Area Attractions:
Funky Chicken Art Project. A unique art gallery and outdoor sculpture garden with whimsical, contemporary, and quality works of art. It is a fun shopping experience for unique gifts and collectibles. The Project represents many different artists and mediums, including jewelry, oil and acrylic paintings, fiber art, sculptures in metal, stone, cement and mosaic, as well as the whimsical sculpture garden.
North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall.
Dawsonville has become a vibrant art community, home to many prominent artists., artists-in-residence and guest artists.
Blackberry Creek Art Studio & Gallery, on the Square in Dawsonville. Four prominent local artist/owners call this gallery home. They are working much of the time, but call before coming. 706 265-6050
Gallery 53 West, Frisky Bristles Art. A widely diverse gallery featuring all local artists, with painting subjects ranging from roosters to Santa. 770 378-6515
Tea with the Queen. Be sure to stop by this unique eatery and gift shop for a fun tea party or lunch (on the patio in warm weather). 706 265-2800
Burt's Farm. The place to celebrate fall! Open from September-November, Burt's is a favorite with kids and big kids alike. Enjoy hayrides, see the giant 100+ pound pumpkins, and shop at the market for fall vegetables, decorations, gifts and many delicacies made fresh in Burt's kitchen. 4801 Highway 52 706 265-3701, 800 600-BURT www.burtsfarm.com
Gold Mines.
Consolidated Gold Mine: Tour an actual gold mine and try your hand at panning at this once-active gold mine. Pan for gold and check out the souvenir shop with many various rocks and minerals. 185 Consolidated
Crisson Gold Mine. Take a step back in time and view a fourth-generation hard rock, strip mining area and see a 119-year old working stamp mill – the only one in the state - crush stone. Pan for gold and gem stones and visit the gift shop. Highway 19 North. 706 864-6363
706 864-2257.
Whitewater Rafting:
Enjoy the exhilaration of white water rafting! A variety of activities are available suitable for experienced rafters as well as the whole family.
Appalachian Outfitters, 706 864-7117 www.canoegeorgia.com
Southeastern Expeditions. 800 868-7238 www.southeasternexpeditions.com
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve. The Preserve displays over 450 animals and 125 species from around the world, including rare Siberian white tigers, lions, camels, and many more exotic animals. There is a self-guided walking tour, picnic area, and rustic playground. 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy. 706 864-9411 www.chestateewildlifepreserve.org
Vineyards and Wineries, Dahlonega. Wine tasting and tours in the heart of
MARBLE HILL
Spa Louvina. At Spa Louvina, you will enjoy a "state-of-the-art" spa experience. Tried and proven "
NORTH GEORGIA
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway,
Then board the train for the hour scenic trip over the rails to
In season, climb aboard The Christmas Train for a festive two-hour holiday ride.
Reservations required.
Mayfield Dairy, Braselton. Visit the largest dairy in the Southeast. The free Mayfield Tour is fun for all ages. At the end, visit the gift shop and ice cream parlor to sample a generous scoop of "the world's best ice cream."
Ellijay Wildlife Rehab Sanctuary, Ellijay. This 50-acre facility medically cares for all species of orphaned and injured wildlife indigenous to the area, including deer, raccoon, red wolf, American Bald Eagle, black bears, panthers, cougars and others. Tours are available by appointment only, with "Family Day" the second Sunday of the month June-September. 706 276-2980 www.wildliferehabsanctuary.org
BabyLand General¨ Hospital,
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
April: Bear on the
The best of the mountains including traditional mountain crafts, bluegrass and old-time music and workshops in guitar, fiddle, and banjo. All musicians are invited to join in the jam sessions around the square, and everyone is invited to take part in the dancing. There are special children's events including a theatre production and a "Taste of the Mountains" food court.
800 231-5543, 706 864-3711 www.dahlonega.org
May: Wildflower Festival of the Arts, Dahlonega.
This juried fine arts show provides unites the natural beauty of the area with the works of hundreds of artists. Wildflower displays, tours of areas abundant in wildflowers conducted by naturalists, and lectures on gardening provide an exciting opportunity to photograph and learn about area wildflowers. 800 231-5543, 706 864-3711 www.dahlonega.org
May: Art in the Garden, Dawsonville.
The Art in the Garden Festival is a quality arts and crafts garden show held at the
June: Georgia Wine Country Festival, Dahlonega.
Featuring wines from
July: Fourth of July Celebration, Jasper.
An old-fashioned Independence Day with a rousing parade down Main Street, followed by a festival with carnival rides, attractions, arts and crafts, food, live music and a fireworks extravaganza. 706 692-5600 www.georgiamarble-mountain.org/marblefest.html
September-November: Oktoberfest,
The world's longest Oktoberfest! The picturesque alpine
706 878-1619, email info@helenga.org www.helenchamber.com
September-November: Uncle Shucks Maze, Dawsonville.
The maze is a nine-acre field of corn with five miles of trails. In October, the Pumpkin Patch is open with fall decorations and horse-drawn carriage rides. 888-OSHUCKS www.uncleshucks.com
September: Apple Pickin' Jubilee, Hillcrest Orchard, Ellijay.
This popular fall spot on Ellijay's "Apple Alley" is lively with apple picking, hayrides, cow milking, maze, live music, pig races, petting zoo, corn maze, children's tractor racetrack, playground and giant slide, fairy tale walking path and more. 706 273-3838 www.hillcrestorchards.net
Featuring regionally and nationally known sculptors, painters, potters, carvers and photographers. All work is in wildlife and nature themes. There are lessons and demonstrations and great food. 706 632-2144 www.blueridgemountainarts.org
October: Talking Rock Heritage Days, Talking Rock
Relive bygone days in the charming town of
October: U.S. Open Stock Dog Trials and Farm Festival, Dawsonville.
More than 100 handlers and their dogs complete in this 3-day event. A great family festival where you can enjoy canine agility, wool spinning, blacksmith, petting zoo, food, and lots of arts and crafts. 877 396-6288, 706 265-6278 www.dawson.org
October: Georgia Marble Festival, Jasper.
A lively parade, arts and crafts show, live music, clogging and dancing, a classic car show and a children's area are featured at this favorite local festival. Plus there are guided tours of the world's largest open-pit marble quarry. Reservations required for Tour. 706 692-5600 www.georgiamarble-mountain.org/marblefest.html
October: Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay.
Ellijay is the apple capital of
706 635-7400 www.ngeorgia.com/travel/apple/html
October: Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega.
The largest arts and crafts festival in north
October: Mountain Moonshine Festival, Dawsonville.
Reminisce with more than 100 1940's Ford automobiles lined up on the downtown streets of Dawsonville. Visit an old moonshine still, see old Appalachian demonstrations and storytelling. Festivities include a parade, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, entertainment and live music. 877 396-6288, 706 265-6278 www.dawson.org
November: Toccoa Harvest Festival. Toccoa, GA.
More than 200 vendors selling wares that are "Homemade, Home Baked, or Home Grown." There are multiple entertainment stages, a Classic Car Cruise-In, rock climbing wall, and various other youth/children's activities. 877-6TOCCOA, 706-282-3269 or e-mail at mainstreettoccoa@yahoo.com
Amacolola Falls
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