Dahlonega's Wonderful Lodging

Just the word "winter" conjures up an entire array of magical images: Steaming mugs of hot chocolate and crackling fireplaces. Smoke drifting lazily from chimney tops. Snow-dusted evergreens. A patchwork quilt, a good book, a comfortable chair, and a glass of wine. Jumble all of these ingredients together and the result is winter at its finest. And perhaps nothing is better in winter than bundling up and heading to the mountains - the mountains of Northeast Georgia, that is, to Dahlonega, an authentic and cozy town located just off Georgia 400, about an hour's drive north of Atlanta.

With its relatively mild winters, Dahlonega's visitors can explore the outdoors and the winding mountain roads by hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in Georgia.

After a day of taking in the incredible scenery of the mountains and forest, visitors can then return to their accommodations in Dahlonega to enjoy evening hors d'oeuvres and a glass of Georgia-made wine (there are four world-class wineries in Lumpkin County alone!), enjoy luxurious treatments at any one of the area's spas or health centers, or simply take a winter stroll among the town's especially charming streets.

With fewer visitors to Dahlonega during winter than any other season of the year, it's the ideal time to learn about the area's fascinating journey through history and shop on the town square.

 The Dahlonega Commercial District, fanning out from the museum in a series of squares and historic buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dahlonega offers a wonderful diversity of un-crowded shopping opportunities with a litany of elegant shops, intimate boutiques, antique stores, and one-of-a-kind galleries offering local wines, distinctive gifts, clothing, and regional arts and crafts. Most of the shops are on or near the Gold Museum, so visitors can park once and shop all over town.

Visit the Shops of Dahlonega

Visitors can escape to the warmth of inside from a winter snowfall outside by dropping in on Dahlonega's wide range of restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes. With several venues offering live music, hosting book signings, or displaying the work of regional artists, dining in Dahlonega has reached a whole new level.

Dining in Dahlonega