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When Dalton resident Dana Easley was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, her world changed overnight. With six rounds of chemotherapy and a hysterectomy ahead, she leaned on her faith, her family, and the compassionate care she found at Peeples Cancer Institute.
Her care team, including Lisa Duhaime, MD, and oncology nurse practitioners Kim Bailey and Jaime Pesl, guided her through six rounds of chemotherapy before she could undergo a hysterectomy. Mrs. Easley says, “They listen, and they care. They don’t mind spending time with you. The whole staff is very caring.”
To help protect her hair during treatment, she chose to use the Paxman cold cap system. “It worked for me, and I did not lose all my hair,” she shares. She also connected with Boggs Boutique, where cosmetologist Stacey Gibson provided both practical and emotional support, helping her with makeup and hair care. “I love Stacey—she’s a lifesaver.”
This spring, Mrs. Easley rang the ceremonial bell at PCI after her scans showed no cancer. She continues on oral medication and a monthly infusion to help prevent recurrence.
She finds joy in the kitchen, cooking daily and sharing homemade meals with neighbors, family and friends. She encourages others in similar situations to keep a positive outlook. She said, “surrounding yourself with positive people is important. Cards from friends make a big difference. It’s easy when you surround yourself with positive people. I just embrace every minute.”
With access to advanced treatments—including precision medicine, Phase III clinical trials with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, and the only ACR-Accredited Radiation Oncology Center within 50 miles of Chattanooga—we are here, grateful to walk beside patients who inspire us through their strength and healing.
Honoring Veterans Here
Gathering Here: The Rituals of People & Place
Holiday Book Recommendations
Houseplants for Beginners
Designing Dalton
Two Days Here
Finding Your Peace During the Holidays
Write.Here
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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.
I don’t recall how old I was, but I remember the feeling of finally holding my own real candle. It was Christmas Eve in Taylors, SC, and I held my breath, tilting my candle toward the neighbor’s lit flame. The wick caught fire, and the congregation rang out Joy To The World. With lights lifted high, we triumphantly sang, “He rules the world, with truth and grace.” The energy of the room was near bursting.
I have now watched my children take this rite of passage, finally holding their own Christmas Eve flame. Passing this tradition to the next generation, I held my breath for a different reason: please don’t catch the church on fire. Or burn your neighbor’s coat. Or singe someone’s hair. A different kind of energy, but totally worth the nerves. As I watched my children practice this sacred tradition, I better understood its significance: sharing good tidings & great joy; watching the visual delight of light overcoming darkness; feeling the power of a shared tradition with past and present kindred spirits.
We like to place grand expectations on the holiday season, expecting big parties, beautiful decor, and exceptional food. And all of these things are fun and festive. That’s why we wrote about them throughout this issue.
But for me, the true delight is in small holiday rituals that make November and December magical.
Lighting a candle on Christmas Eve, knowing thousands, maybe millions around the world are doing the same. Holding a cup of hot cocoa from Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron while stamping out the cold at the Dalton Christmas parade. Cheering with neighbors as giant trees spring to light at Burr Park and the Courthouse. Sharing a meal at one long table on a beautiful fall day each November. Savoring a live orchestra while local ballerinas perform The Snow Queen. Pulling out the holiday books at home and reading fireside as a family. Lighting the Advent candles on our breakfast table each Sunday evening, remembering that light truly does overcome the darkness.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season, with eyes to see the magic in small moments (and humor in the beautiful chaos).
Dalton State College is one of the country’s most a ordable 4-year institutions and prepares you with the skills and knowledge to work in a global economy. With a commitment to academic excellence, our programs in Dalton and Ellijay and online provide you with resume-building experiences for career success.
Erika Mosteller
Assistant Editor
Lauren Sneary
Photographer
Ashlea Snell
Contributing Writers
Barbara Adamson
Ashley Broadrick
Harlan Braudlume
April Cook
Dr. Liz Hubbs
Erika Mosteller
Lauren Sneary
Rachel Wright
Greg Wrenn
Contributing Photographers
Karstan Davis
Amanda Lovelace
Kevin Tannenbaum
Nathan Fincher
Contributing Artists
Audrey Batts Jones
Graphic Design
McKenzie Bergenback
Tiffany Hargis
Lauren Sneary
Jodi Wrenn
Operations
Dayana Jaclan
Carin Watts
Sales
Julie Locke
Erika Mosteller
Market @ Fiddle Farms
Saturdays in Nov/Dec
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fiddleheads Garden Center 1237 W. Walnut Ave
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
November 1st
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Creative Arts Guild
520 W. Waugh St
Louder Together Music Festival
November 1st
2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Burr Park
101 S. Hamilton St
Unity in the Park
November 6th
7:00 PM
Dalton State College on "The Quad"
Holiday Open House
November 6th – November 9th
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Dalton Merchants
Catherine Evans-Whitener
Heritage Arts Series: Spinning Wheel-Cotton Yarn Workshop
November 8th
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
CAG | 520 W. Waugh St
Veterans Day Parade
November 9th
10:00 AM
Downtown Dalton, Waugh Street route
The Snow Queen Ballet
November 20th – November 23rd
Thu/Fri 7:00 PM, Sat 2:00 & 7:00 PM, Sun 2:00 PM
Dalton High School Theatre
Gratefull
November 24th
11:00 AM –1:00 PM
100 S. Hamilton St
Downtown Dalton
Christmas Tree Lighting
November 28th
5:30 – 8:30 PM
5:30 PM kids’ crafts
6:00 PM lighting
Burr Park
101 S. Hamilton Street
Civitan Club Casino Night
November 29th
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dalton Golf & Country Club
333 Country Club Way
Small Business Saturday
November 29th | All day
Downtown Dalton
It’s a Wonderful Life – The Musical
November 29th – December 7th
Times TBD
Artistic Civic Theatre
Tickets @ artisticcivictheatre.com
Dalton State College Basketball
Regular season games now through February 2026
Find individual game locations and times at dsroadrunners.com
Christmas Parade
December 4th
Downtown Dalton
6:30 PM
The Nutcracker
December 5th
7:30 PM
Dalton Arts Project
The Colonnade in Ringgold
Silver Bell Sprint benefitting Big Brothers, Big Sisters
December 5th
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Downtown Dalton
Creative Arts Guild Mistletoe Market
December 5th, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
December 6th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CAG | 520 W. Waugh St.
Christmas with Charlesy: A Holiday Concert with Charlsey Etheridge
December 5th - December 6th
Dalton Little Theatre
Tickets @ daltonlittletheatre.com
5th Annual Mistletoe Festival
December 6th, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Burr Park
101 S. Hamilton Street
Cohutta Christmas Parade
December 6th, 6:00 PM
Wolfe St., downtown Cohutta
Sweet Treats for Santa Kids' Culinary Class (ages 8-11)
December 10th, 5:00PM - 7:30PM
CAG | 520 W. Waugh St.
Christmas with the Austins:
Living History Day, Christmas
Living History Tour
December 13th | Tours at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Tunnel Hill Heritage Center
Dalton State College Graduation
December 17th, times TBD
Artistic Civic Theatre Holiday Show
December 18th – December 21st
Times TBD
Tickets @ artisticcivictheatre.com
A Note on Photography from September’s Issue:
We are grateful to Tristan Kirby for the photos from the article “Hispanic Culture at the Heart of Festival Season.”
Down-Home Christmas
December 6, 2025
Downtown Ringgold
Celebrate the season with music, shopping, and family fun in the heart of Ringgold. The beloved Festival of Trees continues through December 25.
Candlelight Tours
December 12, 2025
Chief Vann House Historic Site 82 Highway 225 N Chatsworth, GA
Step back in time with a holiday candlelight tour of this historic Cherokee plantation home, complete with seasonal decorations and storytelling.
North Georgia Holiday Spectacular
December 20–23, 2025 Times Vary
The Colonnade Theatre Ringgold, GA
A high-energy holiday musical production featuring singers, dancers, comedians, stilt walkers, and Santa himself. Journey to Santa’s workshop, marvel at Frozen-inspired magic, and enjoy an on-stage nativity. A dazzling tradition for the whole family!
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Presents Handel’s Messiah
December 6–8, 2025 | Times Vary First Presbyterian Church Chattanooga, TN
Back by popular demand after soldout performances in 2022 and 2023. Experience the power of Handel’s masterpiece, including the beloved “Hallelujah Chorus,” in the historic sanctuary of First Presbyterian.
Atlanta’s Festival of Trees
November 18–26, 2025
Georgia World Congress Center, Building A, Exhibit Hall A3 Atlanta, GA
Walk through a forest of beautifully decorated trees available for auction, enjoy live music, kids’ activities, artisan shopping, and holiday eats. A festive nine-day event packed with Christmas spirit.
Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. This season, shop local to keep it simple—and delicious. From bubbly cocktails to ready-made small bites, Dalton’s eateries have everything you need to wow your guests without breaking a sweat.
Skip the stress! Let Dalton’s best do the cooking:
• Whipped Feta from Cyras Simple Goodness
• Chicken skewers from Café Ostro (don’t forget the Ostro sauce!)
• Fresh salad with balsamic from Oakwood Café
• Roasted asparagus from Millie’s by Chef Jasa
• Focaccia with honey + cheese from Highline BakeShop
• Brown butter chocolate chip & sea salt sourdough cookies from Small Batch Bakery
• Pimento cheese + broccoli salad from The Butcher’s Market in Varnell
Photography by Kevin Tanenbaum
Lauren’s Peppermint Mocha White Russian
A holiday twist on a year-round classic cocktail (serves 2)
• Ingredients: Peppermints or candy canes, finely crushed (I use a coffee grinder), peppermint simple syrup, 2 oz vodka, 2 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz peppermint mocha (or plain mocha) liquor, half and half
• Instructions:
Dip rims of glasses in simple syrup, then coat with crushed peppermint. Add ice to glasses. Combine vodka, Kahlúa, peppermint schnapps and mocha liquor in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Pour into prepped glasses and top with half and half to taste (about 2-3 oz per glass). Garnish with candy canes and serve immediately.
Kir Royale
A classic French cocktail with holiday color & sparkling wine
• Ingredients: 1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) crème de cassis, 5 oz chilled brut (dry) Champagne or sparkling wine. Optional: 1 fresh raspberry for garnish
• Instructions: Pour the crème de cassis into a Champagne flute. While holding the glass at a 45-degree angle, gently pour in the Champagne. Garnish with a raspberry if desired. Serve immediately.
The holiday season is here. A time filled with family, friends, and gatherings that nearly always center on one thing: food. The heart of the holidays isn’t about restriction or guilt; it’s about connection, gratitude, and celebrating traditions in a way that nourishes both body and soul.
Family dishes hold a power beyond their ingredients. Each Thanksgiving, my contribution to the family meal is my grandmother’s sweet potato casserole (recipe below), always baked in her cornflower blue CorningWare dish. The act of preparing it is both cooking and remembering: family gatherings, laughter, her kitchen, her Southern voice, the smells of home, and the legacy my grandparents passed down to the next generation.
Over time, I’ve added small tweaks to make the recipe healthier—like more cinnamon, less sugar, or using roasting potatoes instead of candied yams—but the essence remains the same. It’s still her dish, her memory, and our shared tradition.
Here are some other ways to balance tradition and wellness:
• Tweak traditional family dishes for a twist of health: cut down on sugar, salt or oil if you can and substitute herbs or seasonings to enhance flavor.
• Roast seasonal vegetables to serve as a side— Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash—for color and variety.
• Bring a fruit or harvest salad as your dish to share (your loved ones will thank you!).
• Make savory dips using Greek yogurt in lieu of sour cream for extra creaminess and protein.
• Keep a fresh veggie tray nearby for grazing (with one of the Greek yogurt dips!).
• Try whole wheat or sourdough bread in dressing (stuffing) for extra texture and fiber.
• Sip water or tea throughout the gathering so you stay refreshed (and balance out any cocktails or wine!).
Follow Ashley on Instagram @berootedandwell, or visit her website rootednutritionwellness.com to work with her.
Food anchors our memories, but it doesn’t have to be the only focus. Some of my favorite holiday memories are watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, cheering for the pups in the Purina National Dog Show, attending Christmas Eve candlelight service, and laughing with my brothers through TNT’s marathon of A Christmas Story. Looking for a place to start your own traditions? Consider a family gratitude journal, adding entries year after year. Take a short family walk together before or after the meal. Games in the yard keep everyone moving and laughing, too (flag football, soccer, or capture the flag are our favorites!).
This season is about joy, gratitude, and connection. What matters most is being present, savoring the flavors, and sharing the table with those you love. So raise a glass, pass the casserole, and remember: holiday traditions are rooted in something bigger than food alone.
Ashley Broadrick, RD/LDN (Registered Dietitian)
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Casserole Ingredients
3 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
(*I roast then mash them)
¼ cup maple syrup
2 eggs
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup pumpkin or applesauce
1 T cinnamon
1 T pumpkin pie spice
1 T Vanilla extract
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350°
Topping Ingredients
⅓ cup butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 T cinnamon
2 cups chopped nuts
Optional: ⅓ cup flour
(omit to keep it gluten free)
• Mix casserole ingredients in bowl and pour into 8x8 casserole dish
• Bake 30-40 minutes
• While casserole is baking, mix topping ingredients in separate bowl
• Remove casserole, add topping and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes
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On Veterans Day , November 11th, we gather in both reflection and gratitude to honor the men and women from Dalton who have served and sacrificed for our community and our country. The hometown heroes spotlighted here were submitted by their friends and family, and represent just a fraction of the veterans who have called Dalton home over the years.
Adan Ramos Marines ( Corporal E-4 ): 2013-2018
Our appreciation extends to every veteran of this community, in every era: your courage shapes us, protects us and inspires us—on Veterans Day, and every day.
Joel Hernandez
Navy ( Operations Specialist 2nd class ): Global War on Terrorism 2011-2015
This Tribute Is Sponsored By:
Royce B. Manis
Army ( Command Sergeant ): 1989-2018
Kevin Tannenbaum Air Force ( Combat Photojournalist & Public Affairs Specialist ): 2015 - 2025
Anthony Landowski
Army ( SergeantCombat Medic ): 2009 AfghanistanWounded in Action, Purple Heart Veteran
William Chandler
Deal
Marines: Iraqi Freedom
Shannon Bearfield
Air Force ( Staff Sergeant ): 1999-2005
Fisher Blake McElrath
Marines ( Lance Corporal ): Currently serving in Okinawa, Japan
Gregg Sims
Marines ( Captain ): Vietnam 1967-1971; Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient
Veterans Day Parade in Downtown
Check out the calendar on visitdaltongeorgia.com for info on this event!
Bruce Lee Franks Army ( First Sergeant ): Iraq 2006-2007, Africa 2008/2009, Tampa 2017/2018
Col. John M. Fuchko, III Commander, 122nd Regiment ( Regional Training Institute ) Georgia Army National Guard
Suzi Thorne Army ( Staff Sergeant ): 1987-2004
Don Gray
Air Force ( Missile Systems Analyst, 449th AMMS, Strategic Air Command ): 1971-1975, 449th Airborne
Missile Maintenance Squadron
Charlie Lee Cox
Airforce Special Tactics ( Master Sergeant)
Boys & Girls Club Veterans Day Road Race: 5K and 5-mile races start at Edwards Park and finish at the beautiful Praters Mill Historic Site. Registration opens at 7:30 AM, race begins at 9:00 AM
During COVID, Eunice Miranda built her first balloon garland at home for her husband Remy’s birthday. He loved it. Soon, drive-through parties spread joy across Dalton, and Inflated was born.
Thanks to incredible community support, word of mouth, and a little social media, we took the leap.
Friends, mentors, and the Greater Dalton Chamber backed our family as we grew from a living room project to a go-to shop for celebrations of every kind.
This season, make your holiday story full of Local shopping . Explore Dalton’s shops and get exclusive discounts with the Holiday Gift Guide on the Discover Dalton Pass— now live!
www.believegreaterdalton.org
By Rachel Wright
You can learn more about the Creative Arts Guild programming at creativeartsguild.org, or on social media @creativeartsguild
Jessie Southerland is the familiar face directing Dalton’s annual Snow Queen ballet, but she’s also its origin and driving force. In 2025, the production celebrates its twentieth birthday, marking a major milestone for Jessie, Ballet Dalton, and The Creative Arts Guild. As the curtain rises once again on this beloved community tradition, Jessie’s legacy shines brighter than ever, reflected in this year’s performance and the hundreds of dancers who’ve brought its magic to life over the years. From the live orchestra to each princess’ handmade costume, The Snow Queen remains one of Dalton’s most unique and treasured artistic experiences.
Q: What was it like bringing the Snow Queen to life the first time?
A: When I look back, I just don’t know how we did it. I remember spending that entire summer pulling every movie, every story, every piece of music. There was no score for The Snow Queen - we had to create it. From May or June of that year until it launched opening night in early December, we created a whole ballet - every piece of music, every step of choreography, every set piece, every costume.
Q: Is the production the same every year?
A: There’s not been a single year the audience is seeing the exact same thing. We have new sets, new costumes and sections that are totally different. We’re introducing a cool new character this year that we’ve considered since the beginning. The Raven is a highly acted part but it also requires a level of technique. We were waiting for the right dancer to finally bring this part to life.
Q: The Snow Queen is a family affair for a lot of dancerswhat’s that been like for you?
A: My own kids have grown up in this ballet too. My daughter has danced almost every role in the ballet. I have hardly ever seen her dance from the audience, but it also means I’ve had these really special moments with her backstage. It’s been the coolest thing in the world to share this with her. She [Finley Bonanno] just graduated and has joined us as a dance instructor. She’s been invaluable helping us with casting, because she understands the characters so deeply.
Q: The Snow Queen is just one facet of Ballet Dalton and Dance at the Creative Arts Guild. Why do you think dance education is so valuable?
A: I’d hire a dancer for nearly any job I need filled. Their feet are held to the fire. They know how to stay on schedule. They are coming from a place of “yes.” They know the importance of having the right attire for the job. Through dance, we are teaching them how to be adults in this world. We also expect that they have respect and gratitude inside and outside of the studio. If we see a situation where that is not happening, we call it out in the right way.
Q: What do you wish everyone knew about dance at Ballet Dalton and the Creative Arts Guild
A: I hope that everyone knows how welcoming we are. Dance is for everybody and every body. We have a spot for every child and every adult who chooses to dance. I hope that everyone who dances here knows we genuinely love them beyond how well they plie. We love and care about them as human beings.
Jessie Southerland is the Dance Director at the Creative Arts Guild and Ballet Dalton. The Creative Arts Guild is your community hub for artistic exploration and cultural connection. With diverse programs, expert guidance, and a welcoming space for all, we make art accessible and meaningful.
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. the
Jo Beth Thompson
By Erika Mosteller
Jo Beth Thompson has been dancing since she could walk. Her first Nutcracker memory is marching as a toy soldier with Ballet Tennessee. “My mom was my teacher, and she never had a Nutcracker growing up. So her dream was to bring it to Dalton.”
That dream became reality when in 1994, Jo Beth’s mother, Berrien Long, founded Dalton’s holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, presented by The Dalton Arts Project. Long stitched the first costumes, artist Karen Hyde painted the sets, and Mary Ellen Gurley helped shape the earliest productions. “We have The Nutcracker because of her,” Jo Beth says.
The Thompsons’ lives are stitched into the ballet’s history. Jo Beth danced her way from toy soldier to Clara, the Snow Queen, and eventually the Sugar Plum Fairy. Now her daughters, Mary Lois and Libba, carry on the tradition, performing under the direction of their grandmother Berrien, mom Jo Beth, and aunt Lilly Douglas, all co-owners of The Dance Theatre of Dalton. Three generations in pointe shoes—Dalton’s holiday legacy in motion.
Today, the Dance Theatre of Dalton stages eight shows over two weekends with more than 300 dancers and 3,000 audience members annually. The ballet’s charm is also its humor.
Tap-dancing and hip-hop mice steal scenes, and surprise cameos as Mother Ginger have featured parents, principals, and even former Sheriff Chitwood. “Truly, it’s one of my favorite roles I’ve ever danced,” Jo Beth laughs.
For Jo Beth, the highest purpose is for the students. “I’ve taught thousands of kids, and now I’m teaching their children. It’s my mom’s passion, it’s my passion, and now it’s my daughters’ passion.”
A Dalton native, Thompson gives back through her volunteer work at Dalton Public Schools, her church, and the countless hours she pours into dance. “We love Dalton. I’m blessed to do something I love that benefits our community,” she says.
She hopes that the legacy continues with each dancer who performs on the stage, ”I hope they say, ‘I hope my little daughter gets to dance here one day.’”
Jo Beth Thompson has danced for 30 years, having studied ballet at the University of Alabama. She is an owner and instructor at The Dance Theatre of Dalton and a passionate arts advocate for Greater Dalton. You can follow along with her work at The Dance Theatre of Dalton at dancetheatreofdalton.com, or on Facebook at DanceTheatreofDalton.
DALTON ARTS PROJECT proudly presents
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5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
By Lauren Sneary
Dalton knows how to celebrate the seasons. You’ll notice it slowly, and then all at once: the tables lining Hamilton Street for the annual Gratefull community meal. Christmas displays popping up in store windows. The candy canes and holly lights on every lamp post downtown. Santa and his sleigh waving from the Waugh Street bridge as you pass underneath. The star atop Mt. Rachel shining its steady light out across the city. The friendly neighborhood competitions for the best and brightest yard displays. Choirs practicing carols on Wednesday nights.
Like most places—and like most families—Dalton has its own beloved holiday traditions, from Día de los Muertos to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and everything in between. Here’s a look at the events and rituals that bring our community together this season—in gratitude, in fun, in reverence, and in joy.
Local retail shops across downtown kick things off the first weekend in November with a Holiday Open House, giving shoppers the chance to discover new wares and get an early start on gift lists. To set the tone, Dalton Public Works makes sure the light displays are up on every street.
“We love the open house weekend and plan our windows and displays for months,” says Krista Long of Raspberry Row. “In fact, we cover everything with paper leading up to that weekend so no one can see it until the big reveal! We’ve even had people tell us that they book their babysitter a year in advance just to make sure they can come be a part of the open house and see what we put together. We’re so grateful for a community that supports local business in this way.”
Don't forget to grab the new Holiday Gift Guide Pass at believegreaterdalton.org for speial savings!
Thanksgiving can sometimes feel overshadowed by December holidays. But, starting in 2019, a group of local women decided to change that. Gratefull Dalton began when Savannah Thomas, Deanna Mathis, Stephani Womack, and Allyson Coker teamed up through Believe Greater Dalton and the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce to create something new for our town on the Monday before Thanksgiving. That first year of Gratefull, more than 1,200 people came as strangers and left as family, sharing plates overflowing with generosity from local restaurants.
“The hundreds of volunteers and growing crowds we have each year prove that our community is equally excited for this event,” says Allyson Coker, who served as Believe’s executive director for over seven years. “And more local restaurants join the food roster every year (well over 20 now), to help create the traditional Thanksgiving menu—complete with tamales and tacos to make it authentic Dalton.” In addition, the Gratefull Giveback food drive that runs during this event helps stock the Chattanooga Food Bank pantry at a time when many families need extra support.
Regardless of the weather (sometimes 70 degrees, sometimes below freezing!), Dalton hosts downtown parades each November and December to celebrate Veterans Day and Christmas.
The Veterans Day Parade on November 8th honors local hometown heroes, and the annual Christmas Parade (on December 4th this year) boasts everything from the Grinch in a bucket-truck to monster-trucks blazing with lights.
Two Trees, Twice the Celebration
Dalton is fortunate to have not one but two Christmas tree lightings each year.
The first, Christmas at the Courthouse, will take place Saturday, November 22nd. For years a tree was placed at the Whitfield County Courthouse during the holidays. But, last year, Chair Jevin Jensen and the county commissioners revived the tradition with live music and family activities. Thanks to a donation from Robert Webb in memory of longtime volunteer Sue Webb, a 22-foot Norway Spruce was planted in 2024 as a living Christmas tree to gather around for years to come.
Then, on November 28th, the Burr Park Christmas Tree Lighting fills downtown with families and music. Established in 2019 by the Anderson Family Foundation, the tradition continues to grow each year. “Families can enjoy children’s activities, Christmas carols, and a special ride on the Downtown Trolley (transformed into the Polar Express!) to visit Santa at the Dalton Freight Depot,” shares Candace Eaton, Executive Director of the Downtown Dalton Development Authority.
Curtain Calls & Candlelight
Some of Dalton’s most nostalgic and moving traditions happen on stages and in sanctuaries, in evenings of art and worship.
Ballerinas take the stage for two beloved ballets that are uniquely Dalton: The Snow Queen each November, and The Nutcracker each December.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Snow Queen, performed November 19–21 by the Creative Arts Guild’s Ballet Dalton at Dalton High School, with live orchestral accompaniment thanks to the Ken and Myra White Foundation.
From December 5–14, the Dance Theatre of Dalton will present The Nutcracker, staged by The Dalton Arts Project. A holiday staple since 1994, the production was created by Berrien Long and is now carried on with her daughters, Jo Beth Thompson and Lilly Long, all coowners of the Dance Theatre of Dalton.
The Dalton arts scene also boasts poignant holiday programming at our local theatres: The Artistic Civic Theatre will present It’s a Wonderful Life – The Musical Nov. 28–Dec. 7, and Dalton Little Theater will host Christmas with Charlsey – An Evening of Song with Charlsey Etheridge-Minor Dec. 5–6.
Finally, as the year draws to a close and we settle into both our civic and familial traditions across Dalton, many find the greatest reason for the season in our houses of worship. We gather to share hymns, listen to Lessons & Carols, light menoras, or sing Silent Night over the glow of candles in a darkened chapel.
Wherever you find yourself this season, and however you celebrate—may we all pause to feel the blessing of this community, this place, and its people. Right here.
By Sanjuana Rodriguez Professor, Kennesaw State University
Stories have always been the heart of holiday traditions, carrying with them the warmth of memories as well as reminding us of the magic of the holiday season. For children, picture books become a doorway into this magical season. This list of books includes timeless classics as well as new favorites that reflect today’s diverse families and traditions.
This Holiday Season, Shop Local with Our Staff Picks
1. 4.
1. Scarf Necklaces from Five Points Boutique 825 Chattanooga Ave, Dalton
2. IVolution Gift Certificates at The Mill 825 Chattanooga Road Facials, sauna, salt room, Vitaminpacked IVs and more. Feel energized this holiday season with IVolution.
3. Lip Balm & Custom Earrings from Just Christi Skin Care Clinic 211 W. Gordon Street, Dalton
4. Candles from Clean Candle Co. Candles Handmade, non-toxic, completely clean candles in incredible holiday, seasonal and year-round scents. Order on Facebook or Instagram, or text 706-913-4066
6. 3. 2. 5.
7.
5. Dishtowels & Home Goods from The Pine Needle 1319 Dug Gap Rd, Dalton
6. Tyler Glam Wash in High Maintenance from Raspberry Row, 205 West Cuyler St, Dalton A staple for washing your blankets, sheets, and pjs!
7. Goat Milk Soap and Lotion from Edelweiss Farm Greeson Rd NE, Resaca
96 Depot St, Ringgold
A new book & wine shop in downtown Ringgold.
Contact her on Instagram & Facebook @ Charlsey Etheridge
1319 Dug Gap Rd, Dalton
205 West Cuyler St, Dalton
Original artwork, Dalton maps, wine glasses and high balls, and more
Year-end giving through the Community Foundation ensures that what you love most about here only grows stronger.
When people enter my home and see the plants in each room, their first comment is, “I wish I could have plants, but they always die!”
By April Cook
@april.a.cook on instagram
But what if I told you the first step to having plants thrive in your care is to kill a few? Sounds extremely counterproductive, but some of my favorite plants are ones that I have killed in the past. And that process is how I learned what that plant needed as far as sunlight and water: through trial and error. My plant graveyard is vast! But the reward for my failures is now a home filled with life.
Here are three of my favorite plants for beginners. These can be found at any plant nursery, big box store or even the grocery store.
This beauty is full and requires little care. Water once per week and make sure she has natural light for a few hours each day. She will be a showstopper!
This beauty is full and requires little care. Water once per week and make sure she has natural light for a few hours each day. She will be a showstopper!
If you have a bright area in your home that gets ample sunlight, you NEED this plant. She will be an absolute star in your home. Water once a week and be sure to clean her large leaves to remove dust. If happy, this plant will get very large, so be sure to provide her with space to stretch!
Don’t be afraid to fail. Fill your home with life!
2
Make sure it glows: add more lights than you think you need for a sparkling, festive effect. Place it by a window and the reflection multiplies!
Barbara
Adamson
&
Amy
Brock of Barbara Adamson Interiors
Suite 5 at The Mill
825 Chattanooga Ave.
Find everything you need for holiday decorating at our upcoming Open House:
Nov. 6, 7 & 8 @ The Mill
1
Think oversized: sometimes bigger really is better. We’ve selected oversized ornaments and a huge bow to set our tree off!
3
Give it texture: Choose several different finishes for your ornaments for texture and depth – this tree features metallic, patterned and jewel-toned items.
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the heart of your home is the centerpiece for holiday magic. Here are a few of our favorite tips for styling your tree this season!
Total Active Listings- 284
Total Pending Listings- 110
Total Closed Listings- 53
Months of Supply- 5.4
Median Days on Market- 68
Closed Median Price- $268,000
The local market is showing signs of increased activity with more homes coming onto the market and prices inching upward. At the same time, buyers are gaining leverage, fewer properties are selling above list price, and seller concessions are becoming more common. Adding to the momentum, interest rates have cooled slightly since early September, giving buyers an improved opportunity to negotiate favorable terms and secure more manageable monthly payments.
Hi Dalton kids! We’re so proud you’re part of our community. Our friend Audrey made you something fun to work on!
By Lauren Sneary
Think anniversary plan, self-care retreat or staycation. A way to wow out-of-town guests with your stellar recommendations. Here’s your guide to an upscale weekend in a small-scale town.
You’re ready to start your weekend off right, beginning with lunch on Friday! You’re going to be checking into The Carpentry, the intimate and gorgeous hotel on Cuyler street, so you stay close and get seated at El Maguey for some delectable quesabirria tacos.
After you drop your bags off in your room, you check out The Carpentry’s rooftop bar, Twist, and take in the crisp fall air, along with a crisp cocktail. Your next stop is the Creative Arts Guild – it’s the First Friday of the month, so you’re treated to a new artist’s gallery opening, hors d’oeuvres and great conversation.
Next is dinner at Hamilton’s Food & Spirits where you catch some local talent playing live music, before you head over to The Gallant Goat to enjoy some unique craft cocktails in a cozy nook inside. Then it’s back to your hotel room and the luxe bedding that awaits you.
On Saturday morning you take the easy walk over to The Oakwood Café for a real southern breakfast, and then on to Garmony House, where you can’t decide what you want and instead go for the coffee flight so you can try it all!
You’re making this a luxury getaway (even if it’s actually a staycation) so the rest of your morning is all about self-care! Maybe you’ve booked a signature facial at Monarch Day Spa, a massage at Lemon & Lavender Day Spa, a botox sesh at Bloom Spa & Co.,
Cor a dermaplane facial and some fancy skincare at The Spa on Cuyler for you and your group. Either way, you’re refreshed and already thinking about lunch.
You decide you’re ready to venture beyond just downtown, so you stop in at The Mill for a healthy bite to eat at Native Kitchen, and then grab a pork mac and cheese eggroll from Trinity Barbecue (for *balance*). Super close by is the Mill Line Trail, so
you go for a leisurely stroll, waving to the many other families, runners and dog walkers out and about and marveling at the view over the reservoir.
Next stop is the beautifully curated Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden at the Creative Arts Guild, where you listen to an audio tour as you peruse the various pieces on display. Then, you head back to the hotel so you can get dressed up for dinner at Cyra’s - Simple Goodness. It’s still warm enough with the space heaters out to eat on the patio, enjoying a few appetizers and several excellent main courses among your group. You finish up quickly, because you have tickets for a local theater show – which could be at Dalton Little Theater right next door, or a couple minutes drive south to the Artistic Civic Theater.
As you head back to your final night at The Carpentry, you take a moment to marvel at how incredible it is to have a small community with such a prolific food and arts scene - right here.
By Liz Hubbs, EdD, LCSW, Modern Jane Solutions Mental Health Therapy Practice
The holidays are here—a mixture of joy, excitement, and, if we’re honest, a little anticipatory stress. For many, this season brings warmth and family traditions. For others, it may stir feelings of grief, worry over finances, or the pressure of balancing endless commitments. Through all the emotional layers, most of us can agree on one thing: the season is busy. So how do we keep our peace when our schedules are overflowing?
First things first, remember: you are enough. A handmade gift is enough. Staying home in your pajamas is enough. Sending texts instead of mailing cards is enough. You get to decide what matters most to you and your family—and how to spend your time, money, and energy.
Our holiday season is defined by what brings us peace, not what TikTok, glossy magazines, or extended family say it should look like. It’s okay to set healthy boundaries. It’s okay to say no. And it’s important to respect that choice in others, too.
When the stress creeps in, try these quick resets: Breathe box-style. Inhale for four counts, hold, exhale, hold. Repeat three times.
Step outside. Even five minutes of fresh air and natural light can lower stress.
Declutter one surface. Clearing a nightstand or kitchen counter can reset your mind.
Water reset. Drink a glass of water or splash cold water on your face.
Two-minute text. Send a quick “thinking of you” to someone. Connection grounds us. The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. This year, may peace, presence, and simplicity be the gifts you give yourself.
And, above all, practice REST:
Relax and recharge. Give yourself permission to skip a party.
Embrace the present. Put down the phone, stop scrolling, & enjoy what’s in front of you.
Simplify. Choose quality over quantity.
Trust yourself. Notice when you’re stretched thin— and honor it.
Download the My Whitfield mobile app to stay in the know about local events, weather updates, road closures, and more!
Most folks don’t think of Dalton, Georgia when they think about great barbecue. But they probably haven’t been to Trinity.
Tucked in a small space in Crown Mill Village, Trinity Barbecue doesn’t fit the typical BBQ aesthetic. Inside, owner and pitmaster Colby Henton is manning the Southern Pride smoker, the register, and greeting guests with a smile.
“I love food. I love people,” he says. “And I wanted to push boundaries by putting a creative twist on traditional BBQ.”
By Greg Wrenn
Colby didn’t grow up in a barbecue family. In fact, he says neither of his parents were great cooks (“sorry, mom”). He fell in love with the craft after college: “It’s an art,” he says. “Trial and error. That’s how I learned.”
The brisket is his pride, and you can see why after your first bite. Simple seasoning. No overdone rubs. “I let the meat and smoke speak for themselves,” he says. His choice of post oak over hickory is a quiet departure from traditional Southern barbecue, but it offers a cleaner, more natural smoke flavor, more reminiscent of Texas.
“I love food. I love people,” he says. “And I wanted to push boundaries by putting a creative twist on traditional BBQ.”
Colby has carved his own path thanks to a strong support system and family. “Dalton is and always will be home,” he says. “I’m raising my kids here, just like my parents and grandparents did.” The restaurant is a reflection of that sense of home, a welcoming and steady hospitality where Colby greets you from the kitchen. High school kids, elderly couples, and families from all over the country (and sometimes, the world) walk through the door.
Opening a restaurant was a leap of faith. In Trinity’s early days, three women showed up on a Monday when the doors weren’t even open. They stayed, prayed with Colby, and told him to trust God. “They told me my family would grow—and it did. They said I’d have a son—and I do. They said he’d be a warrior for the Kingdom.”
That faith is why the name matters. “Trinity nods to the three big meats—chicken, pork, and brisket,” Colby says. “But more than that, it points to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. From day one, the goal wasn’t just to smoke great meat. It was to give glory back to God.”
The food and hospitality at Trinity deliver on that mission. The brisket is tender, smoky, and proud. The beef ribs—so massive my kids call them Dino Bones—might ruin you for all others. Colby’s got one foot firmly planted in tradition, and the other pushing the boundaries. He doesn’t give away all his secrets, but you can tell that simplicity and quality are the foundations.
If you haven’t been, swing by Crown Mill Village and see Colby. Regardless of your choice, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be back.
Dalton has stories woven into its fabric, with a deep-rooted legacy in the arts and a number of published authors who have called it home. The Waugh Street Writers’ Group at the Creative Arts Guild is a community of local creative writers who gather monthly to share drafts, trade feedback, and inspire one another in the pursuit of their craft. We’re proud to feature some of their work as well as the work of other local writers in Write.Here.
By
According to the internet, my 1976 Topps Baseball Card Collection was worth a great deal of money. I say “was” because I lost the cards in one of the many moves I have made over the course of my life. But the loss of my cards is more than a monetary loss for me. In 1976, I became a teenager and traded card collecting for the pursuit of girls, none of whom (according to social media) have aged as well as my beloved cards, and one of whom broke my fifteenyear-old heart.
I also traded my card collecting hobby for a youthful know-it-all arrogance that probably had something to do with why one of the girls broke my heart, and definitely was part of what soured my relationship with my old man- a relationship that was eventually (after what I’m sure was the seemingly interminable passage of my teenage years) rekindled over talk of baseball statistics, most of which I had memorized off the back of trading cards.
But the most important thing I traded away when I stopped collecting cards was my childhood innocence. Baseball cards don’t break hearts (unless you make a lousy trade with a buddy), and baseball cards don’t worry about final exams, daughters with drivers’ licenses, mortgage payments, insurance premiums, or inflating waistlines- all of which are covertly attached to the pursuit of girls and growing up. No. Baseball cards are just pictures
Want to submit a short creative writing piece for Write.Here? Send an email to lauren@herelocalmedia.com.
of childhood heroes (who break your heart when you read about their passing on social media - which seems to happen more and more as I grow further and further from being thirteen in 1976); and collecting baseball cards is put aside for all of those more “important” concerns until, after so many years, those concerns take a back seat to the memory of things lost but cherished- like baseball cards.
And fathers.
When my father passed away in 2024, I inherited his baseball cards- the cards he collected until he traded collecting for pursuing girls, one of whom would become my mother. His collection includes several that are infinitely more valuable than all of mine put together. But that is secondary to what they have come to mean to me: innocence forever captured in cardboard pictures.
Thanks, Dad. (Sorry again about those teenage years).
For more information on the Waugh Street Writers’ Group, contact program manager Dana Shavin at the Creative Arts Guild: danas@creativeartsguild.org.
-Scar tissue
-Balance or di culty walking
-Weakness
-Di culty performingeveryday activities (getting dressed, opening containers, household tasks, etc.)
-Di culty swallowing or articulating speech
Small Batch Bakery
Facebook: @SmallBatchBakery | Instagram: @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!
Casa Del Cafe
219 E Morris St (706) 508-2765
Common Ground Coffee Shop
510 S Tibbs Rd (706) 529-5958
Cowboy Coffee
2410 Cleveland Hwy, Ste 109 (706) 229-3065
Highline Bake Shop
109 N Pentz St (706) 236-7705
Garmony House
109 W Cuyler St (706) 529-6771
La Esperanza Bakery
1702 E Morris St (706) 270-0178
The Lofi Coffee Bar
336 S Hamilton St (706) 529-3534
Native Kitchen 825 Chattanooga Ave (706) 529-8129
Oakwood Cafe
201 W Cuyler St (706) 529-9663
The Perfect Cup 112 W Crawford St, Ste 101 (706) 270-0669
Cyra’s – Simple Goodness
208 N Pentz St | @cyrasrestaurant (706) 370-7305 | cyrasrestaurant.com
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 options and a gorgeous outdoor patio ensure an incomparable, upscale visit whether you’re with family, friends or customers — a fine dining gem right here in Dalton.
Hamilton’s Food & Spirits
243 N Hamilton St. (706) 270-0467
Whether 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.
We’ve curated the list – now it’s your turn to put it to the (taste) test!
Cold Creek at North Oaks
101 N Oak Dr #1 (706) 229-3484
Cremo Drive-In
125 E Morris St (706) 278-6316
Curt’s Restaurant
332 Northgate Dr. (706) 278-1159
D Food Collab
301 E Morris St (706) 529-8359
Gill’s Grill 1511 Abutment Rd (706) 278-6888
Ice Castle
2514 E Walnut Ave Ste 1 (706) 278-5411
Jefferson’s 200 N Hamilton St (706) 229-9098
Kelly’s Restaurant
1700 S Dixie Hwy (706) 275-6789
Miller Bros Rib Shack
606 E Morris St (706) 278-7365
The Local Restaurant
3001 E Walnut Ave Ste B (706) 529-9096
Longhorn Steakhouse 1315 W Walnut Ave (706) 281-1568
Oakwood Cafe
201 W Cuyler St (706) 529-9663
Parker’s Restaurant
2800 E Walnut Ave (706) 278-4334
The Perfect Cup
112 W Crawford St, Ste 101 (706) 270-0669
The Spiced Apple
443 Gillum Dr (706) 278-6009
The Sauce’D Pig 2955 Cleveland Hwy (706) 529-5755
The Sweet Spot
410 S Hamilton St (706) 529-7768
Trinity Barbecue 825 Chattanooga Ave (706) 313-1883
Yellowstone Steak & Buffet
501 Legion Dr (706) 529-3366
Cherokee Brewing & Pizza Company
207B W Cuyler St. (706) 529-9478
Gondolier Pizza 1229 N Glenwood Ave (706) 226-3030
Gondolier Pizza – South 904 S Thornton Ave (706) 278-9575
Hamilton’s Pizzeria 243 N Hamilton St. (706) 270-0467
Juan’s Weiners 301 N Hamilton St (706) 529-3647
Marco’s Pizza 785 Shugart Rd. (706) 529-2500
The Local Restaurant 3001 E Walnut Ave Ste B (706) 529-9096
MEXICAN & LATIN AMERICAN
Alondra’s 101 W Walnut Ave Ste.9 (706) 529-3562
Borreguito G 702 Fifth Ave (706) 516-7281
Baja Coop 222 N Hamilton St (706) 529-2667
Buckin’ Burrito 212 N Hamilton St (706) 529-8226
Cocina Tulum 904 S Thornton Ave (706) 529-8285
Don Lolo’s Mexican Restaurant 3590 S Dixie Hwy (706) 671-1166
DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill 100 W Walnut Ave (706) 226-2767
Elotes Locos Snack Bar 1614 E Morris St. & 1000 Underwood St. (706) 529-8285
Cocina Tulum
904 S Thornton Ave (706) 529-8285
Fiesta Mexicana 1525 Cleveland Hwy (706) 226-9220
Flako’s Mexican Restaurant 2311 Chattanooga Rd (706) 272-0524
La Fogata Fusion Restaurant 801 Walnut Ave (706) 917-8627
Guadalajara 817 S Hamilton St (706) 229-9853
El Maguey Mexican Cuisine 209 W Cuyler St (706) 229-9377
Mariscos Costa Alegre 603 Fleming Street (706)-229-9269
Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron 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!”
El Pablito 933 Market St #14 (706) 275-9320
Los Pablos
2204 Chattanooga Rd (706) 226-1411
Las Palmas 1331 W Walnut Ave (706) 529-8477
El Pollo Allegre
323 S Grimes St (706) 259-7998
El Ranchito
101 W Walnut Ave (706) 277-9829
Restaurante Lupina’s 1525 Waring Rd NW (706) 671-1133
Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant 1235 Cleveland Hwy (706) 226-8832
Sol De Mayo Tacos 825 Chattanooga Ave (706) 529-6662
El Sueño Mexican Restaurant 4109 S Dixie Hwy (706) 906-6632
Sugar & Fire Cuban Restaurant 319 N Hamilton St. (706) 529-3749
Tacos Beto 1009 Murray Ave (706) 278-4595
Tacos De Juarez 116 W King St (706) 913-0460
Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron
Tacos Tu Go 807 N Hamilton St (706) 813-0187
MEXICAN & LATIN AMERICAN (cont.)
Tacos Y Guisados Mary’s 101 W Walnut Ave (706) 529-9641
Taqueria Paisanos 1113 E Walnut Ave (706) 428-2324
Taqueria La Providencia 632 Frazier Dr (762) 209-6608
Taqueria Villa Juarez 1103 E Morris St (706) 270-9318
Tarasco Mexican Restaurant 1704 Abutment Rd (706) 979-2157
Tijuana’s Mexican Restaurant
328 S Hamilton St (706) 226-4113
Yoly’s Tacos 2505 Antioch Rd (706) 260-2739
Cafe Ostro
240 N. Hamilton St. (706) 529-7538
Chef Lin 100 W Walnut Ave (706) 226-1663
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse 1321 W Walnut Ave (706) 281-1889
Kumo Hibachi & Sushi 1277 N. Glenwood Ave (706) 278-8886
Lin’s Mongolian Grill 1223 Cleveland Hwy (706) 529-9298
Little Tokyo 2150 E Walnut Ave #28A (706) 226-5187
Oki Hibachi Plus 1304 W Walnut Ave (706) 529-2222
Seasons Hibachi & Sushi
785 Shugart Rd (706) 529-9988
Toyo Japan
100 Rhythm Dr (706) 217-1808
Millie’s by Chef Jasa
2604 Old Chattanooga Rd | (706) 459-0454 | @milliesbychefjasa
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 Butcher’s Market
3619A Cleveland Hwy (706) 279-9277
Cafe Ostro
240 N. Hamilton St. (706) 529-7538
Cyra’s – Catering & Events
208 N Pentz St (706) 370-7305
Miller Bros Rib Shack 606 E Morris St (706) 278-7365
Real Food Co.
1327 Dug Gap Rd (706) 229-9677
TK Wingz
700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (706) 529-4171
Trinity Barbecue 825 Chattanooga Ave (706) 313-1883
Willie’s Famous Burgers & Fries
301 W Emery St (706) 226-1953
The Juicy Seafood 819 Walnut Square Blvd (706) 381-8878
Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron
229 N Hamilton St | (706) 529-9274
We’ve worked to curate a list of as many of our great local spots (which means locally-owned and/or locally-managed) as possible! If you see something missing from our list, or if you want to have your business featured here, contact lauren@herelocalmedia.com or scan below:
Mariscos Costa Alegre 603 Fleming Street (706)-229-9269
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 1307 Dug Gap Rd (706) 529-3869
Cheesecake Heaven 420 W Tyler St (706) 529-3949
The Churro Company
327 N Hamilton St Mobile Annex (706) 383-7261
La Esperanza Bakery 1702 E Morris St (706) 270-0178
Highline Bake Shop
109 N Pentz St (706) 236-7705
Ice Castle 2514 E Walnut Ave Ste 1 (706) 278-5411
Floursack Bakehouse
304 Springdale Rd, Ste 3 (706) 279-3512
Paleteria Michoacan
335 Goodwill Dr (706) 229-0037
Paleteria Y Neveria Monarca 901 N Glenwood Ave (706) 529-8957
Peach Cobbler Factory 785 Shugart Rd, Ste 9B (706) 529-8575
La Reyna Paleteria
308 S Grimes St (706) 271-0710
Small Batch Bakery
Facebook: @SmallBatchBakery
Instagram: @smallbatch02 (706) 264-8750
The Sweet Spot
410 S Hamilton St (706) 529-7768
The Gallant Goat
307 S Hamilton St | (706) 529-8597 | @thegallantgoat
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 ambience, 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.
Cold Creek at North Oaks 101 N Oak Dr #1 (706) 229-3484
Crescent City Tavern
324 S Depot St (706) 529-0467
Dalton Brewing Company
112 W King St (706) 529-5524
Dalton Distillery 109 E. Morris St. (706) 934-7202
Freya’s Lounge
303 E Morris St (706) 229-9052
Hamilton’s Food & Spirits 243 N Hamilton St (706) 270-0467
The Oyster Pub 933 Market St (706) 259-9455
The Spinning Room 825 Chattanooga Ave (706) 529-8203
Twist Bar & Lounge at The Carpentry 204 W Cuyler St (706) 529-3040
The Gallant Goat
The Waggle & The Spinning Room Inside the Mill - 825 Chattanooga Ave @the.waggle | thewaggledalton.com @spinningroomdalton | spinningroomdalton.com
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.
At Dalton Utilities/OptiLink, we understand that every flicker of light, every drop of water, every warm home, every phone call, and every internet connection matters That's why we're more than just a utility and telecommunications provider – we're here to reliably empower every aspect of your daily life. We are committed to ensuring your world runs smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably With a dedication to excellence and a focus on customer care, Dalton Utilities/Optilink is here to serve you, today and tomorrow
E V E R Y N E E D M E T W I T H C A R E
wishing you
from the here team.
By Harlan Braudlume
In the spring of 1864, two men found themselves at opposite ends of the same dirt road, staring across the same Northwest Georgia ridgelines with the same headache. Their names were William Tecumseh Sherman and Joseph Eggleston Johnston, and before they ever traded cannon fire, they were both outsmarted by a stretch of rock and ridge known as Rocky Face.
Dalton wasn’t just a railroad town. It was a natural fortress, carved by time and stubborn as an old mule. Johnston, who had settled into Dalton after the Confederates lost Chattanooga, looked at Rocky Face Ridge and Dug Gap Mountain like they were gifts from the heavens. He figured if Sherman wanted to fight, he’d have to do it uphill, on narrow trails with plenty of rocks and rifles waiting for him. Johnston dug in tight, creating layers of trenches and fallback positions along the ridge, betting that any Union assault would get chewed up before it ever made it to the top. He relied on the terrain to do most of the work, buying time while hoping Richmond might finally send reinforcements he’d been promised for months.
On May 7, Sherman made his move. He had no interest in marching straight into a meat grinder. His scouts climbed the ridges, looked around, and climbed right back down, muttering things that probably don’t belong in a church bulletin. So Sherman sent his men around the back roads, slipping through Snake Creek Gap, hoping to surprise Johnston and cut off his lines. Sherman, always a fan of maneuver over mayhem, kept pressure on the front near Dalton while sending General McPherson and General Schofield on wide flanking marches. He figured if he could pry Johnston loose without a messy frontal assault, he’d save lives, shorten the campaign, and maybe even dodge a few angry editorials back home.
It almost worked. Johnston saw the maneuver coming and pulled his troops out of Dalton before they were trapped. He gave up strong ground without much of a fight, which made some folks call him cautious and others call him a coward. But the truth is, those ridges left him few good choices. By May 13, Sherman and Johnston had traded Dalton’s rocky spines for the hills of Resaca, where they tangled again. Johnston held the line for a moment but slipped away once more, heading south. The two would play cat and mouse all the way to Atlanta, where things finally boiled over in the heat and fire of a city too stubborn to fall quietly.
Dalton’s geography played a bigger role in the war than most people realize. It wasn’t strategy or speeches that held Sherman back. It was the steep slopes, the narrow passes, and the rocky terrain that made every step feel like dragging a wagon through wet clay.
These days, people drive past Rocky Face Ridge on their way to Walmart and never give it a second thought. But for a while in 1864, the landscape of Whitfield County was the main character in one of the biggest chess matches of the Civil War. So if you ever feel like Dalton’s terrain is slowing you down, just remember, they did the same to General Sherman. And he didn’t even have to deal with I-75 traffic at 5:00 p.m. on a Friday.
