2022 PLAYA LOCALS’ GUIDE TO ALL THE BEST SPOTS A PRODUCT OF EAT DRINK LEARN SHOP
Where Southern charm meets French luxury.
Where Southern charm meets French luxury.
Escape to Braselton, where French country meets the Georgia mountains. Discover a small town with big charm that attracts wine lovers and racing enthusiasts from around the world. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, world-class dining options, year-round outdoor recreation, and a quaint historic downtown—all right at your doorstep.
Escape to Braselton, where French country meets the Georgia mountains. Discover a small town with big charm that attracts wine lovers and racing enthusiasts from around the world. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, world-class dining options, year-round outdoor recreation, and a quaint
2 | Discover North Georgia 2022
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE AT EXPLORE BRASELTON.COM
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
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Welcome to North Georgia!
know this region of the state has a lot to offer. Whether it’s a lake
in the sun, fun with the family on the farm or trekking farther north for a hike, there’s a lot to enjoy. We also know the best local spots to grab a bite to eat or a cold drink after a day exploring. So come, discover all North Georgia has to offer.
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As locals, we
day
Norman Baggs General Manager Stephanie Woody Group Publisher Shannon Casas Editor in Chief Rachel Estes Life Editor On the cover: North Georgia Mountains courtesy of Samuel Black
SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia
Discover North Georgia is a publication of Metro Market Media Inc., which owns The Times of Gainesville, the Forsyth County News and the Dawson County News. TABLE OF CONTENTS PLAY On the lake, in the woods, at the farm, there are lots of places to explore.6 EAT From casual to trendy to fine, there are dining options for all tastes and budgets.15 DRINK Wineries are tucked in every hillside, but there are breweries, too.26 LEARN Get a dose of culture at these museums.32 SHOP Outlet mall or boutique, there’s a little something for any shopper.33
Discover North Georgia 2022 | 5 Make Lake Chatuge ATLANTA HIGHWAY SEAFOOD MARKET 227 ATLANTA HWY | 770-287-8277 DINE IN • TAKE OUT • MARKET atlantahighwayseafood.com GET A TASTE OCEAN OF THE Voted Best Seafood in Hall County 6 years in a Row! GROUPER • MULLET RAINBOW TROUT RED SNAPPER • MAHI-MAHI SHARK • SHRIMP AMBERJACK • SEA BASS CATFISH • OYSTERS TILAPIA • SOFT SHELL CRAB SCALLOPS & MORE! # Best Catfish Restaurant by SouthernMagazineLiving
ON THE WATER
Lake Lanier is one of the most visited lakes in the world, with some 12 million enjoying this jewel north of Atlanta each year. The shores are dotted with parks, many with beaches and swim areas. There are also outfitters that will help get you on the water whether on a kayak, Jet Ski or boat. A Boat Rental Education Certificate is required by law and many outfitters offer the course on their websites so it can be completed prior to arrival.
Aqua Sports Adventures
This outfitter is located at Holiday Marina on the south end of Lake Lanier and offers pontoon and ski boat rentals along with water toy accessories.
6900 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
aquasportsadventures.com | 770-932-3366
Burton Outdoor Adventures
Guests can rent a kayak or paddle board and then take a shuttle ride to Old Federal Beach and Boat Ramp on Lake Lanier. After a tutorial and safety briefing, paddlers can explore a large mapped-out area on Lake Lanier. This outfitter is located in Flowery Branch on Jim Crow Road. No, it’s not named after that Jim Crow, and yes, locals have debated about renaming the road that honors local resident G.C. Crow.
5962 Jim Crow Road, Flowery Branch
burtonoutdooradventures.com | 770-447-0869
Don Carter State Park
At the north end of Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park offers an abundance of water recreation like swimming, boating, paddleboarding, fishing and kayaking.
Those itching to hike have the choice among five trails including the 1-mile Woodland Loop, 1-mile Terrapin Cove Trail and half-mile Lakeview Loop.
Visitors are also welcome to spend the night at the park in one of its RV campsites, two-bedroom cabins or primitive tent campsites.
5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville
gastateparks.org/doncarter | 678-450-7726
Gainesville Marina
This marina offers pontoon and tritoon boats for rent just west of the
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city of Gainesville. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months.
2145 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville gainesvillemarina.com | 770-536-2171
Kayak Shack at Longwood Park
The first of its kind in Gainesville, this kayak vending machine offers rental vessels to recreation enthusi asts eager to make a splash at Lake Lanier. The Kayak Shack is self-ser vice, and the rental process functions much like that for electric scooters in Atlanta. Kayakers will download the LinkaGo app to their smartphone and create an account, proceeding to payment before receiving the code that will unlock the stall door. Inside, they will find their kayak, dry bags, life jackets of varying sizes and hooks for towels and keys.
20 Pearl Nix Parkway, Gainesville facebook.com/ gainesvilleparksandrec
Lake Lanier Olympic Park
This park, once the site of row ing and paddling events in the 1996 Summer Olympics, is set on the north end of Lake Lanier and features a public boat launch and courtesy docks along with beach and picnic areas. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented on the weekends from the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club.
3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville lakelanierolympicvenue.org | 770-287-7888
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
This expansive waterpark and resort includes tiki bars and lakeside restaurants, impressive water slides and a wave pool along with a beach area. Boats can be rented from Har bor Landing Marina, and a variety of
The Kayak Shack at Longwood Park in Gainesville offers kayaks to rent using an app, similar to how electric scooters can be rented in some cities.
accommodations are available. Dur ing the colder months, Margaritaville transforms into a winter wonderland with its Lakeside Lights Spectacular and activities like snow tubing and ice skating.
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
margaritavilleresorts.com/ margaritaville-at-lanier-islands
Paradise Rental Boats
Paradise has a location on Lake Lanier inside Port Royale Marina. Don’t let the Gainesville address fool you, it is on the Forsyth County side of the lake near Browns Bridge.
Paradise offers a range of watercraft from the personal, such as a Wave Runner, to larger yachts and cruisers.
Port Royale Marina, 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville rentals.portroyalerental.com | 770-887-5715
AT THE BEACH
If you just want to lounge on the shoreline and splash in the waters, there are several options at lakeside parks, most of which are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Daytime access to most of the parks is $5 per car or $2 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Exercise caution when
Discover North Georgia 2022 | 7 PLAY
SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia
Life jacket stations are available at many of the designated swimming areas along Lake Lanier.
swimming. Runoff from heavy rain and the presence of Canada geese could mean increased bacteria in the water. The underwater terrain can be unpredictable, too; stay in desig nated swimming areas to stay safe.
Burton Mill Park
The beach here has a view of the University Yacht Club’s boat slips, so expect some boat traffic. The park also has its own boat docks and ramps you can use until 10 nightly. Along a shady trail you’ll find some picnic tables. But if you prefer the sun, there are plenty of tables with out shade, too.
6555 Yacht Club Road, Flowery Branch
Holly Park
A small beach is open to the public at Holly Park. The space also provides a small boat ramp and two large pavilions with covered picnic tables and grills. The beach and open water is ideal for spending the day fishing.
2603 Old Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville
Little Hall Park
The beach is tucked beside forested paths dotted with picnic tables and grills. A tiny playground is nearby. There’s also a facility for fishing tournaments across the park ing lot from the beach.
3501 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville
Old Federal Park
To get to this park, you’ll have to travel down a winding road in the woods, but it’s a nice view. There are two beach areas, both equipped with life jacket stations for kids. The park also has a boat ramp, a sand volleyball court and benches under the many trees.
6219 Old Federal Road, Flowery Branch River Forks Park
The beach area here is right beside a playground and covered picnic pavilion. If that area gets crowded though, you can stroll down to the other pavilion to have your lunch or even use one of the many
tables spread throughout the woods. There’s also a boat dock and ramp available for use. And watch out for wildlife — you just might see a deer. A daytime pass to access the park is $5 per car.
3500 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville
Van Pugh North Park
This park has two beach areas and a pavilion. There is also a playground and swing set for kids to enjoy and a boat ramp.
6838 Gaines Ferry Road, Flowery Branch
IN THE WOODS
The foothills offer an escape from the hustle of city life, with the sounds of birds and babbling brooks replacing that of honking drivers. Large natural areas are preserved for residents and visitors alike to get into the woods even before they reach the mountains to the north.
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Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville
This campus of the Atlanta Botani cal Garden is set on 168 acres in the woodlands just north of downtown Gainesville. There’s always some thing in season, and the garden fea tures several varieties of hydrangea as well as art displays set among the plants. The park also includes a chil dren’s area that opened in 2020 and features carnivorous plants, climbing areas, a playground, miniature trol ley and interactive water elements. 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville atlantabg.org/gainesvillegarden | 404-888-4760
Elachee Nature Science Center
Elachee is a private, nonprofit environmental education center and museum located in the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. The visitor center features a natural
history exhibit, where people can learn more about the history and habitats of the Chicopee Woods. Also featured are a live animal room with 25 species of reptiles and amphib ians, an outdoor aviary that is home to a great-horned owl and demon stration beehives and pollinator exhibits. Visitors eager to get outside can trek along 8 miles of walking trails that connect the visitor center campus to Elachee’s Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake. Dogs and pets are not allowed on the trails. There is a $5 daily parking fee for cars.
2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville elachee.org | 770-535-1976
Linwood Nature Preserve
Nestled in a residential area of Gainesville, this park includes 2 miles of trails that traverse forest and meadow and run alongside creek and lake. The preserve is one of seven community forests of the Old-Growth Forest Network in the
United States.
415 Linwood Drive, Gainesville gainesville.org | 770-531-2680
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
No matter where you go in For syth County, it’s hard to miss Sawnee Mountain rising from the horizon. Just a short drive from downtown Cumming lies 11 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and a visitor center at Sawnee Mountain Preserve — a perfect day trip for hikers and nature lovers of any skill level. Dogs are not allowed at Sawnee Preserve.
2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Road, Cumming parks.forsythco.com
IN THE MOUNTAINS
Travel north, and you’ll reach the windy roads that lead deeper into the mountains of North Georgia. Hik ing, waterfalls and vistas await.
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Something is always blooming at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s woodland campus in Gainesville.
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Amicalola Falls State Park
With gorgeous waterfalls and nearly 830-acres of wilderness nestled at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, this state park is easily one of the most popular in Georgia. It features Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot waterfall, but also miles of hiking trails, a plush mountainside lodge, camping, archery, zip-lining and event spaces.
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville amicalolafallslodge.com
Brasstown Bald
Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state of Georgia, tops out at 4,784 feet above sea level. Through out the Brasstown Bald complex in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, there are several trails to the summit, including a 9-mile out-andback option via the Jacks Knob Trail and a shorter Summit Access Trail from the Brasstown Bald park ing area. Conquer the summit and reward yourself with magnificent 360-degree views from which four states reportedly can be seen.
2941 Ga. Highway 180 Spur, Hiawassee
Mount Yonah
A steep trail meandering through boulders will bring you to the summit of Mount Yonah in about 2 miles. It’s also a popular area for rock climbing. The mountain itself is recognizable in the Cleveland area by its bare rock face.
1900 Chambers Road, Cleveland
Preacher’s Rock
A short hike from Woody Gap Trailhead on Ga. 60 in Lumpkin County will bring you to Preacher’s Rock and its views of the mountains. The trail is part of the Appalachian Trail but this portion is just over a mile from Woody Gap. The trek up Big Cedar Mountain is moderate to difficult.
Ga. 60, Suches fs.usda.gov
Smithgall Woods State Park
This trout-fishing haven on Dukes Creek has 5 miles of trails, 18 miles of road and six cottages ready for hikers, day-trippers and anglers.
Fishing is tightly controlled in the 5,664-acre park — so be sure to call ahead and schedule your trip to the park well in advance.
61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen gastateparks.org/ SmithgallWoods | 706-8783087
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Crowds flock every year to see this 2-mile-long, 1,000-foot deep gash along Georgia’s forested terrain. People can hike to different over looks or obtain a permit to hike to the gorge’s floor. Only 100 people are allowed per day when water isn’t being released from the dam at Tallulah Falls Lake. Visitors can brave the suspension bridge, which sways high above the gorge and provides views of its six waterfalls.
For a closer view of the Hurricane Falls waterfall, travel to the park’s observation deck within the gorge.
The 2.8-mile roundtrip Shortline Trail follows along the banks of the Tallulah River.
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls
gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge | 706-754-7981
Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park’s breathtaking views lie only a couple of miles away from the Alpine village of Helen near Unicoi Lake, the headwaters for the Chattahoochee River. This park of fers opportunities for fishing, swim ming, zip-lining, camping, hiking and picnicking. It borders the Chatta hoochee National Forest, which is home to Anna Ruby Falls — one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Georgia. Camping is available on site along with a lodge.
1788 Ga. 356, Helen gastateparks.org/unicoi | 706-878-2201
Vogel State Park
This park lies in the Chatta hoochee National Forest and sits at the base of Blood Mountain, which is the highest summit on the Appala chian Trail in Georgia. Hike to the peak during the fall and see the Blue Ridge Mountains ablaze in autumn colors. Trekking on land not your thing? Enjoy the park’s 22-acre lake in a non-motorized boat or visit dur ing the summer when the mountainview beach opens. There are also kayaks for rent and a putt-putt course. The park is one of Georgia’s oldest. Check out its rich history at the CCC Museum built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville gastateparks.org/vogel | 706-745-2628
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SHANNON CASAS | Discover North Georgia
The North Georgia Mountains offer hiking trails galore, including the Appalachian Trail, which is accessible from many points. Reach this vista at Preacher’s Rock by way of the trail from Woody Gap on Ga. 60.
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ON THE FARM
North Georgia’s expansive rolling hills make it an agritourism destination. Farms offer U-pick and other experiences of in-season fun.
Burt’s Pumpkin Farm
This farm in Dawson County has one of the largest selections of pick-your-own pumpkins in North Georgia. It also offers scenic hayrides through the farm and shop ping at the farm’s country store. It’s open spring through fall.
5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Road, Dawsonville shopburtsfarm.com | 706-265-3701
Jaemor Farms
Thousands flock to this family farm for their large variety of peaches in the summer. In other seasons, the farm offers strawberries, pumpkins and even fresh flow ers. Events are often held, including U-pick events during each season as well as a corn maze in the fall. The market is also worth a visit, featuring a variety of locally made products and foods like soft-serve ice cream and hand pies made with produce from the farm.
5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto jaemorfarms.com | 770-869-3999
Kinsey Family Farm
Kinsey Family Farm is known for its cut-your-own Christmas trees in the winter. The farm offers a bonfire and sells marshmallows to create a memorable experi ence. The farm also offers a variety of pumpkins in the fall and animals to see.
7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville kinseyfamilyfarm.com | 770-887-6028
Red Oak Lavender Farm
This property features several varieties of lavender, in cluding those used for culinary purposes and those more
common in bath and body products. The farm hosts UPick days in June when the flowers are in full bloom.
2882 Red Oak Flats Road, Dahlonega redoaklavender.com | 706-974-8230
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Uncle Shuck’s is a 15-acre seasonally themed corn maze with food, pick-your-own pumpkins, activities for kids and miles of corn maze trails to get lost in. It’s open September through November.
125 Bannister Road, Dawsonville uncleshucks.com | 770-772-6223
Warbington Farms
This farm is known for its 3 acres of U-pick strawber ries available in the spring but also features pumpkins in the fall and a petting zoo, slides and other kids activities. 5555 Crow Road, Cumming warbingtonfarms.com | 770-889-1515
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Jaemor Farms is known for its many varieties of peaches, but it also offers U-pick flowers in season.
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LAKESIDE Skogies
Located inside Gainesville Marina, this restaurant offers outdoor and indoor dining and a menu featuring shrimp, crab or Skogies’ signature grouper sandwich. Skogies also delivers food out to boats docking at the marina. It’s open seasonally.
2151 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville skogieslakefrontrestaurant.us | 678-450-1310
Fish Tales
As the name suggests, this lakeside restaurant offers seafood, including tuna poke nachos, clam strips and fried grouper fingers. There’s a sandbox for the kids and cold drinks for the adults.
6330 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch fishtaleslakelanier.com | 770-967-3775
Lanier Islands
Several restaurants are located at the Margaritaville resort, including
Bullfrog’s for casual American cui sine and L Bar for convenient hand crafted beverage options. There’s also the Tiki Bar and Shark Shack at the beachside Chill Zone.
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford margaritavilleresorts.com/ margaritaville-at-lanier-islands
Pelican Pete’s
This floating tiki bar and grill is open summers at Port Royale Marina. It serves primarily seafood, sandwiches and salads.
8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville pelicanpetes.com | 770-887-5715
Pig Tales
This outdoor bar offers classics like pulled pork sandwiches and burgers along with cocktails, frozen drinks and its signature Tales Ale, a Kolsch-style beer with notes of pear, on draft.
6800 Lights Ferry Road, Flowery Branch pigtaleslakelanier.com | 678-828-7676
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Alpha Gyro Grill
Order your gyro or falafel wrap at the counter and be ready for surprisingly vibrant flavors from this Greek-owned restaurant. Get more adventurous with a plate of moussaka or one of the pasta dishes or soups.
215 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE, Gainesville facebook.com/alphagyrogrill | 678-696-8380
Atlanta Highway Seafood Market
This popular seafood joint fea tures Cajun specialties like étouffée, gumbo and po’ boys. The restau rant’s adjoining fish market offers freshly caught seafood including crab, shrimp, scallops, mahi-mahi, gulf snapper and grouper.
227 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville atlantahighwayseafood.com | 770-287-8277
Big Burritos Mexican Grill
Embrace family, mariachi music and loads of flavor at this restaurant. Authentic Mexican dishes include enchiladas verdes, carne asada and birria de res, beef that’s been braised for hours in a “secret sauce.” Custom ers can also opt to build their own burrito, which locals have described as “the size of an alley cat.” Yes, these burritos are big.
3652 Wallis Road, Oakwood facebook.com/ bigburritosmexicangrill | 678-989-7214
Big D’s Barbecue
When you’re heading north on Ga. 400 and feeling a hankering for classic Southern barbecue, just look for the building with the big pink pig — Big D’s Barbecue. Since the early 2000s, Big D’s has been serving up masterfully cooked barbecue in all its various forms, from locations in
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Fish Tales offers lakeside dining in Flowery Branch.
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Forsyth and Dawson counties. 6566 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville; 236 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville; 212 Atlanta Road, Cumming. bigdsbbq.com | 706-216-6706
The Collegiate Grill
Travel back in time at this diner that serves up one of the best ham burgers in town. Sizzling on the flat top in front of you with fries being cooked in oil nearby, a burger at The Collegiate is an American classic. Order one with a patty or two, add some cheese and ketchup — lettuce, tomato and onion if you like — and you’ll be on your way down memory lane.
220 Main St. SW, Gainesville facebook.com/collegiategrill | 678-989-2280
Dawsonville Pool Room
The Pool Room is a monument to the history of racing. It’s known for its connection to the beginnings of the sport and is famous for its Bully Burger and for sounding the “SIREEN” for racing victories by NAS CAR drivers Bill and Chase Elliott.
9 Bill Elliott St., Dawsonville 706-265-2792
sell their meats by the pound and their sides by the gallon. Don’t for get the sweet tea.
1710 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville johnnysbbq.co | 770-536-2100
Lennys Grill and Subs
Lennys serves hand-crafted deli sandwiches piled high with freshly sliced meats and cheeses as well as cheesesteaks on bread that is baked fresh every day.
1040 Market Place Blvd., Cumming facebook.com/LennysAtlanta | 678-947-0336
Longstreet Cafe
Gainesville Seafood Market & Eatery
Not to be confused with Atlanta Highway’s other, older seafood market, Gainesville Seafood Mar ket & Eatery blends world cultures with Cajun-flavored shrimp boils, Mexican-inspired fish tacos and crunchy tostadas. 1403 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville gainesvilleseafoodmkt.com | 678-971-1977
JAG’s Cafe & Catering
The smell of crawfish, jambalaya and gumbo fills the family-run JAG’s Cafe & Catering. Recipes come from the owner’s memory of growing up in New Orleans, though it’s more about cooking than following instructions.
3008 McEver Road, Gainesville facebook.com/JAGsCafe | 770-895-4105
Johnny’s BBQ
This local favorite serves up pork, beef and chicken sandwiches with their house sauce. Sides include Brunswick stew, baked beans and slaw. They also offer pecan pie and banana pudding for dessert. They
Looking for some good ol’ South ern comfort food? Longstreet has you covered. The longtime staple is the place to go if you’re looking for a meat-and-three. Expect to find fried foods like chicken tenders and hefty sides like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes. Don’t forget your sweet tea and banana pudding.
1043 Riverside Terrace, Gainesville longstreetcafe.com | 770-287-0820
Roxy’s Subs, Steaks and Shakes
Roxy’s has Philadelphia style subs and cheese steaks, salads and over 10 varieties of handmade milk shakes.
3225 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming facebook.com/Roxyssubs | 470-239-7466
Socks Love Barbecue
Meats and sides are all smoked and rubbed in house at Socks Love, which offers brisket, ribs, pork, tur key and chicken along with sides like mac n cheese and cowboy beans
1050 Buford Road, Unit 104, Cumming sockslovebrands.com | 470-302-8383
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Longstreet Cafe in Gainesville is a classic Southern buffet of fried foods,casseroles and desserts.
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bar upstairs called Blue Door that features a DJ and a dress code.
109 Bradford St. S, Gainesville avocadoseats.com | 770- 5320001
The Galloping Galette
Take an authentic bite of France in this casual atmosphere specializing in sweet crêpes and savory galettes. The eclectic menu ranges from crêpes filled with smoked salmon, goat cheese, swiss and onions to traditional galette dishes composed of mozzarella, sausage and a com bination of plain and caramelized cinnamon apples.
9924 Davis St., Braselton facebook.com/TGG. TheGallopingGalette | 706-684-3080
Harvest Kitchen
This Spanish tapas restaurant is located off the main thoroughfare and invites visitors to enjoy the cul ture and tastes its owners fell in love with when doing mission work in Spain. You’ll find dishes like paella, seafood croquettes and charcuterie. And don’t miss the crispy Brussels sprouts.
601 S Enota Drive NE, Suite O, Gainesville harvestcateringco.com/ restaurant | 470-892-6918
Hopscotch
Sweet Magnolias
This family-owned cafe and bakery creates a daily buzz inside downtown Gainesville’s Main Street Market. Its menu features an array of straightforward sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods
118 Main St. SW, Gainesville 678-862-0254
TRENDY
2 Dog Restaurant
This rustic and homey eatery flanking downtown Gainesville
serves an eclectic menu of sea sonal produce sourced from local farms, fresh meats smoked on site, homemade breads, fresh-cut garden herbs, house-made sauces, salads and desserts.
317 Spring St. SE, Gainesville 2dogrestaurant.com | 770-287-8384
Avocados
Enjoy your meal at tables along the sunny sidewalk of the Gainesville square or retreat inside to enjoy a fresh burger or skillfully fried chicken tenders. There’s an eclectic
This restaurant offers upscale dishes on the downtown Gainesville square. The menu changes with the season but features dishes ranging from Tater Tots to sprouts and goat cheese. It also features local brews.
107 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville hopscotchrestaurant.com
Hop’s Kitchen
For a serious burger, or other sandwich for that matter, don’t miss this spot hidden away next to the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids in Gainesville. There’s a burger with pimento cheese and pickled green tomatoes, a burger with mushrooms and pesto and a burger with some
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The Galloping Galette in Braselton serves up French cuisine including crepes and galettes.
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thing called “beer sauce.” And if a burger isn’t your thing, there are a lot of other options, including artful vegetarian sandwiches. And ask about their momo bread.
999 Chestnut St., Gainesville hopskitchen.com | 770-654-8022
The Inked Pig
The Inked Pig puts its own mark on classic barbecue dishes. On the menu, you can find a barbacoa brisket with chimichurri sauce and sweet tea-smoked chicken along with classic pulled pork and sauces.
893 Main St. SW, Gainesville theinkedpig.com | 678-696-5611
Local Station
Built in 1925, this historic down town dining spot was Braselton’s first service station. Today, it serves lunch and dinner fare, signature drinks and seasonal specials.
108 Brassie Lane, Braselton 706-921-4192
Recess Southern Gastro Pub
Located just off the downtown Gainesville square, this pub offers trendy Southern foods like fried green tomato appetizers and shrimp and grits, along with classic pub fare like burgers and fish and chips. It has a large bar area and an inventive cocktail menu.
118 Bradford St. NE, Gainesville recesspub.com | 678-450-0444
Rice Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Rice is dedicated to serving pa trons a variety of pan-Asian cuisine and ingredients that are familiar to the American palate. With select daily market deliveries, they also serve sushi and sashimi.
3480 Keith Bridge Road, Suite B1, Cumming ricerestaurantandsushibar.com | 770-887-9833
YellowFin
This downtown Gainesville restau rant spotlights seafood, with dishes like bang bang shrimp tacos and crab cakes. There’s also steaks, chicken and lamb for the land farers.
120 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville yellowfingv.com | 678-450-4225
Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito
The only Japanese restaurant in downtown Gainesville serves up its namesake. The sushi burritos offer filling choices including tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab and vegetable options.
115 Washington St. NE, Gainesville 678-696-5739
FINE DINING Antebellum
Experience fine dining in Flow ery Branch by visiting Antebellum, which resides in an 1890s style home in the city’s historic district. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu with ingredients from local farms, as well as traditional Ameri can dishes with a gourmet twist. Some of the menu items include
cocoa-crusted duck breast, grilled salmon, wild farm greens and a local charcuterie and cheese board. 5510 Church St., Flowery Branch antebellumrestaurant.com | 770-965-8100
The Blue Bicycle
Dawsonville might not be the first town to come to mind for French cui sine, which makes The Blue Bicycle a nice surprise on your trip north on Ga. 400. Located near North Georgia Premium Outlets, this bistro offers a range of small and large plates for both lunch and dinner. The menu includes a few French favorites with a Southern twist: chicken liver mousse, smoked trout rillettes and pimento cheese tartine. Make sure to check out this spot’s extensive wine menu.
30 Industrial Park Blvd., Dawsonville 706-265-2153
Cotton Calf Kitchen
This 120-seat white tablecloth contemporary American steakhouse in downtown Braselton features tapas-style appetizers alongside dryaged steaks and other specialities. The bar and lounge area features craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, bourbons, classic cocktails and an extensive wine list. Seating on the
20 | Discover North Georgia 2022
SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Inked Pig is located by the train tracks in midtown Gainesville.
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Discover North Georgia 2022 | 21
Gainesville’s downtown area is growing rapidly, with many restaurants set to open in 2022, including Standard Service, a self-serve tap room.
outdoor patio overlooks the Brasel ton Town Green, which is often the stage for movies, concerts and other entertainment.
9924 Davis St., Braselton cottoncalf.com | 706-684-0410
Luna’s
This mainstay located in the Hunt Tower off the Gainesville square features a refined dining experience and a traditionally American menu with dishes such as grilled pork chop with whipped sweet potatoes or salmon with basmati rice and veg etables. Dress to impress and don’t miss the piano bar.
200 Main St. SW, Gainesville lunas.com | 770-531-0848
Scott’s Downtown
Scott’s Downtown keeps a pol ished dinner menu with a range of premium steak and seafood dishes and a few Southern classics like lowcountry shrimp and grits and fried oysters. The restaurant also provides an extensive cocktail menu for those wanting to kick back and unwind after work.
131 Bradford St. NE, Gainesville scottsdowntown.com | 770-536-1111
Tam’s BackStage
Tam’s offers dining in the former
basement of the town’s historic 1923 school building. An American bistro punctuated with a hint of northern Italian flair, the seafood is fresh, the steaks are hand cut and the sauces, dressings and desserts are all made from scratch.
215 Ingram Ave., Cumming tamsbackstage.com | 678-455-8310
COMING SOON Consuelo
Just off the downtown Gainesville square, this restaurant will feature authentic Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. Slated to open summer 2022.
112 Bradford St., Gainesville Daddy O’Brien’s Irish Ice Cream Pub
This restaurant and ice cream bar boasts more than 100 flavors of handcrafted ice cream infused with adult spirits. Nonalcoholic options will also be available. Slated to open summer 2022.
21 Washington St., Gainesville daddyosicecream.com
Standard Service
A former fueling station turned gastropub offers 60 self-serve beers,
pub fare, snacks and shareables. Slated to open spring 2022.
400 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville
Peyton’s Pie Co.
This downtown Flowery Branch staple is bringing its signature woodfired pizzas to Gainesville’s Main Street Market. Slated to open fall 2022.
112 Main St., Gainesville peytonspiecompany.com
Kelley’s Tavern & Grill
This forthcoming restaurant will feature a bar and patio area staging live entertainment and cornhole tournaments. Slated to open spring 2022.
628 E.E. Butler Parkway, Gainesville facebook.com/kelleystavern
Taqueria Tsunami
This contemporary fusion res taurant specializes in Latin-Asian cuisine inspired by the Los Angeles food truck scene and chef Scott Kin sey’s travels. Slated to open inside the Gainesville Renaissance summer 2022.
106 Spring St., Gainesville taqueriatsunami.com
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SHANNON CASAS | Discover North Georgia
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Discover North Georgia 2022 | 23 Amphitheatre ■ Boat Ramps ■ Dog Parks ■ Fishing ■ Grilling ■ Lighted Ball Fields Events Pavilions ■ Picnic Areas ■ Playgrounds ■ Splash Pads ■ Pickleball Courts ■ Walking Trails Find out about all the HALL COUNTY PARKS & LEISURE activities happening this summer in your area. HALLCOUNTY.ORG
AUTHENTIC FLAVORS
Along Atlanta Highway, res taurants with authentic Mexican, Dominican and Salvadorian flavors have been serving the residents of Gainesville for more than two de cades. While some are well-known for their unique flavors, others are among the city’s best-kept secrets.
La Mejor de Michoacan
If you’re turning off of Pearl Nix Parkway, you won’t miss this bright yellow building. The ice cream shop makes their popsicles in-house each day, concocting flavors like guava, tequila, rice pud ding, tamarind, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies and cream and coconut. A must-try is their chamo yadas and mangonadas: mango ice cream topped with either chamoy, tajin or mango chunks.
403 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville
lamejordemichoacan.net | 770-534-0610
El Carreton
Since 1994, El Carreton has been serving authentic tacos, burritos, tortas and quesadillas. Each taco order comes with double-layered corn tortillas, cilantro, onion and house-made green salsa. Their selfproclaimed “best tortas in the uni verse” are filled with your choice of meat or a vegetarian option and a variety of toppings.
608 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville
elcarretongainesville.com | 770-535-2665
El Salvador Bakery and Pupuseria
Rich scents of baked bread and fresh-made pupusas greet your first steps into El Salvador Bakery and Pupuseria. The restaurant sells a variety of sweet breads and semi tas, which are filled with cheese,
Mofonguitos at El Caldero Dominican Restaurant are three fried plantain cups filled with melted cheese, shrimp, peppers, tomatoes and a Creole sauce.
guava or pineapple. As their name suggests, the restaurant also of fers savory corn and rice pupusas filled with cheese, beans, squash or your choice of meat. Fresh-made tamales and empanadas are also available daily.
1403 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville facebook.com/El-SalvadorBakery-Y-Pupuseria | 678-971-5868
Marisquería Playa Azul Seafood and Grill
Among many things, the res taurant offers a choice of fish on a bed of rice, alongside a salad and a wide selection of margaritas, micheladas and bloody marys. A simple staple is the Playa Azul fish tacos, which come with freshly cooked fish, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and a housemade sauce to pour on top. The soft tortilla is just the right vessel to
hold the ingredients together for a perfect bite.
1736 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville playaazul-seafoodrestaurant. business.site | 678-943-2891
El Caldero Dominican Restaurant
Opened in January 2021, El Caldero brings authentic Dominican cuisine to Gainesville’s table. Their menu offers a selection of main dishes, sides and desserts, but it’s the appetizers that steal the show. The restaurant’s bollitos are served as four fried balls of dough stuffed with a choice of beef, pork or cheese. Another classic dish is the mofon guitos: three fried plantain cups filled with melted cheese, shrimp, peppers, tomatoes and a Creole sauce that makes your mouth water.
2550 Atlanta Highway, Suite 900, Gainesville elcalderogainesville.com | 678-943-8986
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RACHEL ESTES | Discover North Georgia
ONTHECOVER:MEET THE MANBEHIND THEMIXED DRINKSFLIGHT GET TO KNOW CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR ON PAGE 12 WHAT’S NEW BRING THE KIDS EAT & DRINK EXPLORE AROUND HALL AUGUST 2022VOLUME 1 FOOD | FUN | FAMILY LOGOSPONSOR HERE ANNOUNCING SCAN ME TO SIGN UP! CHECK OUT THE PREMIERE ISSUE FOR AUGUST 2022! Available at a favorite local hangout near you! Looking for more places to see and things to do right now? Sign up for our weekly Flight email newsletter. You will get food, fun and family delivered right to your in-box every Thursday. WANT TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN BY BECOMING A SPONSOR OR ADVERTISING WITH US? EMAIL MARKETING@GAINESVILLETIMES.COM
BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES AND TAPROOMS
Braselton Brewing Co.
This brewpub in the heart of Braselton offers a lineup of rotating beers including European classics like a German-style lager, hefeweizen and kolsch. Those wanting a meal with their tasty brew can choose from a menu of Southern pub food like burgers, soft pretzel bites and macaroni and cheese. The restaurant is inside what was once a cotton gin, which can be noted by its rustic met al exterior. This brewpub welcomes canines of all sizes to its patio.
9859 Davis St., Braselton braseltonbrewing.com | 706-684-0686
Cherry Street Brewing at Vickery Village
Cherry Street Brewing Co-op’s res taurant and taproom have become popular gathering spots in Forsyth County, offering IPAs, sours and barrel-aged drinks. The food menu features whole rotisserie chicken, chicken fingers, ribs and large salads. A steakhouse menu features hand-cut steaks and grilled fish.
5810 Bond St., Cumming cherrystreetbrewing.com | 770-205-5512
Cork It
Located inside Main Street Market in downtown Gainesville, Cork It boasts an array of local and import ed wines and charcuterie boards em bellished with cheese, meats, pickles, jams and spreads from Antebellum
Restaurant in Flowery Branch and other area businesses. The wine bar, which opened in 2020, also has a location in downtown Buford. Both locations offer small bites, fine wine by the glass or bottle and exclusive wine club memberships.
118 Main St., Gainesville corkitgainesville.com | 770-545-6164 79 E. Main St., Buford corkitbuford.com | 678-765-2549
Downtown Drafts
This craft beer cafe and growler shop on the Gainesville square offers a selection of local, national and international brews. Seating is available inside as well as along the sidewalk outside the shop.
115 Bradford St., Gainesville downtowndrafts.net | 678-943-2165
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BEN HENDREN | Discover North Georgia
Downtown Drafts is a growler pub located on the downtown Gainesville square.
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Flourish Taproom
Inside The 1904, a downtown Braselton mercantile formerly known as the Braselton Bros. De partment Store, this family-friendly community gathering space features a rotating lineup of beer and wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages, live music every weekend and social events including bingo, trivia and comedy nights.
9924 Davis St., Braselton facebook.com/flourishtaproom
Liquid Nation Brewing Co.
Located inside a historic building in Chicopee Mills south of Gaines ville proper, this brewery recently rebranded as Liquid Nation Brewing Co. It has been serving up a range of craft beer since opening in 2016 under the moniker Left Nut Brewing Co. Many of its brews pay homage to the city’s heritage, including its Engine 209 Russian imperial stout and Bridge to Nowhere IPA.
2100 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville liquidnationbrewing.com | 678-827-6678
Legends Distillery
Legends offers bourbon, including its “Distillers Release” 122.4 Proof Single Barrel Bourbon, along with vodka cocktails.
Cumming, 210 Industrial Park Drive, Cumming spiritsusa.com/live-music | 470-695-7926
NoFo Brew Co. and Distillery
Forsyth County’s first craft brew ery, NoFo Brew Co., was born out of its founders’ love of adventure and craft brew. It offers a family- and dog-friendly environment, as well as a green front lawn for outdoor activities.
6150 Georgia Highway 400, Cumming nofobrew.co | 678-771-8116
Remedy Distillery
Gainesville’s first distillery is making its own signature whiskey and bourbon in midtown Gaines ville. There’s an outdoor patio and an indoor tasting room that serves cocktails and 2-ounce free samples of whiskey and bourbon. People can also purchase up to three bottles of bourbon and cinnamon whiskey. 885 Main St. SW, Gainesville remedywhiskey.com | info@remedywhiskey.com
Tantrum Brewing Co.
Tucked away in the mountains of Cleveland and in the middle of White County wine country, lies Tantrum Brewing, Georgia’s first agritour ism brewery. The location, which first opened in 2019, offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as panoramic views of Yonah and Pink Mountain. Rows of hops grow on site and are used in the brewery’s limited release beers. 1939 Helen Highway, Cleveland tantrumbeer.com | 770-519-1900
Tap It Pints and Growlers
As its name suggests, this taproom
offers a rotating selection of craft beer by the pint or growler, as well as wine and champagne. Guests can enjoy a drink and live entertain ment inside or on the rooftop, which opened in spring 2022 and over looks downtown Gainesville. 110 Maple St., Gainesville tapitgrowler.square.site | 678-421-3312
WINERIES
North Georgia is known for its wines, and a 133-square-mile area known as the Dahlonega Plateau has the official designation of “American Viticultural Area.” That basically means it’s a region good for growing grapes and making wines. See for yourself at one of the many wineries tucked into the foothills and moun tains of the Appalachians. Some offer upscale experiences and others re laxed, country living. Discover your preferred tastes.
Accent Cellars
This spot just outside downtown Dahlonega crafts its wines from grapes sourced around the state and country. It calls itself a micro urban winery and has events that seem to fit that designation, including com edy nights.
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SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Flourish Taproom is located inside The 1904 in Braselton. The space is designed to build community.
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LIQUID NATION BREWING SAME PASSION, COMMITMENT AND AWARD WINNING BEERS VISIT OUR HISTORIC TAPROOM 2100 ATLANTA HWY GAINESVILLE, GA LIQUID NATION BREWING, FORMERLY OPERATING AS LEFT NUT BREWING CO. IMMERSE YOURSELF NORTH GEORGIA’S AWARD WINNING BREWERY SINCE 2016 TM TM
215 Auraria Road, Dahlonega accentcellars.com | 706-8670123
Blue Duck Cider Co.
Farm winery Blue Duck Cider Co. opened in 2022 and specializes in hard craft cider, offering several cider flavors as well as beer, wine and seltzers. Customers can have a 2-ounce taster, as well as 8- or 10-ounce glasses. The farm win ery offers an on-site tasting room with comfortable seating and a fun, vintage feel, as well as space for customers to play corn hole.
30 Industrial Park Drive Suite 114, Dawsonville 706-203-1329
Cavender Creek Vineyard & Winery
This family-farm operation experi ments with small batches and many grape varietals and wine blends. Most of its wine is aged in either stainless steel or American oak bar rels. Its atmosphere is relaxed and ripe for tasting something new. 3610 Cavender Creek Road, Dahlonega cavendercreekvineyards.com | 706-451-9084
CeNita Vineyards
CeNita Vineyards invites visitors to enjoy a variety of red and white wines in its casual setting. People can hang out in one of the winery’s hammocks or enjoy a game of corn hole.
591 Dock Dorsey Road, Cleveland cenitawinery.com | 706-865-7478
Chateau Elan
As one of the largest wineries on the East Coast, Chateau Elan has carved a path for itself in Georgia’s wine industry. The winery has crafted over 30 wines with grapes grown in Braselton, southern Georgia vineyards and California’s Lake County and Clarksburg regions. Open daily, Chateau Elan in Brasel ton invites guests to delve deeper into the wine-making process with a behind-the-scenes tour.
100 Rue Charlemagne Drive, Braselton chateauelan.com | 678-425-0900
Cloudland Vineyards and Winery
This winery in South Hall County highlights the lomanto grape, which
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SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Cloudland Vineyards and Winery in South Hall County features lomanto grapes.
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can produce a bright and complex red wine. The menu also includes white and rosé wines.
3796 North Bogan Road, Buford facebook.com/cloudlandwines
Etowah Meadery
Ever tried mead, also known as honey wine? Here’s your chance to indulge in this sweet “nectar of the gods.” Some of the tasty creations include the Georgia standard, a tra ditional mead made with wildflower honey and Dahlonega mountain wa ter; Figgy Pudding, made with honey, figs, spices and aged in a charred whiskey barrel; and Stone Pile Peach, a mead made with peaches.
3003 Morrison Moore Parkway E, Dahlonega etowahmeadery.com | 706-864-6323
Frogtown Cellars
This award-winning winery also has an Italian bistro to pair with your glass. The wines, pastas and pizza doughs are all made on site. 700 Ridge Point Drive, Dahlonega frogtown.com
Habersham Winery
Since 1983, Habersham Winery has been producing a large variety of wine in North Georgia wine coun try, just a half mile south of Helen’s Alpine village. Some of its notable collections are the Southern Harvest label, which includes wines made from muscadines, and the Habersh am and Creekstone labels, which in clude varietal vinifera wines as well as blended wines with both vinifera and French-American grapes.
7025 S. Main St., Helen habershamwinery.com | 706-878-9463
Kaya Vineyard and Winery
Kaya Vineyard and Winery breathed life back into the property of the old Blackstock Vineyards that closed in late 2012. When it oper ated, Blackstock was one of the larg
est wineries in the area. Kaya offers a wine club for its devoted guests, cottages for short overnight stays as well as a scenic venue for both wed dings and private events. The winery also provides a light lunch menu for those wanting to enjoy their wine with food on Kaya’s covered patio.
5400 Town Creek Road, Dahlonega kayavineyards.com | 706-219-3514
Montaluce Winery
At Montaluce Winery, visitors can experience fine dining, flavorful local wine and the nature surround ing the Etowah River. The winery’s restaurant offers seasonal brunch and dinner menus including dishes like pasta bolognese, Mediterranean grouper and torta de pollo. Those wanting to explore the land sur rounding Montaluce can opt for a wine hike, which involves a guided tour through the vineyards and along nature trails. The property is also home to four privately owned Tuscan-style villas available for rent. 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega montaluce.com | 706-867-4060
Sweet Acre Farms Winery
This fruit winery set in the roll ing hills of northeast Hall County has a low-key vibe, where you can grab a wine slushie and rock on the expansive porch overlooking vines of blackberries. While many of the wines are sweet, there are some drier varieties, including one made from blueberries.
7584 Bill Wilson Road, Alto sweetacrefarms.com | 678-769-5355
Stoney J’s Farm Winery
Established in 2014 as a farm and orchard, Stoney J’s has evolved into a working farm winery. It offers wine tastings, a gourmet chef’s kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven and an outdoor courtyard with fireplace.
Stoney J’s strives to make wines that represent the local region and cellar well, yet are equally enjoyed in their youth. The farm features animals including chickens, an alpaca, ponies, goats and pigs. Organic seasonal blackberries and blueberries are grown there as well as fresh veg etables and herbs used exclusively in the tasting room menu items.
1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming stoneyjswinery.com | 678-910-4146
Serenity Cellars
This winery offers red and white blends as well as several sweeter dessert wines, which you can enjoy on its small outdoor patio.
265 Laurel Ridge Road, Cleveland serenitycellars.com | 706-348-1277
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
This winery, established in 1999, is set on 30 acres in Lumpkin County. It boasts several award-winning wines and focuses on a style that blends European varietals to achieve more complex and intense flavors.
180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega wolfmountainvineyards.com | 706-867-9862
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
This 200-acre family winery tucked away on the southeastern base of Yonah Mountain offers award-winning wines in a pictur esque setting. The Genesis X Classic, a red blend, won double gold in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Com petition, the largest wine contest in North America. The large patio feels swanky and overlooks the vines growing along the hillsides.
1717 Highway 255 S, Cleveland yonahmountainvineyards.com | 706-878-5522
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Bowen Arts Center
Located right off of the Dawson ville square, the Bowen Center for the Arts offers a variety of shows throughout the year. The Bowen displays unique, handcrafted works of art including woodworking and quilting.
334 Highway 9 North, Dawsonville bowenarts.org | 706-216-2787
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
There is likely no place in this world more packed with NASCAR and racing memorabilia, cars and history. The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame is a volunteer-run museum of all things racing, from the sport’s humble beginnings when moonshine bootleggers raced revenuers in the Prohibition era, to the multibillion dollar a year industry it is today. The museum offers tours, informational videos and racing memorabilia sold from its gift shop.
415 Ga. Highway 53 E, Dawsonville georgiaracinghof.com | 706-216-7223
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids
Better known as INK, this at traction is set up like a small town, with areas where children and their families can play pretend, such as a grocery store, diner and hair salon. The museum also includes a pottery studio, jungle gym and area where children can use foam blocks to bring their imaginations to life. Ad mission is $9 per person for anyone older than 2.
999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville inkfun.org | 770-536-1900
Longstreet Society
The headquarters for the group remembering Confederate Gen. James Longstreet is also what remains of the Piedmont Hotel he operated in Gainesville, where he
SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia The Interactive Neighborhood for Kids is a hands-on museum in Gainesville that allows children to pretend at various exhibits.
Northeast Georgia History Center
The center aims to preserve regional history through educa tional programs, community events, exhibits and historic structures like Cherokee Chief White Path’s cabin. Exhibits include one devoted to the 1936 tornado that decimated downtown Gainesville and a special exhibit of studio portraits made 1900-1950 by N.C. White. Admission is $6 for most adults
lived from 1875 until his death in 1904. In addition to the group’s of fices, the building contains historical artifacts about Longstreet’s life and career and a library of Civil War vol umes. Admission is free. Longstreet served as Gen. Robert E. Lee’s princi pal military adviser. After the war, Longstreet made the then unpopular choice to join the Republican Party and fight for civil rights of formerly enslaved people.
827 Maple St., Gainesville longstreet.org | 770-539-9005
322 Academy St., Gainesville negahc.org | 770-297-5900
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
The nonprofit arts organization offers exhibitions featuring solo and group artists and a special members’ exhibition each fall. Admission is free, but the center accepts dona tions.
514 Green St., Gainesville quinlanartscenter.org | 770-536-2575
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North Georgia Premium Outlets
With scores of brand-name stores offering merchan dise for a bargain, the North Georgia Premium Outlets on Ga. 400 in Dawson County is the spot to go to score deals on clothing, accessories, furniture and more. Outlet re tailers include everything from Adidas to Versace to West Elm, all in one convenient North Georgia location. 800 Ga. 400 South, Dawsonville
| 706-216-3609
Vickery Village
Enjoy one of the many fine restaurants, shop with local merchants and bring the whole family to one of the free outdoor events in the Village Green. Housed in classic architecture surrounding a charming courtyard, Vickery Village is home to 200,000 square feet of retail, restau rant and office space.
5855 S. Vickery St., Cumming vickeryvillageshops.com
DOWNTOWN SQUARES
SHANNON CASAS | Discover North Georgia The downtown Dahlonega square is a major destination during leaf season, but offers quaint shops year-round.
Dahlonega
This mountain town offers a general store with an assortment of rocks and gems, packaged food, toys, walk ing sticks and T-shirts. Nearby, the fudge shop recently celebrated 40 years in business. Other shops include one featuring glass blowing and others selling upscale home goods. At the center of the square is the old courthouse, now serving as the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Encircled by Public Square, coming north enter at South Chestatee Street
Gainesville
Gainesville’s city center is tucked just off the main road and features several boutiques, including those that focus on fair trade and one that is a nonprofit that fights human trafficking with its sales of hand-crafted items. Bordered by Bradford, Washington, Main and Spring streets
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JUNE 2022
Food Truck Friday.
6-8 p.m. June 3. 86 Allen St., Dawsonville.
First Friday Concert Series.
Featuring Cherry Cherry, Neil Diamond Tribute. 7-10 p.m. June 3. Downtown Gainesville square.
Tri the Parks Triathlon.
8 a.m. June 4. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
The Lake Show.
6-10 p.m. June 4. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
Food Truck Friday.
5-9 p.m. June 10. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
Olympic Park PaddleMania.
7:30 a.m. June 11. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
Braselton Movies Under the Stars.
7 p.m. June 11. 9924 Davis St., Braselton.
Braselton West Wine Hop.
5-9 p.m. June 23. 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd., Flowery Branch.
Braselton Antiques and Artisan Festival. June 24-26. 115 Harrison St., Braselton.
JULY
Food Truck Friday.
6-8 p.m. July 1. 86 Allen St., Dawsonville.
First Friday Concert Series. Featuring Soul Purpose Band. 7-10 p.m. July 1. Downtown Gainesville square.
Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade.
4-10 p.m. July 4. Starting at Forsyth High School and continuing down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road to the Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Braselton 4th of July Festival. 6 p.m. July 4. 9924 Davis St., Braselton.
Food Truck Friday.
5-9 p.m. July 15. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
Braselton Movies Under the Stars. 7 p.m. July 23. 9924 Davis St., Braselton.
AUGUST
Food Truck Friday.
6-8 p.m. Aug. 5. 86 Allen St., Dawsonville. First Friday Concert Series.
Featuring Fly Betty Band. 7-10 p.m. Aug. 5. Down town Gainesville square.
Downtown Braselton Wine Walk.
5-9 p.m. Aug. 11. 9924 Davis St., Braselton.
Food Truck Friday.
5-9 p.m. Aug. 12. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
Concert on the Town Green.
Featuring Good Measure Band. 7 p.m. Aug. 20. 9924 Davis St., Braselton.
SEPTEMBER
First Friday Concert Series.
Featuring Backyard Loveseat. 7-10 p.m. Sept. 2. Downtown Gainesville square. IPRA Rodeo.
8 p.m. Sept. 2-3; 7 p.m. Sept. 4. 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming.
Food Truck Friday.
6-8 p.m. Sept. 9. 86 Allen St., Dawsonville.
Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival.
Sept. 10. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
Cumming Art Fest.
Sept. 17-18. 423 Canton Road, Cumming.
Concert on the Town Green. Featuring Ivan Duke Band. 7 p.m. Sept. 17. 9924 Davis St., Braselton.
Pooches in the Park.
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24. 126 Harrison St., Braselton.
Motul Petit Le Mans.
Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton.
OCTOBER
Food Truck Friday.
6-8 p.m. Oct. 7. 86 Allen St., Dawsonville.
Cumming Country Fair and Festival.
Oct. 6-16. 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Gold Rush.
Oct. 15-16. 1 Public Square, Dahlonega. Mule Camp Market.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 7-8, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Midtown Greenway, 682 Grove St., Gainesville. Mountain Moonshine Festival.
Oct. 21-23. 415 Ga. Highway 53, Dawsonville. Gainesville Chicken Festival.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Lake Lanier Olympic Park. 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
NOVEMBER
Celebrate the Holidays in Braselton.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 19. 9924 Davis St., Braselton
Dawsonville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.
4-8 p.m. Nov. 19. 415 Ga. Highway 53, Dawsonville. Jingle Mingle.
4-8 p.m. Nov. 19. Downtown Gainesville.
DECEMBER
Cravin’ Bacon Walk.
4-9 p.m. Dec. 1. 9924 Davis St., Braselton. Cumming Christmas Parade.
5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Ends at the Cumming Fairgrounds, 234 Castleberry Road.
Christmas on Green Street.
3-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Downtown Gainesville.
34 | Discover North Georgia 2022 EVENTS
JOHN GROGAN | Discover North Georgia Food Truck Friday at Lake Lanier Olympic Park often features live music at the lakeside venue.