Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

We had the most wonderful time in Dahlonega, Georgia, where we went to Consolidated Gold Mine.  We took an underground gold mine tour and then panned for our very own gold.  The tour itself lead us more than two hundred feet underground in damp, cool tunnels that were virtually unchanged from the 1800’s except for a line strung with periodic electric lights.  As it happens, this was among the first mines to have electric lighting, but now is safer as it no longer sports exposed relays to light the bulbs.

These sparsely illuminated tunnels had the original cart rails, complete with a cart or two and a working pneumatic drill. The mine was once prospected up to a mile below the surface and now here we were walking the same tunnels.  It was also filled with tiny endangered Eastern Brown bats hanging upside down. They were maybe 5-6 inches in length and viewed close up, had the sweetest little faces.  I found the mine a bit scary but fascinating. Traveling down, down each twist and turn, venturing through the carved crevices where gold was once so prevalent was exciting.

Venturing back above ground, we had the opportunity to sluice for gemstones.  Sandy found a magnificent ruby and I found a hunk of  lust- worthy emerald.  We left the mine clutching our baggie of  gemstones and viles of gold slivers. Then we met up with Sandy’s parents and had a meal fit for successful prospectors.

Because I had not done a Happy Cow search of the area, we were driving down Main Street without knowing where to go.  When that happens, because it frequently does, we usually rely on various ethnic cuisines such as Thai, Mexican or Middle Eastern to provide vegan fare.

We found a Mexican restaurant that looked promising so we popped in and inquired about their beans.  Mexican food is typically a safe bet for the veg interested  as long as their beans are cooked in a vegetarian way.  These were indeed veg, so we stayed and  chowed down.

After lunch, we went trekking along the Square in downtown Dahlonega.  In short order, we found a chocolatier, Paul Thomas Chocolates that was crafting dark chocolate covered sea salt cashews. They had other vegan-friendly cocoa morsels for sale as well, including decadent dark chocolate covered potato chips.   Yes please.  Almost better than finding an emerald.

About an hour and a half north of Atlanta proper, Dahlonega was worth the road trip for sure.  It satisfied our inner prospectors and served up a delicious adventure in dining and dessert.  If you ever find yourself in Northern Georgia, stop in for a mine tour and some vegan grub.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: compassionate eating, Consolidated Gold Mine, Dahlonega, eating vegn in Dahlonega, Georgia, traveling vegan, trying vegan, vegan experience, vegan wannabe