Discover North Georgia 2023

Welcome to North Georgia!

As locals, we know this region of the Peach State has a lot to offer. Whether it’s a lake day 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 spent exploring.

Eat, drink, play, explore — come discover all that North Georgia has to offer.

Publisher

Stephanie Woody

Group Editor

Nate McCullough

The Times Managing Editor

John Chambliss

Forsyth County News Managing Editor

Michelle Hall

Dawson County News Managing Editor

Erica Jones

The Times Life Editor

Rachel Estes

Creative Services Director

Tracie Pike

TABLE OF CONTENTS PLAY

Find fun for the whole family on the lake, in the woods or at the farm.

EAT

From casual and trendy to upscale and fine, North Georgia offers dining options for all tastes and budgets. 14

DRINK

Wineries are tucked in every hillside, but brewery and distillery taprooms abound, too.

EXPLORE

Botanical gardens, art galleries, downtown boutiques and outlet malls — there’s a little something for every explorer.

EVENTS

Food Truck Fridays, live music, festivals dedicated to chicken and moonshine and more!

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Kayak Shack at Longwood Park

The first of its kind in Gainesville, this kayak kiosk offers rental vessels to recreation enthusiasts eager to make a splash at Lake Lanier. The Gnarly Marsh Kayak Shack is self-service, 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.

t 20 Pearl Nix Parkway, Gainesville, gainesville.org/720/KayakShack-at-Longwood-Park

Lake Lanier Olympic Park

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.

t 6900 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, aquasportsadventures.com, 770-932-3366

Burton Outdoor Adventures

Guests can rent a kayak or paddleboard and 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 of the lake.

t 5962 G.C. 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.

t 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 city of Gainesville. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months.

t 2145 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, gainesvillemarina.com, 770-536-2171

This park, once the site of rowing 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. The venue is also the host site for food truck events, concerts and the renowned Gainesville Chicken Festival.

t 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, lakelanierolympicvenue. org, 770-287-7888

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Margaritaville at Lanier Islands includes an expansive waterpark and resort, tiki bars and lakeside restaurants.

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 Harbor Landing Marina, and a variety of accommodations are available. During the colder months, Margaritaville transforms into a winter wonderland with its Lakeside Lights Spectacular and activities like snow tubing and ice skating.

t 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 WaveRunner, to larger yachts and cruisers.

t 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville, portroyalerental.com, 770-8875715

At the beach

If you just want to lounge on the shoreline and splash in the water, 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 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 designated 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 visitors can use until 10 p.m. nightly. Along a shady trail you’ll find

some picnic tables. But if you prefer the sun, there are plenty of tables without shade, too.

t 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.

t 2603 Old Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville

Little Hall Park

This 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 parking lot from the beach.

t 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.

t 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 too crowded, you can stroll down to the park’s other pavilion to have your lunch or 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.

t 3500 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville

Van Pugh North Park

This park has two beach areas and a pavilion. There’s also a playground and swing set for kids to enjoy and a boat ramp.

t 6838 Gaines Ferry Road, Flowery Branch

War Hill Park

Adjacent to Lake Lanier, War Hill Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy time in the sun and out on the water. The park features a small beach, 14 primitive campsites and a bath house with restrooms and showers, day-use areas and four boat ramps. Fishing is also allowed, and the part of the lake where anyone can cast their lines and fish for a day is located on the other side of the park.

t 4081 War Hill Park Road, Dawsonville

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

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Elachee Nature Science Center

On the trail

Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville

This campus of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is set on 168 acres of woodlands just north of downtown Gainesville. Stroll past daffodils, hydrangeas, poppies, tulips, camellias and other colorful flowers along with art displays. The park also includes a children’s area that opened in 2020 and features carnivorous plants, climbing areas, a miniature trolley and water elements.

t 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden, 404-888-4760

Big Creek Greenway

The Big Creek Greenway can be accessed from five different points in Forsyth County. The Halcyon Trailhead provides patrons with 75 parking spaces as well as a new restroom facility featuring a mural of the Big Creek Greenway logo on the side of the building.

t Halcyon Trailhead: 6265 Cortland Walk, Cumming

t Union Hill Trailhead: 5259

Union Hill Road, Cumming

t Fowler Park Trailhead: 4110

Carolene Way, Cumming

t Bethelview Trailhead: 5120

Bethelview Road, Cumming

t Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Trailhead: 4075 Spot Road, Cumming

t parks.forsythco.com/ParksFacilities/Big-Creek-Greenway

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 amphibians, the Garden Trail with six interpretive garden exhibits and the Georgia Pollinator Exhibit featuring student artwork. 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.

t 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, elachee.org, 770-535-1976

Sawnee Mountain Preserve

No matter where you go in Forsyth 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.

t 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, parks.forsythco.com

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.

t 415 Linwood Drive, Gainesville, gainesville.org, 770-531-2680

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

The Gainesville campus of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is set on 168 acres of woodlands just north of downtown. Photo by Scott Rogers

DANIEL DOTSON | Discover North Georgia The Big Creek Greenway has five access points in Forsyth County.

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rock climbing. The mountain itself is recognizable in the Cleveland area by its bare rock face.

t 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, a large outcrop near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. The trail is part of the Appalachian Trail, and sits 18 miles from Dahlonega and about 2 miles from the small town of Suches.

t Ga. 60, Suches, fs.usda.gov

Raven Cliffs Falls

In the mountains

Travel north and you’ll reach the windy roads that lead deeper into the mountains of North Georgia. Hiking, waterfalls and picturesque vistas await.

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 mountainside lodge, camping, archery, zip lining and event spaces.

t 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. Throughout the Brasstown Bald complex in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, there are several trails to the summit, including a 9-mile out and

back via the Jacks Knob Trail and a shorter Summit Access Trail from the Brasstown Bald parking area. Conquer the summit and reward yourself with magnificent 360-degree views from which four states reportedly can be seen.

t 2941 Ga. Highway 180 Spur, Hiawassee

High Shoals Falls

A short hike north of Helen will bring you to the base of this waterfall, a pool surrounded by rocks beneath the viewing platform. The trek also passes by Blue Hole Falls, where some venture into the chilly waters for a dip. The road to the trailhead requires fording a shallow stream. And bring your hiking boots for this one, roots and rocks can trip you up. This trail also features primitive campsites.

t 1333 Indian Grave Gap Road, 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

This 40-foot waterfall gushes from the towering cliff face into a picturesque pool tucked into the hill side. And for those who want to extend their day trip into an overnight camping experience, primitive sites can be found throughout the hike to the falls.

t Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, Helen

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.

t 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods, 706878-3087

Amicalola Falls State Park.

TRACIE PIKE | Discover North Georgia Amicalola Falls State Park is in Dawsonville and features a 729-foot waterfall.

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 overlooks 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 shores of the Tallulah River.

t 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 offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, zip-lining, camping, hiking and picnicking. It borders the Chattahoochee 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.

t 1788 Ga. 356, Helen, gastateparks.org/unicoi, 706-878-2201

Vogel State Park

This park lies in the Chattahoochee National Forest and sits at the base of Blood Mountain, which is the highest summit on the Appalachian 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 during the summer when the mountain-view beach opens. Check out the park’s rich history at the CCC Museum built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

t 405 Vogel State Park Road,

Blairsville, gastateparks.org/vogel, 706-745-2628

At the farm

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 flowers. Events are often held, including one-day U-pick events during each season as well as a corn maze. 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.

t 5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto, jaemorfarms.com, 770-869-3999

Fausett Farms Sunflowers

This 13-acre sunflower field is a fall attraction for North Georgia, allowing visitors the chance to walk through the flowers, take photos and enjoy some of the beauty that comes to the area in September.

t 11336 Ga. Highway 136 W, Dawsonville, fausettfarmssunflowers.com

Red Oak Lavender Farm

This property features several varieties of lavender, including those used for culinary purposes and those more common in bath and body products. The farm hosts U-pick days in June when the flowers are in full bloom.

t 2882 Red Oak Flats Road, Dahlonega, redoaklavender.com, 706-974-8230

Warbington Farms

This farm is known for its 3 acres of U-pick strawberries available in the spring but also features pumpkins in the fall and a petting zoo, slides and other kids activities.

t 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, warbingtonfarms.com, 770-8891515

ERICA JONES | Discover North Georgia

The sunflower field at Fausett Farms will be open through September and October.

FCN | Discover North Georgia Pick your own strawberries at Warbington Farms.

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Kinsey Family Farm

Kinsey Family Farm is known for its cut-your-own Christmas trees in the winter, as well as a variety of fall pumpkins ranging from the typical orange to decorative red, white and green. Sizes vary from the 1-pound “Jack-Be-Little” to the 100-pound “Prize Winner.” Visitors can also find pie pumpkins, gourds and local honey.

t 7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, kinseyfamilyfarm.com, 770-887-6028

Uncle Shuck’s Corn

and

JEREMY COLEMAN | Discover North Georgia

During Christmas season, Bottoms Tree Farm has over 5,000 choose-and-cut Christmas trees and a huge selection of fresh cut Fraser firs from North Carolina.

Bottoms Tree Farm

Bottoms Tree Farm has over 5,000 choose-and-cut Christmas trees, as well as a huge selection of fresh cut Fraser firs from North Carolina in the barn. Just show up with friends and family and be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime.

t 5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming, bottomstreefarm.com, 770-887-2728

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 shopping at the farm’s country store. It’s open spring through fall.

t 5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Road, Dawsonville, shopburtsfarm.com, 706-265-3701

Uncle Shuck’s off Ga. Highway 9 in Dawson County is a 15-acre seasonally themed corn maze with food, pick-yourown pumpkins, activities for kids and miles of corn maze trails to get lost in. It’s open September through November.

t 125 Bannister Road, Dawsonville, uncleshucks.com, 770-772-6223

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch has a different theme each year and is open from September through November.

DCN | Discover North Georgia

ERICA JONES | Discover North Georgia

Burt’s Pumpkin Farm celebrated 50 years during its 2022 season. The farm is open spring through fall, with the fall festivities beginning Sept. 1.

Maze

Pumpkin Patch

SHERIFF JEFF JOHN S

Enjoy Hands-On Learning at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

Take the family to visit Gainesville’s hands-on learning environment at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Museum admission is $9/person and is good for one of its two-hour play blocks. Check out their gift shop and pottery studio for some goodies on your way out. They also offer scheduled group rates and birthday parties if you’re planning a group outing or celebration.

Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Play blocks: 10 a.m.-noon, 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.) Sunday, 12:30-5 p.m. (Play blocks: 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.)

999 Chestnut st. se • Gainesville 770-536-1900 InkFun.org

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at the counter and be ready for surprisingly vibrant flavors. Get more adventurous with a plate of moussaka or one of the pasta dishes or soups. The restaurant owes its authenticity to its Greek owner, who opened the place in 2017. It has become a staple with locals.

t 215 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE, Gainesville, facebook.com/alphagyrogrill, 678-696-8380

Atlanta Highway

Seafood Market

This popular seafood joint features Cajun specialties like étouffée, gumbo and po boys. The restaurant’s adjoining fish market offers freshly caught seafood including crab, shrimp, scallops, mahi-mahi, gulf snapper and grouper.

Lakeside

Skogies

Located inside Gainesville Marina, this restaurant offers outdoor and indoor dining and a menu featuring shrimp, crab and Skogies’ signature grouper sandwich. Open seasonally, the restaurant also delivers food out to boats docking at the marina.

t 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.

t 6330 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch, fishtaleslakelanier.com, 770967-3775

Lanier Islands

Several restaurants are located at the Margaritaville resort, including Bullfrog’s for casual American cuisine and L Bar for convenient handcrafted beverage options. There’s

also the Tiki Bar and Shark Shack at the beachside Chill Zone.

t 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, margaritavilleresorts.com/ margaritaville-at-lanier-islands

Pelican Pete’s

This floating tiki bar and grill is open during the summer at Port Royale Marina and serves primarily seafood, sandwiches and salads.

t 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville, pelicanpetes.com, 770-8875715

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.

t 6800 Lights Ferry Road, Flowery Branch, pigtaleslakelanier.com, 678-828-7676

Casual

Alpha Gyro Grill

Order your gyro or falafel wrap

t 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.” Customers can also opt to build their own burrito, which locals have described as “the size of an alley cat.” Yes, these burritos are that big.

t 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 Forsyth and Dawson counties.

t 236 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Fish Tales at the Hideaway Bay Marina in Flowery Branch is a popular spot for seafood and outdoor dining.

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t 6566 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville

t 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 hamburgers 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.

t 220 Main St. SW, Gainesville, facebook.com/collegiategrill, 678989-2280

Dawsonville Pool Room

The Pool Room is a staple of the Dawsonville downtown and a monument to the history of racing. It’s known for its connection to the beginnings of the sport and famous for its Bully Burger and for sounding the “si-reen” for racing victories by NASCAR drivers Bill and Chase Elliott.

t 9 Bill Elliott St., Dawsonville, 706-265-2792

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.

t 3008 McEver Road, Gainesville, facebook.com/JAGsCafe, 770-8954105

Lennys Grill and Subs

Lennys serves handcrafted deli sandwiches piled high with freshly sliced meats and cheeses and authentic cheesesteaks made with the highest quality ingredients on bread that’s baked fresh every day.

t 1040 Market Place Blvd., Cum-

ming, facebook.com/LennysAtlanta, 678-947-0336

Longstreet Cafe

Looking for some good ol’ Southern 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.

t 1043 Riverside Terrace, Gainesville, longstreetcafe.com, 770-2870820

Marie’s Italian Deli

Marie’s Italian Deli uses only the finest and freshest ingredients to create breakfasts, pizzas, calzones, subs, soups, salads and homemade Italian dishes.

t 580 Atlanta Road, Suite 34, Cumming, mariesitaliandeli.com, 770-886-0084

Shipley Do-Nuts

Doughnut lovers do everything they can to get a taste of Shipley’s heavenly glazed doughnut – served

hot and fresh just the way Lawrence Shipley liked them. He created his original recipe for hot, fresh, handcrafted doughnut so fluffy, simple and delicious that owners still create the doughnut his way to this day.

t 3225 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, facebook.com/ShipleyDoNuts30041CummingGA, 470-8392135

Smokin’ Mike’s Meats

Roughly a mile from the Hall/ Dawson county line, this hole-in-thewall takeaway spot offers smallbatch, hickory-smoked pulled pork, barbecue chicken, brisket and baby back ribs, along with rotating specials, house-made sides and desserts like cobbler and banana pudding. Customers can nosh on just the meat, a sandwich or a plate with two sides, choosing between coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, twicebaked potato casserole, potato salad and Brunswick stew.

t 5646 Price Road, Gainesville, facebook.com/smokinmikesmeats

Socks Love Barbecue

Meats are smoked and rubbed in-house at Socks Love, which offers brisket, ribs, pork, turkey and chicken along with sides like mac and cheese and cowboy beans.

t 1050 Buford Road, Unit 104, Cumming, sockslovebrands.com, 470-302-8383

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Mike Mitchell takes a slab of ribs from the smoker at his restaurant, Smokin’ Mike’s Meats on Price Road near the Hall/Dawson county line.

VICKI ALSUP | Discover North Georgia Shipley Do-nuts opened in late March at Hammonds Crossing in north Forsyth.

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onions to traditional galette dishes composed of mozzarella, sausage and a combination of plain and caramelized cinnamon apples.

t 9924 Davis St., Braselton, facebook.com/TGG.TheGallopingGalette, 706-684-3080

HOBNOB

HOBNOB is a neighborhood tavern providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Raise a glass or fish bowl to Thirsty Thursday with a Moscow mule, made with Luksusowa vodka, prickly pear, watermelon, yuzu, peach, blueberry and cucumber.

t 6690 Town Square #420, Alpharetta, hobnobatlanta.com/locations/Alpharetta, 470-448-4572

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.

t 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 seasonal produce sourced from local farms, fresh meats smoked on site, homemade breads, fresh-cut garden herbs, house-made sauces, salads and desserts.

t 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 bar upstairs called Blue Door that features a DJ and a dress code.

t 109 Bradford St., Gainesville, avocadoseats.com, 770- 532-0001

Bratzeit

This unpretentious, authentic German restaurant in Dahlonega serves up a mix of Bavarian and Swiss dishes like schnitzel, sausages and fondue. The couple who run the place hail from Stutgart, Germany, and southwest Switzerland, and they’ve been a low-key favorite of Germans and military veterans who put in time overseas. If you want to brush up on your Deutsche or get a taste of your old Army days, check out the hearty menu at Bratzeit.

t 77 Memorial Drive, Dahlonega, bratzeit.com, 706-867-7741

The Galloping Galette

Take an authentic bite of France in this casual atmosphere specializing in sweet crepes and savory galettes. The eclectic menu ranges from crepes filled with smoked salmon, Swiss and goat cheese and

This tapas restaurant offers upscale casual dining 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.

t 107 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville, hopscotchrestaurant.com

Hop’s Kitchen

For a serious burger, or any other sandwich, for that matter, don’t overlook this spot hidden next to Interactive Neighborhood for

DISCOVER NORTH GEORGIA

Hopscotch offers upscale casual dining on the downtown Gaines ville square.

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Taqueria Tsunami is a contemporary Latin-Asian fusion restaurant on the Gainesville square.

Kids in Gainesville. There’s a burger with pimento cheese and pickled green tomatoes, a burger with mushrooms and pesto and a burger with something called “beer sauce.” And if burgers aren’t your thing, the menu features a lot of other options, including artful vegetarian sandwiches. Ask about their momo bread.

t 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville, hopskitchen.com, 770-654-9022

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. The restaurant itself is located in the midtown district of Gainesville where you can hear the train whistle by.

t 893 Main St. SW, Gainesville, theinkedpig.com, 678-696-5611

Try a barbacoa brisket with chimichurri sauce and sweet teasmoked chicken at The Inked Pig in Gainesville.

Local Station

Built in 1925, this historic downtown dining spot was Braselton’s first service station. Today, it serves lunch and dinner fare, signature drinks and seasonal specials.

t 108 Brassie Lane, Braselton, 706-921-3192

Playas Bowls

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, Playas serves açaí, pitaya and coconut bowls and smoothies with sustainability and community in mind.

t 6365 Halcyon Way, Suite 930, Alpharetta, playabowls.com, 678580-2458

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | Discover North Georgia Playas Bowls serves up healthy fare at Halcyon Forsyth.

PopBar

Popbar is your traditional Italian gelateria with a twist of modern dessert fun. Specializing in all-natural, handcrafted gelato on a stick, the menu includes 60-plus flavors and endless ways to customize.

t 6710 Town Square, Suite 130, Alpharetta, pop-bar.com, 470-2942910

Recess Southern Gastro Pub

Located just off the downtown Gainesville square, this pub offers trendy Southern foods like fried green tomato appetizers and Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Thighs along with classic pub fare like burgers and fish and chips. It has a large bar area and an inventive cocktail menu.

t118 Bradford St. NE, Gainesville, recesspub.com, 678-450-0444

Rice Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Rice is dedicated to serving patrons a unique variety of Asian cuisine.

The eatery offers an assortment of traditional dishes prepared with fresh, quality ingredients that are familiar to the American palate. With select daily market deliveries, they also serve only the freshest and highest-grade sushi and sashimi.

t 3480 Keith Bridge Road,

Suite B1, Cumming, ricerestaurantandsushibar.com, 770-8879833

The Stag Chophouse & Club

Formerly known as chopBLOCK, this rebranded chophouse serves a more elevated dining experience than its pub fare of yore.The Stag’s clean, simple American-style dishes include New England crab dip, hot-smoked salmon, pork and lamb chops, filets and ribeyes.

t 110 Main St. SW, Gainesville, chophouseandclub.com, 470-2525016

Taqueria Tsunami

This contemporary fusion restaurant specializes in LatinAsian cuisine inspired by the Los Angeles food truck scene and the travels of chef Scott Kinsey. The menu features avocado cilantro egg rolls, empanadas filled with diners’ choice of Thai chicken, beef or Korean-style barbecue short ribs, “tsunami bowls,” tacos and quesadillas, as well as draft beer, wine and signature cocktails.

t 106 Spring St., Gainesville, taqueriatsunami.com

YellowFin

This downtown Gainesville restaurant spotlights seafood, with dishes like bang bang shrimp tacos and crab cakes. There’s also steaks, chicken and lamb for the land farers.

t 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.

t 115 Washington St. NE, Gainesville, 678-696-5739

Discover North Georgia YellowFin restaurant in downtown Gainesville spotlights seafood, with dishes like bang bang shrimp tacos and crab cakes.

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | Discover North Georgia Rice Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers an assortment of traditional dishes prepared with fresh, quality ingredients that are familiar to the American palate.

Upscale & fine dining

Antebellum

Experience fine dining in Flowery 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 American dishes with a gourmet twist. Some of the menu items include cocoa crusted duck breast, grilled Atlantic salmon, wild farm greens and a local charcuterie and cheese board.

t 5510 Church St., Flowery Branch, 770-965-8100

The Blue Bicycle

Dawsonville might not be the first town to come to mind for French cuisine, 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.

t 30 Industrial Park Blvd., Dawsonville, 706-265-2153

The Chattahoochee Grill

Located inside the Chattahoochee Golf Club, which is open to the public, many of The Chattahoochee Grill’s dishes have a Southern touch, some with an Asian leaning — a nod to chef Rand Carswell’s time in South Florida. Alongside pimento cheeseburgers, bacon-wrapped dates and brunchtime chicken and waffles, the menu flaunts spicy tuna crispy rice — spicy tuna atop crispy rice cakes, garnished with eel and dynamite sauces and serrano pepper — and Carswell’s award-winning fried mac and cheese balls, as seen on Food Network’s “Food Truck Face Off” in 2015.

770-532-1173

Consuelo

Authentic Mexican cuisine, curated cocktails and a unique dining experience collide under one roof at Consuelo, so named for the late grandmother of co-owner Pepe Perez, who brandished superb cooking skills and left behind a collection of beloved family recipes that were regularly savored around her 16seat dining room table. The restaurant’s menu is curated from many of those recipes.

Cotto Modern

Italian in downtown Gainesville serves traditional flavors of the Old World with a sophisticated dining experience.

SCOTT

| Discover North Georgia

Cotto Modern Italian

Boasting flavors of the Old World and a sophisticated dining experience, Cotto offers traditional Italian dishes running the gamut from risottos and grilled meats to classic pastas and gnocchi, meatballs, steamed mussels and wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas along with Italian-inspired cocktails and roughly 50 wines.

678-310-2071

t 301 Tommy Aaron Drive, Gainesville, chattahoocheegrill.com,

t 112 Bradford St., Gainesville, instagram.com/consuelogainesville, 470-703-0300

t 106 Spring St., Gainesville, cottoitalian.com,

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Consuelo is an authentic Mexican restaurnt in downtown Gainesville just off the square on Bradford Street. The restaurant is owned by husband and wife team of Jose “Pepe” Perez and Abigail Guzman.

ROGERS

Cotton Calf Kitchen

This 120-seat, white tablecloth, contemporary American steakhouse in downtown Braselton features tapas-style appetizers alongside dryaged steaks and other specialties. The bar and lounge area features craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, bourbons, classic cocktails and an extensive wine list. Seating on the outdoor patio overlooks the Braselton Town Green, which is often the stage for movies, concerts and other entertainment.

t 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 vegetables. Dress to impress and don’t miss the piano bar.

t 200 Main St. SW, Gainesville, lunas.com, 770-531-0848

Scott’s Downtown

Slated to reopen July 2023 following interior renovations, Scott’s Downtown keeps a polished dinner menu with a range of premium steak

and seafood dishes along with 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.

t 131 Bradford St. NE, Gainesville, scottsdowntown.com, 770-5361111

Tam’s BackStage

Tam’s Backstage Restaurant is in its 16th year as one of Forsyth County’s most successful food and spirits gathering spots — with dining in the 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 handcut and the sauces, dressings and desserts are all made from scratch.

t 215 Ingram Ave., Cumming, tamsbackstage.com, 678-455-8310

Luna’s is located in the Hunt Tower off the Gainesville square and features a refined dining experience with a traditionally American menu.

Discover North Georgia

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | Discover North Georgia Tam’s Backstage is located in the city of Cumming historic 1923 school building.

Coffee Because Coffee

Located conveniently off of Ga. 400 in Dawson County, Because Coffee is locally owned and offers a variety of freshly sourced, roasted and brewed coffees that are guaranteed to please any coffee lover.

The shop also offers a variety of roasts for purchase by the bag to take home and brew yourself.

t 240 Dawson Village Way N., Suite 100, Dawsonville, 470-8690550

Boarding Pass Coffee

Owned by avid travelers, Boarding Pass Coffee offers a first-class ticket to the world’s flavors without the TSA wait time.

The menu features specialty grade coffee from destinations like Brazil, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Peru and Colombia, along with pastries and other food items.

t 106 Spring St. SW, Gainesville, boardingpasscoffee.com, 678-6965031

Community Cup

Community Cup, a locally owned and operated cafe, does more than sell coffee, tea and smoothies. It is a place of support in Forsyth County, partnering with local nonprofit groups, including CURE Childhood Cancer, to spread awareness and help those in need. Community Cups sources its coffee from a nearby roaster and vegan and gluten-free items from a local bakery. In addition to beverages, Community Cup offers sandwiches, pastries and other food items. It also has a dining area and features a patio for guests to gather.

t 125 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, communitycupga.com, 470297-5569

Diletto Bakery

Diletto Bakery specializes in coffee and scratch-made bread, pastries and internationally inspired goods, such as macarons, crepes and empanadas.

t 528 Bradford St. SW, Gainesville, dilettobakery.com, 678-9431304

Inman Perk Coffee

Family-owned and operated on the Gainesville square, Inman Perk made its way to Flowery Branch in 2005 as an extension of its original location in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood before relocating to downtown Gainesville in 2008. The shop offers a broad menu including breakfast options, pastries and sandwiches as well as a large selection of hot and cold drinks.

t 102 Washington St. NE, Gainesville, inmanperkcoffee.com, 678-971-5611

Meadowlark Coffee

Housed in a 430-square-foot suite, Meadowlark Coffee initially debuted as a pop-up coffee cart in downtown Gainesville. The shop’s menu features specialty teas and coffee, including standard and seasonal lattes made with house-made syrups, alongside homemade breads and pastries from Colette Bread and Bakeshop in Atlanta.

t 109 Bradford St. SE, Gainesville, facebook.com/meadowlarkcoffee, 404-694-2707

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | Discover North Georgia Community Cup, which opened in 2018, is a staple of downtown Cumming.

JP McKenzie prepares an espresso shot at his downtown Gainesville coffee shop, Meadowlark Coffee.

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia.

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 metal exterior. This brewpub welcomes canines of all sizes to its patio.

t 9859 Davis St., Braselton, braseltonbrewing.com, 706-684-0686

Cherry Street Brewing

Cherry Street Brewing Co-op’s restaurant 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.

t 5810 Bond St., Cumming, cherrystreetbrewing.com, 770-205-5512

Cork It

With locations in downtown Gainesville, downtown Buford and Braselton, Cork It boasts an array of local and imported wines and charcuterie boards embellished with cheese, meats, pickles, jams and spreads from Antebellum Restaurant in Flowery Branch and other area businesses. Exclusive wine club memberships are also offered at each location.

t 118 Main St., Gainesville, corkitgainesville.com, 770-545-6164 79

t E. Main St., Buford, corkitbuford.com, 678-765-2549

Jan. 3, at the downtown Gainesville wine bar.

t 36 Frances St., Braselton, corkitbraselton.com, 229-630-6311

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.

t 115 Bradford St., Gainesville, downtowndrafts.net, 678-943-2165

Flourish Taproom

Inside The 1904, a converted mercantile in downtown Braselton, this family-friendly community gathering space features a rotating lineup of beer and wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages, live music and social events including bingo, trivia and comedy nights.

t 9924 Davis St., Braselton, facebook.com/flourishtaproom

Legends Distillery

Legends offers bourbon, including its “Distillers Release” 122.4 proof

single barrel bourbon, which raises a $2 donation for the Humane Society of Forsyth County from every bottle sold, along with vodka cocktails.

t 210 Industrial Park Drive, Cumming, spiritsusa.com/live-music, 470-695-7926

Liquid Nation Brewing Co.

Located inside a historic building in Chicopee Mills south of Gainesville proper, this brewery has been serving up a range of craft beer since opening in 2016. Many of its brews pay homage to the city’s heritage, including its Engine 209 Russian imperial stout and Bridge to Nowhere IPA.

t 2100 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville, liquidnationbrewing.com, 678-827-6678

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Cork It Wine and Charcuterie’s Bethany Dyer prepares wine Tuesday,

NoFo Brew Co.

Forsyth County’s first craft brewery, 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. Additional NoFo taprooms are set to open in Gainesville and Cleveland in summer 2023.

t 6150 Ga. 400, Cumming, nofobrew.co, 678-771-8116

Remedy Distillery

Gainesville’s first distillery is making its own signature whiskey and bourbon in midtown Gainesville. 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.

t 885 Main St. SW, Gainesville, remedywhiskey.com, info@remedywhiskey.com

Talk of the Table

Talk of the Table is a wine and cheese boutique tasting room with

more than 300 unique wines and 25 artisanal cheeses. You can also plan a wine tasting at home for a special party.

t 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 218, Cumming, facebook.com/ TalkOfTheTable, 678-965-4003

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 entertainment inside or on the rooftop, which opened in spring 2022 and overlooks downtown Gainesville.

t 110 Maple St., Gainesville, tapitgrowler.square.site, 678-4213312

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 mountains of the Appalachians. Some offer upscale experiences and others relaxed, 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 comedy nights.

t 215 Auraria Road, Dahlonega, accentcellars.com, 706-867- 0123

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 winery offers an on-site tasting room with comfortable seating and a fun, vintage feel, as well as space for customers to play cornhole.

t 30 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 114, Dawsonville, 706-203-1329

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery is a small farm winery just outside Dahlonega.

SABRINA KERNS | Discover North Georgia A bottle of bourbon made and bottled in NoFo Brew Co.’s distillery shows off the brewery’s latest bottle labels.

Cavender Creek Vineyard & Winery

This family farm operation experiments with small batches and many grape varietals and wine blends. Most of its wine is aged in either stainless steel or American oak barrels. Its atmosphere is relaxed and ripe for tasting something new.

t 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 cornhole.

t 591 Dock Dorsey Road, Cleveland, cenitawinery.com, 706-8657478

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 craft-

ed over 30 wines with grapes grown in Braselton, southern Georgia vineyards and California’s Lake County and Clarksburg regions. Open daily, Chateau Elan invites guests to delve deeper into the winemaking process with a behind-the-scenes tour.

t 100 Rue Charlemagne Drive, Braselton, chateauelan.com, 678425-0900

Cloudland Vineyards and Winery

This winery in South Hall County highlights the lomanto grape, which can produce a bright and complex red wine. The menu also includes white and rosé wines.

t 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 traditional mead made with wildflower honey and Dahlonega mountain water; Figgy Pudding, made with honey,

figs, spices and aged in a charred whiskey barrel; and Stone Pile Peach, a mead made with peaches.

t 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.

t 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 country, 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 Habersham and Creekstone labels, which include varietal vinifera wines as well as blended wines with both vinifera and French-American grapes.

t 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 operated, Blackstock was one of the largest wineries in the area. Kaya offers a wine club for its devoted guests, cottages for short overnight stays as

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Norton grapes are ready to be pressed at Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery just outside Dahlonega.

Discover North Georgia Check out the offerings from Etowah Meadery in Dahlonega.

at the islands SPLASHING to

well as a scenic venue for both weddings 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.

t 5400 Town Creek Road, Dahlonega, kayavineyards.com, 706219-3514

Montaluce Winery

At Montaluce Winery, visitors can experience fine dining, flavorful local wine and the nature surrounding 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 surrounding 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.

t 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, montaluce.com, 706867-4060

Mulberry Springs

Vineyard and Winery

Opened in spring 2023, Mulberry Springs Vineyard and Winery sits among panoramic views of rolling hills and a 4-acre vineyard where muscadine, lomanto and Lenoir varietals grow. While awaiting construc-

FCN | Discover North Georgia Stoney J’s strives to make wines that represent the local region and cellar well, yet are equally enjoyed in their youth.

tion of the winery’s tasting room, guests can gather around picnic tables and fire pits on the grounds or under the winery’s cedar pavilion.

t 4527 J M Turk Road, Flowery Branch, mulberrysprings.com

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.

t 265 Laurel Ridge Road, Cleveland, serenitycellars.com, 706-3481277

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 a 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 vegetables and herbs used exclusively in the tasting room menu items.

t 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, stoneyjswinery.com, 678-9104146

Sweet Acre Farms Winery

This fruit winery set in the rolling 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.

t 7584 Bill Wilson Road, Alto, sweetacrefarms.com, 678-769-5355

Wolf Mountain Vineyards

This winery, established in 1999, is set on 30 acres in Lumpkin County. It boasts several awardwinning wines and focuses on a style that blends European varietals to achieve more complex and intense flavors.

t 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 picturesque setting. The Genesis X Classic, a red blend, won double gold in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest wine contest in North America. The large, swanky patio overlooks the vines growing along the hillsides.

t 1717 Highway 255 S, Cleveland, yonahmountainvineyards.com, 706878-5522

Museums & galleries

Bowen Center for the Arts

Located right off of the Dawsonville square, the Bowen Center for the Arts offers a variety of shows and events throughout the year. The Bowen displays unique, handcrafted works of art including woodworking, quilting, painting, sculpting and more.

t 334 Ga. Highway 9 North, Dawsonville, bowenarts.org, 706-216-2787

Cumming Arts CenterSawnee Association of the Arts

Located at the Brannon-Heard House in downtown Cumming, the center offers a variety of classes, exhibits and events throughout the year, as well as an open studio where artists can gather to create and inspire. Artwork from members of the Sawnee Association of the Arts is also often showcased at Legends Distillery in downtown Cumming.

t 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, sawneeart.org

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

There’s 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 multibil-

lion dollar industry it is today. The museum offers tours, informational videos, an event space for rent and racing memorabilia sold from its gift shop.

t 415 Ga. Highway 53 E, Dawsonville, georgiaracinghof.com, 706216-7223

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

Better known as INK, this attraction is set up like a small town, with more than 20 stations where children and their families can play pretend — including a grocery store, diner, hair salon, post office and an airport. The museum also includes a pottery studio, jungle gym and area where children can use foam blocks to bring their imaginations to life. Admission is $9 per person for anyone older than 2.

t 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville, inkfun.org, 770-536-1900

Longstreet Society

The headquarters of the group remembering Confederate Gen. James Longstreet is also what remains of the Piedmont Hotel he operated in Gainesville, where he lived from 1875 until his death in 1904.

Longstreet served as General Robert E. Lee’s principal 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. In addition to the group’s offices, the building contains historical artifacts about Longstreet’s life and career and a library of Civil War volumes. Admission is free.

t 827 Maple St., Gainesville, longstreet.org, 770-539-9005

Northeast Georgia History Center

This center aims to preserve regional history through educational programs, community events, exhibits and historic structures like Cherokee Chief White Path’s cabin and an exhibit dedicated to the 1936 tornado

DAWSON COUNTY NEWS | Discover North Georgia Bowen Center for the Arts displays dozens of quilts handcrafted by the members of the Heart in Hand Quilt Guild.

DCN | Discover North Georgia Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Interactive Neighborhood for Kids.

EXPLORE

The first Spring Market at Cumming City Center on Saturday, April 22, included games and playsets for kids.

Shopping

The 1904

A modern-day reflection of an old-time mercantile, the revitalized Braselton Brothers Department Store houses a bakery, restaurant and taproom, unique retail shops, office spaces and nooks with comfy chairs scattered throughout the historic building’s three floors.

t 9924 Davis St., Braselton, explorebraselton.com/1904

t 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, collectionforsyth.com, 770781-0333

Cumming City Center

The newest destination in Forsyth County, the Cumming City Center was designed to be the new heart of Cumming and bring back a smalltown Americana feeling. Home to the Cumming Farmers Market every Saturday morning, City Center also houses businesses like Pieces & Peaches Boutique, Avenue of the Oaks, Lily Rose Co., and Top Knotch Boutique, dining experiences and a mini golf course featuring holes designed after some well-known courses in Georgia and elsewhere.

t 423 Canton Road, Cumming, cummingcitycenter.com, 770-7812010

that decimated downtown Gainesville. Admission is $6 for adults.

t 332 Academy St., Gainesville, negahc.org, 770-297-5900

Quinlan Visual Arts Center

This nonprofit arts organization displays rotating exhibitions featuring solo and group artists and a special members’ exhibition each fall. Admission is free, but the center accepts donations.

t 514 Green St., Gainesville, quinlanartscenter.org, 770-536-2575

The Collection at Forsyth

Located just off Ga. 400 at Exit 13, The Collection at Forsyth is an outdoor shopping destination featuring national and local retail shops, restaurants and an AMC movie theater. Shoppers will find familiar stores including American Eagle Outfitters, Loft, Victoria’s Secret, Altar’d State, Bath & Body Works, Claire’s Boutique, Sunglass Hut, DSW, Rack Room Shoes and more. Specialty shops include Copper Closet, Gibson Co. and Talk of the Table.

Downtown Dahlonega

This mountain town offers a general store with an assortment of rocks and gems, packaged foods, toys, walking sticks and T-shirts. Other shops include handmade fudge and confections, glass blown art and upscale home goods. At the center of the downtown square sits an old courthouse now serving as the Dahlonega Gold Museum.

Downtown Gainesville

Gainesville’s city center is tucked just off the main road and features

DANIEL DOTSON | Discover North Georgia

KELLY WHITMIRE | Discover North Georgia Top Knotch and Lily Rose Co., officially opened to the public in late March 2023.

FCN | Discover North Georgia Tin Cup Grill was the first restaurant to open at Cumming City Center in April 2023.

Downtown Gainesville has several boutiques to find the perfect

ficking with the sales of handcrafted items.

several boutiques — including a nonprofit that fights human trafficking with the sales of handcrafted items — and eateries, coffee shops, taprooms, art galleries and a record store.

Halcyon Forsyth

Opened in 2019, Halcyon is a destination to shop, eat, play and live. It is home to unique boutiques for people and pets alike, including Lizard Thicket, Society Boutique and Blue Mercury, as well as the Unexpected Pooch. Shoppers can take a break and grab a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants. There’s also a green space with room for kids to run around and play and a CMX movie theater.

t 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, visithalcyon.com, 470- 223-3665

North Georgia Premium Outlets

With scores of brand-name stores offering merchandise for a bar-

gain, 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 retailers include everything from Adidas to Versace to West Elm, all in one convenient North Georgia location.

t 800 Ga. Highway 400 S, Dawsonville, premiumoutlets.com/outlet/north-georgia, 706-216-3609

Vickery Village

Enjoy one of 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, restaurant and office space.

t 5855 S. Vickery St., Cumming, vickeryvillageshops.com

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

gift, including a nonprofit that fights human traf-

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

JUNE

50th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race.

7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 1. 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen.

Food Truck Friday.

5-8 p.m. June 2. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.

First Friday Concert Series.

7-10 p.m. June 2.

Downtown Gainesville square, 112 Main St.

Braselton Movies

Under the Stars.

7 p.m. June 2. Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis St.

Jarrard Burch

Foundation Lake Show.

6-10 p.m. June 3.

Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

Music in the Branch.

7-8:30 p.m. June 4.

Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St.

PaddleMania.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 10.

Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

Tomato Sandwich Party.

3:30-6:30 p.m. June 13. Main Street District, Flowery Branch.

Food Truck Friday.

5-9 p.m. June 16.

Lake Lanier Olympic Park,

3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

Braselton West Wine Hop.

5-9 p.m. June 22. 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd., Flowery Branch.

JULY

Music in the Branch.

7-8:30 p.m. July 2.

Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St.

Thomas-Mashburn

Steam Engine Parade.

4-10 p.m. July 4.

Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd.

Celebrate Braselton

4th of July Festival.

5-9 p.m. July 4. 9924 Davis St., Braselton

First Friday Concert Series. 7-10 p.m. July 7. Downtown Gainesville square, 112 Main St.

Food Truck Friday.

5-8 p.m. July 14. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.

Beach Bash.

5-10 p.m. July 14.

Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

ThomasMashburn Steam Engine Parade.

Braselton Movies

Under the Stars.

7 p.m. July 15.

Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis St.

AUGUST

Food Truck Friday.

5-8 p.m. Aug. 4. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.

First Friday Concert Series.

7-10 p.m. Aug. 4.

Downtown Gainesville square, 112 Main St.

Music in the Branch.

7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 6.

Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St.

Braselton Movies

Under the Stars.

7 p.m. Aug. 12.

Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis St.

Food Truck Friday.

5-9 p.m. Aug. 18.

Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

SEPTEMBER

First Friday Concert Series.

7-10 p.m. Sept. 1.

Downtown Gainesville square, 112 Main St.

Labor Day Car Show.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 2. 415 Ga. Highway 53 E, Dawsonville.

Music in the Branch.

7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 3.

Flowery Branch

Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St.

IPRA Rodeo.

8 p.m. Sept. 1-2;

7 p.m. Sept. 3. Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road.

Food Truck Friday. 5-8 p.m. Sept. 8. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.

Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival. Sept. 9. Lake Lanier Olympic Park,

3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.

Car Show and Chili Cook-off. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9. Downtown Flowery Branch.

Cumming Art Fest. Sept.16-17.

Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road.

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia Rodney Appleby performs in early May on the square in downtown Gainesville, kicking off the first Blue Sky Concert of the 2023 season.

SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia

Fall Festival and Block Party. Sept. 23. Downtown Flowery Branch.

Pooches in the Park.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept.23-24. Braselton Park, 126 Harrison St.

OCTOBER

Music in the Branch.

7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 1. Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St.

Cumming Country Fair & Festival.

Oct. 5-15, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road.

Food Truck Friday.

5-8 p.m. Oct. 6. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Oct. 7. Midland Greenway, 682 Grove St., Gainesville.

Motul Petit Le Mans.

Oct. 11-14. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton.

NOVEMBER

Dawsonville Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Jingle Market.

2-8 p.m. Nov. 18. 415 Ga. Highway 53 E, Dawsonville.

Flowery Branch Tree Lighting and Holiday Market.

2-7 p.m. Nov. 18.

Downtown Flowery Branch.

Jingle Mingle.

4-8 p.m. Nov. 18.

Downtown Gainesville square, 112 Main St.

DECEMBER

Mule Camp Market. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 13-14, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15. Midland Greenway, 682 Grove St., Gainesville.

Gold Rush Days. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21-22.

Downtown Dahlonega, 1 Public Square.

Gainesville Chicken Festival. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21. Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Gainesville.

Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival. Noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 27; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 28; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29. 115 Harrison St., Braselton.

Mountain Moonshine Festival. Oct. 27-29. 415 Ga. Highway 53 E, Dawsonville.

Trick or Treat on the Square. 3-6 p.m. Oct. 31.

Downtown Gainesville square, 112 Main St.

Christmas on Green Street.

3-7 p.m. Dec. 3. Historic Green Street, Gainesville.

City of Cumming Christmas Parade and Festival.

5-8 p.m. Dec. 2. Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road.

Cravin’ Bacon Walk.

4-9 p.m. Dec. 7. Downtown Braselton.

DCN | Discover North Georgia Moonshine festival-goers browse vendor booths during the Mountain Moonshine Festival.

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | Discover North Georgia Cumming Country Fair & Festival is held every October at the Cumming Fairgrounds.