Book a package of fun or romance at Dahlonega’s Inns and Lodges

If the idea of “the mountains” conjures up images of fun and romance, you’ll hit gold with a getaway to Dahlonega. Site of America’s first major gold rush in 1828 and today the heart of the Georgia wine country, Dahlonega, located in the North Georgia Mountains, has a historic town square, scenic surroundings, a thriving music and arts scene and lots of indoor and outdoor activities. There’s much to see and do in Dahlonega every season, and summer is no exception. Right now, it’s heating up as area inns and lodges roll out summer fun and romance packages. For more information on summer fun in Dahlonega, or to book a value-added vacation package, go to www.Dahlonega.org; or call 1-800-231-5543.

While in Dahlonega, couples, families and friends will find unique, fun attractions as well as experience the rejuvenating tranquility of a slower pace in the mountains. During the day, browse the galleries and shop the boutiques on Dahlonega’s historic town square, discover gold at the Dahlonega Gold Museum and pan for gold and gemstones at one of Dahlonega’s authentic gold mines. Go hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking in a pristine setting encompassing the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers. In that same setting, explore waterfalls and wildlife - even Kangaroos - at the nearby Kangaroo Conservation Center. Adults will want to sample the grape at a half dozen wineries and take a swing at the Nicklaus Golf Club at Achasta. At night, snap to the beat of the live entertainment in various venues and clap for the actors onstage at the Historic Holly Theatre. Then check in to one of Dahlonega’s uniquely charming inns or lodges for an overnight you’ll never forget.

Here is a sampling of packages available in Dahlonega; visit www.Dahlonega.org and click on the link for more “Hot Deals”. Please visit the individual websites for pricing and details of individual packages.

Forrest Hills Mountain Resort

Set on 140-acres the resort offers accommodations and many vacation packages for families, family reunions, couples, and honeymooners. Guests enjoy on-site restaurants, horseback and scenic wagon rides to a cookout, a 2-mile walking trail, outdoor pool, 2 regulation sand volleyball courts, game room, gift shop with free movie rentals.

Summer Package for Families is $644.00, plus tax; based on two adults and two children, and includes:

• Lodging in a private two-bedroom cottage with a hot tub and full kitchen, or a bi-level suite in the Mountain Laurel Inn
• Full breakfast daily
• Scenic horse-drawn wagon ride to the River House for a cookout with live entertainment
• Underground mine tour at Consolidated Gold Mine
• Tour of the Dahlonega Gold Museum
• Dinner for four at the resort

Call 706-864-6456; 1-800-654-6313 or visit www.forresthillsresort.com for room rates and additional packages.

Lily Creek Lodge

Escape to North Georgia Wine Country for a relaxing and romantic retreat at this European-style lodge which offers multiple packages with local wines, spas and attractions. Lily Creek Lodge offers a secluded swimming pool with waterfall nestled in the Appalachian forest. While staying at this lodge in Dahlonega, guests will enjoy simple country pleasures, scrumptious food and personal service surrounded by flowers, trees, antiques and art.

Ease into Summertime Romance Package is $499.00, plus tax, based on two people for three days and two nights. Package includes:

• Three days, two nights in the spacious Tango suite, a luxury Two room suite with patio, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, Satellite TV, wireless internet, coffee, and refrigerator.
• A full gourmet breakfast served in your room each morning.
• Two tickets for a wine tasting at a select North Georgia Winery,
• A delicious box of fudge from the Dahlonega Fudge Factory
• A dozen roses

Call 706-864-6848 or visit www.lilycreeklodge.com for room rates and additional packages.

Long Mountain Lodge

Get away from it all at this luxury rustic 7-room Adirondack-style lodge in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest with easy access to trout fishing, hiking the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking and canoeing and kayaking. Lodge guests enjoy breakfast prepared by a former chef. A 3-bedroom cabin is also available.

Summer packages including your choice of canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, theater and dinner packages. Room rates range from $109.00 - $169.00 and include a gourmet breakfast. Guests should go online or call for individualized package prices.

Call 706-864-2337 or visit www.longmountainlodge.com for room rates and special package offers.

Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa

This B&B and boutique day spa offers overnight accommodations with five luxurious suites decorated with original artwork, guests can rock away the time on the front porch, stroll on the trail to the creek or enjoy one of the many spa treatments offered at the Oasis Day Spa.

The Summer Spa Package is $195.00 and includes:

• An hour full-body massage with Bacchus Body Oil, a light blend of Mediterranean olive oil and red grape seeds
• A foot scrub and massage with Chianti Grape Seed Crush to exfoliate and moisten
• A one-hour wine facial complete with wine masque and a vinotherapy scrub hand treatment
• Through the end of July, a complimentary glass of red wine from one of our local vineyards.

You do not have to be an overnight guest in order to take advantage of this offer.Call 706-867-8134 or visit www.mountainlaurelcreek.com for room and spa rates and special packages.

Town Creek Bed and Breakfast

Guests at the B & B enjoy mountain views, trout fishing, an animal sanctuary, a game room and 430-feet of gold-bearing Town Creek. The owner and innkeeper, an experienced and avid gold dredger, offers guests lessons on gold panning and the opportunity to search for gold with him.

Along with their overnight stay, all guests will be treated to:

• A complimentary upgraded wine tasting at a local winery
• Complimentary gold panning

Call 706-865-0410 or visit www.towncreekbandb.com

Dahlonega, the heart of Georgia wine country, is where the best of art, cuisine and nature merge in a mountain setting. Site of the first major gold rush in U.S. history in 1828, it is blessed with natural beauty by way of the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers, the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stepping lively are a 19th-century town square, an entrepreneurially vibrant artisan, shopping and restaurant scene and a variety of B&Bs, country inns and lodges, as well as festivals, wineries, spas and wedding venues that take full advantage of the layered peaks of the Blue Ridge. This is a mountain village with major metropolitan verve. For more details, contact the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling toll-free 1.800.231.5543 or by visiting www.dahlonega.org.