Suggested Dalton Area Itineraries Itineraries can be customized to fit group’s preferences. Dalton-Whitfield County Sampler Day 1 Prater’s Mill Built in 1855, this historic gristmill is the site of an old-fashioned fair held each October. www.pratersmill.org Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & W & A Railroad Tunnel Discover Tunnel Hill through exhibits at the Heritage Center and a walk through of one of the South’s oldest tunnels. www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com Atlanta Campaign Pocket Park A great pull-off area to review a description and interpretive map of troop movements during the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. Dalton Depot Restaurant (a great lunch stop as well) Visit one of the few remaining pre-Civil War train depots which has been converted into a restaurant while maintaining its history. www.daltondepot.org General Joseph E. Johnston Statue The only outdoor statue of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, who commanded the army of Tennessee during the Atlanta Campaign from December 1863-July 1864. Confederate Cemetery and Memorial Wall West Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for 421 Confederate and 4 Union soldiers who died while fighting in Tennessee and at Chickamauga. The Memorial Wall lists the recently discovered names of Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery. Day 2 The C. E. Blevins Learning Center A one of a kind collection of folk art by artist C.E. Blevins; retired minister, teacher and missionary. For 14 years C.E. Blevins has been creating the most vast collection of exact bird egg replicas in the world. From the smallest hummingbird to the elephant Bird of Madagascar, each egg is handmade and painted specific to over 1,200 wild birds.www.avianlearningcenter.org The Emery Center Site of the first public school building constructed in 1886. This institution was built to address the educational needs of African American children between the ages of seven & sixteen. Hamilton House Museum The Hamilton House is Dalton’s oldest brick home and features exhibits devoted to Cherokee Indian history; Civil War materials and artifacts; Dalton’s textile industry; and Georgia Poet Robert Loveman, plus collections of local heritage groups. By Appointment Only. Blunt House Visit the oldest wood frame house in Dalton which was originally occupied by the community’s first postmaster and community leader. By appointment only. Dug Gap Battle Park Breastworks build by Civil War soldiers during the Atlanta campaign can be found at this site. Designer Dream Home See your design dreams come to life in the Decorator Dream Home located inside the American Home Showplace at Carpets of Dalton. www.carpetsofdalton.com Native American Heritage -1 Day New Echota State Historic Site Once the capital of the Cherokee Nation and home of the Cherokee Nation’s Supreme Court and bilingual newspaper. Visit the museum, view a 17-minute video and tour historic and reconstructed buildings. www.gastateparks.org Chief Vann House At the dawn of the 19th century Chief James Vann was one of the wealthiest men in the Western Hemisphere. In 1804 he built Vann House along the Georgia Road (Federal Road after 1819), the Showplace of the Cherokee Nation. President James Madison spent a night here in 1819 while on his way to Nashville. www.gastateparks.org Fort Mountain State Park Site of an enigmatic Woodland Indian stone wall, mistaken for a fort by early settlers. www.gastateparks.org Red Clay State Historic Site Located on the last council Grounds for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Visit the museum of Native American history and daily life; replicas of Cherokee structures. www.tnstateparks.org Civil War Heritage - 2 Days Day 1 Chickamauga National Military Park The nation’s oldest, largest and most visited national military park, the site of the bloodiest two-day battle of the Civil War. Old Stone Church The original benches still bear the marks of their use for horse troughs during the areas use as a Civil War hospital. Prater’s Mill Built in 1855, this historic gristmill is the site of an old-fashioned fair held each October. www.pratersmill.org Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & W & A Railroad Tunnel Discover Tunnel hill through exhibits at the Heritage Center and a walk through one of the south’s oldest tunnels. www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com Day 2 Atlanta Campaign Pocket Park A great pull-off area to review a description and interpretive map of troop movements during the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. Confederate Cemetery and Memorial Wall West Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for 421 Confederate and 4 Union soldiers who died while fighting in Tennessee and at Chickamauga. The Memorial Wall lists the recently discovered names of Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery. General Joseph E. Johnston Statue The only outdoor statue of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, who commanded the army of Tennessee during the Atlanta Campaign from December 1863-July 1864. Dalton Depot Restaurant Visit one of the few remaining pre-Civil War train depots which has been converted into a restaurant while maintaining its history. www.daltondepot.org Dug Gap Battle Park Breastworks built by Civil War soldiers during the Atlanta campaign can be found at this site. Resaca Confederate Cemetery Following the Battle of Resaca, this site became the burial place of 450 Confederates which where moved from shallow graves around the plantation home of Col. John Green. www.friendsofresaca.org Educational Itineraries - 2 Days Day 1 Carpet Mill Tour Guided tour, for groups only, through one of Dalton's leading carpet mills. The Emery Center Site of the first public school building constructed in 1886. This institution was built to address the educational needs of African American children between the ages of seven & sixteen. Hamilton House Museum Visit Dalton’s oldest brick home that features exhibits devoted to Cherokee Indian history; Civil War materials and artifacts; Dalton’s textile industry; and Georgia Poet Robert Loveman, plus collections of local heritage groups. By Appointment Only. Day 2 Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & W & A Railroad Tunnel Discover Tunnel hill through exhibits at the Heritage Center and a walk through one of the south’s oldest tunnels. www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com Prater’s Mill Built in 1855, this historic gristmill is the site of an old-fashioned fair held each October. www.pratersmill.org Avian Learning Center The Avian Learning Center is a one of a kind collection of folk art by artist C.E. Blevins; retired minister, teacher and missionary. For 14 years C.E. Blevins has been creating the vastest collection of exact bird egg replicas in the world. From the smallest hummingbird to the elephant Bird of Madagascar, each egg is handmade and painted specific to over 1,200 wild birds. www.avianlearningcenter.org Adventurous Itinerary-3 Days Day 1 Snake Creek Gap Mountain Hike or bike the well-known Snake Creek Gap Mountain;home of the Snake Creek Gap Mountain Time Trials Series. Dalton Falls Golf Bring the whole family to this area's best miniature golf! Not only does it have an 18-hole miniature golf course, but it also has anarcade and refreshment stand. Day 2 Paradise Arabians Visit the second largest Arabian hourse farm in the world! Experience the amazing horses, farm and meet the family who owns it all. Hang Gliding Hang Glide tandem off the side of one of the south's famous mountains, Lookout Mountain. Day 3 Whitewater Rafting Have a splashing good time on this site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater events, only 40 miles from Dalton. A choice of two trips available to choose from; a half-day rafting trip or a full-day with a stop to cookout for lunch. Spring Break for Families - 2 Days Day 1 Tunnel Hill Heritage Center/W&A Railroad Tunnel Discover Tunnel Hill through exhibits at the Heritage Center and walk through one of the South's oldest tunnels. Lake Winnepesaukah Lake "winnie" is one of the North Georgia's permier family theme parks. The park has thriller park rides, live music, good food and a fun atmosphere. The entire family is sure to have a great time! Day 2 Red Clay State Park Red Clay State Historical Park is on the last Council Grounds of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Walking Trails and picnic areas provide a tranquil setting for outdoor activity. Rock City Located atop of Lookout mountain, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Ladies Weekend Out - 2 Days Day 1 Details and Options Day Spa A calm and tranquil atmosphere where the staff will pamper you and take your stress away. The spa offers the latest in spa and salon services. For a unique experience, ask about the limo service and gift packages. Chelsea's On Thornton Located in a historic landmark, now made into a bed & breakfast, Chelsea's On Thornton offers an English-style restaurant and tea house that is ideal for a "Ladies Getaway." After having lunch and afternoon tea, visit the gift shop to find unique gifts for yourself or a friend. Day 2 Market Street Shops of Dalton Located right off of interstate 75, the Market Street Shops of Dalton features over 30 outlet retailers. Among them are GH Bass, Bon Worth, Carter's, Claire's, Dress Barn, Bella Home Furnishings, Factory Brand Shoes, Foxy Nails, Izod, KB Toys, Kani Japanese Steakhouse, Kitchen Collection, Koret, Hanesbrand, Mountain Creek Harley Davidson, Nautica, OshKosh, Outback Steakhouse, The Paper Factory, Rack Room Shoes, Reebok, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Rue 21, S&K Menswear, Samsonite, Sunglass World, Tote's, Van Heusen, and Vitamin World. Dalton Depot Restaurant Make plans to eat at the Dalton Depot, the Old W&A depot restored and now used as one of Dalton's most cherished restaurants. Downtown Dalton Shopping Visit and shop the unique shops of downtown Dalton. Planet of the Grapes Planet of the Grapes is a unique wine bar and shop located in historic downtown Dalton. Here you can learn about, taste and sample fine wines while enjoying the experience with others. Mystery Tour Itinerary - 2 Days Day 1 Dalton Ghost Tours Visit the most haunted spots in downtown Dalton, including the famous Wink Theater and learn how Al Capone and John Wilkes Booth are connected to Dalton. Day 2 The Ghosts of Tunnel Hill Strange Screams, dark figures and headless phantoms lurking around and abandoned tunnel, mysterious campfires, marching dead Confederate ghost soldiers and smells of things unknown...these are all things to be found in the fields where some of the bloodiest battles of American history were fought. Special Dalton Area Events Creative Arts Guild First Friday Every first Friday of each month the Creative Arts Guild features various artists' exhibits beginning at 5:30 p.m. Snake Creek Gap Mountain Biking Time Trials Time trials take place the first Saturday January through March. Battle of Resaca Civil War Reenactment 3rd weekend in March 1890's Days An annual event held in Ringgold, Georgia on Memorial Day weekend. Dance Theater of Dalton at Wink Theater In May enjoy various dances from ballet to tap from the Dance Theater Performance Group. Performances held at the famous Wink theater and are open to the public. Riverbend Festival In mid june the Riverbend Festival is a nine-day event just 30 miles north of Dalton in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Held every June, Riverbend is best described as a huge family-oriented music festival. The festival has six stages of almost every possible genre of music, roving artists, fantastic fireworks, jet flyovers, a 5k and 10k run and a children's village. Dalton Fireworks Festival A spectacular fireworks display held annually around or on July 4th. Chief Vann House Days The last weekend in July. Battle of Tunnel Hill Reenactment The cannons blast, the horses charge, the soldiers give the Rebel yell as they clash in authentic conflict on the historic grounds of Tunnel Hill! This special event brings to life a past of good times coupled with harsh reality. There's nothing like it! www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com Creative Arts Festival Annually in September North Georgia Fair Annually in October Frontier Days at New Echota State Park 3rd Saturday in October Kiwanas Pancake Day Festival The largest pancake breakfast in the world happens in Dalton, Georgia in November each year. The pancake breakfast is an annual event to help raise money for various charities such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Creative Arts Guild, Boy Scouts of America and many more. Holiday Open House Visit Historic Downtown Dalton in November when the shops will be celebrating the Holidays by decorating their stores and welcoming the public with great specials and other offers. The Snow Queen In mid-November the Creative Arts Guild will be presenting The Snow Queen. This production is held at the Dalton High School Theater for four nights. The Nutcracker In Early December the Dalton Arts Project will proudly present the annual holiday performance of the Nutcracker. This performance takes place at the Dalton High School Theater for four nights. Silver Bell Sprint A 5k run in downtown Dalton to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, this event is held in December. Dalton's Annual Christmas Parade Held in December on Historic Downtown Dalton's own Main Street, this event is for the whole family. With local businesses, families and church groups participating to present floats, bands and all the candy you can catch, this is an event you don't want to miss. Prater’s Mill Country Fair Enjoy a vast array of artists and craftsmen, musicians and good cooks at the annual Prater's Mill Country Fair in October. www.pratersmill.org Apple Festival in Ellijay Take home a bushel of your favorite apples and enough jugs of cider to store a few in the freezer.georgiaapplefestival.org For a complete listing of events go to daltonevents.com