Regional

Balloon Race 2018

Balloon Race 2018

50 years of events

Alpine Helen may be known widely for its charming Bavarian-themed façades, but it is also some to several popular events that draw crowds to the city. Here’s a timeline of some festivities you can still experience throughout the year. Full a full list of events, visit helenchamber.com and helenga.
Helen in its pre-alpine days looked like a typical small town in rural Georgia. Photo courtesy of David Greear

Helen in its pre-alpine days looked like a typical small town in rural Georgia. Photo courtesy of David Greear

Transforming a town

The vision of four men changed the destiny of a small Georgia town forever.
This sketch by the late artist John Kollock depicts Alpine Helen as it is today.

This sketch by the late artist John Kollock depicts Alpine Helen as it is today.

Small town, big draw

Who would’ve thought that a town covering just over 2 square miles with a population of less than 600 people would be one of the most visited cities in Georgia?
The calm waters of Lake Zwerner are perfect for standup paddle boarding. (Photo/Matt Aiken)

The calm waters of Lake Zwerner are perfect for standup paddle boarding. (Photo/Matt Aiken)

Dockside in DAHLONEGA

Dahlonega is known more for its gold mines and mountain getaways than lakeside attractions. But that doesn’t mean the city is anywhere near high and dry, because on the outskirts of town sits Lake Zwerner at Yahoola Creek Reservoir.
A fish is reeled in by fishing guide Josh Fowler. PHOTO/MICHAEL ISOM

A fish is reeled in by fishing guide Josh Fowler. PHOTO/MICHAEL ISOM

AFTER THE SPAWN: summer fishing heats up

Summer is upon us, which means it’s not only time to be out on the water, enjoying North Georgia’s pristine lakes, but for many folks it’s also the time to cast those lines and see what’s biting just below the shimmering surface.
Shown is a 2019 Four Winns HD 200 boat with wake board tower. PHOTO/BOATING ATLANTA

Shown is a 2019 Four Winns HD 200 boat with wake board tower. PHOTO/BOATING ATLANTA

Cool water, HOT BOAT

On the lake The only thing better than spending an afternoon or weekend at the lake may be enjoying your lake-time in a hot new boat. Several marina managers shared what trends – and what boats – are popular this year.
Cars running two across roar down the straightaway during a feature race at Toccoa Raceway. Photo racingin.com

Cars running two across roar down the straightaway during a feature race at Toccoa Raceway. Photo racingin.com

Racing in the dirt

Sixty-four years old and still sporting the fastest 1,650 feet of dirt in Georgia. That is an up-to-date description of Toccoa Raceway, which hosts stock car racing every Saturday night from early April through Labor Day weekend.
Miners young and old can strike it rich every day at one of Dahlonega’s mines with gold panning. Photo/John Bynum

Miners young and old can strike it rich every day at one of Dahlonega’s mines with gold panning. Photo/John Bynum

Gold in the hills

Three separate gold-related sites should be on your itinerary for your trip to Dahlonega. Each attraction offers its own unique experience and perspective on the gold history of the area.
When the days are hot, the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off, no matter how old you are. Photos/Frances Meadows Aquatic Center

When the days are hot, the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off, no matter how old you are. Photos/Frances Meadows Aquatic Center

Splish splash!

When summer days are hot, the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center in Gainesville is a go-to place to cool off. The center is available to Hall County residents and visitors alike.
Image

Image

Don’t worry, be happy

Scott Low was thinking about the happiness of his fellow man when he started Hatch Camp and Art Farm. Hatch Camp and Art Farm, a campground built around fly fishing, music and art, hugs a half-mile of Warwoman Creek on Joe Speed Road in Clayton.