Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia, Dahlonega proudly mines its gold rush heritage
Many a city brags about its “rich” history, but in Dahlonega, Georgia, they take that term literally. Gold was first spotted in this sleepy mountain town in 1828, and for twenty years afterwards—before the precious metal was discovered in California—tens of thousands of prospectors rushed to Lumpkin County, lured by the promise of gold that was 98% pure.
During the region’s gold heyday, more than 250 mines pocked the hills and valleys of North Georgia. By 1838, so much gold was being mined in the area that the federal government established a branch of the US Mint in what now is Price Memorial Hall at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega.
Although commercial gold mining ceased by the mid-20th century, visitors can still dig into the town’s gold heritage. Begin with a 40-minute guided tour of Consolidated Gold Mine, where 200 feet below ground in the dark, damp mine, you’ll glean how miners blasted through the rock walls with dynamite to reveal veins of gold-laced quartz and hear harrowing tales about the countless hazards they faced. Nearby, open-pit Crisson Mine, established in 1847, claims the only working stamp mill in Georgia, used to pulverize quartz rock to release the particles of gold within it. At both mines, you can try your hand at panning for gold and gain an appreciation for the grueling hours prospectors spent sifting silt in area riverbeds, hoping to strike it rich.
Other vestiges of Dahlonega’s past line the public square in structures that date from the 1840s to 1880s. Instead of the brothels and rowdy bars that reigned during that era, the buildings today house genteel restaurants, shops, and galleries. Among the many choices, be sure to visit Paul Thomas Chocolates for delectable bonbons, Bleu Gallery for local artwork, and Brad Walker Pottery for colorful ceramics. In the center of the square, the former Lumpkin County Courthouse (built in 1826) contains the Dahlonega Gold Museum, where exhibits include a rare set of gold coins that were minted in Dahlonega. Not surprisingly, the town’s largest annual festival is Gold Rush Days, held on the third weekend of October.
Gold isn’t the only reason to visit Dahlonega. “We’re now experiencing our second gold rush—and it’s wine,” declares Sam McDuffie, the city’s director of tourism. Dubbed “the Heart of Georgia Wine Country,” the hillsides surrounding Dahlonega are planted with rows of vinifera, hybrid, and American grapes. A drive along the Dahlonega Wine Trail will take you to the eight—and counting—wineries that make up the Dahlonega Plateau AVA (American Viticultural Area). Stop at pastoral Three Sisters Vineyards to experience the county’s first legal winery since Prohibition, which opened to the public in 2001, and don’t miss the enchanting Tuscan-style winery and restaurant at Montaluce. Accent Cellars sources grapes from Georgia and across the country to craft their wines, while the Boegner family, owners of Wolf Mountain Vineyards, pride themselves on their estate-grown wines.
It may be unlikely you’ll strike the mother lode in Dahlonega these days, but chances are, you’ll take a shine to this charming town and its gold-star attractions.
Stay, Eat, and Play in Dahlonega
Dahlonega Square Hotel and Villas
Steps from the historic town square, the hotel’s 13 comfortable, contemporary rooms all come with a mini-fridge and keyless door lock. Off the lobby, the Tasting Room offers wines from local Kaya Vineyard. 135 N. Chestatee St., Dahlonega, GA., 706.426.5275, dahlonegasquarevilla.com
Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
In Montaluce’s dining room, farm-focused dishes pair perfectly with the estate’s wines and the view of grapevines cascading down the hillsides. 501 Hightower Church Rd., Dahlonega, GA., 706.867.4060, montaluce.com
Bourbon Street Grille
Savor Cajun specialties from jambalaya to redfish Pontchartrain on the second-floor balcony, overlooking the town’s historic square. 90 Public Square N., Dahlonega, GA., 706.864.0086, thebourbonstreetgrille.com
Smith House
For down-home Southern fare, Smith House is a must for its fried chicken and all the fixin’s, served family-style, of course. 84 S. Chestatee St., Dahlonega, GA., 706.725.8148, smithhouse.com
Canopy + The Roots
Located below a coffee shop, this 100-seat subterranean listening room shines a spotlight on local and regional singer/songwriters and comedians. 53 W. Main St., Dahlonega, GA., 706.864.7075, canopyandtheroots.com
Discover more about Dahlonega at dahlonega.org
