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 and plenty of porches and decks to admire it from. 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 explore.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms have private bathrooms and views of meadows, gardens, mountains, or forest; cabins offer a more wooded setting.
• Cabin amenities include a sitting area, small refrigerator, coffee pot, and small covered porch with chairs. Free WiFi is also included.
• 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.
• Stretch out at the on-site yoga hall or on 1.5 miles of trails.

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. 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 pan for gold yourself at Crisson Gold Mine, located right in town.

Downtown Dahlonega is full of boutiques and restaurants catering to all kinds of tastes. For further indulgence, hit the Dahlonega Wine Trail, whose five wineries offer tours, tastings, and spectacular views. Dahlonega is also within easy reach of the Appalachian Trail and Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s also just 20 miles from Amicalola Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.