Wes's Guidebook
Food Scene
Shenanigans
87 N Chestatee StLocated on the downtown Dahlonega square, Spirits Tavern is probably the best place if you just want a burger and a drink. They typically stay open later than surrounding restaurants (which is still early when compared to many cities) so the bar gets a lot of attention toward the end of the evening. If you don’t like burgers, you'll probably have to resort to some of their tasty appetizers… burgers make up 75% of their menu (or so it seems). This is certainly a local favorite.
70 locals recommend
Spirits Tavern
19 E Main StLocated on the downtown Dahlonega square, Spirits Tavern is probably the best place if you just want a burger and a drink. They typically stay open later than surrounding restaurants (which is still early when compared to many cities) so the bar gets a lot of attention toward the end of the evening. If you don’t like burgers, you'll probably have to resort to some of their tasty appetizers… burgers make up 75% of their menu (or so it seems). This is certainly a local favorite.
As you can tell by the name, it’s Italian ... and it's a little more "upscale" when compared to most of Dahlonega’s dining optioms. It’s a new restaurant located within the Montaluce Winery and Resort. It’s located a little further away than some of the downtown Dahlonega dining options (probably 10 minutes from where you are staying). I’ve eaten there a few times ... most have been good. The views and the atmosphere are great (eat outside if weather allows).
Trattoria di Montaluce
946 Via MontaluceAs you can tell by the name, it’s Italian ... and it's a little more "upscale" when compared to most of Dahlonega’s dining optioms. It’s a new restaurant located within the Montaluce Winery and Resort. It’s located a little further away than some of the downtown Dahlonega dining options (probably 10 minutes from where you are staying). I’ve eaten there a few times ... most have been good. The views and the atmosphere are great (eat outside if weather allows).
Montaluce Winery and Restaurant
501 Hightower Church RdGood location (on the corner of the Dahlonega Square) with inside and outside dining options. Good beer and good food!
The Station
Good location (on the corner of the Dahlonega Square) with inside and outside dining options. Good beer and good food!
Another dining option on the downtown Dahlonega square. Their website states that they serve “southern cuisine." I like that they offer a variety of dishes; I’ve enjoyed everything from a light dish of ceviche to a pork belly and scallops entrée. I’ve never had a bad meal here. The upstairs has a bar and porch seating that overlooks the square.
11 locals recommend
19° North Seafood & Grill
19 N Chestatee StAnother dining option on the downtown Dahlonega square. Their website states that they serve “southern cuisine." I like that they offer a variety of dishes; I’ve enjoyed everything from a light dish of ceviche to a pork belly and scallops entrée. I’ve never had a bad meal here. The upstairs has a bar and porch seating that overlooks the square.
Smith House Restaurant
84 South Chestatee StreetPublic House Kitchen & Cocktails
New restaurant. Mixed reviews/experiences, but worth consideration.
(Also known as Bourban Street Grille)
This restaurant is intended to be a blend of cajun and southern cuisine … and it’s good!! I go there primarily for the cajun dishes. They have a few tasty deserts as well. Bourban Street Grille is owned by some of the same individuals that own Shenanigans (both located on the downtown Dahlonega square).
61 locals recommend
Naturally Georgia
90 Public Square N(Also known as Bourban Street Grille)
This restaurant is intended to be a blend of cajun and southern cuisine … and it’s good!! I go there primarily for the cajun dishes. They have a few tasty deserts as well. Bourban Street Grille is owned by some of the same individuals that own Shenanigans (both located on the downtown Dahlonega square).
Wineries
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
180 Wolf Mountain TrailThree Sisters Vineyards & Winery
439 Vineyard WayCavender Creek Vineyards
3610 Cavender Creek RdMontaluce Winery and Restaurant
501 Hightower Church RdKaya Vineyard & Winery
5400 Town Creek RdFrogtown Cellars
700 Ridge Point DrWhile not officially a winery, it’s worth noting because it’s located ½ mile from where you are staying. Accent Cellars has become quite popular hey have become popular over the last couple of years. I think it is technically a “tasting room” of micro farm wineries from all over the country (including Georgia). It offers a good atmosphere and owners that are enjoyable to talk with. They close really early (I think around 7pm... maybe 8pm during the weekends) so plan accordingly.
27 locals recommend
Accent Cellars
215 Auraria RdWhile not officially a winery, it’s worth noting because it’s located ½ mile from where you are staying. Accent Cellars has become quite popular hey have become popular over the last couple of years. I think it is technically a “tasting room” of micro farm wineries from all over the country (including Georgia). It offers a good atmosphere and owners that are enjoyable to talk with. They close really early (I think around 7pm... maybe 8pm during the weekends) so plan accordingly.
Hiking/Sightseeing
Popular places to explore the outdoors... some locatuons offer trails for casual walks while locations offer the opportunity for more strenuous hikes with rewarding views.
Preacher's Rock
Amicalola Falls State Park
418 Amicalola Falls State Park RoadYahoola Creek Park -Playground, Fields, and Trails
1166 Mechanicsville RdConvenient trail frequented by locals and visitors. Some choose to fish and feed the ducks while many utilize the trail surrounding the lake/reservoir for exercise. Much of the trail is a casual walk although portions of it are more strenuous.
22 locals recommend
Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff
1680 Morrison Moore Pkwy EConvenient trail frequented by locals and visitors. Some choose to fish and feed the ducks while many utilize the trail surrounding the lake/reservoir for exercise. Much of the trail is a casual walk although portions of it are more strenuous.
Things To Do
Appalachian Outfitters - Tubing
1182 Golden AveChestatee River Adventures
2718 S Chestateeachasta golf community
Bear PathChestatee Golf Club
777 Dogwood WayChattahoochee Golf Club
301 Tommy Aaron DrDahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
1 Public Square NCrisson Gold Mine
2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy EConsolidated Gold Mine
185 Consolidated Gold Mine RdHolly Theatre
69 W Main StNew and fast-growing off-road development which features 4,300 acres and many miles of ATV trails. Rentals are available (including side-by-sides that would be great for a couple or small family). I've been... and had a great time.
26 locals recommend
Iron Mountain Park
116 Iron Mountain ParkwayNew and fast-growing off-road development which features 4,300 acres and many miles of ATV trails. Rentals are available (including side-by-sides that would be great for a couple or small family). I've been... and had a great time.