Destination: Surprise
2 days and 2 nights
Dawsonville Georgia is group friendly!
With plenty of group lodging and dining options, 300 kangaroos (and a tram from which to view them!), the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (don't let the name fool you - it is really a history lesson about moonshine, Dawson County and its unique residents), the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi (level ADA trail takes you all the way to the falls), scads of folk art and over 140 outlet stores, Dawsonville, Georgia will be a hit with your tour groups. It makes a great mystery tour!
Day One
Morning:
Arrive in Dawsonville
Welcome Center -
Start the day with a visit to our new Welcome Center located of Georgia 400
Call ahead and let them know your group is coming in.
Dawson County CVB Group Tour Contact:
Marty Williams, VP of Tourism;
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
1-877-396-6288
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (One hour)
Visit Dawson County's unique galleries and shops:One to two hours (call or go online to check for operating hours)
Bowen Center for the ArtsLunch:
Dawsonville offers many unique venues for group dining; the venues suggested in this itinerary are just a sampling of options available.
The Peach Brandy Cottage
Group Contact: Caroline Christine;
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
770-490-3833
www.peachbrandcottage.com
Many additional options; click here for a complete listing of restaurants.
Afternoon:
Crimson ‘N Scarlett's Vineyards is a family owned and operated business. A fusion of sweet Georgia fruit wines and breathtaking views combined with the lost art of hospitality, make this Vineyard stand out from the rest. They specialize in southern fruit wines, but also make traditional red and white wines. All there wines are made from 100% fruit with no added artificial flavoring. www.cnsvineyard.com
Evening:
Dawsonville suggested dining and lodging options:Sleep in the mountains in resort comfort at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Spa-both of which have restaurants onsite-or at one of a number of choice limited-service hotels. Smaller groups may enjoy the ambiance at the Lily Creek Lodge nestled in the woods and serving a gourmet breakfast.
www.gastateparks.org/info/amicalola
Groups can chow down on char-grilled steak at Longhorn's Steak House or Ryan's, dig into a basket of fish ‘n chips at Beef O'Brady's or enjoy dinner in the rustic ambiance at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort or the Maple Restaurant at Amicalola State Park Lodge. Smaller groups may want to dine at one of the local favorites, the Blue Bicycle, serving fresh regional cuisine a more intimate setting.
Also available and perfect for fun-loving groups:Gold City Corral "Old West" Dinner Wagon Rides -Take a wagon ride to the Riverhouse for a western-style cookout and entertainment. www.goldcitycorral.com
Day Two
Morning:
Get up, get out, get inspired - After a breakfast at your accommodations,. revel in the beauty of the mountains: Walk along the level path to Amicalola Falls or along the Amicalola River, enjoy the view from the rocking-chair decks at the Lodge, take part in a nature class; more active groups can hike up to the falls or sign up for team-building activities.Amicalola Falls State Park
Visit the cascading 729-foot waterfall, the highest east of the Mississippi River. Enjoy spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Recreational activities include hiking, trout fishing and sightseeing on 1,020 acres of natural surroundings. A level pathway made of recycled tires makes it possible for everyone to see the falls - close enough to feel the spray on your face.
Amicalola State Park offers on-going nature classes and will have a ranger speak to your group. Perfect for church groups, faith-based retreats and active adults, Amicalola offers shelter areas for gatherings and barbecues in addition to team building activities.
Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area:
Heavily forested 24,000 acres with horseback riding, fishing, interpretive nature trails, bird watching, canoeing on the Amicalola and Etowah Rivers. Walk along the ADA accessible boardwalk to the "Edge of the World" rapids.
Lunch:
Afternoon:
North Georgia Premium Outlets - Get out your shopping shoes (2 hours)
Rejuvenate and refresh
After this active day, it's time to rest and get ready for a fun evening. Either return to your accommodations for some downtime or take a few hours and visit the spa at Forrest Hills Resort.
Anidawehi Plantation Spa at Forrest Hills Resort (2 hours)
Relax and pamper yourself at Anidawehi Plantation Spa where treatments are designed for today's stressed lifestyle and are focused on helping to release tension, achieve health revitalization, and smooth the texture of the skin. Whatever treatment you choose, the therapeutic benefits of spa, the subtle aromas, the magical sounds of Native American flute and the caring touch of trained hands will stay with you long after your visit.
Dinner:
Same as Day One
