PLAY YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE BEST SPOTS EAT DRINK EXPLORE EVENTS
Explore Braselton’s bars, breweries, and taprooms on the Cocktail Trail! This self-guided urban adventure leads you to the best handcrafted cocktails in town. Trailblazers can make it a walking tour or hop aboard the fare-free Braselton Trolley on Fridays and Saturdays.
2 | 2024 Discover North Georgia #CheersBraselton
restaurants, trail map and more information at ExploreBraselton.com/cocktail-trail.
Participating
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Find fun for the whole family on the lake, in the woods or at the farm.
12 EAT
From casual and trendy to upscale and fine, North Georgia offers dining options for all tastes.
Wineries are tucked in every hillside, but brewery and distillery taprooms abound, too.
Botanical gardens, art galleries, downtown boutiques and outlet malls — there’s a little something for every explorer.
Food Truck Fridays, live music, festivals dedicated to chicken and moonshine and more!
4 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
Discover North Georgia is a publication of Metro Market Media Inc., which owns The Times of Gainesville, Forsyth County News and Dawson County News. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc.
JOCELYNE SHINER | Helen, Scenic Highway
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30 EXPLORE
32 EVENTS
2024 Discover North Georgia | 5 C leveland , GA Over 200 species! 2912 Paradise Valley Rd, Cleveland (706) 348-7279 WOLVES OTTERS SLOTHS CAPYBARAS MONKEYS KANGAROOS LEMURS FOXES OWLS WILDCATS DEER CAMELS REPTILES (FULL LIST ONLINE) www.nogawild.com Offering interactive hands on experiences with Capybara, Sloth, Otter, Penguins and more guided tours, safari drive-thru, wildlife park & petting farm Join us for our Penguin, Capybara and Otter splashes ! g g
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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 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. 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.
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.
2145 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, gainesvillemarina.com, 770-536-2171
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. 20 Pearl Nix Parkway, Gainesville, gainesville.org/720/Kayak-Shack-atLongwood-Park
Lake Lanier Olympic Park
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.
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.
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LEE HEARD | Dragon Boat Race on Lake Lanier
SCOTT ROGERS | Blue Heron
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.
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.
8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville, portroyalerental.com, 770-887-5715
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.
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
This beach is tucked beside forested paths dotted with picnic tables and grills. A tiny playground is nearby. There’s also
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a facility for fishing tournaments across the parking 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 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.
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.
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.
4081 War Hill Park Road, Dawsonville
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.
1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden, 404-888-4760
2024 Discover North Georgia | 7
BEN HENDREN | War Hill Park
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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. Halcyon Trailhead: 6265 Cortland Walk, Cumming Union Hill Trailhead: 5259 Union Hill Road, Cumming Fowler Park Trailhead: 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming Bethelview Trailhead: 5120 Bethelview Road, Cumming
Sawnee Mountain Preserve Trailhead: 4075 Spot Road, Cumming arks.forsythco.com/Parks-Facilities/ Big-Creek-Greenway
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 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.
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.
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.
415 Linwood Drive, Gainesville, gainesville.org, 770-531-2680
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.
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, amicalolafallslodge.com
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ERICA JONES | Amicalola Fall State Park Visitor Center
ERICA JONES | Amicalola Fall State Park Visitor Center
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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.
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.
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 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, 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.
Ga. 60, Suches, fs.usda.gov
Raven Cliffs Falls
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.
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. 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, gastateparks. org/SmithgallWoods, 706-878-3087
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.
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. 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.
405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, gastateparks.org/vogel, 706-745-2628
10 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
JOCELYNE SHINER | Smithgall Woods State Park
JOCELYNE SHINER | Tallulah Gorge State Park
AT THE FARM
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.
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 pickyour-own pumpkins in North Georgia. It also offers scenic hayrides through the farm and shopping at the farm’s country store.
5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Road, Dawsonville, shopburtsfarm.com, 706-265-3701
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.
11336 Ga. Highway 136 W, Dawsonville, fausettfarmssunflowers.com
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. 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, 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.
7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, kinseyfamilyfarm.com, 770-887-6028
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.
2882 Red Oak Flats Road, Dahlonega, redoaklavender.com, 706-974-8230
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Uncle Shuck’s off Ga. Highway 9 in Dawson County 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 strawberries 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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makes family
SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia
JAEMOR FARMS & MARKET
5340 Cornelia Hwy (Highway 365) Alto, GA 30510
*at the 35 mile marker
Eat
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. 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 cuisine and L Bar for convenient handcrafted 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 during the summer at Port Royale Marina and 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
CASUAL
Alpha Gyro Grill
Order your gyro or falafel wrap 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.
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. 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.
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
12 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
DAVID BARNES | Margaritaville
SCOTT ROGERS | Alpha Gyro Grill
2024 Discover North Georgia | 13 Fr
islands
at the
SPLASHING to
Eat
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.
6566 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville 212 Atlanta Road, Cumming, bigdsbbq.com, 706-216-6706
Caroline’s on Main
In addition to breakfast staples such as pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast, there will be soups, salads and sandwiches at the brunch and lunch restaurant. 5518 Main St., Flowery Branch
The Chicken Shop
The grab-and-go location offers char-grilled and deep-fried chicken sandwiches and wings, along with beef burgers, salads, seafood and gumbo. 420 Wall St., Suite B, Gainesville
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.
220 Main St. SW, Gainesville, facebook.com/collegiategrill, 678-989-2280
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.
9 Bill Elliott St., Dawsonville, 706-265-2792
Eat More Empanadas by Komaos
The empanadas menu at Eat More Empanadas is vast and includes shredded beef, chicken, cheese, sausage, pulled pork, spicy pork and chili beans empanadas.
3885 Mundy Mill Rd., Ste 104, Gainesville
El Caldero
Along with the traditional rice and beans, chicken and steak staples, El Caldero’s made-to-order menu features fusions Cuesta believes will set his restaurant apart from other Hispanic restaurants in town.
2550 Atlanta Highway, Suite 900, Gainesville
El Gallo Pinto
With 15 tables inside the dining room, El Gallo Pinto can accommodate dine-in guests for signature menu items such as Cuban, steak, chicken and club sandwiches, chicken, bean and pork belly (Sopa de Mondongo) soups and appetizers.
1703 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville
Frutta Bowls
Known as a superfood cafe, Frutta Bowls is at The Collection at Forsyth. The menu consists of a variety of healthy options including bowls and
smoothies.
410 Peachtree Pkwy #120, Cumming, 470-695-4187
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
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.
1040 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, 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-andthree. 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
Los Rios Cantina
A spinoff of its original sit-down
14 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
SCOTT ROGERS | El Caldero
AAHIL LALANI | Frutta Bowls
restaurant, Los Rios Cantina is a quick serve restaurant offering some of its favorite offerings. Plus, check out the frozen margarita wall!
440 Vision Dr Suite C001, Cumming, 470-239-4288
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. 580 Atlanta Road, Suite 34, Cumming, mariesitaliandeli.com, 770-886-0084
Meadow Woodfire Grill
One of Cumming’s newest fine dining experiences offering prime steaks and American fare cooked over a live fire. Located in the heart of Cumming. 101 Meadow Dr Suite K, Cumming, 770-888-1998
Sally’s Kitchen
Some of the dishes include traditional Thai favorites like pineapple fried rice, basil fried rice, noodle dishes and curry dishes, along with drunken noodles with chicken and pad thai, a popular stir-fried rice noodle dish. 4955 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 113, Buford
Saritas
Some of the dishes include basic breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs and give them a Mexican twist. The scrambled Mexican eggs plate allows customers to choose a meat — steak, Mexican sausage, chicken or pork — to go into your scrambled eggs. 5955 Main St., Lula
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, hand-crafted doughnut so fluffy, simple and delicious that owners still create the doughnut his way to this day. 3225 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, facebook.com/ ShipleyDoNuts30041CummingGA, 470-839-2135
Smokin’ Mike’s Meats
Roughly a mile from the Hall/Dawson county line, this hole-in-the-wall takeaway spot offers small-batch, hickorysmoked 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, twice-baked potato casserole, potato salad and Brunswick stew. 5646 Price Road, Gainesville, facebook.com/smokinmikesmeats
Socks Love Barbecue
Meats are smoked and rubbed inhouse at Socks Love, which offers brisket, ribs, pork, turkey and chicken along with sides like mac and cheese and cowboy beans.
1050 Buford Road, Unit 104, Cumming, sockslovebrands.com, 470-302-8383
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
Tio Loco Taqueria
The menu at Tio Loco Taqueria has some common favorites like tacos and quesadillas, but there are also signature items that the owner credits his
kitchen staff for having the ability to cook “with flavor.”
3170 Frontage Rd., Suite C, Gainesville
Vendetti’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill
The entree portion of the menu includes traditional Italian dishes such as spaghetti, chicken parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana, and veal parmigiana, ravioli, chicken marsala, lasagna, and baked ziti.
434 High St., Suite B, Gainesville
Vickery Burger Bar (opening soon)
Upcoming restaurant promises to offer family-friendly dining experience with affordable prices. Expected to feature oldfashioned burgers, fries and milkshakes. 5863 S Vickery St. Cumming
TRENDY
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.
109 Bradford St., Gainesville, avocadoseats.com, 770- 532-0001
2024 Discover North Georgia | 15
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SCOTT ROGERS | Vendetti’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill
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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. 77 Memorial Drive, Dahlonega, bratzeit.com, 706-867-7741
Hashtag Poke’
Coming in sizes ranging from small to regular, the build-your-own-pokébox menu combines two proteins (or three in a regular order) with two sides and two bases. The build-your-ownpoké-box also is served with tofu as the key ingredient.
4009 Winder Highway, Suite 205, Flowery Branch
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 onions to traditional galette dishes composed of mozzarella, sausage and a combination of plain and caramelized cinnamon apples. 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.
6690 Town Square #420, Alpharetta, hobnobatlanta.com/locations/ Alpharetta, 470-448-4572
Hopscotch
This tapas restaurant offers upscale
HOBNOB
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. 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 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. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville, hopskitchen.com, 770-654-9022
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden
Inchin is a combination of the words ‘Indian’ and ‘Chinese’ and the owners of this restaurant say that is how to describe their food. The menu features dishes that are inspired by cooking styles from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, China and India.
1050 Buford Rd, Cumming, 470-835-6090
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
16 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
SCOTT ROGERS | The Galloping Galette
Historic Banning Mill & Screaming Eagle Adventure Locations
Explore some of Georgia’s most stunning locations from a whole new perspective at one of our 9 locations (4 in Georgia).
2024 Discover North Georgia | 17
So why wait? Embark on
adventure of a lifetime with Screaming Eagle Aerial
and Historic Banning Mills Adventure Resort. Your next unforgettable experience awaits! Other Locations: Lake Guntersville State Park, AL DeSoto State Park, AL Wind Creek State Park, AL Creation Museum, KY The Ark Encounter, KY 770-834-9149 Flight of the Falcon (3,400 ft) Tree Houses Historic Banning Mills Adventure Resort We hold 2 Guinness World Records! Nestled in Snake Creek Gorge, this hidden gem offers relaxation & adventure in equal measure. Just 45 min. from ATL. As proud partners of Georgia’s State Parks, we operate zip line canopy tours in: Amicalola Falls State Park & Unicoi State Park Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell Zip Line Tours & Aerial Challenge Courses Adventures Zip Line Canopy Tours Aerial Challenge Courses Eco-Spider SWINCAR Tours Horseback Tours Kayak the Chattahoochee Accommodations Tree Houses Pine Log Cabins Lodge Rooms Family Cabins Gourmet Dinning Eco-Spider SWINCAR Unicoi State Park
the
Adventures
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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.
893 Main St. SW, Gainesville, theinkedpig.com, 678-696-5611
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.
108 Brassie Lane, Braselton, 706-921-3192
Playa Bowls
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, Playa serves açaí, pitaya and coconut bowls and smoothies with sustainability and community in mind.
6365 Halcyon Way, Ste 930, Alpharetta, playabowls.com, 678-580-2458
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.
118 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 eat-
ery 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. 3480 Keith Bridge Road, Suite B1, Cumming, ricerestaurantandsushibar.com, 770-887-9833
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. 110 Main St. SW, Gainesville, chophouseandclub.com, 470-252-5016
Taqueria Tsunami
This contemporary fusion restaurant specializes in Latin-Asian 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 Koreanstyle barbecue short ribs, “tsunami bowls,” tacos and quesadillas, as well as draft beer, wine and signature cocktails.
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.
120 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville, yellowfingv.com, 678-450-4225
Umami Tavern
The menu at Umami is vast and includes many of the traditional Japanese mainstays, plus fusion favorites found at many restaurants that serve Asian food. Along with the popular hibachistyle menu, there is a sushi appetizer on the starter menu that includes the chef’s special sampler.
6323 Grand Hickory Dr., Suite 300A, Braselton
18 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
AUSTIN STEELE | The Inked Pig
SCOTT ROGERS | Local Station
Zen Ramen & Sushi Burritos
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
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.
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.
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.
301 Tommy Aaron Drive, Gainesville, chattahoocheegrill.com, 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 16-seat dining room table. The restaurant’s menu is curated from many of those recipes.
112 Bradford St., Gainesville, instagram.com/consuelogainesville, 470-703-0300
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.
106 Spring St., Gainesville, cottoitalian.com, 678-310-2071
Cotton Calf Kitchen
This 120-seat, white tablecloth, contemporary American steakhouse in
downtown Braselton features tapasstyle appetizers alongside dry-aged 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.
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.
200 Main St. SW, Gainesville, lunas.com, 770-531-0848
Scott’s Downtown
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
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AUSTIN STEELE | Zen Ramen & Bento
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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 Backstage is 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 hand-cut and the sauces, dressings and desserts are all made from scratch.
215 Ingram Ave., Cumming, tamsbackstage.com, 678-455-8310
DESSERTS
Auntie Kim’s Poundcakes
Artisanal handmade pound cakes baked daily from scratch. Stop in the shop, or order online and have it shipped via UPS.
433 Canton Road Ste 103, Cumming, 404-281-8900
Ice Cream Social
Serving more than ice cream, this family-owned business opened in summer 2023 and is already a Best of Forsyth winner. The boutique ice cream parlor offers more than 36 flavors at a time, including dairy free, gluten free and no sugar added options.
5071 Post Rd # 301, Cumming, 678-771-5818
Juke N Jive Creamery
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor when you enter Juke N Jive Creamery at Cumming City Center. The menu features handmade ice cream and fudge. Dairy free ice cream
options available.
441 Vision Dr Suite G101, Cumming, 470-574-3735
Mary Lucille’s Bakery and Tea Room
The newest addition at Cumming City Center, this restaurant and bakery offers a full afternoon tea service in its tearoom, as well as a full menu with southern flair. Indulge in treats baked daily.
431 Vision Drive F 104, Cumming, GA 678-341-0054
Nothing Bundt Cake
Big cakes, little cakes, but Nothing Bundt Cakes! These cakes are perfect treats for any occasion.
1979 Jesse Jewell Parkway Gainesville, 706-807-6670
Scoopjoy Ice Creamery
Boasting hand-crafted ice cream with a variety of changing flavors, this ice cream shop has been named as the best in Georgia, according to Yelp. It is also nominated by the Georgia Business Journal for #BestofGeorgia.
2780 W Village Dr C, Suwanee, 470-297-5977
20 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
SABRINA KERNS | Juke N Jive Creamery
SCOTT ROGERS | Nothing Bundt Cake
2024 Discover North Georgia | 21 1-800-984-1543 www.golakechatuge.com Discover Discover Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge! Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge!
Drink
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.
240 Dawson Village Way N., Suite 100, Dawsonville, 470-869-0550
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.
106 Spring St. SW, Gainesville, boardingpasscoffee.com, 678-696-5031
Community Cup
Community Cup, a locally owned and operated cafe, does more than sell cof-
fee, 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.
125 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, communitycupga.com, 470-297-5569
Diletto Bakery
Diletto Bakery specializes in coffee and scratch-made bread, pastries and internationally inspired goods, such as macarons, crepes and empanadas.
528 Bradford St. SW, Gainesville, dilettobakery.com, 678-943-1304
Elianos Coffee
This drive-thru chain is known for its coffee and espresso drinks, as well as serving breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. This is the only Elianos Coffee location in Forsyth County. 1200 Town Grn Cir, Cumming, 229-646-2295
Human Bean
With three locations in Forsyth County, Human Bean is getting Forsyth County going with its specialty espresso, coffee and tea drinks. Smoothies and kid-friendly beverages are also available at these drive-thru cafes.
1609 Buford Hwy, Cumming, GA 678-456-5054
3670 Browns Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA 470-239-5820
870 McFarland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 470-784-1424
320 S 400 Center Lane, Dawsonville, GA
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.
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. 109 Bradford St. SE, Gainesville, facebook.com/meadowlarkcoffee, 404-694-2707
Myth & Legend
More than a cafe, Myth & Legend is an experience at Cumming City Center. The coffee house boasts several signature drinks that change seasonally, plus
22 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
SCOTT ROGERS | Zenrise Coffee
SCOTT ROGERS | Inman Perk Coffee
drink
a fresh food menu. The cafe has plenty of seating, plus a comfortable library nook where customers can lounge for a while.
At Cumming City Center: 431 Vision Dr Suite F101A, Cumming, 678-771-5346
New location at EVOQ: 1900 Everly Ln Johns Creek, 678-404-8179
TEA AND BUBBLE TEA
Uni Uni Bubble Tea
This fun, colorful cafe is one of the newest places to get bubble tea, fresh juices and smoothies. Customers can also enjoy treats like ice cream and frozen yogurt.
3630 Peachtree Pkwy #702, Suwanee, 470-297-3991
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.
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 barrelaged 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
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.
118 Main St., Gainesville, corkitgainesville.com, 770-545-6164 79 E. Main St., Buford, corkitbuford.com, 678-765-2549
36 Frances St., Braselton, corkitbraselton.com, 229-630-6311
Crooked Culture Brewery
This brewery opened in 2023 at Cumming City Center and was named one of the best new breweries in the nation that opened last year! The facility includes a main bar, indoor and outdoor lounge spaces, games, music and more. 421 Vision Dr, Cumming, GA 30040 470-239-4024
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
24 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
MICAH GREEN | Cherry Street Brewing
ANDY BROPHY | NoFo Brewery
2024 Discover North Georgia | 25 FLOWERY BRANCH SCAN FOR THE FULL CALENDAR! Always Blooming! City of WEEKLY SUMMER MARKET MUSIC IN THE BRANCH DELICIOUS FOOD FESTIVALS BLOCK PARTIES CHRISTMAS MARKET 770-536-1900 www.inkfun.org 999 Chestnut Street, SE. Gainesville, Georgia 30501 Come Visit Us today! SHERIFF JEFFJOHNSON INVITESYOUTOCOMEV ISIT DAWSONCOUNTY SHERIFF JEFF JOHNSON INVITES YOU TO COME VISIT DAWSON COUNTY Drink
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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.
9924 Davis St., Braselton, facebook. com/flourishtaproom
Freedom Brew and Shine
Family owned and operated craft brewery and distillery serving unique flavors of beer. There’s also axe throwing and a gun range onsite, as well as a large kids’ play area.
2730 Spot Rd Suite B, Cumming, 770-887-8884
Jekyll Brewing
The beer menu at Jekyll Brewing offers drafts, IPAs and even a seltzer. The Redneck Christmas Stout, Double Dang IPA, and Bye and Bye Classic pale ale are available, as well as the Hop Dang Diggity, a full-bodied southern IPA. The Brewery Steak is served with rustic potato wedges. Also on the menu are shrimp and grits, fish and chips, and pork carnitas tacos. The sandwiches
range from jerk pork sliders to black bean veggie wraps, and a sourdough fried chicken sandwich that’s served with pimento cheese and slaw.
456 Industrial Blvd., Gainesville
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.
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.
2100 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville, liquidnationbrewing.com, 678-827-6678
NoFo Brew Co.
Award-winning craft beer and handcrafted spirits served onsite. NoFo
Brew Co is Forsyth County’s first craft brewery and distillery.
6150 GA-400 Suite A/B, Cumming, (678) 771-8116
1939 Helen Highway, Cleveland
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. 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.
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 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 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.
215 Auraria Road, Dahlonega, accentcellars.com, 706-867- 0123
26 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
SCOTT ROGERS | Liquid Nation Brewery
Drink
Blue Duck Brewing & Cider
Farm winery Blue Duck Brewing & Cider 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.
30 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 114, Dawsonville, 706-203-1329
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.
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.
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 indus-
try. 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 invites guests to delve deeper into the winemaking process with a behindthe-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 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 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.
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 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
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AUSTIN STEELE | Yonah Mountain Winery
SCOTT ROGERS | Habersham Winery
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wines with both vinifera and FrenchAmerican 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 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 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.
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 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.
501 Hightower Church Rd, Dahlonega, montaluce.com, 706-867-4060
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 construction 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.
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.
265 Laurel Ridge Road, Cleveland, serenitycellars.com, 706-348-1277
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. Organic seasonal blackberries and blueberries are grown there as well as fresh vegetables and herbs used exclusively in the tasting room menu items.
1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, stoneyjswinery.com, 678-910-4146
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.
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 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 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.
1717 Highway 255 S, Cleveland, yonahmountainvineyards.com, 706-878-5522
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COURTESY HORN PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN | Kaya Vineyard and Winery
2024 Discover North Georgia | 29 WE ARE N o r t h G e o r g i a . Contact marketing@gainesvilletimes.com for more information. discovernorthga.com BROUGHT TO YOU BY COME FIND VENDORS FOR ALL YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE NEEDS CAMPING • HUNTING • HIKING • FISHING & MORE! FREETOATTEND! AUGUST 10TH 9am - 6pm GEORGIA RACING HALL OF FAME
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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.
334 Ga. Highway 9 North, Dawsonville, bowenarts.org, 706-216-2787
Cumming
Arts Center-Sawnee 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.
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 multibillion dollar industry it is today. The museum offers tours, informa-
tional videos, an event space for rent 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 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 chil-
dren can use foam blocks to bring their imaginations to life. Admission is $9 per person for anyone older than 2. 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.
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 that decimated downtown Gainesville. Admission is $6 for adults.
332 Academy St., Gainesville, negahc. org, 770-297-5900
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
This nonprofit arts organization dis-
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SCOTT ROGERS | Gainesville Street Art
SCOTT ROGERS | Quinlan Visual Arts Center
plays rotating exhibitions featuring solo and group artists and a special members’ exhibition each fall. Admission is free, but the center accepts donations. 514 Green St., Gainesville, quinlanartscenter.org, 770-536-2575
SHOPPING
The 1904
A modern-day reflection of an oldtime 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. 924 Davis St., Braselton, explorebraselton.com/1904
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 Loft, Victoria’s Secret, Altar’d State, Bath & Body Works, Claire’s Boutique, Sunglass Hut, DSW, Rack Room Shoes and more.
410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, collectionforsyth.com, 770-781-0333
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 small-town 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. 423 Canton Road, Cumming, cummingcitycenter.com, 770-781-2010
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 sev-
eral 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.
6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, visithalcyon.com, 470- 223-3665
North Georgia Premium Outlets
With scores of brand-name stores offering merchandise 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 retailers include everything from Adidas to Versace to West Elm, all in one convenient North Georgia location.
800 Ga. Highway 400 S, Dawsonville, premiumoutlets.com/outlet/northgeorgia, 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.
5855 S. Vickery St., Cumming, vickeryvillageshops.com
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SCOTT ROGERS | Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
SCOTT ROGERS | Downtown Gainesville
events
JUNE
Photography Art Exhibit
THRU JUNE 22
Cumming Arts Center
111 Pilgrim Mill Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 936-6422
Small Works Mothers/Father’s Day Marketplace
THRU JUNE 22
Cumming Arts Center
111 Pilgrim Mill Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 936-6422
TGIFF Presents: Bark in the Park
JUNE 2, 6PM - 9PM
Jug Tavern Park
Bring your furry friends to bark in the park to see a dog stunt show, shop with exclusive canine vendors. Adopt a pup of your very own with on-site dog adoptions. Don’t worry food trucks and human treats will also be on hand during this pup-tastic event.
Canon Tyler
JUNE 5 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Food Truck Friday
JUNE 7 FROM 5-8 P.M.
The City of Dawsonville’s monthly Food Truck Friday events feature a wide range of food trucks that rotate from month to month. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.
Hall About Health Expo
JUNE 19 FROM 9AM TO 1PM
Join The Times for our Hall About Health Expo! Featuring health and wellness professionals, prize opportunities and more. Georgia Mountain YMCA
Taylor Harlow
JUNE 12 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Olivia Ivey Band
JUNE 14 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
James & Julia
JUNE 19 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Camp Rock, The Musical (teen production)
JUNE 21 AT 7PM
JUNE 22 AT 4:30PM AND 7PM
Forsyth Academy of Performing Arts 520 Industrial Way in Cumming (678) 468-1731 www.forsythperforms.com
June Car Show
JUNE 22 FROM 4 TO 8 P.M.
The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame hosts regular car shows, which feature a wide array of classic cars brought to the show by car enthusiasts from all over. Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
East and Ward
JUNE 26 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Summer in the City Art Exhibit
JUNE 26-AUG. 24
Cumming Arts Center 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 936-6422
Grains of Sand Band
JUNE 28 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
JULY
Exhibition: Decade of Tradition: Highlights from the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection
JULY 1, 2024 - JULY 3, 2024
Georgia Museum of Art
In 2012, Larry and Brenda Thompson gave 100 works of art by African American artists to the Georgia Museum of Art, mirroring the original donation of 100 American paintings by museum founder Alfred Heber Holbrook. This exhibition includes works from the 2011 traveling exhibition “Tradition
32 | 2024 Discover North Georgia
SCOTT ROGERS | Farm Day
SCOTT ROGERS | First Friday Art Walk
Redefined,” which preceded the gift, as well as subsequent works added in recent years that have not been on view in other galleries. These works celebrate the expansion of the museum’s permanent collection through this transformative gift of works by African American artists.
Exhibition: Kei Ito: Staring at the Face of the Sun
JULY 1, 2024 - JULY 14, 2024
Georgia Museum of Art
Kei Ito uses photography to examine the intergenerational trauma of nuclear disaster and the possibilities of healing and reconciliation. Ito uses camera-less techniques, exposing light-sensitive material to sunlight for the length of a single breath. In this way, he ties the invisibility of radiation (whether from the sun or nuclear weaponry) to the life-breath of the human body. As a result, he poignantly underscores our collective inheritance in the nuclear age, as both the attacker and the attacked suffer at an apocalyptic, global scale.
Warthog Wild Encounter
JULY 1, 2024 - AUGUST 31, 2024
Zoo Atlanta
We welcome you to the wild world of warthogs! Come explore what it takes to care for these charismatic creatures and their neighbors in the African Savanna. Do warthogs really have warts? Get an upclose look and see! Join us for a behind-thescenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat. You’ll also meet members of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team and find out what goes into the care of warthogs and other savanna animals.
Elephant Wild Encounter
JULY 1, 2024 - AUGUST 31, 2024
Zoo Atlanta
During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.
Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter
JULY 1, 2024 - AUGUST 31, 2024
Zoo Atlanta
Meet the ancient giants of Aldabra Atoll. See and feed one of the world’s largest living tortoise species in the only Wild Encounter experience that allows guests to share the same space with the animals.
The Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter is unique in that participants can experience meeting a tortoise up-close, inside their habitat.
Family Frolics
JULY 3
Elachee Nature Center
Come visit with some of our resident animal ambassadors. We will explore the animals that call Georgia’s waterways home with a craft and sensory exploration!
Jacob Harshman Project
JULY 3 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Departure a Tribute to Journey
JULY 6 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Hughes Taylor
JULY 10 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Food Truck Friday
5-8 P.M. JULY 12.
The City of Dawsonville’s monthly Food Truck Friday events feature a wide range of food trucks that rotate from month to month. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville.
The Bourbon Brothers Band
JULY 12 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Canon Tyler
JULY 17 AT 7:00 P.M.
Cumming City Center
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater.
Tuck Everlasting (All Ages
Community Theater Production)
JULY 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 AND 28 AT 7PM More details will be on our website: www. forsythperforms.com
Forsyth Academy of Performing Arts 520 Industrial Way in Cumming (678) 468-1731
G Clef & The Playlist
JULY 19 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Pack it Up
SATURDAY, JULY 20 FROM 10 A.M. TO 12 P.M.
Smithgall Woods State Park
This Backpacking program aims to teach the basics of backpacking, backpacking safety, finding trails, camping sites, and the gear necessities, (and the non-necessities). Learn what’s in a standard backpacking first-aid kit, what kinds of food to bring, proper leave-no-
ONGOING
WINERY TOURS
Georgia Winery Tours are at 1:30pm & 3:30pm on Saturdays.
You’ll learn how wine is made during your 45 minute tour of the premises, and you’ll be treated to a flight of three signature wines with cheese. A souvenir glass will be given to you as a memento of the day.
Sunday Morning Stroll with a Ranger
Sundays 9 AM - 10 AM – Now until Sep 22, 2024
Red Top Mountain State Park Acworth, GA
Come Join the Ranger for an easy going morning stroll through the forest. We will have fun as we walk along the Sweet Gum Trail and take in the sights and sounds of the morning on our beloved mountain park. Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather and don’t forget to bring your binoculars in case we spot any birds.
2024 Discover North Georgia | 33 events
SCOTT ROGERS | Discover North Georgia
events
trace, and how to make backpacking the best kind of adventure it can be!
Harvest Festival
SATURDAY, JULY 20 10AM-3PM
Hardman Farm Historic Site
Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Governor Hardman grew several acres of corn to feed his livestock. The UGA White County Extension and Hardman Farm have grown a field of pesticide free corn. Harvest your own corn and enjoy music, participate in a sweetcorn taste test, play old fashioned games, pet farm animals and more.
Electric Avenue - The 80’s MTV Experience
SATURDAY, JULY 20TH, 2024
Starting at 6:00pm Hiawassee DDA presents 2024 SUMMER FUN-DRAISER “ELECTRIC AVENUE - The 80’s MTV Experience” at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Anderson Music Hall on July 20, 2024 at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit The Paris Business Center Restoration in Downtown Hiawassee. Activites include the CONCERT, SILENT AUCTION, 50/50, FOOD TRUCKS, DRINKS, and lots of fun!
Lantern Series Concerts- Bassel and The Supernatural’s
JULY 20
Woodstock Arts Event Green
The Lantern Series welcomes Syrian Funk Band, Bassel & The Supernaturals. Bassel & The Supernaturals tells the story of Bassel Almadani’s experience as a first-generation Syrian-American using soulful melodies, funk-
inspired grooves, and captivating lyrics regarding love, loss, and the war in Syria.
Taylor Harlow
JULY 24 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Can’t Hardly Wait
JULY 26 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Laser Light Show
SATURDAY, JULY 27 AT 4:00PM
Georgia Mountain Fairgounds
We have a fun family night planned for you with Live Music by Riverbend & True Youngblood, Kids Activities, Vendors, Food Trucks & a Laser Light show! The activities will be set up down by the office area and then you head back to your cars to watch the show!
Jason Gardner
JULY 31 AT 7:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
AUGUST
Food Truck Friday
AUGUST 2 FROM 5-8 P.M.
The City of Dawsonville’s monthly Food Truck Friday events feature a wide range of food trucks that rotate from month to month. 86 Allen Street, Dawsonville
Skynfolks
AUGUST 2 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Hollywood at Hardman
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 7:30PM TO 10:30PM
Harman Farm State Historic Site Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Enjoy an evening at the farm with your family with an outdoor movie night! This is a family friendly event. Come before the show to play old fashioned yard games like croquet, corn hole and sack races. Movie will begin at dusk--bring your own blanket or chairs. Movie admission is included with $7+tax/fees grounds fee.
Discover North Georgia Outdoor Expo
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 FROM 9AM TO 6PM
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Discover your next outdoor adventure at this expo, featuring hunting, hiking, fishing, and everything outdoors.
Perseid Shooting Star Party
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10AUGUST 11 9PM TO 1AM
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, GA
Join us to view the best meteor shower of the year! Come to the beach to enjoy astronomer talks, music, concessions and meteor viewing. Limited number of telescopes available at no charge. Flashlight use must be kept to a minimum. Red lights preferred. Tickets online available after July 10 or $3/person cash at the door.
A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show
AUG. 16 AT 8:00 P.M.
Performing live at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Cumming City Center
Kiwanis
Rodeo
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Blue Ridge Kiwanis Fairground
Events will include: Bronco riding, calf roping, calf scrambles, bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, ladies breakaway roping and more!
Food and fun for all ages.
2024 Georgia Mountain Fair
AUGUST 16-24
Look forward to TWO GREAT WEEKENDS at the 73rd Annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer! Thousands of visitors from across the region have experienced the excitement and nostalgia that the event has to offer. With first class music performances, arts & crafts, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family!
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SCOTT ROGERS | Food Truck Friday
exploregainesvillega Explore Gainesville GA now
42,801 likes View all 23,752 comments
exploregainesvillega Picture Yourself Here!
outdoorfamily loved hiking at Elachee Nature Science Center and visiting the animals including Chewy the
lovingthelake No Kayak, No Problem! Did you know Gainesville has a kayak vending machine at Longwood Park?!
datenightideas Great date night at First Friday on the Downtown Square! Let’s plan our next date at Food Truck Friday at Lake Lanier Olympic Park!
artlovers I’m in with Gainesville’s art scene and the dozens of murals in and around town!
IloveGVL Keep up with all the amazing things to do and see at ExploreGainesville.org!
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