Rooted in Dalton | From Skepticism to Real Love

What does it take to fall in love with the place you live? And then actually stay? In our first episode of the Love of Here podcast, hosts Lauren Sneary and Erika Mosteller sit down together to share their own Dalton stories. One grew up here and swore she'd leave. The other moved here reluctantly and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Together, they explore why Northwest Georgia deserves a better story — and why they're committed to telling it.HighlightsLauren and Erika introduce themselves and share why they launched a podcast to tell the untold good-news stories of Dalton and Northwest GeorgiaErika reflects on how she adopted the "nothing to do here" narrative when she moved to Dalton — and how that story simply isn't trueLauren admits she was fully committed to leaving Dalton after college and recounts the summers bartending at the Dalton Depot that kept pulling her backBoth hosts get real about Dalton's imperfections — from economic disparity to cultural divides — while making the case that the momentum is real and worth celebratingErika shares practical advice for newcomers: find your third space, plug into groups like Believe Greater Dalton, and show up where people are gatheringThe conversation gets into entrepreneurship in Dalton, including why the "shop local" mentality makes it a great place to start a businessLauren gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Here magazine dining guide — more than 100 locally owned and managed restaurants in one placeThe hosts gush over the food scene transformation, name-drop some favorites, and debate which cocktail is "basic"Erika makes her case for the mountains as Dalton's most underrated featureA preview of what's coming next: more guest stories, more community voices, and an open invitation for listeners to reach outChapters0:00 — Welcome & Introductions0:41 — Meet Erika and Lauren2:03 — Why These Stories Matter3:39 — Erika's Move to Dalton4:46 — Changing the Dalton Narrative5:40 — Lauren's Hometown Perspective8:18 — Staying and Building a Life10:06 — Dalton's Challenges and Momentum10:57 — Getting Connected as a Newcomer13:25 — Entrepreneurship in Dalton16:13 — Have You Ever Wanted to Leave?17:34 — Why We Stayed17:38 — Dalton Opportunities18:38 — Craziest Story Setup19:04 — Food Scene Glow Up20:34 — Cocktails and Nightlife21:25 — Local Dining Guide22:47 — Favorite Thing: The People24:20 — Trading Local Culture25:35 — Mountains and the Outdoors26:59 — Touch Grass Reset27:42 — Next Guests and Stories28:44 — Where to Find UsResources MentionedHere Local Media — herelocalmedia.comHere Magazine — Available in print around town and as a digital issue online; subscribe at herelocalmedia.comHere Local Dining Guide — 100+ locally owned and managed restaurants in Dalton; available online at herelocalmedia.comBelieve Greater Dalton — believegreaterdalton.com — Community organization with a resource directory of local groups and organizations to plug intoDalton Brewing Company — Local gathering spot and third spaceThe Mill — Local venue with live music and events (Syno mentioned)United Way of Northwest Georgia — https://www.ourunitedway.org/ — Volunteer opportunities in the Dalton communityHag Mill Lake Park — Local outdoor recreation spot (4-mile loop around a lake)The Gallon Goat — Local bar with outdoor seatingThe Carpentry — Rooftop bar with outdoor igloo seatingMaricó Camarón — Local restaurant featuring a unique take on Mexican cuisineHighline Bake Shop — Local bakerySmall Batch — Local bakery (sourdough)The Dalton Depot — Historic local venue (referenced nostalgically)Follow the show:Instagram: @behere.daltonFacebook: Here MagazineLinkedIn: Here Local MediaThanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!