The 15-acre Three Sisters Vineyards has been open since 1995.

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tory. It was the center of the north Georgia people, unusual history, magniﬁcent vinelocated in the foothills of the Blue Gold Rush of 1829-49, which produced apyards, gold mines you can tour, gold

In 1838, there was so much gold restaurants and shopping not to mention a streams, scenic mountain peaks and valleys, production that the U.S. Mint opened a loclassic Town Square?

Dahlonega the Lump- ﬁrst three years, there was three times more Dahlonega (pron: dal ON egg a) is one kin County seat--has around 5,000 inhabit- gold wealth extracted in Dahlonega than the of the

Unfortunately, the Georgia Gold Rush had an untimely end when the Federal Government--intent on populating the western territories of the United States--chose to run full page ads in every daily

1 The 15-acre Three Sisters Vineyards has been open since Looking for a great vacation destina- cut over to Interstate 85 the next time you re Atlanta, Dahlonega has a remarkable histion that has beautiful rolling hills, friendly driving to or from Florida. tory. It was the center of the north Georgia people, unusual history, magniﬁcent vinelocated in the foothills of the Blue Gold Rush of , which produced apyards, gold mines you can tour, gold you Ridge Mountains and the Southern Appa- proximately $1.2 billion in gold (in today s can pan for, trout ﬁshing, golf, and great lachians, Lumpkin County offers rivers and dollars). In 1838, there was so much gold restaurants and shopping not to mention a streams, scenic mountain peaks and valleys, production that the U.S. Mint opened a loclassic Town Square? Welcome to Dahlone- peaceful groves and meadows and about cation in Dahlonega. During the gold rush s ga, Georgia. 25,000 inhabitants. Dahlonega the Lump- ﬁrst three years, there was three times more Dahlonega (pron: dal ON egg a) is one kin County seat--has around 5,000 inhabit- gold wealth extracted in Dahlonega than the of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in ants. 49ers found in their ﬁrst three years in CaliGeorgia, and a good reason for snowbirds to Located 90 minutes (71 miles) north of fornia. Unfortunately, the Georgia Gold Rush had an untimely end when the Federal Government--intent on populating the western territories of the United States--chose to run full page ads in every daily newspaper in every city in the eastern US. The hype of unimaginable riches to be had in California was irresistible so much so that most of the Dahlonega miners decided to pull up stake and make the overland trip west, in spite of the fact there was still plenty of gold in Dahlonega. In fact that s where the quote, There s gold in them thar hills! came from. The miners in Dahlonega were One of the inhabitants of the Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville being encouraged to STAY and not risk the overland trip west words spoken by one (Continued on page 16) Karl Boegner of Wolf Mountain Vineyards Page 15, Vitality, May 2007

729-foot Amicalola Falls TRAVEL: DAHLONEGA,GA The Smith House Restaurant in Dahlonega Two Cavender Creek Cabins overlook a stocked trout pond.

46% pure. (Other gold typically is extracted at 72-74% pure). Mined gold (as opposed to panned gold) is naturally found in quartz rock and/ or granite rock.

These stamp mills were extremely loud. One stamp mill in Dahlonega (at Consolidated Mines) had 120 stamps and could be heard operating 20 miles away.

However, if gold prices should rise above $1000 an ounce, you may see the mines start up there again. There s plenty of gold still there to be mined.

There s nothing more interesting than walking through the tunnels and seeing those veins of sparkling gold. A profitable vein will usually run 4-6 inches across.

of gold a ton. (3 oz. a ton is considered good.) Today, the mine tour at Consolidated Mines is open seven days a week from 10-4, and closed on holidays.

2 729-foot Amicalola Falls TRAVEL: DAHLONEGA,GA The Smith House Restaurant in Dahlonega Two Cavender Creek Cabins overlook a stocked trout pond. (Continued from page 15) Matthew Stevenson--an assayer of the US Mint--on the steps of the Dahlonega Courthouse. To this day, Dahlonega gold remains the purest in the world in its mined form 98.46% pure. (Other gold typically is extracted at 72-74% pure). Mined gold (as opposed to panned gold) is naturally found in quartz rock and/ or granite rock. To separate it from the rest of the ore, you need to put it through a stamp mill, where the ore is pulverized. Then either the gold can be panned, or chemically or mechanically separated from the ore. These stamp mills were extremely loud. One stamp mill in Dahlonega (at Consolidated Mines) had 120 stamps and could be heard operating 20 miles away. It was the largest stamp mill east of the Mississippi. Up close, the ground would tremble; and operators were doomed to eventual deafness. Today, Dahlonega s mining operations are purely recreational. However, if gold prices should rise above $1000 an ounce, you may see the mines start up there again. There s plenty of gold still there to be mined. But the cost of extraction now is around $800 an ounce. If you haven t been through a gold mine, it s great fun, even for grown-ups. There s nothing more interesting than walking through the tunnels and seeing those veins of sparkling gold. A profitable vein will usually run 4-6 inches across. The Glory hole at Consolidated Mines Dahlonega s biggest operating mine--was a whopping 22 feet wide. It produced 54 pounds of gold in one day. Some gold finds produced a remarkable 20 oz. of gold a ton. (3 oz. a ton is considered good.) Today, the mine tour at Consolidated Mines is open seven days a week from 10-4, and closed on holidays. You can try panning for gold yourself and keep what you find. You ll get an education on the geology of the gold belt, as well as mining and panning techniques. Visitors can walk through the massive tunnel network. ( At the Crisson Gold Mine they still do mine for gold periodically through the year in order to create their own gold jewelry. There are tours of the grounds, where you can see the mining equipment that was used commercially up to a few years ago, and their 24-year-old stamp mill. It s the only original working stamping mill in Georgia. And you can pan for gold yourself. Crisson Gold Mine has been open for gold panning since 1970, making it the oldest family-owned and operated gold panning place open to the public in the area. The gift shop allows visitors to purchase gold, gold nuggets and handmade gold jewelry at reasonable prices. There s also sluice boxes and gold pans for sale, ore sold in bags that you can pan yourself, and other mining supplies. ( The old courthouse at Town Square has become the Dahlonega Gold Museum. The building is actually the oldest existing court house in Georgia one that saw a lot of cases regarding moonshine liquor in its (Continued on next page) French oak barrels store wine underground at Wolf Mountain Vineyards

GEORGIA Owner Hop Smith at the entrance of the Consolidated Mines tour, in Dahlonega (Continued from previous page) day. And one that became the area s farmers market at one time.

The bricks and mud-and-water mortar used in the old courthouse construction were made from local river mud.

On display inside the museum are samples of gold in quartz rock, and also pyrite or fool s gold. You ll learn how to spot the difference.

While Dahlonega s history is fascinating, its wine-growing area is beautiful. Folks flock to the vineyards, particularly on the weekends.

3 GEORGIA Owner Hop Smith at the entrance of the Consolidated Mines tour, in Dahlonega (Continued from previous page) day. And one that became the area s farmers market at one time. (When court was in session upstairs, farmers would sell their produce downstairs.) There s not a more fitting site for the Gold Museum. The bricks and mud-and-water mortar used in the old courthouse construction were made from local river mud. As a result, the old courthouse probably has about a half million dollars in gold in the brick and mortar. You can see the glimmer if you look closely. On display inside the museum are samples of gold in quartz rock, and also pyrite or fool s gold. You ll learn how to spot the difference. There s also a 20-minute movie on the history of area mining, and also mining techniques. It makes a good primer on the subject. While Dahlonega s history is fascinating, its wine-growing area is beautiful. Folks flock to the vineyards, particularly on the weekends. They are all in beautiful country settings, and some provide culinary sophistication as well. Lumpkin County has the highest concentration of wineries in northern Georgia, and all are located on the slope of the Dahlonega plateau. According to grower Doug Paul, The Dahlonega plateau affords the opportunity to grow the greatest number of different wine grapes successfully. They grow here when they wouldn t grow in Savannah or higher in the mountains. The 184-acre Three Sisters Winery, owned by the Pauls, has the distinction of being the first bonded farm winery in Georgia since prohibition. The variety of grapes they grow includes the unique Cynthiana- Norton, which is an antique wine grape. The vineyard had their first harvest in ( Frogtown Winery is a 57-acre vineyard of 20,000 grape vines. During the last 2 ½ years, Frogtown has received 18 medals for its premium dry white and red wines, making it the most award-winning eastern vineyard in California competitions. The trip there is worth it just to see their magnificent public wine-tasting building, which was built entirely in timberframe, using no nails. ( The visitor center at Consolidated Gold Mine The 25-acre Wolf Mountain Vineyards was founded by Karl Boegner, who came from a hospitality-industry background, and who has made Wolf Mountain Vineyards not only a very popular stop on the Wine Highway (Hwy ), but has made Wolf Mountain a great place to dine. Lunch and gourmet dinner is served most days during the season. And they offer a fabulous Sunday Brunch. The award-winning winemaking there is more in the European tradition, incorporating French oak aging and a less mechanized approach. (www. wolfmountainvineyards.com) Blackstock Vineyards is the first and the largest of the area s vineyards, established in The vineyard won the first gold medals ever awarded for Georgia-grown white vinifera, red vinifera, and the first Best Southeastern Wine award. There are scheduled food events throughout the season at the winery, BBQ s and food seminars. Of the location, owner Dave Harris says, These are the best draining slopes on the east coast. The combination of clay soil and the slope of the land makes water percolate gradually, which is great for growing grapes. ( The actual town of Dahlonega is a Norman Rockwell painting in the south. Almost the entire business district is located on an old-fashioned Town Square. There are shops, art galleries, antique shops, and a wonderful Visitor s Center, which should be your first stop when visiting the town. Dahlonega also has what is missing in so many small towns: stuff to do in the evening! There are concerts, shows, club entertainment and great dining. Restaurants in Dahlonega are extraordinary for a small town, and are all valuepriced. And the service is indicative of southern hospitality: - The Back Porch Oyster Bar is always full and very lively. They have all kinds of seafood, salads, and a raw bar. - The Corkscrew Café is known for its amazing consistency and reasonably-priced fine dining. And it has the best wine list in town. - Dante s on the Square is a diamond in the rough. What comes out of the kitchen is extraordinary, in spite of its spartan dining room. Everything is made from scratch. They also have a unique assortment of salad dressings they ve invented. Try the Smokey Hen Nachos for an appetizer or the Stuffed Chicken Florentine for an entrée. And save room for either the Pecan Chocolate Chip Bourbon Pie, the Banana Chiffon or the Almond Cream Pie, for dessert. - The Oar House is a delight for lunch or dinner, offering a truly-imaginative menu and offering a view of the Chestatee River. Try the steak and ale soup. And save room for the white chocolate pecan pie for dessert. There s live music on the weekends. This is one of the area s most successful restaurants. - The happening place in town is the Crimson Moon Café. There s nightly entertainment and the best food in town very wholesome. They also serve 3 meals a day. Try the Baked Amaretto Grouper. (www. thecrimsonmoon.com) - The best value in town is the Smith House. You won t believe the food they bring you for a mere $17 for dinner--soup to nuts. (They serve lunch as well for $13.) The style of service here dates from the (Continued on page 18)

The Price Hall steeple at North Georgia College is made from Dahlonega gold. TRAVEL: DAHLONEGA, GA (Continued from page 17) place s boarding-house history.

(two at lunch). Seconds are on the house. Dessert is also included. It s all very friendly too, as you re seated with others at large dining tables.

It appears past owners of the building were doing clandestine gold mining underneath the structure years ago, before it was a restaurant, when their mining permit was turned down.

Lodge, a Bavarian-style B&B that offers a smithhouse.

4 The Price Hall steeple at North Georgia College is made from Dahlonega gold. TRAVEL: DAHLONEGA, GA (Continued from page 17) place s boarding-house history. There s no menu; the waitress just brings the meal, which includes: fried okra, rice, black-eyed peas, sweat potato, collard greens, cooked peas, creamed corn, coleslaw, your drink, and three meats (two at lunch). Seconds are on the house. Dessert is also included. It s all very friendly too, as you re seated with others at large dining tables. And after dinner, don t forget to visit the recently-uncovered gold mine shaft just off the restaurant s lobby. It appears past owners of the building were doing clandestine gold mining underneath the structure years ago, before it was a restaurant, when their mining permit was turned down. The shaft was recently discov- ered when the Smith House broke ground on - Check out the 13-unit Lily Creek its expansion into a restaurant/hotel. (www. Lodge, a Bavarian-style B&B that offers a smithhouse.com) quiet mountain retreat with its own waterfall - Wylies Restaurant, located right on and bocce court, plus an amazing fieldstone the Town Square, is actually three floors. fireplace in the lobby. They serve a gourmet Downstairs is a tavern with entertainment. breakfast on the deck, in the gazebo or the And the top two floors are dining. The place formal French dining room. All Lodge water is an area favorite. for drinking, bathing and recreation comes - The Wagon Wheel is great for decidedly local color and very simple, low-priced Sharon to make her Lily Creek Gold for fresh from their own mountain spring. Ask southern cooking. your breakfast. It contains: oatmeal, wheat - The Wolf Mountain Vineyard serves germ, oat bran, sesame seed, poppy seeds, lunch and an outstanding Sunday Brunch, various nuts, dried apricots, cherries and local honey. ( not to mention a great country view. Where to stay in Dahlonega is an easier choice than most places. Mostly, this is a Dahlonega, Pura Vida USA is an 80-acre - Situated atop the foothills northeast of B&B area. Here are some of our favorites: country setting that is both a B&B and a Spa. ( - The Long Mountain Lodge is the area s newest B&B. The décor is upscale rustic lodge style. Rooms have their own fireplaces and jacuzzi. The front of the Lodge is wrapped by a large sitting porch, which offers views of the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The rooms are absolutely immaculate. ( Cavender Creek Cabins offers eight The Bavarian-style Lily Creek smartly-designed knotty-pine 1, 2, or 3 bedroom cabins on 25 acres. Each overlooks nature programs. These are mostly free to Lodge Bed & Breakfast either Cavender Creek or their well-stocked the public also, even if you don t stay there. fishing pond. Each cabin has a private deck There are also 12 miles of hiking trails. with swings, rockers and a gas grill. Some ( also have hot tubs. The cabins have everything you need from bedding to kitchen hand at panning may do so in either of the Panning: Those who want to try their equipment to prepare meals, and are absolutely immaculate. ( stream sluices and suction dredges are not two local rivers or in most stream beds. In- com) allowed. Panning works because gold is 19 There are just a few hotels in the area, times heavier than water and sand is 6 times like the Econo Lodge or the Holiday Inn Express. But a less ersatz approach, is staying of river mud, the gold flakes will sink to the heavier. So when you shake a pie pan full at the glorious lodge at 829-acre Amicalola bottom. Falls State Park, just a short drive away in Rock collecting: If you re a rock Dawsonville. This is also home to the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi 729 can take rocks from the surface of any Na- hound, you ve come to the right place. You Birch River Golf Course champion Fred Atterberry tees off feet. There s a schedule of daily interpretive (Continued on next page )

Golf: There are numerous area golf courses, including the in-town Birch River Jack Nicklaus-designed 18 hole course, which has just been bought out and is soon to be upgraded, even though it s

5 TRAVEL: DAHLONEGA, GA (Continued from previous page) tional Forest lands as long as significant surface disturbance does not occur. Maps of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are available at the Ranger office. Golf: There are numerous area golf courses, including the in-town Birch River Jack Nicklaus-designed 18 hole course, which has just been bought out and is soon to be upgraded, even though it s already a marvelous course. ( ) Chestatee Golf Course is an 18-hole course designed by Atlanta s favorite Denis Griffiths. For information or tee times, call (706) or (www. chestateegolf.net) Fishing: It s not hard to find good fishing in Lumpkin County in either of the area s two rivers. Or you might try Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. The area boasts rainbow and brown trout. You ll need a license, which you can pick up at Wal-Mart for $9. Canoeing and Tubing: If you d like to try canoeing, kayaking or tubing down the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers, Appalachian Outfitters has all the equipment you need. The trip down the Chestatee from their outpost is the most popular. There are several fun, but gentle rapids, great scenery and good fishing. The Etowah is the more challenging river, with engaging rapids. The Etowah is best in the spring and early summer. The water levels are higher and the numerous wildflowers are in bloom. Etowah Falls makes an awesome picnic site. (www. canoegeorgia.com) Hiking is a real attraction in these Appalachian foothills. Enjoy the famous mistshrouded mountain vistas of the Blue Ridge, and gaze in awe at more than 35 waterfalls in the area. You are at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. And there are regional hiking trails along area streams and rivers. Biking: Dahlonega is the center for bicycling in the north Georgia Mountains. As the finish site for the Tour De Georgia mountain stage, the 6 Gap Century ride and other regional competitions, the area has hosted the greatest names in cycling. Music is a way of life in Dahlonega. Appalachian musicians are found playing and singing on the square on warm evenings throughout the year. The annual Bear on the Square festival, held the third weekend in April, celebrates authentic mountain culture with a weekend of concerts and outdoor jam sessions. The newly-renovated Holly Theater provides regular theatrical productions and concerts as well. It s located just off the Town Square. Check their web site for attractions. ( And since Dahlonega is a college town, check the website at North Georgia College and State University for concerts, etc. ( Spas: Isn t a massage a great way to feel you re on vacation? There are a number of spas in and around Dalonega. Our favorite is the Littlefield Cottage Healing Arts and Day Spa, located just off the Town Square. ( Day trips & Sightseeing: - The Dahlonega Visitor Center has a wonderful flier on a self-guided auto tour of the area that is a great way to spend a day. Ask for the Dahlonega Mountain Magic Trail flier. - Visit Camp Glisson off Business Rt. 19 North. This is an old Methodist camp grounds that has a wonderful going back in time feel to it. Cane Creek Falls located in the Camp--is spectacular. ( - At the 87-acre Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville, you can see over 300 kangaroos that can grow to eight feet and weigh 200 lbs. There s also other unique Australian animals including exotic birds. Picnic grounds are available near the butterfly garden. You can also learn how to throw a boomerang. Wear sturdy walking shoes. The gift shop is quite unique. (www. kangaroocenter.com) - Chattahoochee National Forest and Waterfalls: Hiking, camping, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing are available throughout the forest. - DeSoto Falls and DeSoto Falls Scenic Area: The DeSoto Falls Scenic Area is rugged mountainous country with exceptional views and several beautiful waterfalls. This scenic area, located on Frogtown Creek, has 24 camping sites arranged in two loops. Trout fishing is available on Frogtown Creek. There are also hiking trails to nearby falls. - The Appalachian Trail: Thirty miles of the Appalachian Trail run along the northern border of Lumpkin County. It is a continuously marked trail 2,135 miles long from Maine to Springer Mountain near Dahlonega in Georgia. - Bull Mountain Trail: This is easily accessible and one of the most popular mountain biking trails in the state. - Chestatee and Etowah Rivers: Enjoy canoeing, kayaking and wildlife viewing along these two scenic rivers that run through Lumpkin County. - Brasstown Bald: This is the highest point in Georgia. Check out their webcam at and conditions/webcam.htm - Chestatee Wildlife Preserve: Specializes in preservation through education of exotic & domestic wildlife. The preserve displays over 450 animals & 125 species from around the world, including rare Siberian white tigers. For more information please call or Events: Of the many events held in Dahlonega during the year, Gold Rush Days is the biggest. Held the third weekend in October, thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! Gold Rush Days has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. For a listing of other events, go to www. dahlonega.org Getting There: Air Tran has the best fares from Boston to Atlanta. From there, take Rt. 400, the Hospitality Highway or Rt. 9 north to Rt. 60. ( Dahlonega is well-worth a visit. Getting in the car and just exploring the area is half the fun. It s remarkably beautiful and full of surprises. Or as CVB Director Hal Williams says, What s interesting to me about Dahlonega is what s just off the main roads. For more information about the area, visit the Dahlonega Visitors Center, Dahlonega Town Square, 13 South Park Street off Highway 19/60 North; or go to And thanks for traveling! Fishing at Amicalola Falls State Park

Dahlonega: The Hills of Gold in Georgia

Dahlonega: The Hills of Gold in Georgia Sunday Living Nov 6, 2016 Jeanne Mozier The 14-foot long, 8-foot high diving bell constructed especially for gold mining in Dahlonega, is a revered monument after