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Smith House

4.4
·1k reviews·Dahlonega, United States

Historic 1899 inn in Dahlonega, GA, offering Southern family-style dining and a gateway to a real-life Hallmark Christmas town.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

December evenings

Magical Christmas atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Smith House - Image 1

Smith House

Best Time

December evenings

Magical Christmas atmosphere

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1899 inn in Dahlonega, GA, offering Southern family-style dining and a gateway to a real-life Hallmark Christmas town.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"The Smith House is a charming historic inn, but be aware of recent changes to their family-style dining policies."

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TIP

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Family-style dining can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Reservations are recommended.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore Dahlonega's charming square and shops on foot.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hallmark Christmas Town

Hallmark Christmas Town

Dahlonega transforms into a real-life Christmas movie set with twinkling lights and festive cheer.

TikTok+1
Historic Smith House Dining

Historic Smith House Dining

Enjoy traditional Southern family-style meals in a historic setting.

Reddit
Gold Mine History

Gold Mine History

Explore the town's rich gold mining past, a significant part of Dahlonega's heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Dahlonega's Christmas Charm

Experience Dahlonega, Georgia, a town famous for its Hallmark Christmas movie filming locations. Visit in December for twinkling lights, cozy shops, and festive events. It's a perfect holiday escape just an hour north of Atlanta. TikTok+1

Family-Style Dining Changes

The Smith House is known for its Southern family-style dining. However, recent reviews indicate a shift from continuous refills to limited servings. Be sure to clarify pricing and serving policies upon arrival to manage expectations. Reddit

Best Times

When
December evenings
Why
Magical Christmas atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays (non-holiday)
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You may notice I use B&B and inn interchangeably - this is because my place of work is both! We have a main house that functions as a B&B and 6 cottages that make up the rest of the inn. #bedandbreakfast #cozyaesthetic #dayinthelife @Alex Aster
@innkeepercaroline
309.6K likes • 3M views

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Family-style dining can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Reservations are recommended. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore Dahlonega's charming square and shops on foot. TikTok

📍best hidden gem in north georgia✨ #georgia #dahlonega #traveltok
@sofiefalcao
135.4K likes • 1.1M views
The Standard at the Smith House in Nashville, has a unique, intimate, elegant atmosphere. It feels classy,cozy,trendy, romantic and upscale.And they have free valet parking. It is highly recommended for a celebrations, events, parties. #reelsfypシ #vloggerlifestyle #filipinainusa #delicious #greatfood #dinnerideas #nashville #tennessee #fathersdaycelebration
lhou_driscoll
3 likes • 53 views

👂 Be Aware of Noise

Some rooms in the new lodge section may have noise transfer from above or adjacent rooms. Reddit

💰 Clarify Dining Policies

Confirm current refill policies for family-style meals to avoid surprises. Reddit

Selamat Hari Raya from The Smith House Langkawi! ✨🌙 May this festive season bring you joy, love, and cherished moments with your loved ones. As you celebrate, let the beauty of Langkawi be your perfect backdrop for togetherness and new memories. Wishing you a blessed Eid filled with happiness and prosperity. See you soon at The Smith House! 💚 #thesmithhouselangkawi #SelamatHariRaya #EidMubarak ...
thesmithhouselangkawi
6 likes • 342 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Family-style dining can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Reservations are recommended. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore Dahlonega's charming square and shops on foot. TikTok

👂 Be Aware of Noise

Some rooms in the new lodge section may have noise transfer from above or adjacent rooms. Reddit

💰 Clarify Dining Policies

Confirm current refill policies for family-style meals to avoid surprises. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Smith House in Dahlonega offers a historic inn experience and Southern family-style dining, with its location near the town square being a major plus. However, recent guests have noted changes in dining policies, with less emphasis on continuous refills, and some have experienced noise issues in the newer lodge accommodations. Customer service during checkout has also been a point of contention for some visitors.

"We stayed at Villa 124 on a Friday night and had a great check-in experience—the man working the front desk was friendly and helpful. The villa itself was spotless, the bed very comfortable, and the space just right for a weekend trip. The location is amazing—right off the square, which makes it easy to walk to shops and restaurants

That said, there were some major drawbacks. The washer was extremely loud, and the dryer didn’t work at all. Even more disappointing was the customer service at checkout. I called to ask if we could leave our car in the villa’s large parking lot for a couple of hours while we grabbed breakfast and explored town. The woman who answered was dismissive, unhelpful, and said we couldn’t because “guests check in at noon.” This was not only untrue (check-in isn’t until 3:00), but when we later drove by after visiting a winery, the parking lot was completely empty.

To make matters worse, when I asked where she suggested we park instead (since it was our first time visiting), she didn’t know and mumbled, “maybe somewhere on the square.” That kind of response is unacceptable for hospitality. Allowing guests a little flexibility with parking is such an easy way to leave a positive impression—unfortunately, the old-school mentality here does the opposite.

On top of that, while the location is convenient, it is also very loud at night with traffic driving by the square. Ear plugs would have been helpful, but this is something future guests should know ahead of time.

Between the broken appliances, nighttime noise, and the poor customer service, I won’t be returning. The villa itself has potential, but the management needs to rethink how to treat guests if they want repeat business."

Lori Caraus

"I have been to this restaurant many times over 40+ years. My last visit was just months ago. One thing I always appreciated was they would bring you more of whatever you wanted until you were done eating. We were there on Labor Day and paid $132 including tip for 4 people. After eating 1 piece of chicken and a small serving of some sides, most everything was out. We asked for additional chicken and a couple sides. We were told the price no longer includes additional servings. This must have changed in the last year because my wife and I were there months ago.

I believe they should have let us know this changed up front for one. I also never would have eaten at the Smith House if I'd known it was $26 per person for 1 piece of chicken and a small amount of sides. Felt like I got ripped off.

Dillard House is a bit further, but it will be my new destination for country cooking."

Donald Marks

"We stayed in the Smith House Lodge (the new section of the Inn) for the weekend. The staff is very courteous and gave great instructions upon checking in. The hotel room was very nice, new, comfortable, large and had a nice large balcony. I would recommend this hotel for a nice stay but if you want to get some sleep, which I would I assume is very important to most, you may not! The sound proofing is horrible! We heard every single foot step from the room above when they rose at 6AM on Sunday morning, that went on for a LONG time. We heard every door closing around us (as they slam shut automatically when it closes). Unbelievable that a new hotel would not be built with better sound proofing. Beware."

Christie Young

What People Like

Historic inn charm
Convenient town square location
Southern family-style food

What People Dislike

Changed dining policies
Noise in lodge rooms
Inconsistent customer service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Smith House is located in Dahlonega, Georgia, approximately an hour north of Atlanta. Driving is the most common way to reach it. The town square is easily accessible by car. TikTok

Yes, parking is available. However, some guests have reported issues with flexibility regarding parking after checkout. Reddit

While possible, having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Dahlonega and surrounding areas. Public transportation options are limited.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Smith House primarily operates as an inn and restaurant. While there isn't a general admission ticket, reservations are highly recommended for dining, especially for their family-style meals. Reddit

Dining hours can vary, particularly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

Smith House hosts various events, including private parties and rehearsal dinners. They also participate in town-wide events like the Christmas festivities. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Historically, Smith House offered continuous refills of Southern dishes. Recent feedback suggests a change to limited servings, so clarify policies upon arrival. Reddit

Smith House offers rooms in the historic inn and a newer lodge section. Rooms in the lodge are described as nice and comfortable, but some guests have noted poor soundproofing. Reddit

Yes, Dahlonega and The Smith House are recommended for romantic getaways, especially during the Christmas season. Reddit

Smith House is located right off the town square, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions like the historic gold mines. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Smith House is renowned for its traditional Southern family-style cuisine, featuring fried chicken and a variety of side dishes. Reddit

Recent reviews indicate a change from continuous refills to limited servings. It's advisable to confirm the current policy directly with the restaurant. Reddit

Prices can vary, and some guests have expressed surprise at the cost given the current serving policies. It's recommended to check current menu prices. Reddit

While the focus is on traditional Southern fare, it's best to inquire about vegetarian options when making a reservation or upon arrival.

📸 📸 Photography

The historic architecture of the inn, the charming town square, and the festive Christmas decorations (in season) offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Absolutely! Dahlonega, with Smith House as a central point, is a real-life Hallmark Christmas town, making it perfect for festive photos in December. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dahlonega, with The Smith House at its heart, offers a charming family experience, especially during the Christmas season. The town's transformation into a Hallmark movie set provides a magical backdrop for children, with twinkling lights and festive decorations creating a real-life fairy tale. TikTok+1

While the family-style dining at Smith House is a draw, be aware of the recent changes in serving policies. It's wise to clarify how meals are served to manage expectations for younger eaters. Exploring the historic town square and learning about the gold rush history can also be engaging for kids. Consider booking rooms in the newer lodge for more space, but be mindful of potential noise if your children are light sleepers. Reddit

💑 Couples Seeking Romance

The Smith House and Dahlonega are frequently recommended as a romantic getaway, particularly for anniversaries. The historic inn provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples looking to escape. Reddit

During December, the town's Christmas decorations create an exceptionally romantic ambiance, making it feel like a scene from a holiday movie. Enjoying a meal at the Smith House, followed by a stroll through the illuminated town square, offers a quintessential romantic experience. TikTok+1

💰 Budget Travelers

While Dahlonega offers a charming experience, some aspects, like the dining at Smith House, have seen price increases and changes in serving style that might impact budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

To make the most of a budget trip, consider visiting outside of peak holiday seasons. Explore the free attractions like walking the town square and learning about the gold rush history. For dining, research other local eateries in Dahlonega that might offer more budget-friendly options or clearer value for money. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Smith House Dining Experience: A Shift in Tradition

The Smith House in Dahlonega has long been celebrated for its authentic Southern family-style dining. For decades, guests enjoyed a continuous stream of classic dishes, including their famous fried chicken and an array of comforting sides. This generous, all-you-can-eat approach was a cornerstone of its appeal, making it a beloved destination for hearty meals and a taste of Southern hospitality. Reddit

However, recent visitor feedback suggests a notable change in this tradition. Reports indicate that the restaurant has moved away from unlimited refills, now offering more limited servings and requiring guests to ask for additional portions. Some patrons have expressed disappointment, feeling that the value proposition has shifted, especially if they were unaware of the change beforehand. It's crucial for visitors to clarify the current dining policy upon arrival to ensure their expectations align with the experience. Reddit

Despite this evolution, the Smith House remains a popular spot for its historic ambiance and Southern charm. While the dining experience may differ from its past, it still offers a unique opportunity to sample regional cuisine in a historic setting. For those seeking a taste of Dahlonega's culinary heritage, it's worth considering, with the caveat of understanding the current serving style. Reddit

Dahlonega: A Hallmark Christmas Dream

Dahlonega, Georgia, has earned the charming moniker of a 'real-life Hallmark Christmas town,' and for good reason. During the holiday season, the entire town transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, mirroring the festive scenes from beloved Christmas movies. The historic square, with its quaint shops and eateries, becomes adorned with countless twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from near and far. TikTok+1

Several Hallmark Christmas movies, including 'Christmas in Homestead' and 'A Taste of Christmas,' have been filmed here, capitalizing on Dahlonega's inherent charm and festive spirit. Visitors can immerse themselves in this cinematic setting by strolling through the decorated streets, perhaps grabbing a hot chocolate, and soaking in the abundant Christmas cheer. The town actively hosts Christmas events throughout December, making it an ideal destination for families and couples looking for a truly enchanting holiday experience. TikTok+1

Beyond the holiday magic, Dahlonega itself is a town rich in history, particularly known for its gold rush era. This historical backdrop, combined with its small-town appeal and festive decorations, makes it a unique and memorable destination. Whether you're visiting for the Christmas spirit or to explore its historical roots, Dahlonega offers a delightful escape. TikTok+1

Accommodation at The Smith House: Historic Charm vs. Modern Comfort

The Smith House offers a dual accommodation experience, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Guests can choose to stay in the original, historic inn, which likely provides a more traditional and perhaps quaint lodging experience, reflecting the building's 1899 origins. This option appeals to those seeking a step back in time and an authentic feel of the old South. Reddit

Alternatively, there's the newer 'Smith House Lodge' section. These rooms are described as nice, new, comfortable, and spacious, often featuring large balconies. This modern addition caters to guests who prefer contemporary comforts and facilities. However, a significant point of feedback for the lodge is its poor soundproofing. Guests have reported hearing footsteps from rooms above and doors slamming shut, which can disrupt sleep. Reddit

When booking, it's advisable to consider your priorities. If historical ambiance is key, the inn might be preferable. If modern amenities are a must, the lodge offers them, but be prepared for potential noise disturbances. Understanding these differences can help guests choose the accommodation that best suits their needs for a restful stay. Reddit

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