Dahlonega & Lumpkin County Tourism, Wedding, and Wine Industries Data

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DAHLONEGA & LUMPKIN COUNTY TOURISM, WEDDING, AND WINE INDUSTRIES DATA REPORT

April, 2018

Report Index

Accolades ...... 4

Visitors Center Data ...... 6

Festivals and Events ...... 8

Tourism Assets ...... 9

Lodging ...... 12

Heart of Georgia Wine Country ...... 13

Local Wedding Industry ...... 14

Bed Tax Revenue History ...... 19

Conclusions & Takeaways ...... 20

2 | P a g e

Dahlonega Winning Accolades on a National Level

FROM MAIN STREET DESIGNATION TO TRIPADVISOR, DAHLONEGA AND

LUMPKIN COUNTY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Only 65 miles north of Atlanta, the small-town charm of Dahlonega, Georgia is rooted in its historical significance as being the first major U.S. Gold Rush in 1828 – more than 20 years before California’s Gold Rush in 1849. The Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site commemorates and chronicles that history with a million dollar collection of gold coins minted in Dahlonega. Two gold mines – one a still-operating gold mine – offer visitors a chance to pan for gold and make gemstone jewelry, and there are other gold attractions close by, including the Price Memorial Hall steeple at the University of North Georgia, which is covered in pure Dahlonega gold, as is the State Capitol dome in Atlanta.

Today, Dahlonega’s “It’s Pure Gold” designation extends to the variety of its six award-winning vineyards, downtown tasting rooms, Appalachian Trail hiking, picturesque landscape, waterfalls, horseback riding, great places to stay, a charming and walkable downtown, and its sophisticated yet casual-dress dining scene.

The residents of Dahlonega are not the only ones who have taken notice. Architectural Digest named Dahlonega a top pick for their 2016, 2017 and 2018 list of best small towns, and The National Main Street Center, Inc. chose Dahlonega for a 2016 Great American Main Street Award® These awards are an affirmation of the history, attractions and culture of Dahlonega.

Upcoming travel trends note an influx in authentic travel where visitors are looking to experience the culture like a local. As shown in its recent accolades, Dahlonega offers that and more. Georgia has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 21 “Best of the World” destinations for 2017. This award stems from initiatives such as Georgia’s Year of Music from 2016. Dahlonega’s unique music scene, blended with their proximity to the mountains and Atlanta’s international airport, bring in visitors from across the country and even the world. There are so many opportunities for entertainment and adventure.

3 | P a g e Not to show off, but most recently:

 Dahlonega’s dining scene has received positive reviews from Zagat, one of the foremost serious foodie sites, for its variety of fine yet casual, chef and owner-driven restaurants. https://www.zagat.com/b/atlanta/best-restaurants-dahlonega-georgia  Dahlonega was named one of the five best places in Georgia to celebrate the holiday season by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, and Southern Living has named Dahlonega one of the best small towns. http://www.southernliving.com/southsbest  TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals has compiled a list of “America’s Prettiest Small Town Vacations,” and Dahlonega is on the list. TripAdvisor travelers praise the area for its breathtaking wineries, vineyards, and art galleries.

And that’s not all!

Accolades FIRST, BEST, ONLY

 Site of the First Major U. S. Gold Rush – 1829  One of Georgia’s seven Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses at Achasta Golf Club  Six Wineries & Vineyards with award-winning vintners and chefs  Georgia’s oldest remaining Historic Courthouse – 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse  Second most visited Georgia State Historic Site - Dahlonega Gold Museum  Largest Annual Bicycle Ride in the Southeast - Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Rides  Second oldest public institution of higher education - 1873 North Georgia Agricultural College  One of only six Senior Military Colleges in the United States – University of North Georgia  12 Listings on National Register of Historic Places

DESIGNATIONS

 "Great American Main Street Award® Winner" - National Main Street Center, Inc. 2016  "Appalachian Trail Community" - Appalachian Trail Conservancy 2010  "Camera Ready" Community - Georgia Department of Economic Development 2010  "Wine Tasting Room Capital of Georgia" - Georgia State Senate 2015  "Georgia's Premier Sports Cycling Community" - Georgia General Assembly 2005  "State's Official Center for Study of Appalachia" Historic Vickery House - Georgia General Assembly 2005  "Preserve America Community" - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation  "National Main Street City" - National Trust for Historic Preservation

4 | P a g e  “Military College of Georgia & a State Leadership Institution” – University System of Georgia  “Entrepreneur-friendly Community” – Georgia Department of Economic Development  A 13-Year "Tree City USA Community" 2014 - National Arbor Day Foundation

ACCOLADES

 One of 25 Best Small Towns in America – MSN, 2017  One of ‘Best 25 Day Trips From Atlanta” – VacationIdeas.com, 2017  One of 14 Best Road Trips from Atlanta – Thrillist, 2017  One of “America’s Most Charming Small Towns for the Holidays” – MSN, 2017  “The Most Beautiful Places in Georgia You Need to See” – Thrillist, 2017  “Prettiest Small Towns in Georgia” – Southern Living, 2017  Towns to Visit This Christmas – Southern Living 2017  One of 5 "Best Places in Georgia to Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s" - Atlanta Journal Constitution 2016  One of 21 "Best Small Towns in America" - Architectural Digest 2016  "Smithsonian's 20 Best Small Towns to Visit" - Smithsonian Magazine 2016  "4th Best Underground Attraction - Consolidated Gold Mines" - USA Today 2016  "6th Best Small Town Weekend Escape" - USA Today 2016  "10th Best Historic Small Town" - USA Today 2016  "4th Best Southern Small Town" - USA Today 2015  "4th Best Summer Weekend Escape" - USA Today Travel 2014  “Dahlonega: Small-town Escape” - Southern Living Magazine 2012  “Best Wine Town Runner Up, Southern Dream Towns” – Garden & Gun Magazine 2012  "23rd Best Small City in America" - Charles Anderson's In Search of Eden  "10th Best Course You Can Play in Georgia - Achasta Golf Course" - Golfweek Magazine  "Downtown Development Award of Excellence" - Georgia Downtown Association 2010  “Tourism Partnership Award” – Georgia’s Official Hospitality Highway GA Hwy 400 2008  “1st Place National Performing Arts Festival in DisneyWorld” Holly Theater Children's Theatre 2008  National Champion Precision Drill Team, UNG Blue Ridge Rifles 2001, 2002  “Award of Excellence” Hospitality Highway - Governor’s Tourism Conference 2007  "Dahlonega Downtown Square" - Georgia Magazine Readers' Choice Awards 2007  “3rd Most Economical Retirement Community” - U.S. News & World Report 2007  "Local Favorite" - U. S. Travelocity Local Secrets, Big Finds 2005  Top 20 Events - Old Fashioned Christmas – Southeast Tourism Society 2004  Top 20 Events - Annual Family 4th of July – Southeast Tourism Society 2002  “Shining Example Award” – Dahlonega-Lumpkin Co. Chamber – Southeast Tourism Society 1996

5 | P a g e Visitors Center Data

GROUP VISITATION (2017)

 Number of groups visiting Dahlonega: 27  Number of rooms reserved: 750  Number of overnight visitors: 3,025  Estimated potential revenue: $529,168

GROUP VISITATION (2017)

 Markets visiting Dahlonega-Lumpkin: University (educational programming and sports events), military, continued education, SMERF, reunion, leisure group tour, wedding, film, motorcoach, international and small conference groups  Top Attractors: Dahlonega Gold Museum, Historic Smith House Restaurant, University of North Georgia, wine tasting rooms, weddings at farm wineries, UNG Athletics, Historic Downtown Dahlonega  73 Leisure Group Tour Bus visits with 2,537 passengers  Small Conference, Events and Meetings Highlights: Turkish Airlines, STS Marketing College, Japan-America Grassroots Summit, Technical College System of Georgia, Jo’s Tours, Bristol-Spencer Engineering Corporate Retreat, Wedding Expo, Bus Technician Rodeo of Georgia, North Miami High School Reunion, Dade County Firefighters, Wahsega 4-H, Star Banquet, Six Gap, Weddings (over 500 at more than 15 venues).

TOURISM IMPACT ON DAHLONEGA-LUMPKIN COUNTY (BASED ON 2017 VISITOR DATA)

 $354,032.28 Overnight Accommodations Tax at a 5% Rate  $6,903,629.46 represents lodging revenue from overnight visitors based on bed tax collected  185,256 Walk-in Visitors at the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Regional Visitor Information Center (RVIC)  15 Countries, 41 US States and Puerto Rico, and 121 US and International Cities averaging 2.3 People Per Visiting Party signed the Visitors Center Guest Book  International Visitors: Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kwajalein Atoll Marshall Islands, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Africa

IN 2017, LUMPKIN COUNTY'S TOURISM INDUSTRY (MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABL E FROM EXPLORE GEORGIA):

 Supported 338 jobs  Generated $40.57 million in direct tourist spending  Created $1.6 million in state tax revenues  Generated $1.16 million in local tax revenues

Each Lumpkin County household received $210.53 in tax relief per household, as a result of the taxes generated by tourism economic activity.

6 | P a g e VISITORS CENTER STATISTICS 2011-2017

DESCRIPTION 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Visitors 215,953 213,271 189,132 175,409 175,016 Visitors in buses 3,529 4,737 5,598 2,657 3,756 Total buses 78 110 161 73 92 Visitor Mail-outs 4,784 16,343 4,520 4,224 3,952 Relocation Packets 224 144 385 134 414 Bulk Request NA* NA* NA* 8,877 18,385 Wedding Request NA* NA* NA* 3,762 1,602 Website Visitors 154,826 228,282 263,390 298,678 Facebook Likes 8,850 10,278 11,547 13,433 14,347 ATM Withdrawal NA** NA** NA** 33,920 107,840

* Tracking analytics for bulk and wedding – changed in 2014 ** ATM withdrawal tracking began in 2014 Festivals & Events

 Dahlonega Literary Festival ...... March Approximately 1,000 attendees  Bear on the Square ...... April Approximately 40,000 attendees  Appalachian Jam...... April – October Approximately 6,500 attendees  Arts, Wine & Jazz Festival ...... May Approximately 5,000 attendees  First Friday Concerts...... May – October Approximately 5,000 attendees  Movies Under the Stars ...... May – August Approximately 3,500 attendees  Dahlonega Farmers’ Market ...... May – October Approximately 7,500 attendees  Mountain Top Rodeo ...... June  Fourth of July Family Day Celebration...... July  Dahlonega Trail Fest ...... September

7 | P a g e  Six Gap Century Bike Ride ...... September Approximately 2,000 cyclists  Gold Rush Days ...... October Approximately 200,000 attendees  Trick-Or-Treat Dahlonega ...... October  Hemlock Festival ...... November  Old Fashioned Christmas ...... December Approximately 15,000 attendees Tourism Assets for Visitor Experiences HISTORY & CULTURAL

Lumpkin County was created on Dec. 3, 1832 by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia. The boom town of Auraria, Dahlonega and all of Lumpkin County's heritage includes the Cherokee Nation and our Nation's first gold rush, the gold mining and Civil War eras, the founding of Georgia's first Agricultural College now the University of North Georgia and Georgia's Military College, and the wonderfully rich history of Lumpkin's people and their County Seat of Dahlonega - a National Registered Historic and preserved Main Street City.

With the gold steeple of Price Memorial Hall erected on the site of the former U.S. Branch Mint and watching over the old college campus, downtown’s Dahlonega Square, and Mount Hope Cemetery, the notable Dahlonega building is one example of the terrific late 1800's architecture and stands tall as one of three gold-topped buildings in Georgia along with Savannah's City Hall and the Georgia State Capitol dome in Atlanta - all gilded with Dahlonega gold.

Local heritage attractions and festivities present local pride and traditions along with visitor appeal and educational resources. Native American, gold mining, military, family history, and even remarkably spooky tales provide the wealth of fun for taking in local heritage.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Known for its gold rush history, Dahlonega is truly a pure golden experience. While the gold mines and Georgia's state historic site -- the Dahlonega Gold Museum -- are popular day-trip destinations for families, culinary adventures also broaden the appeal. Diners enjoy more than 15 downtown restaurants and seven regional Georgia wine tasting rooms. Downtown Dahlonega, organized around the landmark historic gold museum – formerly the 1836 vintage Old Lumpkin County Courthouse -- is also adjacent to the historic University of North Georgia campus activities, attractions, architecture and traditions. Downtown offers more than 80 shops, restaurants, and other businesses attracting hundreds of thousands of annual visitors.

8 | P a g e OUTDOOR RECREATION

Adventure seekers can view waterfalls and unwind with water sports. Nature lovers can photograph the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi and take to miles of trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking, including the Appalachian Trail. Refresh in lakes and rivers with lazy tubing, canoeing and kayaking, or fishing. Golfers enjoy the fairways of Dahlonega’s picturesque Jack Nicklaus signature golf course -- Achasta. Our mountain roadways are now famous for their challenging bicycling terrain hosting more than 2000 cyclists for the annual fall Six Gap Century Bike Ride. Come outdoors just for the fresh air of the Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest. Arts & Live Music

From visual arts galleries to performing arts, Dahlonega’s unique scene offers culture seekers both one-of-a-kind collectables and memorable experiences. Local artist groups produce monthly activities and demonstrations as well as annual festivals. There are year-round theatrical performances, concerts, and traditional music jams at the Historic Holly Theater, intimate music venues, and outdoor parks. The Downtown Historic District is alive with turn of the century architecture spotlighting the art of design and 2016 UNG STATISTICS preserving the charm of the shops, eateries, and Enrollment: 17,289 entertainment venues. Gender: 56% Female, 44% Male Dahlonega’s colorful community fabric is not just found at Full-Time: 68% seasonal festivals but also at the University of North Georgia. Race/Ethnicity: The UNG Department of Visual Arts showcases such attractions as outdoor sculpture exhibitions and the Bob  American Indian or Alaskan Owens Art Gallery while the UNG Appalachian Studies Center Native: 0.2% promotes the many arts of Appalachia culture. The  Asian: 3.2% Department of Music presents a variety of public student and  Black or African American: 4.2% faculty performances each year including world-class guest  Hispanic: 10.6% artist concerts, and the Media Department offers film events.  Multiracial: 2.6%  Native Hawaiian or Pacific TOURS AND SCENIC DRIVES Islander: 0.1%  White: 77.5% Few places on earth shine like Southern Appalachia with its  Unknown: 1.6% glittering vistas, mountains laced with cascading waterfalls, and sapphire blue lakes. With Dahlonega as the gateway to Undergraduate: 16,729 (97%) Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, we are the perfect hub for  Associate: 6,780 (41%) sightseeing all across North Georgia.  Baccalaureate: 9949 (59%) In addition to experiencing the breathtaking landscape, tourists can also enjoy guided tours through historic Graduate: 560 (3%) Downtown Dahlonega. From Civil War & Gold Tours to Countries Represented: 56 Haunted Walking Tours, visitors often visit Dahlonega for its  International Students: 263 rich heritage and intriguing stories. States Represented: 46

Georgia Counties Represented: 133

9 | P a g e UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA

With more than 17,000 enrolled students in the University of North Georgia system, including five campuses, UNG is the seventh largest public university in the state of Georgia. Dahlonega’s campus enrollment exceeds 7,000. It is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States. In addition, it is also designated by the University System of Georgia as a state leadership institution.

UNG has hosted more scores of meetings per year which include small meetings to the week-long Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College and Georgia School Bus Technician Rodeo. UNG has more than 810 cadets each year and an active parent association which plans several events over the course of the year. Every year, UNG hosts Parents Day which results in a large turnout of parents visiting their children and exploring the UNG campus and city of Dahlonega. UNG is a significant draw to the area and a major contributor to the economy of Dahlonega. LOCAL & REGIONAL TOURISM ASSETS LOCAL TOURISM ASSETS Historic Gold Museum REGIONAL ASSETS Consolidated Gold Mine Dahlonega is a great hub for enjoying the Crisson Gold Mine Northeast Georgia region and other must Historic Smith House see Georgia adventures.

Hancock Park and the Chestatee River Diving Bell Amicalola Falls

City of Dahlonega Babyland General - Cabbage Patch Kids North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall Heart of Georgia's Wine Country - six award winning vineyards & wineries Jaemor Farms Hillcrest Orchard Other Agritourism experiences - Self-pick berry farms – Lee Anderson Farm Burt's Pumpkin Farm

Holly Hill Tree Farm Mountain Fresh Creamery Red Oak Lavender Farm North Georgia Zoo Mountain Drives Chestatee Wildlife Preserve Vogel State Park Historic Holly Theater Gibb's Garden Historic Dahlonega Jail Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery Outdoor Adventures Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

Unique lodging Uncle Shucks Corn Maze

Culinary arts of local restaurants

Cooking School

Local Art Galleries

10 | P a g e Music Venues and Entertainment

Achasta Golf Course - A Jack Nicklaus Golf Course

University of North Georgia Sports Events

Historic and Ghost Walking Tours

US Army Ranger Camp Frank D. Merrill

Camp Wahsega (4-H Center)

Camp Glisson

Dahlonega Lodging

LODGING CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

 Bed & Breakfast  Hotel & Motel Chains  Boutique Hotels  Hostels  Camping  Resort & Spa  Retreat Center  Private residences available for rent  Cabins  Vacation Rentals by Owner Houses

LODGING ROOM COUNTS:

 Downtown Lodging Count: 58 (includes villas)  City of Dahlonega Lodging Count: 288 rooms  Lumpkin County Lodging Count: 270 rooms

AROUND THE SQUARE/DOWNTOWN HOTELS:

 The Smith House  The Dahlonega Square Hotel and Villas  Hall House & Storefront  Park Place  Cherokee Cottage

OUTSIDE OF SQUARE LODGING:

 Holiday Inn Express  Days Inn  Quality Inn  Mountain Top Inn

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12 | P a g e Heart of Georgia Wine Country

Soon to be known as the Dahlonega Plateau AVA (the only 100% inclusively Georgia, federally designated region for grape growing and wine producing), Dahlonega’s award-winning wineries and vineyards offer homegrown hospitality and premier wine and food experiences. With favorable mountainous elevations and growing conditions, Dahlonega and Lumpkin County vineyards are annually producing around 150 acres of grapes (European, French hybrids and American varietals), yielding more than 25,000 bottled cases and attracting more than 100,000 wine enthusiasts (nearly 1,000 during the annual Wine Trail Weekend in August alone).

WINERY TOURISM STATISTICS

 100,000+ annual visitors at wineries  300+ weddings held at Dahlonega wineries  985+ visitors from 7 states and 75+ cities attend annual August Wine Trail Weekend (2016)  2,000+ visitors for Wine Association of Georgia (AWG) Spring Wine Highway Weekend

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

 Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery  Frogtown Cellars  Kaya Vineyards and Winery  Montaluce Winery & Estates  Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery  Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

DOWNTOWN TASTING ROOMS

 Canvas & Cork  Crane Creek Tasting Room  Dahlonega Tasting Room  Georgia Winery of Dahlonega  Naturally Georgia  Ole’ Mountain Collectors & Wine Cellar  Taste

13 | P a g e Local Wedding Industry

Dahlonega is home to more than 20 wedding and special event venues from resort, wineries and vineyards and rustic barns to intimate chapels, historic homes and buildings, and bed & breakfasts. Couples can find everything they need to make their day perfect with over 55 Dahlonega vendors including cake and candies shops, caterers, florists, transportation, formalwear, salons and spas, officiants, entertainment, and restaurants. Breathtaking waterfalls and a wonderful historic district have made Dahlonega, Georgia a favorite destination wedding experience!

Conveniently located one hour North of Atlanta, Dahlonega's stress-free nature built on history, outdoor beauty, farm setting wine country, tucked-away streams and waterfalls, and many romantic venues to say "I Do", and the many fun amenities surrounding festivities make Dahlonega proud to welcome couples from all over the world to remember their special day.

DAHLONEGA-LUMPKIN CHAMBER MEMBER WEDDING VENUES RESORTS

Dahlonega Spa Resort 400 Blueberry Hill · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 865-7678 · (866) 345-4900

Forrest Hills Mountain Resort 135 Forrest Hills Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-6456 · (800) 654-6313

Paradise Cabins Resort & Spa 3163 Paradise Road ·Blairsville, GA 30514 (706) 745-7483 · (877) 745-7483

PARKS

Hancock Park Located one block from the Historic Dahlonega Square (706) 864-6133

Yahoola Creek Park Located just outside the city of Dahlonega, with a scenic flowing stream, a lush garden, and outdoor event accommodations.

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery 3610 Cavender Creek Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (770) 823-9255

Frogtown Cellars 3300 Damascus Church Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 865-0687

14 | P a g e Kaya Winery 5400 Town Creek Road, Dahlonega, GA 30573 (706) 219-3514

Montaluce Winery & Estates 501 Hightower Church Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (678) 566-6651

Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery 439 Vineyard Way · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 865-9463

Wolf Mountain Vineyards 180 Wolf Mountain Trail · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 867-9862

CHURCHES & CHAPELS

Dahlonega Presbyterian Church 150 Warwick Street · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-2638

Dahlonega United Methodist Church 107 South Park Street · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-2521

Juliette Chapel & Events 497 Highway 52 W · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (678) 978-8490

R-Ranch in the Mountains 65 R-Ranch Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-6444

St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church 91 North Park Street · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-4779

BANQUET HALLS & PRIVATE CLUBS

Achasta 639 Birch River Drive · Dahlonega, GA 30533-3021 (706) 867-7900

Blue Mountain Vineyards 184 Turkey Hill · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 855-1748

15 | P a g e Cavender Castle 121 Cavender Castle Drive · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-8594

Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road (Hwy 60) · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (770) 886-9899

Dahlonega Market Place - An Events Venue 100 Public Square · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 525-9922

Juliette Chapel & Events 497 Highway 52 W · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (678) 978-8490

Lakeview Center 2057 Dawson Forest Road · Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 216-1022

North Grove Hall 272 North Grove Street · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-0374

R-Ranch in the Mountains 65 R-Ranch Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-6444

Waters Mill Event Facility 765 Guy Waters Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 867-7324

HISTORIC HOMES & BARNS

Happy Acres Farm 5475 Black Mountain Road · Dahlonega, GA 3053 (706) 864-3863

Neverland Farms 456 Neverland Trail · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 865-0184

North Grove Hall 272 North Grove Street · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-0374

Waters Mill Event Facility 765 Guy Waters Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 867-7324

16 | P a g e White Oaks 211 Burgundy Way · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 531-4593

1888 House North Grove Avenue 706-867-1313

Tumlin House [email protected] 706-300-4224

Venues with Lodging

Bend of the River Cabins & Chalets 319 Horseshoe Lane · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 219-2040

Bull Mountain Lodge 135 Ridgegate Drive · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 867-5831

Cavender Creek Cabins 200 Beaver Dam Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-7221

Forrest Hills Mountain Resort 135 Forrest Hills Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-6456 · (800) 654-6313

Lily Creek Lodge 2608 Auraria Road · Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-6848

Paradise Cabins Resort & Spa 3163 Paradise Road ·Blairsville, GA 30514 (706) 745-7483 · (877) 745-7483

AVERAGE WEDDING BUDGET BREAKDOWN

National Average Category National Average National Average Spend 2015 Spend 2014 Spend 2013 Overall Wedding (excluding honeymoon) $31,213 $29,858 $28,427 Venue (reception hall) $14,006 $13,385 $12,905 $31,213 $29,858 $28,427 Photographer $2,556 $2,440 $2,379 Wedding/Event Planner $19,73 $1,874 $1,847 Reception Band $3,587 $3,469 $3,084 Reception DJ $1,124 $1,038 $988 Florist/Décor $2,141 $2,069 $1,997

17 | P a g e Videographer $1,794 $1,700 $1,619 Wedding Dress $1,357 $1,281 $1,211 Groom’s Tuxedo $254 $248 $230 Wedding Cake $555 $546 $560 Ceremony Site $1,901 $1,793 $1,711 Ceremony Musicians $637 $588 $554 Invitations $439 $443 $453 Limousine $767 $732 ↑ $708 Favors $275 $281 ↓ $289 Rehearsal Dinner $1,206 $1,184 ↑ $1,135 Engagement Ring $5,866 $5,598 ↑ $5,431

TOP WEDDING STATISTICS

Average Wedding Cost: $31,213 (excludes honeymoon)

Average Marrying Age: Bride, 29; Groom, 31

Average Number of Guests: 138

Most Popular Month to Get Married: June and September (Lumpkin County is October)

Percentage of Destination Weddings: 24% Catering (price per person) $68 $66 ↑ $63

TOP WEDDING TRENDS

GROWING BUDGETS

Couples are spending more on their weddings than ever. Following the trend of growing budgets for the past five years, wedding budgets are at an all-time high with the average wedding cost hitting $31,213, the highest level ever. Fewer couples (20%) say the economy affected their wedding budget – a statistic that has continually decreased year over year, since reaching an all-time high of 34% in 2009. Wedding standards also continue to rise, in fact, about 1 in 8 couples (14%) spent more than $40,000 on their nuptials, and nearly 1 in 4 (24%) didn’t even have a budget.

GUESTS CONQUER ALL

Not only did the spend per guest increase to $220, up nearly $26 per guest from 2009 when couples spent $194 per guest, but guest entertainment continues to gain popularity. This rapidly rising category only continues to 18 | P a g e grow, nearly 1 in 3 couples (30%) provided additional guest entertainment. Additionally, while the number of brides who throw a rehearsal dinner, after-party or morning-after brunch has remained steady, brides are spending more money on these events. Brides spent an average of $1,184 on their rehearsal dinners and $457 on their morning-after brunch.

SEASONAL SHIFTS

Summer is slowly making its way out of style as the wedding season. Summer is generally defined as wedding season, however, the trend toward beautiful summer weddings is shifting. 35% of couples opted for sunshine- filled nuptials. In recent years, fall has been making headway as the “new” wedding season, but the rise of fall weddings is pausing. 32% of couples chose the fall season. Spring is gaining traction with couples who aren’t afraid of April showers; 26% of brides chose pretty spring weddings. Winter is also coming from behind to give couples gorgeous snow-filled portraits.

PERSONALIZATION AT A PEAK

Weddings are the ultimate form of self-expression. The trend in weddings for many years has been to create a personalized experience, where the couples’ personalities are evident in many areas of the wedding. This trend is on the rise, with couples opting for unique details like signature wedding cocktails, which 20% of couples had and hosting interactive food stations.

19 | P a g e Bed Tax Revenue History

DAHLONEGA 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 January $5,138.73 $4,687.21 $5,183.44 $5,651.51 $7,88898 $6,037.67 $4,762.69 February $6,285.33 $5,331.55 $7,719.00 $7,647.19 $7,233.08 $8,421.75 $12,212.17 March $7,646.04 $8,495.27 $9,277.14 $9,541.79 $12,697.30 $12,128.63 $17,535.67 April $10,072.72 $9,749.38 $11,487.07 $11,615.55 $13,289.00 $14,788.82 $18,366.60 May $11,020.20 $10,924.67 $12,914.01 $14,431.35 $15,849.57 $18,599.84 $19,621.01 June $11,331.16 $13,494.24 $13,311.65 $15,208.54 $16,478.15 $17,924.14 $21,623.28 July $14,367.76 $16,646.47 $18,345.91 $15,391.54 $14,540.13 $18,638.98 $20,494.95

August $10,873.40 $11,553.17 $11,906.18 $14,368.70 $16,750.99 $18,040.13 $20,964.19 September $10,806.30 $11,686.68 $14,731.72 $15,429.17 $14,380.53 $20,874.95 $18,210.06 October $14,705.90 $18,918.74 $19,941.85 $18,007.85 $21,154.32 $25,310.92 $26,292.48 November $8,365.96 $8,325.03 $11,747.59 $13,009.60 $11,592.20 $16,903.11 $15,696.82 December $5,151.59 $5,854.72 $8,246.39 $4,649.42 $8,133.75 $9,621.57 $10,961.13 TOTAL $115,764.40 $125,667.36 $144,812.02 $144,952.68 $159,987.69 $187,290.81 $206,740.43

LUMPKIN 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 COUNTY January $4,183.04 $3,954.55 $4,781.02 $4,038.09 $4,535.78 $5,178.02 $6,058.22 February $5,789.62 $6,311.32 $6,566.88 $7,220.05 $6,892.41 $5,975.68 $7,067.30 March $7,212.82 $7,866.89 $7,189.70 $8,697.01 $10,090.49 $10,218.14 $9,928.95 April $7,432.42 $8,246.09 $9,866.04 $9,462.23 $9,742.89 $10,244.22 $10,126.25 May $9,492.10 $9,258.37 $9,520.84 $11,510.41 $10,950.30 $11,648.81 $10,909.78 June $9,917.61 $9,793.76 $10,405.94 $12,093.06 $13,237.56 $12,100.53 $14,008.75 July $9,592.30 $10,804.13 $10,641.68 $11,584.18 $13,351.60 $13,148.43 $15,417.91 August $8,015.71 $7,433.76 $7,023.53 $9,654.22 $10,149.98 $11,425.22 $11,751.23

September $10,756.10 $10,778.15 $12,112.99 $11,912.84 $12,631.07 $13,196.79 $16,364.55 October $14,964.97 $15,531.25 $15,023.42 $17,313.91 $17,860.83 $18,050.35 $20,433.68 November $8,741.34 $9,796.49 $10,451.21 $11,399.70 $11,825.02 $11,076.51 $14,153.03 December $4,967.08 $6,080.04 $8,317.53 $9,555.62 $7,949.34 $8,925.01 $11,072.20 TOTAL $101,065.11 $105,854.80 $111,900.78 $124,441.32 $129,217.27 $131,187.71 $147,291.85

GRAND TOTAL $216,829.51 $231,522.16 $256,712.80 $269,394.00 $289,204.96 $318,478.52 $354,032.28

20 | P a g e Conclusions & Takeaways

Dahlonega has been riding a wave of success as a tourism destination for more than a decade – doing well even during the Great Recession. When gold was discovered in the early 1800s, Dahlonega ballooned from a tiny hills community to a rough and tumble mining boom town. The “new gold” – tourism – has taken Dahlonega to new economic heights, thanks an idyllic and dynamic downtown, a very real perception as the perfect place for getaway travel, weekend retreats, family vacations, and destination weddings, an appealing place for aficionados all things wine and for those who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.

These resources all sync perfectly with the top three current travel trends. Today’s travelers are looking for destinations with 1) a robust culinary and vintner arts scene; 2) genuine and authentic history, heritage and architecture; and 3) plenty of options for enjoying nature and outdoor adventure.

Dahlonega and Lumpkin County provide all aspects of all three trends to varying degree, and deliver a premier travel product for all kinds of discerning and sophisticated travelers. Dahlonega’s location, just 65 miles north of Atlanta – a major metropolitan area with more than 6.5 million population – is ideal for those looking for escape combined with convenience. Being so close to so many, makes Atlanta an easy and logical target market for Dahlonega, and has made the metropolitan area THE major market for strategic tourism planning. Travelers also decide on Dahlonega because it is the easiest and closest entre to the North Georgia mountains – which draws Florida flatlanders, Southeasterners and especially Alabamans who choose mountains instead of beach.

Dahlonega treasures its authenticity, its tourism product diversity and lives up to its reputation as a community with a welcoming spirit. Tourism is sometimes a delicate balance, with tremendous competition, especially in these days of immediate media and social sharing. But Dahlonega continues to serve as a model for community collaboration and cooperation, with a clear vision of what it is and what it offers visitors – which is one secret to its success.

Trends continue upward, with the addition of more lodging, retail and restaurant products, which will likely produce continued growth of bed tax revenue and increases in sales tax for city and county. The wine industry is about to experience a further boost in regional and national awareness, with the Dahlonega Plateau AVA designation expected soon and more wineries are preliminarily planned for the region.

It’s a good time to be in Dahlonega.

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