1. For history buffs: Prater’s Mill Historic Site
A visit to Prater’s Mill Historic Site near Dalton is a great way to combine a little history with a fun family day out. Located in northwest Georgia, along Georgia Highway 2, the historic water-powered grist mill was built in 1855 on the banks of the Coahulla Creek. The mill site played a prominent part in the Civil War, when it was used as a campsite for soldiers on both sides. Visitors are welcome to explore the mill on a self-guided tour (guided tours are available by prior arrangement) and enjoy a variety of fun outdoor activities including small boats, geocaching, hiking, picnicking and fishing.
Prater’s Mill, 5845 Hwy. 2, Dalton, GA 30721, Phone: 706-694-6455
2. For couples and sinbles: Dalton Distillery
Notably home to the world’s first sunflower spirits, Dalton Distillery welcomes visitors to come and find out how this premium moonshine came about. The distinctive products on show include unique spirits distilled using malted sunflower seeds and local corn. Everything that goes into these artisan spirits has been locally produced in Georgia, milled on site and made the old-fashioned way following a 100 year-old family recipe. Products include their Raymond’s Reserve straight corn whiskey, Taza Ray Sunflower Spirits and the Responsibly Vodka, which will tantalize your palate with a mint chocolate twist. The distillery is open to the public for sales and tastings Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Dalton Distillery, 109 E. Morris Street, Dalton, GA 30720, Phone: 706-483-2790
3. For romantics: Hamilton House
At Hamilton House you can step back in time to admire a beautifully-preserved home which was built in 1840. The house was the first structure to be built in Dalton and is currently operated as a museum containing a wealth of documents and artifacts dating back to the Civil War and before. At one time the house belonged to the Crown Cotton Mill and you will also be able to admire many historic items related to the Georgia textile industry. Hamilton House is open to the public for tours each Friday from 10am to 4pm – you will need to stop by the Whitfield Murray Historical Society or phone ahead to arrange a tour.
Hamilton House, 701 Chattanooga Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720, Phone: 706-278-0217
4. For shoppers: Dalton Mall
The Dalton Mall was once an impressive indoor shopping mall which attracted customers from all around the area. In the early days the Mall boasted Sears, JC Penny and Belk as its anchor tenants but, like so many other shopping malls across the country, Walnut Square Mall had to endure the humiliation the loss of its anchor tenants and closure. Under new ownership, the Dalton Mall opened in 2018. This new mall is a much smaller version of the original shopping center, pared down to offer just a core number of popular stores including Aeropostale, American Eagle, The Children’s Place and Belk.
Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd, Dalton, GA 30721, Phone: 706-226-3777
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