DAWSONVILLE

Amicalola Falls State Park. As one of the seven wonders of Georgia, Amicalola is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The park's beautiful falls plunge 729 feet in seven cascades. The park consists of more than 1,023 acres, and includes many facilities and activities. 706 265-8888, 800 573-9656 www.amicalolafalls.com

Funky Chicken Art Project. A unique art gallery and outdoor sculpture garden with whimsical, contemporary, and quality works of art. It is a fun shopping experience for unique gifts and collectibles. The Project represents many different artists and mediums, including jewelry, oil and acrylic paintings, fiber art, sculptures in metal, stone, cement and mosaic, as well as the whimsical sculpture garden. 1538 Wesley Chapel Road, 706 864-3938 www.funkychickenartproject.com

Kangaroo Conservation Center. Come see the largest kangaroo collection outside Australia. The Center is home to over 150 kangaroos and other exotic animals for exhibition and breeding to zoos worldwide. Guides take you through the "Outback" on safari trucks to learn about and interact with the animals. You must be at least 8 years old to tour. Call for tour times. 706 265-6100 email roofarm@aol.com, www.kangaroocenter.com

North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall. North Georgia Premium Outlets. Over 140 outlet stores, including Liz Claiborne, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Pottery Barn Furniture, Movado and many more. 800 Highway 400 South 706 216-3609. www.PremiumOutlets.com

Art Galleries, Dawsonville.
Dawsonville has become a vibrant art community, home to many prominent artists., artists-in-residence and guest artists.

Bowen Center for the Arts. Located in the Old Rock School, the Center includes a gallery and hosts many art shows. 706-216-2787 www.dawsonarts.org

Burt's Farm. The place to celebrate fall! Open from September-November, Burt's is a favorite with kids and big kids alike. Enjoy hayrides, see the giant 100+ pound pumpkins, and shop at the market for fall vegetables, decorations, gifts and many delicacies made fresh in Burt's kitchen. 4801 Highway 52 706 265-3701, 800 600-BURT www.burtsfarm.com

DAHLONEGA

Village of Dahlonega. This charming village with its historic square was the site of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828. Browse through the unique shops nestled in quaint 19th century buildings on the lively town square and enjoy the many restaurants. Take in the music, visual arts, mountain crafts and live performances at the historic Holly Theatre. The nearby Chattahoochee National Forest offers scenic vistas and every outdoor activity imaginable. 800 231-5543, 706 864-3711

Gold Mines.
Consolidated Gold Mine: Tour an actual gold mine and try your hand at panning at this once-active gold mine. Pan for gold and check out the souvenir shop with many various rocks and minerals. 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road 706 864-8473.
Crisson Gold Mine. Take a step back in time and view a fourth-generation hard rock, strip mining area and see a 119-year old working stamp mill - the only one in the state -- crush stone. Pan for gold and gem stones and visit the gift shop. Highway 19 North 706 864-6363.

Dahlonega Gold Museum. Dahlonega was the site of the nation's first major gold rush, 20 years before the 1849 California gold rush. The Dahlonega Gold Museum offers visitors a look at the mining history of the area. Coin and nuggets are on display, and a 23-minute historical film interviews long-time mining families in the area.
706 864-2257.

Whitewater Rafting:
Enjoy the exhilaration of white water rafting! A variety of activities are available suitable for experienced rafters as well as the whole family.
Appalachian Outfitters, 706 864-7117 www.canoegeorgia.com
Southeastern Expeditions. 800 868-7238 www.southeasternexpeditions.com

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve. The Preserve displays over 450 animals and 125 species from around the world, including rare Siberian white tigers, lions, camels, and many more exotic animals. There is a self-guided walking tour, picnic area, and rustic playground. 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy. 706 864-9411 www.chestateewildlifepreserve.org

Vineyards and Wineries, Dahlonega. Wine tasting and tours in the heart of Georgia's thriving new wine country. The wineries host special events and festivals throughout the year. Some wineries are by appointment only, so call before you go. www.georgiawine.com Three Sisters Vineyards, 706 865-9463 www.threesistersvineyards.com; Frogtown Cellars, 706 865-0687 www.frogtownwine.com; BlackStock Vineyards, 770 983-1371; Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery, 706 867-9862 www.wolfmountainvineyards.com

NORTH GEORGIA

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge. Plan to arrive early - or stay late - for all the wonderful "antiquing" in the quaint mountain village of Blue Ridge. The town is famous just for antique shopping!

Then board the train for the hour scenic trip over the rails to McCaysville, GA-Copperhill, TN. Your one-hour stop will be busy with the shopping and fun.
In season, climb aboard The Christmas Train for a festive two-hour holiday ride.

Reservations required. 241 Depot Street 800 934-1898, 706 632-9833 www.brscenic.com

Mayfield Dairy, Braselton. Visit the largest dairy in the Southeast. The free Mayfield Tour is fun for all ages. At the end, visit the gift shop and ice cream parlor to sample a generous scoop of "the world's best ice cream." 1160 Broadway Ave., Braselton 888 298-0396.

Ellijay Wildlife Rehab Sanctuary, Ellijay. This 50-acre facility medically cares for all species of orphaned and injured wildlife indigenous to the area, including deer, raccoon, red wolf, American Bald Eagle, black bears, panthers, cougars and others. Tours are available by appointment only, with "Family Day" the second Sunday of the month June-September. 706 276-2980 www.wildliferehabsanctuary.org

BabyLand General¨ Hospital, Cleveland. Visit the birthplace of the world-famous soft-sculpture "Cabbage Patch Kids" by Xavier Roberts. The fun "hospital" has hundreds of original Preemies, Newborns and Kids of all types and shapes awaiting adoption. 73 W. Underwood St. 706 865-2171 www.cabbagepatchkids.com

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

April: Bear on the Square Mountain Folk Festival, Dahlonega.
The best of the mountains including traditional mountain crafts, bluegrass and old-time music and workshops in guitar, fiddle, and banjo. All musicians are invited to join in the jam sessions around the square, and everyone is invited to take part in the dancing. There are special children's events including a theatre production and a "Taste of the Mountains" food court.
800 231-5543, 706 864-3711

May: Wildflower Festival of the Arts, Dahlonega.
This juried fine arts show provides unites the natural beauty of the area with the works of hundreds of artists. Wildflower displays, tours of areas abundant in wildflowers conducted by naturalists, and lectures on gardening provide an exciting opportunity to photograph and learn about area wildflowers. 800 231-5543, 706 864-3711

May: Art in the Garden, Dawsonville.
The Art in the Garden Festival is a quality arts and crafts garden show held at the Historic Old Rock School in downtown Dawsonville. The festival features all garden related art, crafts, garden antiques and containers. 706-216-2787

June: Georgia Wine Country Festival, Dahlonega.
Featuring wines from Georgia and around the world. A fun day in the vineyard with food, wine, art and music. 706 865-9463

July: Fourth of July Celebration, Jasper.
An old-fashioned Independence Day with a rousing parade down Main Street, followed by a festival with carnival rides, attractions, arts and crafts, food, live music and a fireworks extravaganza. 706 692-5600

September-November: Oktoberfest, Helen, GA.
The world's longest Oktoberfest! The picturesque alpine village of Helen offers opportunity for browsing the unique shops and enjoying nights in the massive Festhalle for authentic German bands, dancing the Polka to oompah music with dancers in native costume, and enjoying Bavarian food and German beer.
706 878-1619, email info@helenga.org

September-November: Uncle Shucks Maze, Dawsonville.
The maze is a nine-acre field of corn with five miles of trails. In October, the Pumpkin Patch is open with fall decorations and horse-drawn carriage rides. 888-OSHUCKS

September: Apple Pickin' Jubilee, Hillcrest Orchard, Ellijay.
This popular fall spot on Ellijay's "Apple Alley" is lively with apple picking, hayrides, cow milking, maze, live music, pig races, petting zoo, corn maze, children's tractor racetrack, playground and giant slide, fairy tale walking path and more. 706 273-3838

September: Wildlife Art Festival of North Georgia, Blue Ridge.
Featuring regionally and nationally known sculptors, painters, potters, carvers and photographers. All work is in wildlife and nature themes. There are lessons and demonstrations and great food. 706 632-2144

October: Talking Rock Heritage Days, Talking Rock
Relive bygone days in the charming town of Talking Rock. Enjoy antique shopping, hayrides, food, music, arts and crafts, and see an antique caboose on display. 706 253-3581

October: U.S. Open Stock Dog Trials and Farm Festival, Dawsonville.
More than 100 handlers and their dogs complete in this 3-day event. A great family festival where you can enjoy canine agility, wool spinning, blacksmith, petting zoo, food, and lots of arts and crafts. 877 396-6288, 706 265-6278

October: Georgia Marble Festival, Jasper.
A lively parade, arts and crafts show, live music, clogging and dancing, a classic car show and a children's area are featured at this favorite local festival. Plus there are guided tours of the world's largest open-pit marble quarry. Reservations required for Tour. 706 692-5600

October: Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay.
Ellijay is the apple capital of Georgia, and this festival celebrates the popular red fruit. Festivities include a parade, great arts and crafts with over 300 vendors, antique car show, a special children's area, and of course, wonderful apple goodies. 706 636-4500,
706 635-7400

October: Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega.
The largest arts and crafts festival in north Georgia with over 300 exhibitors. Included in the event are 5K road race, children's activities, fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dance contest, gospel singing, buck dance contest, wrist wrestling and many other events. 800 231-5543, 706 864-3711

October: Mountain Moonshine Festival, Dawsonville.
Reminisce with more than 100 1940's Ford automobiles lined up on the downtown streets of Dawsonville. Visit an old moonshine still, see old Appalachian demonstrations and storytelling. Festivities include a parade, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, entertainment and live music. 877 396-6288, 706 265-6278

November: Toccoa Harvest Festival. Toccoa, GA.
More than 200 vendors selling wares that are "Homemade, Home Baked, or Home Grown." There are multiple entertainment stages, a Classic Car Cruise-In, rock climbing wall, and various other youth/children's activities. 877-6TOCCOA, 706-282-3269 or e-mail at mainstreettoccoa@yahoo.com

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