The attractive small town of DAHLONEGA , in the Appalachian foothills fifty miles northeast of Atlanta on US-19, owes its origins to the first-ever Gold Rush in the US. Benjamin Parks discovered gold at Auraria, six miles south, in 1828; Dahlonega was established five years later, to serve as the seat of Lumpkin County. Within a further five years, enough gold had been unearthed for Dahlonega to acquire its own outpost of the US Mint, which, by the time production was terminated by the Civil War, had produced over $6 million of gold coin. The whole fascinating saga is recounted by videos and displays in the Gold Museum , housed in the handsome former courthouse on the main square (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm; $3; tel 706/864-2257). You can also pan for gold at various small mines in the area, although you're unlikely to make your fortune. The town hosts one of Appalachia's biggest annual bluegrass festivals in the third week of June, and in October the Gold Rush Days , a real down-home hoedown, with food, crafts, clogging and music.

Dahlonega's visitor center is across from the courthouse (daily 9am-5.30pm; tel 706/864-3711). The Smith House , just down from the square at 84 S Chestatee St (tel 706/867-7000 or 1-800/852-7564; $75-100), is a classic round-table Southern restaurant , serving superb all-you-can-eat meals at low prices, and also offering comfortable double rooms .