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Golden Days in Dahlonega
Find a weekend of wonder in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just an hour outside of Atlanta.
By Annette Thompson
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Dine along the banks of the Chestatee River at The Oar House Restaurant. |
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Start your day at Mountain Laurel Creek Bed & Breakfast with a plate of Dahlonega Gold--phyllo-wrapped sausage and egg. |
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It's an ideal time of year to paddle the Chestatee River. |
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Fall is the perfect time for a small-town getaway. Discover the charming town square, rumpled
hills, and clear streams of this North Georgia village.
Festive Friday
There really is gold in these hills, so start your exploration at the Dahlonega Gold Museum State
Historic Site in the middle of the square ($3 admission). You'll hear the story behind America's
first major gold rush. Afterward, pan for gold and grub for gems at the nearby Consolidated Gold
Mine ($11 adults, $7 ages 4-14) or Crisson's Gold Mine ($3-$9.50).
For lodging, our choices are to stay at Mountain Laurel Creek Bed & Breakfast, just 5 miles out of
town, or at the historic Smith House Inn, one block off Dahlonega's square.
At Mountain Laurel Creek, innkeeper Dennis Hoover welcomes you to his comfortable hideaway
(706)867-8134 or www.mountain laurelcreek.com; rates $130-$140). There, Dennis's late-season
gardens bring cheerful color to the rustic wooden home that offers three suites, each with a
balcony and sumptuous bath.
If you opt for The Smith House Inn, you'll find a nostalgic atmosphere complete with old-timey
tile baths (800)852-9577 or www.smithhouse.com; rates $79-$250).
Enjoy a night on the town with a memorable dinner at Corkscrew Café, followed by a show at the
Holly Theatre. If you prefer a light dinner, order the duck salad, which features roasted duck
breast over a fresh mound of mixed greens, topped with caramelized onions, mandarin oranges, and
sugared pecans ($9.95). The traditionally prepared fresh trout ($17.95), rack of lamb ($24.95),
and filet mignon ($22.95) please heartier appetites. Be sure to inform your server that you're
heading to a show to get out on time. Then, walk next door to the Holly Theatre, where local
thespians entertain. After the final curtain falls, slip back into Corkscrew for a nightcap,
ginger-apple bread pudding ($4.95), or chocolate truffle cake ($5.95).
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