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DAHLONEGA |
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The attractive small town of DAHLONEGA , in the Appalachian
foothills fifty miles northeast of Atlanta on US-19, owes its origins to
the first-ever Gold Rush in the US. Benjamin Parks discovered gold at
Auraria, six miles south, in 1828; Dahlonega was established five years
later, to serve as the seat of Lumpkin County. Within a further five
years, enough gold had been unearthed for Dahlonega to acquire its own
outpost of the US Mint, which, by the time production was terminated by
the Civil War, had produced over $6 million of gold coin. The whole
fascinating saga is recounted by videos and displays in the Gold Museum
, housed in the handsome former courthouse on the main square (Mon-Sat
9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm; $3; tel 706/864-2257). You can also pan for gold
at various small mines in the area, although you're unlikely to make
your fortune. The town hosts one of Appalachia's biggest annual
bluegrass festivals in the third week of June, and in October the Gold
Rush Days , a real down-home hoedown, with food, crafts, clogging and
music.
Dahlonega's visitor center is across from the courthouse (daily
9am-5.30pm; tel 706/864-3711). The Smith House , just down from the
square at 84 S Chestatee St (tel 706/867-7000 or 1-800/852-7564;
$75-100), is a classic round-table Southern restaurant , serving superb
all-you-can-eat meals at low prices, and also offering comfortable
double rooms .
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from $54.00
USD