTING, ART GALLERY, ARTISTS STUDIOS AND CLASSROOM
Their wine selection is from Gin Creek Vineyards in Hartsfield GA and is a satellite tasting room.
Canvas and Cork has a selection of 16 wines to select from: Fine wines, muscadines, dessert wines, Moscato, dry, off dry, semi sweet and sweet, so be assured there’s something for everyone!
Stating start at $12 for 5 tastings or $20 for 5 tastings and get your choice of a hand painted wine glass!
Cork and Canvas is part of the Dahlonega Wine Walk, where participates receive discounts. Among other things to do here, are painting classes from watercolor to acrylic. Other crafts are taught here as well along with summer classes for kids. Private classes are also available.
Cathy Gray is a natural adventurer in her personal and professional life. She adapts to overcome while maintaining an infectious laugh that will make you smile.
Professionally, Cathy currently works for an industrial hose and hydraulics company. While she was a green-horn in the hose business, she spearheaded the company’s eCommerce site from the ground up from a blank canvas to live and selling within 6 months. She continues to grow the company’s online and digital presence while increasing sales year over year.
Is your work or life in general ho-hum that you are just going through the motions on autopilot. At work, are you just there? If this is you now, there is not a good chance that you will find success if you continue.
Success is in your judgement and attitude. Success is doing what it is that you truly love. This does not mean that there aren’t struggles and battles along the way. It does mean that for most of the time, we are happy with what we are doing.
Success Starts Internally
First off, lets discuss mindset and attitude.
When your mindset and attitude is positive, you see the good things that are coming, and you don’t hyper focus on the bad. It makes life gentler and easier, not such a struggle all the time.
You are able to take appreciation from what you are doing. Your interacting with others in a more confident manner. Your self-talk and your words with others is much more happier and more cheerful and that makes it easier for you and everyone around you to be happier. It makes what you are doing more enjoyable.
Work on your mentality and your self-talk. Catch the negative ideas and words then change them to the positive.
When you start getting negative about yourself, remember:
it’s a trash can, not a trash can’t.
Success Externally
Now let’s discuss what you are doing.
To be successful you need to be doing something you love. That does not mean there will be some parts you don’t like so much or don’t do so well. However the majority of what you are doing will be what you enjoy.
How do you figure out what that is?
Let’s take a hint from your past.
Think about the times where you were doing something you were really happy doing. These instances don’t even have to be when you doing anything well. Anything that come to mind are called accomplishments.
The goal is to have more of them over a time.
Write them out then look for trends and bases affecting what you were doing, how you were doing it, what the conditions were, what you worked with and how you were relating with people.
Your list will give you a good idea of what you need to be doing. These will act as bases and trends.
The end is just as important as the beginning.
Over 100 waterfalls are located in the North Georgia mountains. Some of these waterfalls are on public lands and many are on private property.
These waterfalls are easily accessible on public lands. Remember that water levels affect the beauty of waterfalls and always use caution when around waterfalls.
These waterfalls are within a 25 mile radius of Dahlonega, GA. Even though, 25 miles may not seem like much, the drive will more than likely be longer because of mountain roads and slower traffic.
Cane Creek Falls
Cane Creek Falls is 2.9 miles from Dahlonega Square and is located on private property at Camp Glisson, but is open to the public only when the camp is not in session. At the entrance gate, there are signs that tell the public when it is closed.
Cane Creek Falls eventually falls in to he Chestatee River, which provides a good outing for kayaking, tubing or canoeing. This waterfall has a viewing platform at the top.
Clay Creek Falls
Clay Creek Falls is located on private property 2.9 miles away, but is viewable from the road.
There is not a place to park to observe the falls on foot, but it is very close to the road and well worth a drive by to see it, especially when the water is at higher levels.
Black Falls
Black Falls is at the Army Ranger training camp at Camp Frank D. Merrill. one of the higher falls in this guide. Be aware that if the gate is open, you may be able to observe Black Falls. A wooden gate across the creek makes an excellent photo opportunity.
Training facilities are located nearby, so viewing may or may not be permissible when you are here. Do not sneak onto the property.
Montgomery Creek Falls
Montgomery Creek Falls is an isolated fall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are mountain bike trails nearby, so be on the lookout. It is about half a mile to get there on an old logging road. It is just over 11 miles from Dahlonega.
Dicks Creek Falls
16 miles from Dahlonega Square, Dicks Creek Falls is really a couple of waterfalls located on Dicks Creek in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
It is is a very popular swimming hole for the locals and also provides a photo opportunity while taking a break. The hike is almost 1.25 miles round trip.
DeSoto Falls
18 miles from Dahlonega, DeSoto Falls consists of an upper falls and lower falls. The upper falls is a .75 mile hike up the creek with the lower falls .25 mile downstream. The total drop of all the falls is 480 feet.
Camping is also available and there is a restroom.
Long Creek Falls
At 50 feet tall, Long Creek Falls is another waterfall with a large pool at the bottom that is used as a swimming hole. The trail to Long Creek Falls is almost 2 miles round trip on the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail offers a scenic view.
Helton Creek Falls
Helton Creek Falls has one of the most spectacular falls and is 25 miles from Dahlonega and is also clos o Blairsville, GA. Like many others, it is a double waterfall. Helton Creek Falls has an observation deck between the upper and lower falls.
The trail itself is less than a quarter of a mile to get there. Unfortunately as of May 2022, this trail is closed due to needed repairs.
Dukes Creek Falls
From the parking lot the 1.25 mile trail goes town to observation deck at the foot of the 150 foot waterfall. There is an observation deck that is wheelchair accessible and has parking available for 30 vehicles. It is about 24 miles from Dahlonega.
This area has a stunning view of Mt. Yonah, which is a popular mountain for hiking and climbing. Sometimes the Army Rangers can be seen here during their training.
Raven Cliff Falls
Raven Cliff Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the area. It’s in the Chattahoochee National Forest but is not on the Appalachian Trail. The trail to the falls is 2.5 miles one way from the parking lot. Raven Cliff Falls is a triple fall totaling 100 feet. The trail does have water crossings.
It is about 25 miles from Dahlonega, GA, but is well worth the driver for a longer hike. Other cities nearby are Helen, GA and Blairsville, GA.
Amicalola Falls, GA
Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River at 729 feet high and is roughly 19 miles from Dahlonega. There is an entrance fee and the Appalachian trail starts here.
You can park at the bottom for a view up the falls or you can drive to the top of the falls to get a good view of the park. There is a new viewing deck that can be reached by driving to the middle of the falls. Along the falls, there is a metal staircase that goes from the bottom to the top of the falls. Many also choose to hike from the bottom as well.
Out of these waterfalls, I have only been to one, but many times – Amicalola Falls. If you choose to take the stairs, do know that there are many stairs. 604stairs to be exact. If you bring your dog, be aware that they are metal. If I would take mine, I would make sure to bring his shoes.
Cathy Gray is a natural adventurer in her personal and professional life. She adapts to overcome while maintaining an infectious laugh that will make you smile.
Professionally, Cathy currently works for an industrial hose and hydraulics company. While she was a green-horn in the hose business, she spearheaded the company’s eCommerce site from the ground up from a blank canvas to live and selling within 6 months. She continues to grow the company’s online and digital presence while increasing sales year over year.
How is your day going? Are you sure it will be a great one?
You have the option and you have the ability to make the day a fantastic one.
No one can make your day bad one unless you allow them. It is completely up to you to decide how you are going to take how things happen today. You are the captain and you are in charge of the steering of the ship.
Here are some tips to help you make it a wonderful day.
1 A good way to start the day is to have gratitude.
Have gratitude and start the day by being thankful for what you have and for what the day brings. Write down what you are grateful for first thing in the morning or before you go to bed. You may want to start a journal.
Gratitude can help you feel more positive and happy, while also helping you appreciate what’s going on around you instead of focusing on problems or negative experiences.
Try writing down 3 things that happened yesterday or today that made you happy, and then write down something that will make you happy tomorrow!
2 Be aware that you have a choice.
You are able to make a choice on how you are going to perceive anything that happens. Make the choice right now that you are going to look for the positive in everything that comes about today.
You can choose how you want to feel, think and act. You have the power to decide whether or not you will feel good about yourself and your life today. You have the ability to choose how much faith and confidence you are going to have in yourself, your abilities and your future.
When things do not go according to plan, which is bound to happen from time-to-time, remember it is only temporary and make the choice right now that you will look for the positive in everything.
3 It’s time to put on your smile and get happy.
It’s a new day! Let’s make it a good one.
You have a choice to be happy and cheerful, to laugh and play as much as you are able to today. Declare to yourself and the world at large that you’re going to see more of the funny side of life, share your joy with others, and be ready with a joke when someone needs cheering up.
If you’re feeling down or anxious, try this simple exercise: take a deep breath in; hold it for five seconds; then breathe out slowly through pursed lips for five seconds. Now repeat three times (or until you feel better).
4 We’re all about living your intentions.
It’s a great way to make sure that you’re staying on track with what’s important to you and what you want out of life. In order to do this, it’s important to make sure that your goals are in alignment with your values—and that they match up with how YOU want to live your life.
The best way we know how is by staying true to ourselves and who we are as people. If something feels like it might not be right for us, we just don’t do it—even if everyone else seems to be doing it! That way, we can live our lives on our terms and have fun doing it!
5 Today, do something special for yourself.
It does not have to be anything big or expensive—just think of something that would make you happy, and do it for yourself. No reason necessary.
If you’re feeling tired, take a nap. If you’re feeling lonely, call up a friend to hang out with you. If you are craving some comfort food, have a plate of cookies or chocolate-covered bacon (yes, there’s such a thing!). If you want to treat yourself, go buy yourself an outfit that makes you feel amazing—or splurge on some new shoes!
You can even treat yourself by doing nothing at all—just relax and enjoy being alive!
6 helpers high
Did you know that doing something nice for someone else is more likely to make you feel good about yourself than doing something for yourself?
It’s true! It’s called the “helper’s high” and it’s an actual thing. And we’re not talking about just any old thing—we’re talking about doing something unexpected and it doesn’t have to be big, like paying for someone’s coffee or lunch.
The point is that doing something nice will make you feel great—and it’ll also make somebody else smile!
once you start feeling those happy endorphins coursing through your body, we bet that’ll motivate you to do another kind act! You can even take it one step further by telling your friends about how great it feels—and then maybe they’ll want to try it too!
7 It’s time to get silly!
break away from your normal routine and doing something completely ridiculous. Do something that will make somebody laugh at you or with you. It doesn’t matter if other people think it’s weird or funny!
Humor is one of the best ways to do that, because it lets you step outside of your own head and see things from a different perspective—and it makes other people laugh!
You’ll be surprised at how much energy this will give you. You’ll feel like a new person afterwards!
8 Show your affectionate and love
Show your affectionate and love to somebody who might not expect it. There are people in this world who don’t know how much they mean to you.
Maybe it’s your best friend, or maybe it’s your mom. Maybe it’s the person who makes you laugh every day at work.
Whatever their role in your life, if there’s someone who deserves a little extra love today, let them know! Send them a note, or call them up and tell them how much they mean to you.
Don’t let another day go by without showing somebody how important they are to you! Surprise them. Make their day happier.
9 You know what makes someone’s day?
A smile. A big, happy, genuine smile. And a cheery hello.
So today, when you’re out and about and see someone who looks like they could use some cheering up—whether it’s a friend or a stranger or even just the person behind the counter at your local coffee shop—give them both of those things. You’ll be surprised at how contagious happiness is, and how it can make your day just as much as theirs!
10 You’ve worked hard, and it’s time to celebrate!
You don’t need to have a party or anything like that—just take a moment to feel how good you are, and how far you’ve come. Whatever it is, take a moment to acknowledge the good stuff in your life right now.
And then… get back to doing what makes you happy!
It’s something we all want occasionally: a stellar day.
Maybe you’ve been having an especially stressful week and could use something to perk you up. Maybe you’ve been missing your spouse and kids and desire some extra affection. Or maybe it’s just lunch time and you need a little pick me up during the workday.
In any event, you can’t always predict when these good feelings will hit, but you can set yourself up to have more of them by just giving somebody else a smile or saying ‘hello’ to someone new.
Whether it’s a cheerful coworker, a grumpy old man, or the guy behind the counter at the local coffee shop, it’ll be fun to brighten someone else’s day!
Cathy Gray is a natural adventurer in her personal and professional life. She adapts to overcome while maintaining an infectious laugh that will make you smile.
Professionally, Cathy currently works for an industrial hose and hydraulics company. While she was a green-horn in the hose business, she spearheaded the company’s eCommerce site from the ground up from a blank canvas to live and selling within 6 months. She continues to grow the company’s online and digital presence while increasing sales year over year.
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia has plenty to offer any visitor. It’s just a little over an hour from Atlanta, Georgia in the Northeastern area of Georgia. Spend a day at one of its local vineyards, go gold panning at its historic mine, or spend some time hiking in the surrounding countryside. There’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful town!
Gold Panning
Dahlonega Georgia is the home to the first gold rush of the USA, that started in 1828. When the gold rush hit in California 20 years later, many left to seek there fortunes in the west.
Every year they have a gold rush festival in downtown Dahlonega. I went there in the Fall of 2021 by chance.
Gold panning is a fun activity for all ages and it is a great way to learn about the history of gold mining. There are several places to pan for gold in Dahlonega.
Consolidated Gold Mine
The Consolidated Gold Mine is my personal favorite. Here they have underground tours, gem mining, gold panning, and a gem studio along with offering group tours. For a family, it’s an easy afternoon of family fun.
The consolidated mines are located at: 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road Dahlonega, GA 30533
If you want to rent equipment and try your hand at finding some gold yourself, this is an excellent place to do so! The process isn’t complicated at all and most people find that they enjoy it more than they thought they would.
Wine Tasting
The winery scene in Dahlonega is on the upswing, with 12 wine tasting rooms and 8 wineries. There are plenty of places to explore what Georgia mountain town has to offer.
The history of wine in Dahlonega goes back over 200 years, when it was first planted in 1821 by German immigrants. Many of the wineries have received hundreds of rewards over the years.
If you’re not up to traveling to the wineries yourself, try a winery tour that will leave you worry free.
If time is not on your side, there are many places to sample wines the one of the many Dahlonega tasting rooms.
Foods
There is a variety of cuisines within Dahlonega, GA.
Hiking to Nearby Waterfalls
While you’re in Dahlonega, you can hike to nearby waterfalls. There are 12 easily accessible waterfalls within 25 mile radius of downtown Dahlonega.
If possible, bring: water, bug spray, sunscreen, sneakers or hiking boots (the latter being required if hiking up Burnt Mountain)
If you’re looking for a way to get outside and enjoy the natural wonders of Dahlonega, Georgia, consider kayaking on the Chestatee River. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Dahlonega, GA. Once there, follow signs leading to put-in points. You’ll need your own boat and gear; rentals are not available at this time.
Depending on how much experience you have with kayaking and what type of water conditions are present when you go out into the river, it’ll take anywhere between 1 hour and 3 hours to complete your trip downriver (and back).
Because public parking is limited near put-ins points along Highway 400—and because they fill up quickly during warmer months when more people are enjoying themselves outdoors—it’s best if everyone carpools together before setting out on their adventure!
Dahlonega is rich in adventure, culture and charm.
Dahlonega is rich in adventure, culture and charm.
It is a great place to go for a weekend getaway, vacation or even just for day trip. There are many things to do in Dahlonega Georgia that will make your visit memorable.
Conclusion
You may need at least three days to enjoy the area, but if you have more time, then you can spend the extra day hiking to nearby waterfalls or kayaking down the Chestatee River.
Cathy Gray is a natural adventurer in her personal and professional life. She adapts to overcome while maintaining an infectious laugh that will make you smile.
Professionally, Cathy currently works for an industrial hose and hydraulics company. While she was a green-horn in the hose business, she spearheaded the company’s eCommerce site from the ground up from a blank canvas to live and selling within 6 months. She continues to grow the company’s online and digital presence while increasing sales year over year.
