Ashley's cousin Katie owns the best wine tour business in Georgia. She and her team will make sure that your day is perfect from pickup to drop-off!
Simply put, Kaya Vineyard & Winery offers the best panoramic views of the Blue Ridge mountains out of any of the vineyards in the area. Kaya has estate-grown European, Italian, and American varieties served on a sprawling covered deck that often features live music.
As you arrive at Montaluce Winery and step through the tasting room onto the back patio, you'll feel instantly transported to the hills of Tuscany. The on-site restaurant features farm-to-table dining, with homemade pasta, brick-oven pizzas, and locally sourced ingredients. Paired with award-winning wines, guests can enjoy wine hikes, fly-fishing, and sweeping vineyard views. Be sure to check their website and reserve your wine hike or fly-fishing experience ahead of time.
Cavender Creek Vineyards delivers rustic charm in a laid-back setting, complete with alpacas, donkeys, and a welcoming tasting room. Their handcrafted, small-batch wines—including Norton and Petit Manseng—come with a sense of community and warmth, and guests can even stay overnight in a historic cabin or cottage.
This vineyard holds a special place in our hearts since this is where Steve asked Ashley's mom for her blessing to marry her. Wolf Mountain Vineyards sits at 1,800 feet and has racked up over 200 medals for its French-style blends of Syrah, Malbec, and Tannat. With gourmet Sunday brunches, an upscale café, and dramatic views of the mountains and vines, it’s a must-stop for elevated sipping. Just make sure to lock the bathroom door when you're in there.
If you are looking for a good spot to "pre-game" the wedding ceremony this is the spot since it's right next door to the wedding venue. Frogtown Cellars is the most awarded winery in the area, with over 500 medals and bold estate-grown varietals like Marsanne and Nebbiolo spread across 44 acres. The Italian bistro on-site serves paninis, pizzas, and brunch with vineyard vistas, and their wines pack complexity that rivals Napa’s best.
Contrary to popular belief, California was not the site of America’s first gold rush—Dahlonega was. In fact, the phrase “There’s gold in them thar hills” was famously coined by M.F. Stephenson as he addressed a crowd in Dahlonega’s town square, urging miners to remain in Georgia instead of chasing fortune in the California gold rush. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, located in the heart of the historic town square, offers a fascinating glimpse into that golden era. Housed in a former courthouse built in 1836, the museum showcases gold coins, mining equipment, and vivid stories of the boom that helped shape Dahlonega’s legacy.
Just a few minutes away, the Consolidated Gold Mine takes you underground for a guided tour of a real 19th-century gold mine. Visitors can walk the tunnels, pan for gold and gems, and hear captivating tales of mining days that defined Georgia’s golden history.
If you're looking to soak up some serious fall magic, Burt’s Pumpkin Farm in Dawsonville is the place to be. Just a short drive from town, this beloved spot offers a sprawling patch filled with pumpkins of every shape and size—perfect for photo ops, porch décor, or pretending you’re starring in a Hallmark movie.
For a different kind of adventure, Iron Mountain Off Road Park invites thrill-seekers to explore over 4,300 acres of rugged terrain by ATV, dirt bike, or Jeep. With trails for every skill level and breathtaking Appalachian views, it’s the ultimate off-roading escape just outside town.
Just 20 miles from Dahlonega, the Appalachian Trail begins (or ends depending on how you look at it) in nearby Blue Ridge, GA, and the region is full of great day hikes: DeSoto Falls Trail A lush, beginner-friendly forest walk leading to Upper and Lower DeSoto Falls. Easy 2-mile round trip with gentle terrain and great photo ops. Lake Zwerner Trail (Yahoola Creek Reservoir) A scenic 3.3-mile loop encircling the lake with mountain views, picnic spots, and rolling hills. Preacher's Rock A rewarding 2-mile round trip from Woody Gap, with steady elevation and sweeping Blue Ridge views from a rocky outcrop. Walden Creek Waterfall Trail A peaceful 2.6-mile forested trail ending at a serene waterfall, offering light climbs and a relaxed vibe.
Don't stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to. Dick’s Creek Falls Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this multi-tiered waterfall sits just below the confluence of Dicks and Waters Creek. It’s easily accessible and popular for wading and sunning in summer, with shallow pools and smooth rocks that invite a splash—but caution is key on the slippery surfaces. Amicalola Falls Georgia’s tallest waterfall, Amicalola plunges 729 feet in a stunning cascade within Amicalola Falls State Park. Visitors can hike a staircase trail alongside the falls or take in views from multiple platforms. It’s also the gateway to the Appalachian Trail, making it both scenic and symbolic. Helton Creek Falls An easy 0.6-mile forest trail leads to two gorgeous waterfalls—lower for wading, upper for awe. Surrounded by lush trees and mossy rocks, it’s a peaceful splash-and-stroll kind of spot tucked in North Georgia’s mountains.