Small Town Charm: Dalton, GA
Dalton, Georgia is nestled in the foothills of the Cohutta Mountains, where you feel like you’re in a vacation town but you have all the benefits of a growing city.
In recent years, Believe Greater Dalton and the Downtown Dalton Authority have spearheaded some serious initiatives to revive the city center and bring appealing and day-trip worthy amenities like Haig Mill Lake Park and Burr Park Amphitheater.
Looking for a fun weekend? Here is a suggested itinerary for some small town charm in Dalton, GA. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, just moved here, or are making sure you’re enjoying all Dalton has to offer, we hope this list inspires some local adventure!
Friday Night: Visit downtown Dalton’s main street, called Hamilton St. Grab some cocktails at The Gallant Goat, then head down the street to grab some fresh Mediterranean food at Cafe Ostro. If you’re visiting in the summer (or lucky enough to call Dalton home!), check out the schedule for Off The Rails summer concert series. Grab your lawn chairs, bring your kids, and set up in the park with some cold drinks and good friends. It’s like traveling back to the 1950s in the sense that you see friends and neighbors, your kids can run wild and free (and maybe even sled down the hill on cardboard!), and you can listen to great music under the stars.
Saturday: Make sure to head over to The Mill Dalton for brunch, shopping, and playing on the outdoor playground. You will be fueled up and ready to go play outside at Haig Mill Lake park, a 4 mile loop around a beautiful lake, complete with fishing docks, kayaks and paddle boards for rent, and a large playground. Or, grab your mountain bike and tackle the new park at Rocky Face Ridge. Civil War buffs will appreciate the history throughout Dalton of the Atlanta Campaign. Need an afternoon snack? Head to The Sweet Spot for homemade donuts, delicious coffee, or choose-your-own topping icecream.
End the day with dinner downtown at Antojo’s for fresh, creative takes on South American and Latin food (don’t skip the Emanaditas), and then head over to Dalton Brewing Co. for some locally brewed beer, live music, and board games with the kids.
Sunday: Enjoy a lazy morning with brunch at DFood Collab and then a visit to wander through the Creative Arts Guild Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden.
We love our town! And we hope you enjoy the small town charm, too!
Food and shopping on Hamilton Street in Downtown Dalton.
Fall in Haig Mill Lake Park, Dalton, Georgia
Summer nights at Burr Park, Downtown Dalton, GA
