After a very disappointing holiday season due to a serious bout of Covid for both of us, Bill and I were finally able to take on the world again, and we did just that this past weekend. Bill was actually the initiator as he planned my birthday getaway and booked a very unique and beautiful bed and breakfast – The Limelight Inn – in Dahlogena, Georgia, an historic town in the mountains of northern Georgia described by South Living Magazine as “Georgia’s Best Small Town” as well as the “Napa Valley of the South.” Dahlogena is also said to be the site of the first American Gold Rush in 1829, twenty years before gold hit California.
We had actually made a day trip to Dahlogena seven years ago when we were workcamping in the Upstate of South Carolina. At that time we simply explored the Public Square and visited one waterfall. Little did we know the plethora of vineyards and wineries that existed in the area, and those of you who know us well are saying, “How could they not know about the wine?” Well, we certainly made up for that oversight!
Our adventure began with a quick overnight in Clemson, where we met a couple while eating at the bar who had been to Dahlogena many times. I wrote quickly as they shared their favorite wineries and other places that we shouldn’t miss. It was a great chance meeting that basically provided the itinerary for our next two days.
Saturday was spent exploring all of the unique shops located Dahlogena’s Public Square, ranging from boutiques to the Dahlogena General Store and from the local potter to home decor and jewelry. We were actually looking for a particular establishment where we had purchased the coolest pottery wine cups that were specifically designed for imbibing red wine, as an element in the clay was said to combine favorably with tannins in the wine to prevent hangovers – Who knew? Our cups had traveled with us all over the country when we were traveling, but unfortunately one was chipped several months ago. A lot has changed in seven years, and unfortunately, we were unable to find a replacement.
We stopped for lunch at the Picnic Cafe – not only to enjoy a bite to eat but also to warm up – and then we made our way to the first of our vineyards – Cavender Creek. I can’t imagine what this place would be like in warmer weather because the place was packed and it wasn’t even 40 degrees. We tasted the available red flight and sat for a while people watching and listening to the entertainment.
From there we carefully traveled to Three Sisters Winery, named for the mountain range that provides its background – another beautiful spot! We chose a red flight here also and thoroughly enjoyed a bottle of 2018 Cynthiana, so much so that we couldn’t leave without it! Cynthiana is actually one of the 30 varieties of grapes found in northern Georgia.
After checking in to The Limelight Inn – and resting a bit – our last stop of the day was back to the Public Square to the Bourbon Street Grill, one of the 15 unique restaurants found within the designated historic district of Dahlogena – no chain restaurants allowed! I sampled shrimp and grits while Bill feasted on gumbo, both meals accompanied respectively by a bourbon and a filthy martini. Needless to say, we retired that evening feeling very fulfilled, literally and figuratively!
Sunday morning brought more chilly weather, but that did not hinder our activity. Our first stop was Amicalola State Park, home to a gorgeous waterfall of the same name. It was breathtaking, as you can see, due in part to a lot of it being frozen. We then drove to the top of the falls where a magnificent lodge sits overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The State Park is also very close to Springer Mountain, which is the beginning – or the end – of the Appalachian Trail.
Since we had worked up a thirst by our hike to the waterfall, where better to quench that thirst than at Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery. Located at the top of a mountain, this estate features not only a tasting room but also gourmet dining. The tasting experience here included three white wines and two reds, or you could opt for just a flight of sparkling wines. We opted for the red and white combo and again thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our final stop of the day was at Kaya Vineyard and Winery, which sits on 90 acres and provides an unbelievable panoramic view of the Georgia Mountains. We again tasted the red flight while we enjoyed pretzels and cheese along with a “Yacht Rock-ish” female vocalist. Again, a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. For dinner on our last night, we tried Grapevines, an Italian bistro, which was also very good.
Monday morning brought my actual birthday, but the weekend was my birthday blast in every sense of the word. Bill and I love to explore hidden gems and that is exactly what Dahlogena is – I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday adventure and I have Bill to thank for that!
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