Here Magazine March 2026 Issue

Dalton, GA

March & April 2026 | Volume 4

Here.Dalton Magazine

by Here Local Media

ALL LOCAL.

Lived Here. Written Here. Printed Here.

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Nationally recognized. Expert-led. Patient-centered.

Excellence in Heart Care Hamilton Medical Center has earned national recognition as a HeartCARE Center of Excellence from the American College of Cardiology—reflecting the clinical performance, collaboration, and commitment of the Vitruvian Health Heart & Vascular team, and our ongoing focus on excellence, advancing cardiovascular care, and community-focused growth—today and for the years ahead.

NON-INVASIVE CARDIOLOGY

INTERVENTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL CARDIOLOGY

Hugh Coke, MD Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Awa Drame, MD, MScPH Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Vineet Dua, MD, FACC Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

David Liff, MD Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Selwin Abraham, MD, FACC Sonny Achtchi, DO, FACC, FSCAI Steven Austin, MD, FACC, FSCAI David Fishman, MD Board-Certified Board-Certified Board-Certified Board-Certified Interventional Interventional Cardiologist and Endovascular Cardiologist Interventional Cardiologist Interventional Cardiologist

Zorana Mrsic, MD, FACP, FACC Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Joseph Pendley, DO, FACC Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Stefan Seemungal, MD Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Paul Stewart, DO Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Ateet Patel, MBA, MD, FACC Thammi Ramanan, MD, MHSc Ted Richards, DO Board-Certified Interventional Board-Certified Interventional Board-Certified and Structural Cardiologist and Structural Cardiologist Interventional Cardiologist

VASCULAR AND ENDOVASCULAR

Hector Dourron, MD, FACS Michael Hartley, MD, FACS Board-Certified Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon Vascular Surgeon

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Yuda Liu, MD Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Alan Simeone, MD, FACS Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Anand Kenia, MD Board-Certified Cardiac Electrophysiologist

VitruvianHealth.com/heart

March & April 2026

FEATU New Life For Old Spaces

Local Design Before & Afters

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ON THE COVER The Spence House Photography by George Spence

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Here. Weddings 43

Volume 4

URED IN EVERY ISSUE

LOCAL TASTE

LOCAL LENS

5 From the Editor 6 Contributors 7 Dalton Events 9 Seen & Heard 10 Near Here Events 15 Here.Kids 27 Faces of Here 29 Market Report 51 There & Then

11 Nourish & Savor 30 Designing Dalton 45 Dining Guide

13 Beautiful Homes Here 17 Why Housing Shapes Our Future

42 Why Cherokee River Names Endured

47 Near Here Escape 49 Write.Here

SPONSORED CONTENT 31 Home Experts

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Letter from the editor Subscription Info Subscriptions are $39 for one year. To start a new subscription, renew an existing subscription, or change your address, scan the QR code above or email hello@ herelocalmedia.com!

Calendar Items, Community Updates, & Dining Guide Email hello@herelocalmedia.com all information NO LATER than 8 weeks prior to the magazine cover date. Details may be edited for space.

Advertising Take advantage of Here.Dalton’s prime advertising space. Email erika@herelocalmedia.com, or visit www.herelocalmedia.com/advertise.

Here Local Media, LLC is the home of Here. Magazine, @behere.dalton, and local social media channels. We exist to shift narratives, spotlight what’s working, and build hometown pride through beautifully crafted, deeply local content. We help people love where they live—because you don’t need a bigger city. You just need a better lens.

Our bathrooms date to the ’70s. We still haven’t added a tile backsplash to finish our kitchen renovation (the splattered spaghetti sauce stains taunt me from the drywall). At movein, we had to saw off the stair railings to get our early-2000ssized furniture up a very 1971-sized staircase turn. The plywood replacement railing still stands. (Rebuilding stairs is not as simple as we assumed. Moral of the story: assume nothing with home repairs, and hire professionals from this volume’s Home Expert section.)

But here’s the truth I learned: no one really cares about these details. And the home reno experiences make great dinnertable conversation. People don’t feel at home in a space because it’s decorated perfectly. They feel at home because someone opened the door, invited them to the table, and offered the gift of being welcomed and known.

A friend in Atlanta taught me this lesson early in motherhood.

She hosted dinner parties that made everyone feel like they belonged. And yet there were piles on the kitchen desk, shoes by the door, toys on the floor—clear signs of a life being lived in full. In her home, I felt that my family could do no wrong.

Isn’t that what home is?

A sense that you’re welcome here.

You’re worth it.

You’re known.

In this issue, we explore Dalton as home from both a personal and community-wide perspective. Home is the linchpin of a healthy, thriving population. We’re grateful for the organizations and home experts in Dalton doing vital work inside our homes and across our community. This volume captures just a snapshot of that work: how color shapes a space, what makes Dalton’s homes unique, how historic buildings create connection, and why the future of housing matters as our community evolves.

As we welcome Spring, may we open our homes (and our lives) to one another so we can feel even more at home here.

Our family outside our first home in Dalton

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- Erika Mosteller

READY FOR A

BOLD

Editor Erika Mosteller

Assistant Editor Lauren Sneary

Photographer

FUTURE? #1(Ga.)

BEST VALUE

affordability and return on investment The Wall Street Journal

Ashlea Snell

Contributing Writers Ashley Broadrick Harlan Braudlume Erika Mosteller George Spence Sam Rauschenberg Lauren Sneary

Contributing Photographers Amanda Lovelace Kevin Tanenbaum George Spence

#2 (Ga.)

Contributing Artists

TOP PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the South

Audrey Batts Jones

Graphic Design

U.S. News and World Report

Lauren Sneary Jodi Wrenn

Sales & Operations

TOP 10%

In the Nation for STUDENT EXPERIENCE The Wall Street Journal

DaltonState.edu

Dayana Jaclan Julie Locke Erika Mosteller Carin Watts

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Here.Dalton Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement

March 5 Details at georgia.ja.org/dalton-hall-of-fame

CHAMBER’S WOMEN’S COFFEE March 6, 8:30 AM Details at daltonchamber.org

STUDENT ARTS EXPO OPENING March 6, 5-6 PM Creative Arts Guild The Expo will remain on view through the end of March

DALTON FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION March 6-7 Dalton Convention Center

PIE DAY RUN/WALK

March 14, 9 AM Brown Center at Dalton State

2026 DALTON HEART BALL

March 14, 5 PM - 11 PM Tickets & info at heart.org/daltonheartball

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB STAKE DINNER

March 19 Guest Speaker Tanner Smith & Cici from Love on the Spectrum Details and Tickets at bgcgmw.org/stake-dinner

BATTLEFIELD HOSPITAL LIVING HISTORY DAY March 21, 10 AM - 5 PM Tunnel Hill Heritage Center

SCHMOOZA PALOOZA

“RING OF FIRE” MUSICAL JOURNEY

March 26 Dalton State College daltonstate.edu/events

CATHERINE EVANS-WHITENER HERITAGE ARTS SERIES: RUG TUFTING WORKSHOP

DALTON STATE COLLEGE WOMEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

March 6-15 ACT Theater

March 10, 10 AM - 12:30 PM Dalton Convention Center

GRAND FINALE SNAKE MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

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MARCH

MARCH

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT HALL OF FAME

Photo courtesy of Tunnel Hill Heritage Center

March 14, 9 AM Finishing Location: Dalton Convention Center

March 29-31 Nob North

DALTON PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMUNITY EVENTS

Check the events calendar at ngrl.org/events for free and fun community offerings

Events Photo courtesy of Hamilton Health

See Facebook Pages for Dalton High Soccer, Southeast Raiders Soccer, Northwest Bruins Soccer, and Cohulla Creek Soccer for schedules

RUN DBC

Thursdays at 6 PM Dalton Brewing Company

SOAL RUNNING CLUB

APRIL

MARCH - APRIL

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

Photo courtesy of the Creative Arts Guild

LITERARY ARTS WORKSHOP

April 11, 10 AM - 12 PM Creative Arts Guild

GEORGIA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION COIN SHOW April 17–19, 10 AM - 6 PM Dalton Convention Center

Saturdays Locations announced on Instagram @soalrunningclub

BACONQUE

THIRD THURSDAYS

BILL GREGORY HEALTH CARE CLASSIC

Every 3rd Thursday each month, 6 PM Dinner & live music The Mill

April 18 Details on Family Frameworks Facebook page

April 25, 8:30 AM Corner of Broadrick and Memorial Dr.

LITERARY ARTS: MONTHLY SATURDAY MEMOIR MEETUP

ART & SOUL EVENT

CHAMBER MEMBER MIXER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CLASSIC GOLD TOURNAMENT

April 4, 10 AM - 12 PM Creative Arts Guild

April 9, 4 - 5 PM Details at daltonchamber.org

April 25 Creative Arts Guild Info & tickets @ creativeartsguild.org

April 27 The Farm

BANDY HERITAGE CENTER LECTURE SERIES IN TEXTILE & FIBER ARTS The Rise of the Carpet Industry in NWGA April 9, 6:30 PM - 8 PM Dalton Convention Center

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Seen & Heard

Local Author Publication Announcements Of Meadows and Echoes Khalil Elayan October 2025 Available at amazon.com

The Computer Room Emma Ensley September 2025 Available at loblollypress.com

Dalton Favorites “Favorite thing about Dalton? Being near the mountains. Fishing, hiking, just getting out into nature – just a quick drive and you’re in awesome wilderness areas.”

- Austin Taylor

Local Anniversary: Congratulations to John's Lumber on 75 Years in Business!

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Near Here Events 2026 Celebrate Catoosa Gala & Casino Night March 7, 5:30 PM - 10 PM The Colonnade Gaelic Gourmet Dinner March 13, 5:30 – 8 PM Roo Mountain Vineyards roomountainvineyards.com

Photo courtesy of Visit Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 14, All Day Downtown Blue Ridge City Park Blue Ridge, GA 4th Annual Chattanooga Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival March 21–22 (Times Vary) Coolidge Park 150 River St Chattanooga, TN

Photo courtesy of Mercier Vineyards

Hop: Free Movie March 22 Gem Theater Calhoun The Ultimate Spring Fest March 28, 10 AM – 4 PM The Colonnade 264 Catoosa Circle Ringgold, GA Spice Apple 5K March 28, 10:30 AM Mercier Orchards Blue Ridge, GA runsignup.com

Photo courtesy of Association for Visual Arts

Chattanooga Austism Celebration Walk April 11, 9 AM Coolidge Park

Chattanooga Outdoor Festival April 11, 11 AM – 7 PM Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens 1400 Market St Chattanooga, TN Peach Cobbler Festival April 11, 12 PM – 4 PM Willow Tree Farms Near Ringgold, GA 4 Bridges Arts Festival April 17–19, 10 AM – 5 PM First Horizon Pavilion 1826 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival April 25, 10 AM – 6 PM Downtown Blue Ridge 400 W Main St Blue Ridge, GA Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Spring Break & Weekend Runs March–April (Times Vary) Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Depot 241 Depot Street Blue Ridge, GA

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Nourish & Savor

y g r e n E The g n i r p S f o

“The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.”

– Harriet Ann Jacobs

March is a unique month as it closes the cold of winter and exhales the warmth of spring. The juxtaposition builds to the first marked day of spring and with it comes opportunity to embrace the rhythm of renewal.

March is recognized as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” is a fitting call to focus on nourishing foods, movement and overall wellness.

Here are a few seasonal tips for refreshing your eating habits and lifestyle. As the world awakens, we can find renewed energy for wellness, too!

Celebrate Seasonal

Spring ushers in a bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Incorporate the “in-between” produce to your meals: • Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and chard.

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

• Fresh herbs (basil, dill, tarragon, mint) for flavor and micronutrients.

• Fruits rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as citrus and strawberries.

These foods are nutrient dense, affordable, and versatile for salads, smoothies, or light sautés.

Choose to Move

National Nutrition Month encourages pairing nutrition with physical activity. Here are some ideas to habit stack with your healthful foods: • Aim for daily moderate movement: walking, cycling, or light resistance exercises.

• Explore new renewal activities: yoga outdoors, mobility work, or spring hikes.

• Movement can even be micro in nature: stretching, climbing stairs, or active breaks during work days.

• Choose Local with our trail systems. Most Sundays you will find me at Rocky Face Ridge park, but there are so many great green spaces in our area!

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Cultivate Practicality

Nutrition and wellness should feel manageable, accessible, and joyful. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, consider these guidelines: • Plan meals to reduce food waste and include leftovers creatively.

• Focus on simple, nutrient-rich staples rather than expensive or complex ingredients.

• Rotate seasonal produce and proteins to balance nutrients and flavors.

• Use seasonal opportunities like farmers' markets to explore new foods and support local.

March is an ideal moment to spring clean your nutrition and activity routines. By incorporating seasonal produce, choosing to move, and practical application, you support both physical and mental health. Simple steps make wellness sustainable, empowering, and aligned with the restorative energy of spring.

Ashley Broadrick, RD/LDN (Registered Dietitian)

Follow Ashley on Instagram @berootedandwell, or visit her website rootednutritionwellness.com to work with her.

Market Spring Vegetable Salad Ingredients 4 cups (packed) leafy greens ½ cup green peas cook frozen peas if you cannot find fresh 2 radishes, sliced thinly 1 cup pea shoots 8 asparagus stalks, shaved thinly 200 g buffalo mozzarella or burrata cheese 1⁄3 cup sunflower seeds, toasted Salad Dressing: 1 tbsp red wine vinegar ½ tbsp grainy or dijon mustard 1 tbsp minced shallot ½ tbsp liquid honey 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil pinch of coarse salt and pepper

Instructions •

Prepare the salad ingredients, wash & slice according to the ingredients listing.

•

Specifically for the asparagus, first remove the woody ends by slicing off about 2 inches of the stalk. Then use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus stalks. Start by holding the head of the asparagus stalk, using a vegetable peeler to ‘peel’ the asparagus into shavings. Then use the heads of the asparagus in the salad as well.

•

Dry roast the sunflower seeds in a small pan or skillet on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring the sunflower seeds until lightly-browned.

•

To make the dressing, add the dressing ingredients into a mason jar & shake OR whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl until combined.

•

Assemble the salad in a large bowl by adding the lettuce first & then the remaining salad ingredients except the cheese & sunflower seeds.

•

Add the dressing to the bowl & toss the salad.

Then, top with roasted sunflower seeds, tornup buffalo mozzarella or burrata & a sprinkle of salt.

The bank that helps your business get there.

Wherever your potential awaits, move towards it with a bank you trust.

Learn more at synovus.com/Get-there Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

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Beautiful Homes Here.

Clisby Austin House

Built in 1848, the Clisby Austin House, also known as Meadowlawn, is one of Tunnel Hill’s most storied homes. What began as an antebellum residence later served as a Confederate hospital after the Battle of Chickamauga and briefly as Union General William T. Sherman’s headquarters during the Atlanta Campaign. Carefully restored and now part of the Tunnel Hill Historic District, the home stands as a reminder that some of Dalton’s quietest corners have witnessed history at its loudest.

The house is part of the Tunnel Hill Heritage Tour, available Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM.

Chelsea’s on Thornton

Long before it became Chelsea’s on Thornton, the stately white-columned home at 501 South Thornton Avenue was already living many lives. Built in the mid-1850s on one of Dalton’s original town lots, the house witnessed the earliest days of the city and the arrival of Union troops, who raised the first Union flag in Dalton in its front yard during the Civil War. Over the decades, it served as a private home, a Colonial-era tourist boarding house, and later an antique shop known as White Columns Antiques.

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In the early 2000s, the home entered its current chapter as Chelsea’s Tea Room, where chandeliers, porches, and parlors once again invite people to linger. It’s a rare Dalton home that has welcomed travelers, soldiers, shopkeepers, and lunch guests alike—for more than 170 years and counting.

The Hobbit House

Tucked away on 16 private acres in Ringgold, The Shiloh—often called The Hobbit House—feels like a storybook escape carved into the mountainside. Designed as a true retreat for the weary soul, this off-the-grid hideaway blends nature and comfort with waterfalls you can hear upon arrival, a hot tub flowing into a pool, and an outdoor shower complete with rainfall and waterfall features. Inside, cozy details like heated bathroom floors, a hidden movie theater, and softly running indoor waterfalls invite guests to slow down, while outside, fire pits, forest views, and rustling trees do the rest.

Just minutes from top hiking, wineries, and Chattanooga adventures—but worlds away in feeling—The Shiloh is proof that some of the most beautiful homes here are built for rest, reconnection, and quiet wonder.

Mount Sinai Retreat

Perched high on Mount Sinai, this retreat is as much an engineering marvel as it is a place of rest. Built by members of the Douglas family and designed by an architect from North Carolina, the home was intentionally constructed without a traditional foundation. Instead, its structural piers are drilled deep into the mountain’s bedrock, allowing the house to move with its environment. During storms, strong winds, and even earthquakes, the home gently sways—by design. Adding to its intrigue, Mount Sinai itself sits on a fault line, making the home’s adaptive architecture both practical and rare. Expanded over time to include a guesthouse, this mountain retreat shows that some of the most beautiful homes here are built to live in rhythm nature.

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Our friend Audrey made you something fun to do – a search & find in a cool house!

How many of these hidden items can you find in the house below?

Original illustration by Audrey Batts Jones.

Answers on p. 41

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Here. Kids is Proudly Sponsored By

more than a school

A LEGACY IN THE MAKING For nearly 40 years, Christian Heritage School has been cultivating young leaders and making a profound impact on Dalton and Northwest Georgia. Today, we have a unique opportunity to secure and strengthen this legacy for generations to come . Through the Momentum of One philanthropic campaign, we invite you to partner with us in shaping the future—investing in students, strengthening families, and leaving a legacy that will empower generations to come.

Be the one who makes it possible.

t h e c a m pa ign for our future

Learn more and read Jocelynn's story at chslions.com/momentum

now enrolling!

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE SCHOOL 16

Housing Shapes Future Why

Our

By Anna Adamson, Flooring Capital Development Corporation & Believe Greater Dalton

E

very weekday morning, thousands of cars stream into Dalton from Calhoun, Cleveland, and Ringgold.

Inside are people like Sarah, a public school teacher educating Dalton’s kids every day but, until recently, unable to find a home that fit what she needed and wanted.

Or Mark, a nurse working long shifts at Hamilton Medical Center who wanted to live close to work, but found that most options were outside the city limits.

These stories aren’t outliers. They represent a quiet, compounding challenge Dalton lived with for years but struggled to name.

When people who teach our children and care for us in the hospital can’t live in the community they serve, the loss isn’t abstract. It shows up in small ways at first: fewer coaches, fewer volunteers, fewer familiar faces downtown.

Over time, it becomes something larger: a community that works economically, but struggles to feel connected across community sectors.

What Dalton Was Really Losing

After the 2008 recession, many peer communities began rebuilding. Dalton’s trajectory looked different, not because of a lack of industry or effort, but because housing didn’t recover at the same pace.

Nearby communities like Calhoun and Cleveland saw new housing come online earlier. Dalton experienced a prolonged pause in housing.

Quiet signs added up: Teachers and nurses commuting longer distances. Employers struggling to recruit and retain talent. Retirees wanting to downsize locally, but unable to find the right fit.

Dalton still had jobs. It still had industry. What it lacked was housing choice, across price points, housing types, and life stages.

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The Turning Point: The 2018 Housing Study

In 2018, Believe Greater Dalton funded a comprehensive Housing Study to answer a critical question: What was actually happening with economic development and housing, and why?

The study revealed that Dalton’s housing market had effectively stalled after the 2008 recession. New construction lagged for nearly two decades. Housing options no longer matched the needs of the local demand or the community’s future.

Most importantly, the 2018 housing study reframed housing as infrastructure, not a niche issue.

Dalton needed intentional thought about restoring movement across the entire housing ecosystem so people could find the right home at the right stage of life, without leaving Dalton.

Why the Study Mattered

The Housing Study diagnosed the problem but just as vitally, it gave Dalton something it hadn’t had in years: shared facts.

Developers gained confidence to invest while public leaders gained direction. Philanthropic partners gained clarity on long-term impact, and community stakeholders understood the need for alignment.

For the first time, everyone was working from the same picture.

From Data to Momentum

At a Believe Greater Dalton stakeholder meeting, the question surfaced plainly: "So...what are we going to do about workforce housing?"

Carl Campbell of the Joint Development Authority responded just as plainly, by pointing to land long restricted from development and asking whether housing could finally be part of the solution.

With the 2018 Housing Study as a foundation, the City of Dalton, the Joint Development Authority, Believe Greater Dalton, land donors, developers, and nonprofit partners could move from discussion to action.

One early result was South Hamilton, an infill neighborhood made possible through coordinated planning, updated zoning, philanthropic support for design, and a successful state infrastructure grant. This project showed what collaboration could unlock.

KNOW WHAT’S BELOW.

As outdoor projects begin to take shape, safety should come first. Calling 811 before you dig helps protect underground utilities, prevents outages, and keeps our community safe. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

706-278-1313 | dutil.com | optilink.us

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An Ecosystem, Not a Single Answer

What followed wasn’t one solution—it was many.

Early condominium developments like Orchard Place and nearby projects proved demand wasn’t limited to families alone. People across ages, incomes, and life stages wanted to live in Dalton if the right options existed.

That confidence helped pave the way for Patterson Farms, signaling market validation for investors both inside and outside the community.

The Joint Development Authority also recruited Dalton

by Alta, a market-rate apartment community walkable to downtown businesses and amenities. While popular with young professionals, these apartments are also attracting retirees—including some relocating from outside Dalton— who want convenience and lower-maintenance living. The project also returned the former jail property to the tax rolls, creating long-term revenue for the county.

Near the medical district, The Lofts at Hamilton added rental options made possible through a long-term ground lease from Hamilton Health Care System.

Each project serves a different purpose. Together, they are working to restore balance and choice to the housing market in Dalton.

Building Capacity for What Comes Next

Another key recommendation from the Housing Study was creating a nonprofit focused on housing and revitalization.

The Flooring Capital Development Corporation (FCDC) was founded in 2020. After navigating the pandemic, FCDC secured funding in late 2023 to hire its first Executive Director, marking a shift from planning to execution.

One early effort tested innovative building technologies through an EcoPanels pilot, a project focused on learning, durability, and long-term efficiency.

Completing the Housing Spectrum

While market-rate development gained momentum, gaps remained in the housing spectrum, particularly at the lowest rent levels and at the higher end of the housing continuum.

Based on the Housing Study’s recommendations, the Joint Development Authority and Believe Greater Dalton identified this need and engaged Well Housed Dalton, who took on the heavy lift of pursuing a partnership with Walton Communities.

That work resulted in Walton Fields, a new income-restricted housing development. Its impact extends beyond those units alone. As new housing comes online, natural movement occurs, opening older Well Housed Dalton units at more accessible rents and restoring flow throughout the system.

Income-restricted housing isn’t separate from the market.

It’s a necessary piece of a housing ecosystem that works.

When Housing Works

When people like Sarah and Mark can live where they work, the effects ripple outward.

Schools stabilize, and healthcare systems retain staff.

Local businesses gain regular customers, and volunteer boards refill.

Housing access doesn’t just change addresses; it changes participation. Workers become neighbors who are also stakeholders in their community.

Believe’s Role

Believe Greater Dalton doesn’t build homes but works to build the conditions that allow housing to move forward.

That includes funding research, convening partners, aligning strategy, and sustaining momentum through long timelines so housing remains connected to workforce, education, and quality of life.

The Housing Study laid the foundation, but the resulting partnerships continue to make progress possible.

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Looking Ahead

Dalton hasn’t arrived at the finish line, and that honesty matters.

What has happened is meaningful progress toward a housing ecosystem that truly works. The foundation is stronger, and the momentum is real.

The work ahead is clear, and we are building Dalton’s future.

Learn more from Believe Greater Dalton at believegreaterdalton.org, and be sure to follow them @belivegreaterdalton on Linked In, Facebook, and Instagram.

Whitfield County Board of Commisioners

Plug Into Your Community Download the My Whitfield mobile app to stay in the know about local events, weather updates, road closures, and more!

Available on IOS or Android

Dalton is the best place to call home.

A place where community comes standard.

Thousands engaged through Parks & Recreation each year.

Reliable utilities, exceptional City services, real business opportunities, and a home that is safe and connected.

Subscribe to the City of Dalton newsletter to stay connected with all that living here offers!

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Believe Greater Dalton

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For safety, connection, and the freedom to build something of your own close to home.

That’s why

I chose Dalton.

Dalton’s entrepreneurial spirit gave AJ Jackson the relationships and confidence to start Alarm City, a locally owned company protecting homes and local businesses, like Inspine Chiropractic.

“

Dalton gave me something bigger cities couldn’t: peace, short drives, and time back in my day.

I can be present for my family, my work, and the people who care about this community as much as I do.

“

-AJ Jackson, Small Business Owner & Local Resident

Now, you can discover the experiences that make a hometown feel like

home.

Believe Greater Dalton helps make stories like AJ’s possible, connecting people, ideas, and investment to strengthen life and opportunity here at home.

Explore local events, perks, and places with the Discover Dalton Passes.

Scan to get started..

AJ Jackson, Owner of Alarm City Edgar Salas, Owner of InSpine Chiropractic and Client of Alarm City

www.believegreaterdalton.org

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LO CAL DES I G N From small tweaks to big transformations, these before and after spaces prove that improvement doesn’t always require starting over. With the help of local hands and hometown experts, everyday spaces become easier to live in, gather in, and enjoy.

AMANDA OWENS DESIGNS

MONTGOMERY & PEEPLES DESIGN

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Before & Afters ECOLUXE DESIGN

SMITH HONIG DESIGN

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LANDS CA P I NG

Before & Afters

OUTER ELEMENTS

FIDDLEHEADS GARDEN CENTER

CLEAN CRAWLSPACE

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Wellness centered beauty services that are designed to refresh outward appearance and nurture inner wellbeing.

vaeinaesthetics.com

Massages

Facial Treatments

IV Therapy

Botox & Filler

Laser Treatments

Weightloss

706-712-0324

Whether you have a sports injury….

1110 Olympic Ave Dalton, GA 30720

Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Our Providers: Mitch Frix, MD • John Norman, MD • Mike Wilson, MD Nick Reed, MD • D.J. Goss, DO • Jim Lashley, MD Pam Abernathy, FNP-C • Rhonda Harrison, FNP-C Chelsea McKenzie, PA-C • Taylor Newsom, PA-C

or you need a new knee….

Associates In Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will have you playing again in no time!

Three Convenient Locations 1300 Cleo Way Dalton GA 30720

1104 Professional Blvd Dalton GA 30720

1060 Red Bud Rd. NE Calhoun GA 30701

For Appointments Call (706) 226-5533 or www.aosmclinic.com

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Victor & Mayra

Hernandez

Finding a Home in Dalton, Building it for Others

By Lauren Sneary

F

or Victor and Mayra Hernandez, Dalton, Georgia was the right place at the right time for both their family and their business, Hernandez Roofing Company.

Born and raised in New York, Mayra never imagined her path would lead her here. She first came to Dalton as a teenager after her father was visiting family and ended up purchasing an affordable commercial building at a price unimaginable back home. What began as just a visit quickly turned into opportunity as her older sister opened a small business in the new space, and Mayra followed, helping out while finishing high school.

“Dalton wasn’t part of my long-term plan at first,” Mayra says. “But little by little, it felt like the right place to be.”

“I come from a family rooted in small business ownership, so entrepreneurship was always familiar to me,” Mayra says. “Over time, we realized we could build something meaningful together and create a company of our own—one focused on service, quality work, and strong relationships.”

They officially launched Hernandez Roofing Company in 2016, with Victor handling the jobs and Mayra managing everything behind the scenes—billing, insurance, marketing, and building a website from scratch. Calls started coming in. Word spread. Referrals followed.

“Dalton believed in us early,” Victor remembers.

“That meant everything.”

The slower pace, the people, and the sense of closeness she felt here stood in sharp contrast to the city she grew up in. And it was in Dalton that she met Victor Hernandez, who came in one day while she was managing her family’s store. They were married just a year later.

That belief is something the family does not take lightly.

They make a point to operate with integrity. Victor insists on doing right by people, customers and employees alike, and Mayra credits that philosophy for the company’s steady growth.

Victor, who immigrated from Mexico as a teenager, built years of hands-on roofing experience working throughout the Northwest Georgia area.

“He won’t leave a job if someone’s unhappy,” she says. “We stand behind our work. That’s non-negotiable.”

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As the business grew, so did their roots in the community. Victor earned his official citizenship, and Mayra joined the Dalton Chamber of Commerce, which helped her see herself not just as a business owner, but as part of a network of people chasing similar dreams.

BLOOM Where You’re Planted Designer Interiors

“I realized I wasn’t alone,” she says. “Everyone here is building something.”

Today, some of the company’s proudest moments are etched into Dalton’s landscape, from fixing neighborhood roofs to sponsoring local schools and youth sports programs. They’ve also done commercial work at Manly Jail Works and major projects on downtown buildings, medical offices, and local mills.

“Every time we drive by, we think, ‘We were part of that,’” Victor says. “That’s special to us.”

Through it all, family has remained at the center. The husband and wife team is focused on raising their family in the community they love and serve. And they have discovered that sense of family often extends to their customers and their team members, as they have expanded their business over the years.

“The way we have been able to build our team... that's when I really knew, God had already lined everything up,” she says. “So we just stay focused on our mission: Do right by people. Stand behind our work. Help our neighbors.”

People and place matter, and Hernandez Roofing’s story is a testament to the opportunity Dalton creates for small business to thrive, when built on hard work, faith, and community connection.

Community Amenities

Onsite Design Center

Right here.

Multiple Home Styles

Arrange a Tour • Brokers Welcome 706 • 529 • 7000 PattersonFarms.com

28

MARKET REPORT A look at 2025 in Whit f ield Count y

▲ 7% ▲ Total Pending Sales- 1125 2% ▲ Total Closed Listings- 969 11.8% ▲ Months of Supply- 2.17 22.4% ▲ Average Days on Market- 60 2.1% ▲ Average Closed Price- $297,044 .15% ▲ List Price Received- 97% 13.7% ▲ Available Inventory- 2100

Total New Listings- 1726

11.9%

Data gathered December 2025 provided by Navica. Numbers reflect a year over year change.

In Dalton, Georgia, the 2025 housing market reflects steady growth alongside a gradual return to balance. Compared to 2024, the area saw an increase in both listings and overall sales activity, while home prices continued to rise at a modest, sustainable pace.

Inventory levels grew and homes spent more time on the market, signaling a slower but healthier rhythm that gives buyers more choice and requires sellers to price strategically. Even so, homes are still selling close to list price, reinforcing Dalton’s position as a stable and resilient market heading into the year ahead.

Because loving where you live matters

29

Designing Dalton Your Home. Your Rules.

But make it unforgettable.

By SmithHönig

Here’s our favorite trick for mixing color and pattern: Begin with any piece you really love. A bold pillow. A patterned wallpaper. Something that makes you smile every time you see it.

Build your color palette from there. Paint your trim. Add a rug or a colorful cache pot.

It’s easier than you think.

At SmithHönig, we create original designs made to mix, match, and be remembered.

Wallpaper, fabric, pillows, paint, and more. Many designed and made HERE. Plus unique pieces curated from global partners.

And all available every day, online.

Start HERE → smithhonig.com

30

The Homes Issue:

MEET DALTON’S

HOME EXPERTS Homes are where Dalton life unfolds, where families grow, neighbors gather, and stories are made. Behind every well-loved home is a trusted expert who helps keep things running smoothly, safely, and beautifully.

In this section, meet the Home & Living professionals who serve our community with care and integrity. These are the people locals call when they’re making a move, tackling a project, or simply wanting their home to work better for their lives.

Rooted in Dalton and committed to the people who live here, they’re experts you can feel good about inviting into your home.

Clean Heating & Air, Crawlspace & Pest

Photo courtesy of Outer Elements

Fast Facts OWNER: Dallas Koop Locally owned & family-operated for more than 30 years. Through Clean Heating & Air, Crawlspace, & Pest Control, we help homeowners create healthier, more comfortable homes.

WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT DALTON: This is home. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still live here. I love the size, the people, the way the community shows up for one another. It’s the best place to live and work.

WHAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR HOMES: Seeing the impact on people’s health. Some homeowners spend years being told nothing is wrong with their air, when their home environment is actually making them sick. We listen.

We believe them. And then we fix it. That kind of change is life-altering.

WHAT YOU WISH HOMEOWNERS KNEW: Change your air filters regularly and pay close attention to moisture. Moisture intrusion is extremely damaging to a home’s health. Control moisture, keep your systems clean, and you’re well on your way to a healthier home environment.

Sponsored Content

640 S Hamilton St, Dalton, GA 30720 (706) 226-1303 www.cleanheatingandair.com

Fiddleheads Garden Center Your go-to spot in Dalton for plants, gifts, and a little slice of happiness. Whether you’re here for a new green friend, a unique find, or just a good chat, we’ve got you covered.

Fast Facts OWNERS: Sam and Carrie Brown YEARS IN BUSINESS: 15 Custom Potting, Private Events, Locally Grown Produce, Landscaping, Subscription Boxes, Market at FiddleFarms 1237 W. Walnut Avenue Dalton, GA 30720 Monday-Saturday 10AM-5PM www.fiddleheadsdalton.com (706) 529-6584

“A home should make you feel at ease and in tune with the surrounding landscape.”

– Sam Brown, Owner & Landscape Architect

WHY CLIENTS CALL: They feel stuck with their outdoor space. Something isn’t working—the landscape feels disconnected from the house, difficult to maintain, or mismatched with how they actually live—but they’re not sure how to fix it. We help bring clarity, translating those frustrations into an intentional plan around plant choices, layout, and longterm care that truly fits the space and the homeowner.

WHAT HOMEOWNERS OFTEN DON’T REALIZE: Good design isn’t just about how a space looks when it’s finished. The most successful landscapes are designed with growth, change, and longevity in mind.

Understanding how plants mature and interact over time is what transforms a nice yard into a space that truly works for years to come.

HOW DOES LIVING AND WORKING IN DALTON SHAPE THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS?

Living and working in Dalton means the work is deeply personal. It is a warm feeling when my two sons recognize homes that I have designed their landscapes when driving around town.

Relationships matter here, and there’s a real sense of accountability when you’re serving people you see and interact with regularly. It encourages long-term thinking and a level of care that goes beyond any single project.

32 Sponsored Content

Hernandez Roofing & Construction

Fast Facts OWNER: Victor and Mayra Hernandez Comprehensive Exterior Solutions for Residential & Commercial Properties Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Building Exteriors • Pole Barns • Professional

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR HOMES? We love knowing we’re helping people feel safe and at ease. Being trusted with something so important means a lot to us.

www.hernandezroofingdalton.com (706)847-0729

Commercial

LOCAL PRIDE: Living and working in Dalton means we don’t just see our customers once, we see them at the grocery store, local events, and around town. That creates a level of trust and accountability you can’t fake. We think long-term, build real relationships, and stand behind our work because this is our community.

WHAT YOU WISH HOMEOWNERS KNEW: Roofing isn’t just about materials—it’s about people. Choosing a contractor who operates with integrity, stands behind their work, and treats your home like their own makes all the difference in the long run.

Clean Blue Skies Window Cleaners

Residential

Fast Facts OWNER: Luis Portillo Serving Dalton & Northwest Georgia with Professional Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, & Pressure Washing Book online www.theblueskies.co (706)618-1073 | @clean.blue.skies

DALTON FAVORITES: Exercising at Bradley Wellness Center or a trail run at Rocky Face Ridge Park.

WHY CLIENTS CALL: I take the work personally. Every job is an opportunity to stay connected and serve the people around me. I’m often told I do the work most people don’t want to do—and I’m proud to step in and help.

WHAT YOU WISH HOMEOWNERS KNEW: Most homeowners don't realize how much regular exterior cleaning protects their property, not just how it looks. Dirt, mold, and buildup can slowly damage windows, siding, and gutters, leading to costly repairs. A lot of the time, rainwater and dirt overflowing from clogged gutters creates mold problems.

Sponsored Content

Montgomery & Peeples Design

Raspberry Row Gifts & Home

Fast Facts

Fast Facts

OWNERS: Alex Hunt, AIA & Lauren Simpson

OWNER: Krista Long and Ronnie Spence

MontgomeryandPeeples.com @Montgomery_and_Peeples

205 West Cuyler Street, Dalton, GA 30720 www.raspberryrow.com | (706)277-3500

We love designing spaces in Dalton because we are deeply invested in this community and love seeing it thrive.

Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty

We love helping Dalton Homes because it gives us the opportunity to connect with & serve our community. Our goal is to make shopping simple, enjoyable, & a positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Fast Facts LOCAL OWNERSHIP: Locally owned and operated by Mike Maret, Bill Blackwood, & John Thomas.

YEARS IN BUSINESS: Serving the Dalton community for over 52 years

LOCAL PRIDE: Being part of this community for decades means relationships come first, and helping neighbors find the right place to call home never gets old.

WHY CLIENTS CALL: Buying or selling a home is often the largest financial decision people make, and most clients want the confidence that comes from experienced, professional guidance. We help families navigate big decisions with trusted advice every step of the way.

WHAT YOU WISH HOMEOWNERS KNEW: Real estate is about more than listings and paperwork; it’s about guidance. Having a knowledgeable professional by your side matters, especially when you’re making one of life’s biggest investments.

Sponsored Content

With more than 180 Realtors across multiple locations, the Coldwell Banker Kinard team brings deep local knowledge & a wide network to serve Dalton & Whitfield County well.

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The Dalton Depot IMAGINING NEW LIFE FOR OLD SPACES

F

or years, I passed the Temple Beth-El Synagogue and Masonic Lodge #238 weekly, imagining what else they could become. A community arts center for the synagogue? Office space for Montgomery & Peeples in the lodge? As an architect, reimagining existing buildings is my life's work, translating the spaces I see in my head into drawings on paper.

I know too intimately how much time and energy went into creating both structures, which is why it hurt to watch our community lose them within a few months of each other.

Buildings face demolition for many legitimate reasons: safety concerns, compromised foundations, hazardous materials, criminal activity, financial hardships, zoning compliance.

Regardless of the cause, it always stings to watch them come down.

My historic preservation side wants to argue with the city or building owners to find a way to save these community artifacts. I want to remind them that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that “The greenest building is the one already built” — a quote by architect Carl Elefante that I remember well from graduate school.

By Alexandra Peeples Hunt

the team that guided its transformation from a dingy bar into a modern office and community meeting space. The revitalization started long before our firm, Montgomery and Peeples, joined the team in the summer of 2023 and continues today as the other half of the building undergoes renovation. Saving a building from the wrecking ball is often more about doing the right thing than the easy thing, which is exactly why this work deserves celebration.

The Depot hasn't been a train depot in a long time. Growing up, it was the restaurant where I celebrated birthdays; later, the bar where I celebrated Fridays. It was an important downtown fixture for years before becoming an empty shell marked by graffiti and broken windows.

The revitalization process was messy. Improving rainwater and groundwater management alone took two months and far too many days in a crawlspace that no one should spend that much time in. The brick was soft in many areas and the mortar needed to be replaced. Floor joists spanned too far without proper support, making the floors wavy and turning the fancy new conference room doors into a real puzzle to install. Demolition revealed plenty of surprises about 1800s construction methods, a great reminder that I prefer being the designer over the contractor.

But rather than dwelling on losses, I choose to celebrate preservation victories.

Dalton has made significant efforts to preserve its past, with a major push from the late 1970s through the early 1990s to establish local historic districts and secure National Register listings.

Preservation is often associated with outdated development ideas or stuffy house museums, but it offers so much more.

When an empty building is restored and brought back to life, it creates a layered story that forms bonds across generations; more shared memories, a stronger sense of community. I feel genuinely excited when I see a building reused rather than demolished. Sometimes, I'm even lucky enough to help launch a forgotten building into its next chapter.

The Depot: A Case Study in Preservation If you haven't seen the new version of The Depot, stop by and experience it yourself. I was honored to be part of

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Details from the Depot renovation, including original brick preserved in a doorway and a new brass inlay in tile, depicting the year the original structure was built.

Celebrating the Details

We're lucky to have places with such rich history in our community's heart. I'm inspired by the architectural details that were preserved and highlighted throughout the process: • Easton Ridley, the contractor, did incredible work reproducing massive exterior corbels that had gone missing.

• David Aft, President of the Community Foundation and building tenant, had the beautiful idea to install glass panels in doorways, revealing the multi-wythe structural brick construction from the 1800s.

• Liz Caperton, building owner, added a brass inlay to the bathroom vestibule tile showing when the building was originally constructed.

• The original wood floors were refinished, and the original large scale remains in place in the lobby.

We were honored to help bring The Depot's new chapter to life. And luckily for Dalton, The Depot is not the only historic building that remains downtown.

Imagining new life for old spaces isn't about freezing Dalton in time or turning our downtown into a museum.

It's about recognizing that these buildings are brick, mortar, and the physical embodiment of generations who lived in community here before us. When we preserve these structures, we honor that legacy. When we reimagine them, we make room for new memories, businesses, gathering places, and vision for future generations.

So the next time you pass an old building downtown, I invite you to do what I do: imagine what it could become.

Before and after photos from the Depot renovation, including a restroom, kitchenette, and an original platform scale.

“By reinvesting in a historic place, we’re affirming that strong communities happen with intention and purpose. They’re built when people steward what’s been entrusted to them: our resources, our history, and our shared future.”

–David Aft, President of the Community Foundation & visionary of the Depot renovation, in partnership with Bob & Liz Caperton at Barrett Properties

Alex Hunt is a licensed architect based in Dalton specializing in new construction and adaptive reuse projects. With a background in historic preservation and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Auburn University, Alex brings both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for the stories buildings tell. As a Dalton native, Alex is passionate about reimagining historic spaces to serve new generations while honoring the communities that built them.

Learn more about her work at montgomeryandpeeples.com.

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The Western & Atlantic Train Depot BUILT 1852 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Greek Revival SIGNIFICANCE Oldest commercial The renovated Depot now hosts the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia and also offers a convening space for local groups to learn and envision Dalton's growth. Pictured here is the 2026 class of Leadership Dalton, hosted by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.

structure in Dalton

CLAIM TO FAME Played a role in the Civil

War's Great Locomotive Chase

RAILROAD LINE Western & Atlantic

(W&A)—still an active CSX line today

CURRENT USE Restored building

housing the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia

now booking!

Dalton’s newest event space beside The Carpentry Hotel.

37

The perfect Downtown Dalton location for your wedding, holiday, corporate, or private event. thecarpentryhotel.com | @thecarpentryhotel | 204 W Cuyler St, Dalton, GA 30720 | Dalton, GA

They Sold Their Business.

Then They Built a Church in Nicaragua.

The Community Foundation helped them turn a major financial moment into thoughtful, strategic giving.

When Tommy and Mary Lynn Crider sold their floral business, they created a Charitable Giving Fund at the Community Foundation. It gave them immediate tax benefits and the flexibility to decide later where their generosity would go.

That's the power of purposeful giving: clarity today, the freedom to create lasting impact tomorrow.

Whether your passion is local, global, or still taking shape, the Community Foundation provides expert guidance, trusted fund management, and a longterm strategy to help your generosity grow.

Selling appreciated property or navigating a financial milestone?

Let’s talk about how your success can transform the communities you love.

communityfoundationnwga.org 706-275-9117

38

The Crown Mill

A THIRD SPACE, PRESERVED FROM HISTORY

W

hile The Depot represents one success story in reimagining Dalton's historic spaces, it's far from the only example. The Crown Mill stands as another testament to what's possible when vision meets determination.

Like many historic industrial buildings, the Crown Mill had seen better days.

Windows bricked up over time, components deteriorating from years of vacancy, the structure sat waiting for someone to see its potential. Nathan Kirkman saw it.

“Through travel and visiting other mixed-use facilities established in repurposed buildings, we felt Dalton would appreciate and enjoy a similar experience,” Kirkman explains. “The existing structure was very conducive to this type of redevelopment.”

That vision—transforming an old mill into a vibrant mixed-use space combining retail, assembly, and apartments under one roof—wasn't without its obstacles.

Kirkman identifies three main challenges the team faced during the repurposing process: • Window replacement. Almost all of the original openings had been bricked up over the years, requiring careful restoration work to bring natural light back into the space.

• Structural repair. Years of vacancy had taken their toll, leaving deteriorated and decayed components throughout the building that needed attention.

• Navigating regulations. Perhaps the most complex challenge was working within a regulatory environment and zoning ordinance that wasn't written with mixed-use development in mind. The team had to work closely with the city to allow different uses—assembly, retail, and apartments—to coexist under one roof.

Creating a Third Place from a Textile Legacy

The concept of a "third place"—a community gathering space that isn't home or work—was central to Kirkman's vision from the beginning.

"Creating a place for community and gathering has been the primary intent from day one," he says. "To see The Mill continue to thrive and evolve as a third place for the community of Dalton has made our efforts worthwhile, and we look forward to seeing it flourish even more in the future."

The Crown Mill and The Depot share more than historic architecture. They share a story of people who looked at aging, neglected buildings and asked the same question: What could this become?

That question—and the community members willing to pursue its answers— is 39 what keeps Dalton's history alive while making room for its future.

The Crown Cotton Mill BUILT 1884 SIGNIFICANCE First major textile factory in the Dalton area COMMUNITY IMPACT Created a large mill village for workers, driving Dalton's growth as a "New South" textile town ORIGINAL PRODUCTS Duck and osnaburgs (heavy woven fabrics) CURRENT USE Adaptively reused for apartments, shops, dining, and event spaces as The Mill at Crown Garden CLOSED 1990s

HERE Mag ad 2.pdf

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North Georgia’s Premier Indoor Golf and Sports Lounge State of the art golf simulators • Ecclectic food Over 300 courses to choose

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825 Chattanooga Ave.

Dalton GA 30720

40

ANSWER KEY

Plan well. Invest wisely.

Live fully.

We help you make smart choices that build a more secure financial future. Let our growing team help turn your unique needs, wants, and wishes into a personalized plan.

To meet our team and learn how we can help you, contact The Baigas, Rabinowitz, Upton Group at The_Baigas_Rabinowitz_Group@Truist.com or 706-217-3732.

Truist.com/wealth Left to Right: Jamie Necole Upton, CFP®; Amy M Jones, David Rabinowitz, Joseph F. Baigas IV. Jamie Necole Upton, David Rabinowitz, Joseph F. Baigas IV are registered representatives of Truist Investment Services, Inc. and Investment Advisor Representatives of Truist Advisory Services, Inc. Investment and insurance products: Are not FDIC or any other government agency insured • Are not bank guaranteed • May lose value

Truist Wealth is a marketing name used by Truist Financial Corporation (Truist). Services provided by the following affiliates of Truist: Banking products and services, including loans and deposit accounts, are provided by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Trust and investment management services are provided by Truist Bank. Securities, brokerage accounts and /or annuities are offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc., which is a SEC registered broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory services are offered by Truist Advisory Services, Inc. and GFO Advisory Services, LLC, both SEC registered investment advisers.

Some insurance products offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc. Other insurance products are offered by third party insurance agencies unaffiliated with Truist Financial Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. © 2025 Truist Financial Corporation. TRUIST, the Truist logo and Truist purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

There’s no place like home.

BRANDON COMBS, AGENT

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

41

706.529.2273 brandon@insuredalton.com insuredalton.com insurechatt.com 236 N. Hamilton St. Unit 1 Dalton, GA 30720-4212

41

Why Cherokee River Names Endured When Everything Else Changed

BY SAM RAUSCHENBURG

Conasauga. Cartecay. Oostanaula.

Chattahoochee.

Cobb. Forsyth. Gilmer. Lumpkin.

Many Northwest Georgia rivers carry Cherokee names but flow through counties named for men who helped expel the Cherokee from Georgia. As leaders removed the people, why didn’t they also remove their river names?

Across cultures, names locate us. They connect land, lineage, and memory.

Historian George Stewart once said tribes used names as “sign-posts, noting something permanent and easily recognized.” Rivers were the Cherokee’s highways, food sources, and gathering places—so they named them first.

When European surveyors arrived, naming became an act of possession. They mapped new territory to divide it, often adopting Native names, sometimes by choice, sometimes because interpreters supplied them. In 1830, as Georgia prepared for land lotteries, surveyors labeled rivers with the names they already carried. Those maps,

recorded in deeds and legal documents, fixed the Cherokee words long before settlers arrived to claim the land. Changing them later would have required rewriting every title.

Maps, though, may not be the only reason for our river names. The Cherokee valued unspoiled nature and communal storytelling, so they named places with descriptive words or to remember an event—places like Elatse’yi (“green place”) or Agista’ti’yi (“where they stayed up all night”). They rarely named places after people.

Georgia’s leaders did the opposite. They named counties and towns for politicians and generals—Wilson Lumpkin, John C. Calhoun—men who measured progress by ownership and development. For them, rivers were boundaries to cross and engines to harness, not resources to steward and honor.

Ironically, that obsession with property may have preserved Cherokee river names. Once written into deeds, they became too useful to erase. Maybe that’s a quiet kind of justice and a question for us: do the names we keep still reflect the values we hold?

1831 Land Lottery Map published with land section numbers used to assign plots. Image zooms in closer to show rivers as key landmarks, most of which bearing indigenous names.

Published by John Bethune (1831); Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

A Dalton native, Sam now lives in Lilburn, Georgia with his wife and three kids. He works in education nonprofit leadership, previously serving in state education policy. Follow him on LinkedIn or Substack @samrauschenberg.

42

Here. Weddings Sydney Horne & Ladd McConkey April 12, 2025

How we met: We met in elementary school playing basketball for the same AAU organization. We “dated” at that point, but broke apart and found each other again in early high school and have been inseparable since! We dated through high school and college, and got engaged after he was drafted in the NFL. It has always been “Us,” and I love that.

43 45

Venue: The Venue at Cottonwood Wood Farm Photographer: Eady Beth, @eadybeth_photography Florals: Anna Dodds Planning/Coordination: Lisa King, Andrea Bradley DJ/Music: Austin West (Dj West) Catering T & T catering Cake: Lynn Harden, Lynn’s delights on Facebook Rings: Maryville Jewelers Dress: Whimsy on Main Tux: southern charm Hair: Citlaly Fonseca, @dolledupbycit_ on Makeup: Brandon Gentry, @brandongentrymakeup Jodi Evans, @blur.byjodi

Email hello@herelocalmedia.com for more information about joining the Here.Weddings and Engagements feature in upcoming issues.

44

Here.Dalton

Dining Guide W

Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron

Spotlights

hether you live here, work here, or are just passing through, if you’ve spent any time in Dalton lately, you know we have one of the best local food scenes around! From bake shops and little coffee spots to pizza and local brews to fine dining and craft cocktail bars, Dalton has it all! Not to mention the best, most authentic Mexican and Latin American food you’ll find in North Georgia. Find the full list of 130+ locally-owned and/or locally-managed food and beverage spots on our website: herelocalmedia.com.

Here are our top recs for experiencing the best local flavors in town. So go ahead, put them to the (taste) test!

BAKERY & SWEETS

CASUAL & FINE DINING

Small Batch Bakery

Table 43

FB: @SmallBatchBakery | IG: @smallbatch02 | (706) 264-8750 Small Batch Bakery makes the world a better place one loaf at a time! Run by sisters Deb and Lisa, they have weekly pre-orders for delicious sourdough loaves in multiple flavors, plus brown butter sourdough chocolate chip cookies and other weekly specials! Place orders by noon Wednesday each week for Friday local pickup!

Small Batch Bakery

263 N Hamilton St | @table43dalton | (706) 529-2243 Proudly local, Table43 serves elevated lunch and dinner made from quality ingredients — always with a warm welcome. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving something real, there’s always a seat for you at Table43.

Cyra’s – Simple Goodness

208 N Pentz St | @cyrasrestaurant (706) 370-7305 | cyrasrestaurant.com

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Cyra’s is the premiere dining experience in Northwest Georgia, offering delicious and healthy recipes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients in unique preparations. Superb service, intimate indoor seating and a gorgeous outdoor patio ensure an incomparable, upscale visit with family, friends or customers — a fine dining gem right here in Dalton.

Table 43

Want to be one of our featured dining guide partners and appear in print in every issue of Here.Dalton?

Email hello@herelocalmedia.com or visit our website: herelocalmedia.com/advertise

MEXICAN, LATIN AMERICAN & SEAFOOD

El Maguey

El Maguey Mexican Cuisine

209 W. Cuyler Street | 706-229-9377 | @elmaguey.mex.cuisine Where everything is fresh and cooked to order. Family owned, with authentic recipes from home! Catering and event space available! $1.99 margaritas every Thursday.

Mariscos Costa Alegre

603 Fleming St | (706) 229-9269 | @mariscoscostaalegredalton The taste of the sea is closer than you think! We have the best fresh seafood and cravings that will make your mouth water —plus breakfast and brunch specials like no one else!

Mariscos Costa Alegre

Mariscos El Cuhhhmarón

229 N Hamilton St | (706) 529-9274 | @mariscoselcuhhhmaron Mexican seafood & more, Sonoran style! But we’ll let our reviews speak for us: “The food is excellent. The staff is outstanding, the owner is great and [it’s] a great atmosphere! Hitting on all cylinders!”

CATERING / GRAB & GO

BARS & TAVERNS

El Maguey

Millie’s by Chef Jasa

The Gallant Goat

From authentic street eats to elegant French menu pop-ups, Millie’s does it all. Contact Chef Jasa for catering parties of any size, any style of cuisine, or swing by one of their special menu events (watch their social media for info!). You can even bring the full Millie’s experience to your event by booking their food truck, with street-style tacos and much more!

The Gallant Goat is Dalton’s elevated craft cocktail experience, with signature craft cocktails and endless options for a custom experience — if they have the ingredients, they will make it for you! Aside from the excellent drinks, the upscale ambiance, indoor and outdoor seating options and intimate vibes make it the perfect place for a happy hour meet-up, a reunion with old friends or a fancy date night.

2604 Old Chattanooga Rd | (706) 459-0454 | @milliesbychefjasa

The Spinning Room x The Waggle

307 S Hamilton St | (706) 529-8597 | @thegallantgoat

The Waggle & The Spinning Room

Inside the Mill - 825 Chattanooga Ave @the.waggle | thewaggledalton.com @spinningroomdalton | spinningroomdalton.com

The Gallant Goat

Come release some tension (or just stay out of the cold!) at The Waggle, Dalton’s state-of-the-art golf simulator bar and sports lounge. Then, grab some chef inspired flavors from The Spinning Room - small bites, wine pairing plates, soup, salad, sandwiches and crepes. Imaginative cocktails, sommelier-selected wines and tavern favorite beers. Golf and dine, or just grab drinks and hang with friends.

46

Near Here Escape The Perch Luxury Birdhouses with a Mountain Vista

F

by Erika Mosteller

orget everything you think you know about tree houses. Just 45 minutes from Dalton, Georgia, tucked into the rolling peaks of the Cohutta Mountains, The Perch at Pinhoti Peak feels like you’re miles from home.

These three luxury “birdhouses”—as I found myself calling them—are the brainchild of Emmy Award-winning television host and designer Chip Wade, whose creative fingerprints have graced HGTV, Fox & Friends, Food Network, and DIY Network for nearly two decades. At The Perch, he's poured his expertise into something truly special.

The Tom, The Jake, and The Jenny (each named for a type of turkey, honoring the Native American meaning of "Pinhoti") offer distinct personalities, incorporating rugged leather and natural wood to soft florals and sleek transitional brass.

Northwest Georgia locals will appreciate that Wade sourced stunning finishes from nearby industries, including beautiful tile from Dalton's own DalTile (a Mohawk Industries brand) and premium turf from The Recreation Group, proof that world-class design starts right here at home.

But here's where it gets really fun. Wade and his team have hidden delightful surprises throughout: secret doorways tucked behind bookcases, ladders leading to cozy lofts in the kids' quarters, giant outdoor chess boards, and in-ground trampolines for burning off that mountain energy. Each tree house also pampers with a private sauna, fully equipped kitchen, and spa-worthy master bath and bedroom amenities that whisper you're on vacation now.

47 37

The team carefully oriented each structure so you can sip your morning coffee or share a sunset dinner while gazing at the stunning Cohutta Mountains, part of the southern Appalachian range that draws hikers and nature lovers from across the country. Each birdhouse is steps from the 300 mile-long Pinhoti Trail.

Located just past Fort Mountain state park, near Chatsworth (proudly dubbed the "Gateway to the Appalachians"), the Perch gives you access to new restaurants, charming local shops, and weekend-worthy amenities in this mountain community.

Whether you're planning a multi-family escape, intimate wedding celebration, romantic anniversary retreat, or creative corporate offsite, The Perch delivers something for everyone. Your tree house awaits.

Book your stay at pinhotipeak.com

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Write.Here Here.Dalton’s Literary Corner

In his beautiful new coffee table book, rich with color photographs and plan designs, Dalton local George Spence shares the story of how he and his wife Rhenda, along with their friend and architect Gregg Sims, designed and built the iconic Spence House, how it was lived in, and the many influences on its style and construction

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the Great Recession of 1982. While it began as the building of an ordinary modern house, it evolved into a masterpiece, and left a profound imprint on the family who lived and thrived within its walls.

We have selected a few passages and photographs from the book to share here, as we reflect on the beginnings — and the legacy — of one of Dalton's most interesting and recognizable homes.

I shared the building of the house with my wife, Rhenda Cook Spence, who passed away in January 2024, and our two children, Laura and Bill. Reflecting on my eighty-five years of life, I feel Rhenda’s presence in every moment that transformed this house into the treasure it is. [This book] is the story of my family, and our journey to build The Spence House.

On the origins of The Spence House: "The Spence House is a fortuitous consequence of

A modern house made entirely of concrete and erected in the small, Northwest Georgia town of Dalton would

n the first few pages of "The Spence House," the author advises his readers, “the story of The Spence House is a convoluted one, with ups and downs, side trips, surprises, disappointments, and thrills. In retrospect, there are many things I would have done differently, but ultimately, I have no regrets. I hope you enjoy this journey.”

Photos provided by George Spence

“Looking back over these forty-two years of living in the house, there is not one thing I would change.”

George Spence

not have been possible were it not for extenuating circumstances brought about by the recession ... and for the convenient fact that my wife and I owned and managed a concrete products plant that specialized in architectural precast concrete."

On the view from the top: "The view from the living room and the roof deck was as magnificent as we anticipated. We were looking down on the city landmarks, including Dalton High School, the Hardwick Bank (now Truist Bank), city hall, the historic Crown Mills, and Mount Rachael.

We could see trains passing on the railroad along Chattanooga Avenue. Beyond the city was a view of the

Valley and Ridge Province stretching across Whitfield and Murray Counties.

We could count at least seven ridges shaped by the collision of continents approximately 250 million years ago, and the centuries of erosion since."

To purchase a copy of the book, contact George Spence at georgespence@optilink.us.

Photos, clockwise from far left: 1. The top deck. 2. A view of the main living room, overlooking the city of Dalton. 3. The Spence House and surrounding landscape in spring. 4. George Spence at his home holding a copy of "The Spence House," January 2026.

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— Laura Ingalls Wilder “Home is the nicest word there is.” — Laura Ingalls Wilder

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Photo by the Snells

Here.

People

The people, businesses and events across our community are what make this place feel like home.

These are just a few recent snapshots that capture the connections you can find here, at home, in Dalton.

Above: Chamber member ribbon cutting for Here Local Media .

Below: Christian Heritage's "Momentum of One" campaign launch event.

Above: Groundbreaking for Well Housed Dalton's partnership with Walton Communities.

Left: Greater Dalton Chamber's first Coffee & Connections event of 2026.

Above: Community Foundation Depot Renovation Team at their Open House event.

Right: United Way Women's Leadership Council Members at their Annual Christmas Event.

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There & Then

The Dalton Bridge That Isn’t in Dalton

By Harlan Braudlume

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hen most folks walk across the Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga, they probably don’t think much about where it came from. To the casual stroller, it’s just a handsome old iron bridge with a postcard view of the Tennessee River. But if you’ve got Dalton roots, you can puff out your chest a little. That bridge is as much Whitfield County as it is Hamilton County.

The Walnut Street Bridge opened in the early 1890s, and it was a marvel of its day, spanning 2,376 feet across the river without a hiccup in its iron bones. Edwin Thacher drew up the plans, and the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio pieced it together, but the muscle, bolts, and beams came from right here in Dalton.

The Manly Jail Works, yes, the same company better known for making jail cells, rolled out the steel parts, loaded them onto rail cars, and shipped them north.

Now, I don’t know what it says about a place when its main export is jail cells, but Dalton never minded. Manly Jail Works had a good thing going. They turned out cells and lock boxes for courthouses across the country, and every small-town sheriff between here and Texas

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probably shut a door that rattled with Dalton iron. If you were a lawbreaker in the early 20th century, there was a fair chance your new address had “Made in Dalton, Georgia” stamped on it.

But every so often, Manly took on a project bigger than bars and bunks.

The Walnut Street Bridge was their shining moment. Folks in Dalton could look north and say, “That bridge you’re walking across to Coolidge Park? Well, that’s partly us.” It wasn’t bedspreads, and it wasn’t carpet, but it was honest to goodness industry that tied two cities together.

The bridge has lived a few lives since then. Once a motorway, now a pedestrian walkway, it’s where couples take engagement photos and kids lick ice cream cones on hot summer days. Meanwhile, the old Manly Jail Works building still stands off Glenwood Avenue in Dalton, a rusting reminder that this town once built more than just carpet mills.

So next time you walk across the Walnut Street Bridge, tip your hat toward Dalton. The view may be Chattanooga, but the bones are pure Whitfield County.

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