Hotel at a Glance: Dahlonega Spa Resort

Dahlonega Spa Resort is nothing if not an escape. This peaceful resort is set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where there’s no shortage of scenery to take in from numerous porches and decks. There may be no TVs in the resort’s guest rooms, but you probably won’t miss them: the property is full of trails to hike and meadows to blissfully explore.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms feature private bathrooms and views of meadows, gardens, mountains, or forest. Choose a cabin for a more wooded setting.
• Cabin amenities include a sitting area, small refrigerator, coffee pot, individual heating and air conditioning, and small covered porch with chairs.
• Relax: You can de-stress in the outdoor hot tub, or book a massage at the spa or in the comfort of your guest room.
• Connect at your leisure with free WiFi.
• Stretch out at the onsite yoga hall or on 1.5 miles of trails.
• Other things to do: Hop on the Appalachian Trail, which is about 10 miles north of the property, or admire the waterfalls in Amicalola Falls State Park, just a 45-minute drive away.

Dahlonega, Georgia: Small-Town Retreat with Gold-Rush Past

Dahlonega’s name comes from a Cherokee word meaning “gold” or “yellow,” and it’s a testament to the town’s rich past. In 1828, Dahlonega sprang up seemingly overnight when miners struck a rich vein of gold. Now, it’s less a mining town and more a beautiful place to visit and live. Dahlonega is consistently named as a top place to retire, thanks to its bucolic scenery and laid-back vibe.

You can see a 5-ounce gold nugget and rare gold coins at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which is housed inside Georgia’s oldest courthouse. Or you can pan for gold yourself at Crisson Gold Mine, located right in town. From here, you can easily reach the Appalachian Trail and Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s also close to more than 30 waterfalls, including Amicalola, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

If you’re looking for more leisurely pursuits, Dahlonega has you covered. The downtown area is full of boutiques and restaurants catering to all kinds of tastes. Paul Thomas Chocolates, located in the town square, creates chocolate-covered bacon and other sweet treats. For further indulgence, hit the Dahlonega Wine Trail, whose five wineries offer tours, tastings, and spectacular views.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.