With its proximity to the stretch of Interstate 75 that runs from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Dalton is the front door to the North Georgia mountains for many visitors. But before moving to higher ground, there are plenty of reasons to stop and spend some time getting to know a place known as the “Carpet Capital of the World.” Dalton has a lot to offer even beyond its impressive floor covering industry.
The city’s eagerness in recent years to focus on tourism and hospitality makes it just right for a fun day trip, whether you’re there to shop, eat, hike, enjoy a festival or just watch the trains go by.
Sources: CityofDalton-ga.gov; CityTownInfo.com; DaltonChamber.org; VisitDaltonGa.com; ThriveRegionalPartnership.org; Dalton Visitors Bureau
FAST FACTS
* Population: 33,128 (2010 U.S. Census); 34,077 (2016 estimate)* Notable companies: Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries, Beaulieu and AstroTurf* Namesake: The village previously known as Cross Plains was chartered as the city of Dalton in 1847. Edward White laid out the plan for the city, and the name was in honor of Gen. Tristram Dalton, White’s grandfather.* History: In its rich history, the area has gone from American Indian settlement to railroad town to Civil War site to mill town to, finally, an industry cradle — first for bedspreads, then carpet and now floor coverings.* Landmark event: A major turning point for the city came when the Western & Atlantic Railroad of the state of Georgia came to Dalton and eventually connected from Atlanta to Chattanooga. The famed Great Locomotive Chase passed through town during the Civil War, and trains are a regular sight day and night in downtown Dalton as CSX and Norfolk Southern both have lines running through.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
* Downtown Dalton Farmers Market: Held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays May-August on the Dalton Green at the corner of Thornton Avenue and Waugh Street. (facebook.com/DowntownDaltonSaturdayMarket)* Creative Arts Guild Festival: Includes exhibits, an artists’ market, activities for children and live music performances. Admission is free and this year’s event is Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (520 W. Waugh St.; 706-278-0168; creativeartsguild.com)* Beer Fest 2017: Sample more than 40 craft beers from around the country and beyond from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 30. Play corn hole, listen to live music or watch the Georgia-Tennessee football game on the big screen. (downtowndalton.com/event/beerfest2017)* Prater’s Mill Country Fair: Entering its 47th year, this renowned craft fair fills Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 14-15 this year) with arts, crafts, music and food at the historic grist mill, which was built in 1855 and powered by Coahulla Creek. (5845 Highway 2; 706-694-MILL; pratersmill.org)* Red Carpet Half Marathon: In addition to the 13.1-mile main event on Oct. 21, there are 5k and 2k options. After the morning races, downtown gives way to the Liberty Tree Festival for a carnival-type atmosphere with food, drinks, music and fun. (daltonhalf.com)* Downtown Dalton Holiday Open House: Drink hot chocolate, get photos with Santa and take advantage of special sales and promotions from local retailers — in early November, before the rush begins. (bit.ly/2tLeuvz)