This Is Georgia's Quirkiest Little Town

Some towns are known for their historical character, while others focus on wine and agriculture, but few bring both together as well as Dahlonega. Rich in legacy from the U.S. Gold Rush, this town has also gained recognition in the past decade for its impressive wine scene. It also features unexpected attractions like butterfly and lavender farms, resulting in a destination full of surprises. If you are looking to explore one of the most unexpected sides of Georgia this year, the quirky town of Dahlonega is sure to surprise you.

Gold Rush History

As the story goes, Benjamin Parks was the first to discover gold in Dahlonega, stumbling upon a piece as he walked through the forest in 1828. In the following years, thousands of miners flocked to the area, making it one of the earliest Gold Rush sites in the United States. Shortly after, Dahlonega was officially established as a town in 1833. Although the gold has since been largely exhausted, the legacy of Dahlonega’s gold mining continues to be relevant in its heritage and culture today, which visitors can explore in some of the town’s well-preserved gold mines.

Gold Mine Tours

If this Gold Rush history has caught your attention, there are two main gold mines in town that you will want to check out. The first is the Consolidated Gold Mine, an underground mine established in the late 19th century. Today, it offers guided tours seven days a week and remains the only underground mine in the area open to visitors. Each tour of the Consolidated Gold Mine lasts about 40 minutes and takes guests 200 feet underground, led by a knowledgeable tour guide. After the tour, visitors get a quick gold panning lesson from award-winning experts, then can try panning for gold themselves.

Founded in 1969, the Crisson Gold Mine is another fascinating landmark to check out during your time in Dahlonega. The mine is home to an outdoor museum and exhibits historic mining equipment and a working stamp mill. Visitors can also try gem mining or gold panning while visiting the mine, guided by expert instructors. Guests hoping to leave with a unique souvenir can check out the mine’s gift shop, which sells high-quality gold jewelry such as women’s rings, men’s rings, pendants, and earrings.

Vineyards & Wineries

Officially designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2018, Dahlonega boasts over 100 acres of planted grapes, including American, European, and French-hybrid varieties. There are plenty of vineyards to visit while in the area, many of which offer tastings and tours. Three Sisters Vineyards is a local favorite, producing quality wines since the late 20th century. Travelers can enjoy a tasting in the vineyard’s barn, appreciating scenic views of the surrounding vineyards, and sampling a flight of four signature wines.

Cavender Creek is another great stop to add to your itinerary, featuring four acres of planted vines with grape varieties like Norton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Petit Manseng. The on-site winery produces reds, whites, and rosés that visitors can sample in the cozy tasting room. If you would like to extend your stay at the winery, there are also three rental homes on the premises: an 1820s Log Cabin, the Winemaker’s Cottage, and the Petit House, each with a furnished kitchen and two bedrooms. For a Tuscan-wine style experience, consider visiting Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, which offers a variety of experiences at their vineyards. One of the most unique experiences is a guided wine hike, where an expert staff member will lead you through the property’s winery, vineyards, and nature trails, concluding with a five-pour wine tasting.

Dahlonega Butterfly Farm

There are many farms to visit near town, but none is quite like the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm. The only butterfly farm in northern Georgia, this 900-square-foot flight house allows visitors to see and get close to hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Once inside the house, travelers will receive a nectar stick that they can use to feed a butterfly. The farm also features a live caterpillar hut, where you can view numerous caterpillar species and see them in their chrysalis form. Afterwards, head outside for a walk along the nature trail and flower gardens, populated by bees, birds, and other native wildlife.

Red Oak Lavender Farm

Driving just 15 minutes from town, travelers will find one of the largest lavender farms in the southeastern United States: Red Oak Lavender. This farm, with five acres of lavender and flower gardens, offers seasonal you-pick lavender and other you-pick flower experiences. They also sell hundreds of lavender products in their farm shop, including bath bombs, body oils, creams, perfumes, teas, baking mixes, and jewelry for those hoping to take home a souvenir. Travelers interested in learning a new craft may also enjoy a floral wreath-making workshop, offered periodically throughout the year.

Few places in Georgia offer a mix of attractions as interesting as Dahlonega. Its gold rush history has left behind fascinating mines to explore, while its designation as an AVA in 2018 has earned it recognition among wine enthusiasts across the country. For those looking for something a little different, the lavender and butterfly farms make excellent additions to the itinerary. No matter what catches your eye, a quirky and memorable trip awaits in Dahlonega.