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Against the backdrop of North Georgia mountains, the historic<br />
town of Dahlonega, Ga., takes on the appearance of a Hallmark<br />
holiday with its month-long “Old Fashioned Christmas” celebration.<br />
Take a carriage ride or stroll the streets with 1800s storefronts<br />
reflecting the season and view the two-story, glittering Christmas tree<br />
on the square. Observe the live nativity, listen to old-time carolers and<br />
participate in special holiday activities.<br />
With its sparkling Christmas displays, Dahlonega was recently<br />
selected for two Hallmark Christmas movies and Lifetime holidaythemed<br />
movies.<br />
Along with the downtown displays, the annual Festival of Trees features<br />
festive decorated Christmas trees on display outside Hancock<br />
Park. Inside the park, an Artists Market is popular, and the Dahlonega<br />
Women’s Club hosts their annual Christmas Market on Candy Cane<br />
Lane. Each year, trees used in the Festival are planted at the end of the<br />
season.<br />
After savoring the dazzling Christmas decorations in Dahlonega,<br />
plan to spend time visiting other sites in the area. Along with waterfalls<br />
and stunning scenery, there are interesting places to explore.<br />
Gold Rush<br />
Dahlonega is known as the site of the first major U.S. gold rush. The<br />
city celebrates its rich past with attractions for all ages. Explore the<br />
Gold Museum with its artifacts in the downtown district as well as the<br />
gold mines and gold panning facilities.<br />
Wine Country<br />
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the charming<br />
Appalachian mountain town is part of the official wine country<br />
of Georgia, designated as the Dahlonega Plateau. It is one of the<br />
most acclaimed wine regions in the South. The fertile hillsides near<br />
Dahlonega have become prime areas for growing European, French<br />
hybrid and American wine grapes.<br />
Reminiscent of a grand Tuscan villa with sweeping views of rolling<br />
vineyards and mountains, Montaluce Winery and Estates is a 25,000<br />
square-foot winery with a handsome tasting room. The Le Vigne restaurant<br />
provides indoor and outdoor seating with views of the vineyards<br />
for lunch or dinner.<br />
Wolf Mountain’s hillside vineyard overlooks spectacular mountain<br />
vistas. The estate wines have received over 100 medals in competition<br />
and introduced North Georgia’s first traditional method champenoise<br />
sparkling wines. The vineyard restaurant offers lunch, dinner and<br />
Sunday brunch.<br />
Other wineries are Cavender’s Creek, Blackstock, Frogtown Cellars<br />
and Three Sisters. Check with wineries before leaving home on times<br />
and days open.<br />
Christmas<br />
By<br />
Photo by Cottrell Photography<br />
Ann Cipperly<br />
EAST ALABAMA LIVING 35
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