At the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains lies a community unlike any other in the state. Dahlonega is home to beautiful mountain scenery, a gold-flecked history, a four-year public university, and a beautiful residential golf community.

A town rich in heritage and Americana — Dahlonega was the site of the first ever gold rush, beating even California and Colorado in terms of purity of the gold. Dahlonega is also a star attraction in the South, offering visitors a region rich in arts and culture. Art galleries and festivals, local theatre and performances, museums and nationally-registered historic sites imbue this North Georgia Mountain city with a cultural atmosphere that is authentic and unique.

While providing an array of fascinating cultural events and an intriguing history, Dahlonega also offers travelers an exciting variety of dining options, with over 50 restaurants in the area. From authentic home style cooking to Italian fare, bistro style eateries, Asian and even organic menus, Dahlonega's square is teeming with culinary delights to suit every taste.

Quaint shops around the Square are filled with regional art, pottery, antiques, unique jewelry and collectibles. From fudge and candy treats to apparel and sporting goods, the shopping in Dahlonega offers another exciting facet to this mountainside destination.

There's more than gold in the hills of Dahlonega. The area is home to portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest, including the Chestatee Overlook, Dockery Lake, DeSoto Falls, Boggs Creek, Woody Gap and Waters Creek parks. With over 60 waterfalls filling the region, there's plenty of rushing water to explore, and the wooded hills are perfect for hiking and camping in these parks of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located in Lumpkin County, only a short distance from Dahlonega.