Dalton (Georgia)

Dalton is a town in the Northwest High Country region of Georgia, founded in 1847. == Understand == == Get in == === By car === Dalton is along I-75 at exits 333 and 336 approximately 1 hour north of Atlanta and 20 minutes south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. === By plane === Chattanooga Airport (CHA IATA) is the nearest airport with domestic flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Washington, D.C. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL IATA) is the main airport in Atlanta, and is 1½ hours to the south. == Get around == While in the Dalton area you need to become familiar with the Dalton By-Pass. This is a large 4 lane highway that circles Dalton - it also carries US Highway 41 today so you can look for those signs as well. The By-Pass "as locals call it" runs from I-75 at Exit 328 (known locally as the Connector 3 Exit)to I-75 at Exit 336. Exit 333 is West Walnut Avenue that begins at the interstate and runs due east and connects with the By Pass approximately in the middle. Using Walnut Avenue and the By-pass are good ways to get in and around the area. == See == Dalton Freight Depot & Visitor Center. The depot built in 1911 as the Southern Railways Freight Depot was restored in 2009 and know houses the Dalton Area Visitor's Center. Along with maps and brochures of the Dalton area you can explore the exhibits within the depot that explain the civil war in Dalton as well as trains and the local carpet industry. (updated May 2018) Dug Gap Battle Park (Take a drive to the top of the mountain at Exit 333 - Walnut Avenue. Go past the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center (approximately 1.5 miles) to Dug Gap Battle Park). You can see the original stone breastworks from the Civil War Battle fought there in 1864. It also provides a spectacular view of Dalton and the great valley. (updated May 2018) History Center and Historic Homes. The Whitfield-Murray Historical Society operates several historic homes and sites - including the oldest home in Dalton - The Hamilton House, that was used as headquarters for the Kentucky Orphan Brigade during the Civil War. The Blunt House, and the Crown Gardens History Center and Archives. (updated May 2018) 1 Prater's Mill (in Varnell, along Georgia Highway 201, approximately 7 miles north). Visit the original 1855 grist mill. Civil War soldiers from both sides used it as a camp site and today it hosts the annual Prater's Mill Country Fair each October. (updated May 2018) Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel. The first major railroad tunnel in the South is in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, a fifteen minute drive to the north of Dalton. Completed in 1850 and built completely by hand the 1/4 mile long tunnel is open to visitor's who receive guided tours and walk its entire length. The tunnel completed the first railroad connection from the Atlantic Ocean to the Tennessee River. You can also explore the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center Museum and Visitor's Center, which houses artifacts from the construction and renovation of the tunnel along with exhibits on the Civil War, Cherokee Indians and the local carpet industry. (updated May 2018) West Hill Cemetery. West Hill Cemetery eight blocks to the west of downtown is one of Georgia's oldest cemeteries and houses a confederate cemetery. Pick up a walking tour guide from the Dalton Freight Depot and discover the many celebrities and founders of Dalton. (updated May 2018) == Do == AMC Classic Walnut Square 12, 2170 E. Walnut Avenue (behind Dalton Mall), ☏ +1 706-226-0630. New Movie Theater with first run movies. $10.99-14.49. === Tours === ==== Driving Tours ==== "War Comes To Dalton" This driving tour outlines the Civil War in Dalton and how the opening battles for the Campaign for Atlanta began here in May of 1864. You can purchase the CD's and guidebook at the Dalton Freight Depot Visitor's Center and the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center Visitor's Center. "Federal Road" This driving tour follows the historic Federal Roads that the Cherokee allowed the Federal government to establish through the Cherokee Nation. CD's may be purchased at the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center Visitor's Center. ==== Walking Tours ==== "Downtown Dalton" - There are three different walking tours for Downtown Dalton free guides may be picked up at the Dalton Freight Depot Visitors Center or behind the General Joseph E. Johnston Statue on Crawford Street. "West Hill Cemetery" - Take a walking tour of one of Georgia's oldest cemeteries. Free guides may be picked up at the Dalton Freight Depot Visitor's Center or the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center Visitor's Center. == Buy == Dalton is a good place to find deals on carpet and rugs. There are dozens of carpet wholesalers and outlets located throughout the area, the largest concentration being at Exit 328 along I-75, with almost a dozen carpet outlets on one street. Market Street Shoppes, also known as Dalton Factory Stores, at Exit 333 along I-75, is home to Mountain Creek Harley Davidson, Hanes, Rack Room Shoes, and a Goodwill. Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd (on the east side of Dalton approximately 5 miles from I-75). Although it's not too lively, it's home to Belk, American Eagle, Books-A-Million, and Aeropostle. There is an AMC 12 screen movie theater behind the mall. Dalton's historic downtown area has a variety of specialty shops featuring antiques, vintage chenille, arts, crafts and collectables such as The Cherry Tree, Paper Princess, Rasberry Row, and Maryville Jewelers. == Eat == In downtown Dalton you can find traditional southern items at the Oakwood Cafe in operation in the same location since 1924. There is the Filling Station a wonderful lunch buffet built into a 1920s gas station on Hamiltion Street - Dalton's "Main Street". There are also many soup and sandwich shops downtown like The Perfect Cup. For a unique experience travel down Hamilton Street to Los Reyes house in a beautiful/authentic stucco building. Exit 333 in Dalton is considered by many travelers as the "Number One Exit on I-75". You will find a vast array of fast food and casual dinning restaurants like Craker Barrel. Parker's Restaurant, 2800 E Walnut Ave. For something uniquely southern, Parker's allows you to discover a traditional "meat and three". This is where you pick out one of the meats of the day along with 2 to 3 vegetables or sides. == Drink == == Sleep == Dalton has a great selection of hotels for all travellers and all budgets. Exit 336 on I-75 Quality Inn, Motel 6, and Econolodge. Exit 333 on I-75 Courtyard by Marriott, Country Inn and Suites, Comfort Inn, Super 8, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and Days Inn. == Go next == On your way out of Dalton going North is the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Battlefield and a variety of attractions in and around Chattanooga.