Dahlonega by Numbers
An iPhone day trip in Georgia's wine country
07.07.2012 - 08.07.2012
The number of musicians I would go all the way to Dahlonega, GA to see. When we saw one of our favorite local artists was going to be playing a small venue in Dahlonega, GA we thought, “Why not?” It would be a nice overnight getaway, and it would be great to see one of our favorite musicians in a room with about 70 seats instead of a concert hall with about a thousand seats.
The mpg of the new Fiat 500. This was the excellent rental car that we lucked into at the Gainesville, GA airport. Granted, it would fit in the trunk of my Land Rover, but it also got about 3x the gas mileage. WOW! Was it a fun little ride.
The number of pennies it takes to buy this incredible breakfast at the Longstreet Café in Gainesville, GA. Not only was I instantly smitten by the old-school cafeteria line waiting for me once I stepped inside, but who can’t love a place where you can get tater tots AND fried chicken for breakfast along with a cat’s head biscuit, eggs, grits, and a hot cup of coffee for less than the price of a Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte with an extra shot of espresso (and it sure left me a lot less jittery).
The number of hours I was able to shop at the North Georgia Premium Outlets before Matt dragged me out by my hair.
The number of wineries scattered about the beautiful Dahlonega countryside. Georgia may be the peach state, but grapes are Dahlonega’s passion. A person could spend all afternoon going from one to another, sipping and tasting, until she is quite giddy. Not that I did that.
Number of bites these persistent dogs at Frogtown Cellars wheedled out of our lunch with their sorrowful faces. We are suckers for dogs. But don’t let that Bassett Hound fool you….she is actually smiling. Really. That’s her smile. No really. She's smiling.
The number of rooms at the Top of the Square Bed and Breakfast. There are two huge suites at the top of this three story historic building in Dahlonega’s town square. The bottom floor houses a unique gallery and tasting room where they let you do another wine tasting as you arrive to check into your room (as you attempt to hide the fact that you have, indeed, already done about 4 wine tastings that afternoon for fear that they will not give you the free bottle of wine that comes with your room out of some silly obligation not to overintoxicate the guests….). The second floor houses a great restaurant, the Bourbon Street Grille. The third floor houses two of the comfiest rooms to be had in downtown Dahlonega…and you can walk to everything.
The number of steps from our the front door of our bed and breakfast to the Crimson Moon Café. I love Dahlonega’s town square. It is filled with boutiques and eateries, barber shops and candy stores, pizza joints and fine dining. It is also home to the Crimson Moon Café, a cozy music venue with great artists and equally good soul food and wine that you can enjoy during your show.
The number of tables in the Crimson Moon Café….and all are within spitting distance of the stage. I mean, if you wanted to spit. Or in my case, close enough for Erick Baker to see that you are actually crying when he sings the song about a fictional old man taking plastic flowers to his dead wife. Seriously people…that song is SO SAD.
The number of times I cry during the average Erick Baker show.
The number of minutes I think it took me to fall asleep after a long day of shopping, eating, wine tasting, and a great late night show.
The number of stairs between me and a breakfast that would make New Orleans proud. Not only did the B&B room come with a wine tasting and a free bottle of wine, not to mention a great room within walking distance of the Crimson Moon Café and all that Dahlonega Square has to offer, it also came with a free breakfast at the Bourbon Street Grille located downstairs.
The number of seconds it took me to eat the only beignet that I have ever had outside Café du Monde that was absolutely as good as one INSIDE Café du Monde. The blackberry french toast and the crab cakes benedict weren’t too shabby either.
The number of minutes it would take to drive from Dahlonega, GA back to East TN…if you had to drive.
The number of minutes it takes to fly back to Knoxville after a fantastic Saturday in Dahlonega.
Posted by vicki_h 09:40 Archived in USA Tagged georgia dahlonega
Their motto ought to be, "The prettiest little town you've never heard of." Just gorgeous!
by TraceyG