Regional

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.
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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.
Besides items depicting Helen’s history, the Helen Arts & Heritage Center features artwork from local artists. The center is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Call 706-878-3933 or visit helenarts.org. Photo/Stephanie Hill

Besides items depicting Helen’s history, the Helen Arts & Heritage Center features artwork from local artists. The center is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Call 706-878-3933 or visit helenarts.org. Photo/Stephanie Hill

A home for history

On Helen’s Chattahoochee Strasse sits a building filled with history – both literally and figuratively. It’s the Helen Arts & Heritage Center (HAHC), the former city hall that now hosts a trove of items documenting the city’s heritage.
Grandaddy Mimm's

Grandaddy Mimm's

Grandaddy Mimm's secret recipe still has plenty of kick

Jack “Mimm” McClure might be surprised to stumble across a jar full of his secret recipe, out in the open at a bar, looking somewhat “artisanal” for “tastings,” with his name boldly emblazoned on the label. Times have changed since he was running ridges and dodging the law as the area’s No.