The Complete Guide on What to Do in Northern Georgia: Spring 2024

The Complete Guide on What to Do in Northern Georgia: Spring 2024

Anyone who has lived in Northern Georgia for a while will tell you spring is the best season. During spring, it will be warm enough for the flowers to bloom and for the landscape of Northern Georgia to look her absolute best. At the same time, it is not yet too hot or humid for people to want to stay inside. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Braves, a World Series contender this year, will have their home opener against the Diamondbacks on April 5.

With that being said, you might find yourself looking for new things to do and experience this spring—and plenty of options are available. This handy guide has selected some of the best things to look forward to in Northern Georgia this spring, including highlights in Gainesville, Lake Lanier, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, and Atlanta.

Gainesville

Gainesville is the cultural hub of Hall County, Georgia, complete with dozens of excellent restaurants, great museums (such as the Northeast Georgia History Center), impressive cultural centers (such as the Quinlan Visual Arts Center), and, of course, plenty of great places to experience the outdoors.

We encourage you to take some time to get to know your city and discover some of Gainesville’s many hidden gems. We also encourage you to check out some of Gainesville’s best spring events, including Mutts on Main (March 23), the 2024 Art Walk on Main Street (April 18), Food Truck Fridays, the Blue Sky Concert Series, and Skate the City (April 28).

Additionally, there are more than a dozen new restaurants that have either already opened this year or are opening in the near future. A few of our favorites include Vendetti’s Pizza & Pasta Grill, the North Georgia BBQ & Oyster Shop, and the Lunch Counter, which has already established itself as a local favorite. Be sure to try them all!

Lake Lanier

Located right next to Gainesville, Lake Lanier is one of the most scenic and popular lakes in the entire State of Georgia. It also gained some national and international attention when it was used during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Lake Lanier often hosts an array of water-based and other events, many of which occur in the spring. This year, we have much to look forward to, including the Lake Lanier Boat Show, which will occur from March 22 to March 24. Be sure to also check out Sailfest, which will take place from April 5 to April 7, and follow the Lake Lanier Association for more details regarding these events.

Dawsonville

Dawsonville is located about 25 miles (35 minutes driving) northwest of Gainesville, on the other side of Lake Lanier. The city is well-known for its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains foothills and as a gateway to some of the region’s best opportunities for hiking and camping.

One of the most notable Dawsonville highlights of the season is the grand opening of the Grandaddy Mimms Distilling Company and Brewery, which promises the opportunity for visitors to “taste the spirit of the south” via a unique North Georgia blend. The city is also known as “the birthplace of stockcar racing” and features an extensive museum at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

If you want to spend some time outdoors near Dawsonville, we suggest checking out Amicalola Falls State Park Park (home to the state’s tallest cascading waterfall).

Dahlonega

Dahlonega—the site of the United States’s first major gold rush in 1833—is another city about thirty minutes north of Gainesville, featuring plenty of things to do in the spring. The city is home not only to a worthwhile Gold Museum and some great wineries but also to the University of North Georgia.

One of the season’s most anticipated events is the “Bear on the Square Mountain Festival,” a large, wide-reaching festival dedicated to celebrating and preserving the unique culture of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This year, the festival will take place on April 20 and 21 in Dahlonega’s main public square. There will be something for everyone at the festival, including free live music, an artist marketplace, storytelling, food, and much more.

Atlanta

There is always something going on in Atlanta. In addition to the start of the Braves season this spring, Atlanta will host dozens of concerts, festivals, and other great activities. Upcoming highlights include:

The Spring Festival (May 11-12).
The Atlanta Science Festival (March 9-23).
The always famous Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April 12-14) located in Piedmont Park.

There are also several neighborhood-specific worth checking out (“Go South Atlanta” regularly publishes updates).

Additionally, with thousands of restaurants within the city of Atlanta, the culinary scene is constantly evolving. Eater Atlanta recently announced a few upcoming restaurants worth trying, including Butter and Scotch, Painted Park, Lucky Star, Fawn, Block and Drum, Nadair, Bom, and a yet-to-be-named restaurant created by Indigo Road’s Steve Palmer. Bon appetit!

Conclusion

There are many reasons to live in North Georgia, including its many great communities, such as Treesort. There are always new festivals to experience, new restaurants to try, new people to meet, and so much more. Check out these great events and opportunities near Gainesville, Georgia, this spring—and let us know if we missed anything!