We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam McDuffie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think that the most important factor is consistent messaging and getting the information across at the right time. We’ve have worked hard getting the “Discover Dahlonega” brand out since the third quarter of 2020, and I feel that we are seeing a wonderful ROI through our campaigns.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I have been in my current role as Director of Tourism since June 2019, before this position I worked with Georgia State Parks, who helped me build a solid foundation in the Tourism Industry. What sets me and my team apart from others is I feel we are risk-takers and innovative thinkers. We stay on top of trends and have a willingness to be out-of-the-box thinkers.

As there is with every career, there are bumps and bruises that you have learn from, don’t let them knock you down, make them build you into a better employee/person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Dahlonega and Lumpkin County are a rural community with so much to offer. We would start our week dining at Spirit’s Tavern on the Historic Downtown Square of Dahlonega. After dinner, we would walk around the square and shop in one of the family owned and operated business that are unique to Dahlonega.

Day Two the Outdoors: Today will be dedicated to the outdoors. We will start the day hiking to Preachers Rock, located on the Appalachian Trail, and take in the views. From there, we would drive to Desoto Falls Recreation Area to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lumpkin County. After a morning of hiking, we would dine at the Riverside Tavern. If the afternoon is warm; we will cool off by tubing on the Chestatee River with Appalachian Outfitters or Chestatee River Adventures.

Experience the Dahlonega Plateau Wineries: You can only experience Dahlonega and Lumpkin County with the wineries.  We are calling DSH Transportation or Mama’s Taxi and visiting some of the award-winning vineyards. Start the day off at Wolf Mountain Vineyard and have brunch. Next, we move to Three Sisters Winery or Frogtown, plan a visit to Accent Cellars, and cap the night off with a beautiful meal at Montaluce Winery.

Dahlonega was the site of the first Major Gold Rush in America, so to complete the trip you need to discover gold. We would purchase “Gold Fever Passes” from the Visitor Center and spend a day striking it rich with knowledge, an underground mine tour, and panning for gold.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a few people/mentor/organizations that deserve a shout out. First, my wife, who has always been very supportive of what I do and has stayed positive eachtime we’ve moved to take the next step. My mom, who is the eternal optimistic and always looks at the silver lining of every situation, my mentor, Bill Hardman Jr., whose guidance helped me navigate through a pandemic, while being new employee in the Tourism filled. The Tourism Board of Directors who’ve trust me to do what is best for Dahlonega and Lumpkin County tourism.

Website: www.dahlonega.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/discover.dahlonega/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiscoverDahlonega

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@DiscoverDahlonega

Image Credits
Waterfall Photo is by Matt King Other photos are property of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau

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