You're on vacation, so let us do the planning. We have ideas for delightful ways to spend your days, alluring itineraries so you'll want to linger longer, and driving tours that will take you to the back roads, to the up country and to farm country-not to mention more than a few surprises you'll see along the way.

There are plenty of things to experience in and around Dawson County, from waterfalls and kangaroos to outlet shops and souped-up cars. Not only that, Dawson County is an ideal jumping off point to visit other attractions in the North Georgia Mountain region, including a gold mine, a Bavarian village, folk art pottery and Cabbage Patch Kids.

Hike, shop, fish, canoe and commune with the kangaroos where the mountains meet the lakes in Dawsonville-Dawson County and, if time permits, venture beyond to tour the wineries of Dahlonega, browse the more than 200 specialty and import shops of Alpine Helen, see four states from Brasstown Bald, the highest elevation in Georgia, or go whitewater rafting down the Chattahoochee River.

Hike, shop, fish, canoe and commune with the kangaroos where the mountains meet the lakes, emphasis on shop! Located just 50 miles north of Atlanta, Dawsonville sits in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains and is home to the North Georgia Premium Outlets with 140 designer stores, Around Back at Rocky's Place, a primitive folk art gallery showcasing the works of 250 artists, and the Substantial Lion Glass Studio with its etched, carved, leaded and kilnworked glass. Stroll the 14-acre flower farm dedicated to the day lily at Jungle Paradise. Take an Aussie Walkabout at the Kangaroo Conservation Center, the largest kangaroo conservation habitat outside Australia, and stop by the museum shop for some ‘roo-inspired gift items. Pop into the Bowen Center for the Arts for performing and visual arts events and cultural history exhibits. Shop in the scenic splendor of the county, which edges Lake Lanier and encompasses Amicalola Falls - the highest falls east of the Mississippi. Dine at the award-winning Blue Bicycle and overnight at a full-service resort (Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge and Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Spa) or at one of several limited-service, brand name chain hotels. For more information, contact the Dawson County Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling toll-free 877-302-92711 or visiting www.dawson.org.

2 days and 2 nights

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.

“All Roads Lead to Dawsonville” Driving Tour

Starting Point: Dawsonville

From Dawsonville, access to the beautiful north Georgia countryside is simply a matter of picking a point on the compass and pointing your automobile in the right direction. The southern Appalachian Mountains loom over the foothills to the south and west with incredible views of nearby peaks including Springer Mountain, Burnt Mountain and Disharoon Mountain. On a clear day, the skyline of Atlanta, some 60 miles distant, can be seen from several vantages.