What is the best thing to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

The Southern city of Chattanooga, Tennessee offers a wide variety of activities for both visitors and residents. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the city’s vibrant arts, outdoorsy atmosphere and diverse attractions. Whether you’re looking for a day-long adventure, a quick jaunt to take in a sculpture park or the perfect date spot, Chattanooga has something for everyone. For outdoor lovers looking for a breathtaking view, Rock City is the place to go. Located atop Lookout Mountain near the Tennessee-Georgia state line, Rock City offers stunning vistas, beautiful gardens, and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. From the summit of Lookout Mountain, visitors can experience fantastic views of seven different states. The park also includes a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including the Swing-a-Long Bridge and Fairyland Caverns. Chattanooga is an art lover’s paradise. The Hunter Museum of American Art overlooks the city from atop a hill on the banks of the Tennessee River and boasts an impressive collection of American art from various time periods and styles. The Bluff View Arts District, located in the heart of downtown, offers galleries and outdoor sculpture exhibitions, as well as delicious restaurants with riverside patios. A trip to the Creative Discovery Museum, a museum created to ignite learning, exploration and discovery in children and families, is another great way to explore the vibrant arts scene in Chattanooga.A walk along downtown Chattanooga’s famed Riverwalk allows for easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Here, visitors will find a fish fountain, fountains decorated with thousands of mosaic tiles and plenty of areas for kids to run about. With its wide sidewalks and bridges that cross the river, the Riverwalk allows for a leisurely stroll with lots to take in along the way. No visit to Chattanooga would be complete without a stop at one of the city’s many food and drink spots. From coffee shops to craft beer bars to high-end eateries and dive bars, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Every Sunday, the city hosts the Main Street farmers market, where dozens of local vendors come together with their fresh produce and homemade goods. For an educational experience, visitors can also sample locally-made whiskey at the Tennessee Stillhouse located at Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery. With so many things to do in Chattanooga, it can be hard to narrow it down. From outdoor beauty to arts and entertainment and culinary delights, there’s always something to enjoy in this bustling Southern city. No matter your preference , you’re sure to find something that suits you in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee. For even more ideas on things to do in Chattanooga, visit TripAdvisor.

An Insider’s Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee

If you are planning a trip to the southeastern United States, don’t overlook Chattanooga, Tennessee. Known as the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga boasts stunning natural beauty combined with rich American history. It is a great place to explore with family, friends, or solo. Here is an insider’s guide to the best things to do in Chattanooga.

Attractions

Chattanooga is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain, and the Appalachian Mountains. There are plenty of attractions that will keep you busy during your stay. Here are some of the must-visit places in Chattanooga:

– Tennessee Aquarium: It is the top-rated aquarium in America and houses over 12,000 animals representing over 800 species.
– Lookout Mountain: This is a prominent landmark that offers a bird’s eye view of Chattanooga. You can ride the Incline Railway to the top, which is the steepest passenger railway in the world.
– Rock City Gardens: This botanical garden is located on the top of Lookout Mountain and is famous for its breathtaking views. It’s also home to unique rock formations and gardens.
– Ruby Falls: This is America’s deepest commercial cave and the most visited underground waterfall. Tours are offered to explore the limestone cave and its 145 feet waterfall.

Dining

Chattanooga has a diverse food scene that offers some of the best dining experiences too. There are many local restaurants where you can sample Southern cuisine or international flavors. Here are some of the best dining spots in Chattanooga:

– St. John’s Restaurant: This restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine and a refined dining experience. It is famous for its seasonal menus and fresh ingredients.
– The Terminal Brewhouse: This is a popular local brewery that also offers a great dining experience with a full menu. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy craft beers and pizzas.
– Tupelo Honey: This restaurant offers Southern cuisine with a twist. The menu has a variety of comfort dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
– Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria: It’s an Italian restaurant that offers traditional handmade pasta and delicious pizzas.

Cultural Experiences

Chattanooga is a city rich in history and tradition. It has many museums, galleries, and cultural experiences that offer insight into the city’s past and present. Here are some cultural attractions to add to your itinerary:

– The Hunter Museum of American Art: It houses over 4,000 pieces of American art from the Colonial period to contemporary works. The museum is housed in a historic mansion that offers a picturesque view of the Tennessee River.
– Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Take a ride through Chattanooga’s history on a train. The museum offers rides on vintage trains, and you can explore the depot and train restoration shop.
– Chattanooga Choo Choo: Step back in time to the golden age of rail travel at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. It’s a full-service hotel that was once a railroad station.
– Chattanooga Market: This local market is open on Sundays and has over 200 vendors offering food, handmade crafts, and live entertainment.

Local History

Chattanooga is steeped in history, including its role in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. There are many sites and attractions that tell the story of Chattanooga’s past, including:

– Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park: It is the location of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The military park is also home to hiking trails and historic monuments.
– Walnut Street Bridge: It’s a pedestrian walking bridge that spans the Tennessee River. The bridge has a significant place in Chattanooga’s history and was once used for trains.
– The Bessie Smith Cultural Center: This center is named after Bessie Smith, a famous blues singer born in Chattanooga. It houses exhibits and performances that highlight African American culture and contributions to Chattanooga’s history.
– The International Towing and Recovery Museum: It’s a unique museum that showcases the history of hauling and recovery devices and boasts many collections of artifacts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you prefer to get away from the crowds and explore something less known, Chattanooga has plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions that you shouldn’t miss. Here are some suggestions:

– Raccoon Mountain Caverns: It’s a lesser-known tourist spot that has guided cave tours with stunning views of natural formations and an underground lake.
– Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center: It’s a nature preserve that offers hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a butterfly garden.
– Signal Mountain: It’s a small mountain town that offers scenic drives and hikes with panoramic mountain views. It’s a great place to visit in the fall when the leaves change color.
– The Wauhatchie Trail: This is a hidden hiking trail that offers waterfalls and stunning views of the mountains. It is not well-known and is a great spot to escape from the crowds.

Conclusion

Chattanooga is a hidden gem in the southeastern United States that has something for everyone. It’s a perfect destination for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy scenic beauty combined with Southern hospitality. Use this insider’s guide to plan your trip to Chattanooga and experience everything this stunning city has to offer.