Roll down the windows, cue up your favorite summer playlist and breathe in that fresh mountain air—Dahlonega is calling and it smells like lavender. Tucked in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains and the heart of Georgia’s wine country, Dahlonega is best known for its gold rush history, rolling vineyards and small-town magic. But come summer, there’s an extra reason to hit the road: the Annual Red Oak Lavender Festival. This dreamy, purple-hued celebration is the perfect excuse for a weekend road trip – count us in!
Picture this: rows upon rows of fragrant lavender swaying in the breeze, bees lazily buzzing from bloom to bloom and the calming scent of fresh lavender filling the air. This is what you can expect to experience at Red Oak Lavender Farm, one of the largest lavender fields in the Southeast and home of the Annual Red Oak Lavender Festival.
During the festival, you can wander through their five acres of lavender fields, pick a bundle, and browse an array of handcrafted lavender products—think soaps, eye masks, simple syrup and even culinary treats like their famous lavender lemonade or lavender ice cream. Don’t miss the chance to snap a few dreamy photos, because let’s be real, your Instagram feed deserves this. If you aren’t able to snag tickets to the Lavender Festival before they sell out, you can still visit the farm and shop this summer to get your lavender fix in!
Midday: Exploring Dahlonega’s Historic Square
Once you’ve had your fill of lavender-scented bliss, head into Dahlonega’s Historic Square, where brick buildings and wraparound porches set the scene for a leisurely afternoon. Stroll through quaint boutiques, art galleries and antique shops, then pop into The Fudge Factory for a taste of their famous homemade fudge. If you need a caffeine boost, Canopy + the Roots serves up locally roasted coffee in a cozy, plant-filled setting.
For lunch, grab a table at The Smith House, a legendary spot serving up family-style Southern comfort food since 1922. Think fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread and all the fixins’—because what’s a road trip without a little indulgence?
Afternoon: Waterfalls & Wineries
After lunch, take advantage of Dahlonega’s stunning natural beauty with a short drive to Amicalola Falls State Park, home to Georgia’s tallest waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the Amicalola Falls Trail, a staircase-climbing hike with breathtaking mountain views. Prefer something more low-key? A short walk will take you to a perfect waterfall viewing spot.
Next up: wine time. Dahlonega is the heart of North Georgia’s wine country, and a visit isn’t complete without a stop at one of its award-winning vineyards. Head to Wolf Mountain Vineyards, where you can sip a glass of crisp rosé on their hillside terrace, or cool down from a hot June day with a wine slushy at Accent Cellars. If you’re in the mood for a laid-back, family-run vineyard, Cavender Creek Winery offers fantastic wines and a down-to-earth vibe.
Evening: Sunset Sips & Small-Town Charm
As the sun starts to set, find your way back to town for dinner at Bourbon Street Grille, a cozy spot serving Cajun-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and blackened catfish. Some reviews say that their balcony seating is the best view in Dahlonega. Afterward, take a twilight stroll around the square, where fairy lights twinkle above outdoor patios and live music drifts through the air.
A trip to Dahlonega is like stepping into a storybook—only this one smells like lavender, tastes like wine and comes with a side of mountain magic. Whether you’re here for the festival, the wine or just a scenic escape, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave town.