What's Worth Visiting in Dahlonega, Georgia?

The city of Dahlonega , GA is centered around a beautiful historic square and shopping district. Included in the city limits is the campus of North Georgia college and State University. Each year Dahlonega plays host to a number of festivals, the most notable being Gold Rush Days held in October which is a two day event, including a pageant, a fashion show, a lengthy parade and the shutting down of the entire city to all but foot traffic and vendors.

Aside from the beautiful landscape, Dahlonega has one thing that sets it apart from most tourist traps in the North Georgia area~ authenticity. Unlike the city of Helen farther up in the North GA mountains which is decorated and operates on an Alpine theme, Dahlonega is just...Dahlonega. There is no sense of a facade in Dahlonega, which tourists find refreshing. While it is growing at leaps and bounds it still manages to maintain the small time Appalachian feel of a real community.

Dahlonega holds the proud title of being the site of the first major American Gold Rush, and most everything in the town gives a nod to this notable history and to the Appalachian people who built the town. Unlike many other tourist attractions commercial interests have not taken over the native feel of the historic area, even though a native Dahlonegan has become a hard specimen to pin down in the city limits, due mainly to the fact that the historic district is run mostly by persons who have transplanted themselves into the area.

A number of political issues have caused turmoil in Dahlonega over the past few years as growth has vastly exceeded expectation with little or no plan, and those who move there sometimes forget that they are transferring into an area where the culture may be different from what they are accustomed to. The natives, and the people who have relocated to enjoy Dahlonega as it is often clash with those forces who wish to alter the area effectively destroying it's charm and feel. It has been a long and lengthy battle with blows to both sides, but for the time being those who wish to keep the historic district historic and preserve the land, and those who wish to bring Dahlonega alongside modern cities seem to be at a stand still, giving over the outskirts of the city limits to modern 'progression' and leaving the historic district to hold on to it's charm. This is what still draws visitors in year after year, but without all the big time advertising of what there is to do in Dahlonega one might end up spending a weekend out actually looking for something to occupy their time with and end up going home empty handed. So here is a list of the author's worth while jaunts while visiting Dahlonega.

Art On The Square

Dahlonega's basic attraction is perusing the shops on the historic square, and with good reason. Seasoned tourists are accustomed to shops that are often laden with nickel and dime store novelties and souvenirs to the point that they are bursting at the seams. Visitors to Dahlonega's shops are surprised at the open clean atmosphere and the quality of inventory in her shops. In fact, one of Dahlonega's greatest retail assets is original art. There are a number of galleries on the square, each with it's own feel . If you are seeking a specific type of art to purchase it would be wise to dedicate an entire day to peruse the galleries and see what all Dahlonega has to offer, but if what you seeking is an experience in art then there are two galleries you must not miss. The Bleu Gallery and Brad Walker's Pottery Studio are mere steps apart on the public square, and top this author's list as the best places to visit in Dahlonega. In fact, it can be a little hard to leave either one once you're inside.

The Bleu Gallery claims to be a gallery 'outside the box' and they deliver. As of the writing of this article the Bleu Gallery features six artists all with a unique perspective. One of the greatest features of the Bleu Gallery is that you can walk in and watch the artists at work , and share some conversation with them. . The atmosphere is not it's only asset of merit, however, as the artwork is rather astounding. For those accustomed to seeing droll landscapes and shabby folk art aimed at drawing in the tourist crowd for a fleecing, it is absolutely refreshing to see art that is...well, art, on display in a gallery.

Brad Walker's Pottery Studio is a unique and fun experience. It is not unusual for Brad Walker to engage his customers in conversation, or even a quick display of his talents to amuse the kids. In fact, it is such a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere that you almost forget to look at the pottery that he has on display, but when you get your bearings back, it is certainly worth it! The pottery is unique well crafted and artful, unlike anything you are likely to run across elsewhere. When viewing the creations there make sure to read the note cards for each one to heighten the experience.

Historic Dahlonega Dining

Dahlonega has an inordinate share of restaurants for such a small town. From sports bar dining to gourmet cuisine it has pretty much everything, so how to know where to go? It really depends on what you are after, and each has it's own merits~ From the Crimson Moon Cafe's delicious and amazing French Toast (the stuff dreams are made of) , to Caruso's addictive hot wings (order them with extra hot sauce), you can satisfy whatever craving you are subject to. Therefore, it would be best to rate it this way.

Most bang for your buck: Caruso's Italian Restaurant and Grill aka The Dahlonega Brewing Company, offers the entire range of Italian food and a few surprises. Your best bet for tasty noshing? Pizza and wings, with a hefty slice of tiramisu cheesecake to round out the meal. Also as the name implies, there is a full bar, with table top trivia games, house beer and a friendly sports bar attitude, which is the attribute that really puts this establishment on the list.

Authentic small town dining experience: Connie's Ice cream Parlor. Grab a sandwich, ice cream or an order of Nachos and a Coca Cola in a glass bottle, yes a glass bottle! and have a seat at a parlor table that beckons to a time long gone. Wide open windows are open to the street and square area so that you have that hometown feel. Connie's is affordable, tasty, and the atmosphere is unbeatable!

For A Special occasion. This is a difficult section to write as their are two who really clamber for attention in this area. Dominique's Bartini offers the atmosphere and fare you would want to include in a special night out, but holds odd operating hours and lists very little information to the public which allows Wiley's On The Square to take it's place hands down. Wiley's is accessible, affordable and has a lovely ambiance. It also receives consistently high critic ratings across the board.

Outdoor Fun

Outdoor fun in Dahlonega is abundant. For experienced outdoorsman there are many opportunities to explore trails and practice rappelling as you head further up into the mountains. For those not so experienced however, Dahlonega's own Appalachian Outfitters offers packages for tubing, and kayaking as well as specialty overnight packages. While not located directly on the square, for those who desire out door fun it is worth the short drive out of town to visit with the folks at Appalachian outfitters.

Entertainment

Dahlonega offers a great deal of entertainment, with a great variety of possibilities to suit most tastes.
For those seeking authentic mountain music the best stop to make would be to visit on a Saturday and catch the live Bluegrass jam held on the lawn of the old Courthouse in the center of the town square. This popular weekend gathering turns out traditional tunes in an open air fashion and invites people to happen along at join at will. A great atmosphere and an excellent family friendly way to spend an afternoon.

For those with more contemporary tastes, The Crimson Moon Cafe would be your best bet for evening musical fare, featuring ticketed performances as well as an open mic night where you can sample a little of the local music scene. Combined with a coffee house atmosphere this is a wonderful venue and nice place to spend an evening out.

If you have any leaning toward theatrical entertainment be sure to check out the Historic Holly Theater, which has much to offer. Recently restored from years of neglect ,a huge community effort has gone into repairing the building, and the creation of The Holly Theater Company, and that makes it the single best bet for entertainment in the Dahlonega area. While tickets cost fifteen dollars to see the theater company perform, it would be well worth your time in getting a complete picture of the areas culture. Topping that list is the popular Mountain Music Medicine Show, for authentic Appalachian entertainment, at only $12 a ticket as of this writing. Unfortunately as it is not regular in schedule and often sold out , one must keep up with show dates and plan accordingly.

Whatever your tastes and whatever your goals in visiting Dahlonega the town is sure to be a welcome and refreshing breath of sweet mountain air that offers plenty to see and do.