Dahlonega, Georgia, is a small town in Lumpkin County, 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. Sitting at the foothills of the northeast Georgia mountains, Dahlonega was the site of the first major gold rush in the United States.
From 1838 to 1861, a branch of the U.S. Mint made half eagle, quarter eagle, gold dollar and three-dollar gold coins in Dahlonega. The mint building was converted in 1873 and became North Georgia College. This was the first state-supported school in Georgia to offer degrees to women.
Dahlonega’s downtown has been preserved to reflect the town’s heritage. Visitors enjoy the Gold Museum, productions at Holly Theater and strolling through numerous art galleries and shops. Hikers can access the Appalachian Trail, which spans from Appalachia to Maine, in Dahlonega.
Accommodations in Dahlonega range from quaint bed-and-breakfast inns to hotels with amenities such as free Internet access and breakfast buffets. The Mountain Top Lodge, Days Inn, Holiday Inn and the eco-friendly Cedar House Inn and Yurts are located in Dahlonega.
Restaurants in Dahlonega offer Italian fare, barbecue, burgers, sandwiches and fine dining. The Corkscrew Cafe caters to lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch diners. Piazza offers Italian entrees, an all-you-can-eat salad bar and kids' menus. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Montaluce Winery and Estates serve light fare and regional wines.
