Fondly referred to as "The Scenic City", Chattanooga is a vibrant, flourishing city that should not be overlooked. I realize that most people probably don't think about Chattanooga when they are looking for a vacation destination, but being located only 2 hours from Nashville or Atlanta, Chattanooga makes for a surprisingly fun addition to a Southern road trip. Chattanooga is one of my favorite cities in the world, and yes that might have a lot to do with my personal connections to this town. I grew up going to Chattanooga for family weekend trips, I attended college at the University of Chattanooga, and I even got married in this gorgeous city. However, the incredible memories I made in this city were also due to the many entertainment opportunities and gorgeous scenery this city has to offer. I hope this post convinces you to check out this charming city.
1. The Food Scene
Since I went to college in Chattanooga I became very familiar with the best cheap eats in the city. Here you can find so many delicious and reasonably priced options. If you are looking for a great place to start your day I recommend checking out Aretha Frankenstein's for their famous pancakes, Maple Street Biscuit for their take on a classic Southern breakfast staple, or Rembrandt's Coffee House for some espresso and house-made pastries. Rembrandt's is one of my favorite spots in the city because it offers large outdoor patio, perfect for catching up with friends or studying for an exam. It is located in the Art District, which sits at one side of the Walnut Street Bridge. One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday is to grab a cup of coffee from Rembrandt's and then leisurely walk across the bridge into Coolidge Park.
Some of my other favorite restaurants in the 'noog include Lupi's Pizza, Amigo, and Universal Joint. Universal Joint is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. An old service station was converted into the now popular bar, that offers a large outdoor space complete with corn hole and fire pits.
My favorite spot to eat in Chattanooga has to be Good Dog. I frequented this funky hot dog shop during college and they even catered my wedding rehearsal dinner. There is just something about this place that makes me return again and again. Their dogs are juicy and delicious and their frites are a stand-out side dish. Here I discovered the joys of fritessaus, a Dutch mayo that blows the American counterpart out of the water. You should also ask about their special sauce, a combination of fritessaus, sriracha, malt vinegar, and Dog Dust (their house seasoning). Located in the NorthShore, Good Dog has been serving their popular franks for 10 years. Be sure to check them out when you visit!
Once you are ready for dessert, I recommend visiting Clumpies Ice Cream. Also located in NorthShore, this handcrafted ice creamery serves up favorites such as chocolate chocolate chunk and French silk. The first thing you will notice upon entering is the overwhelming smell of fresh baked waffle cones that will be very hard to resist. If ice cream isn't your thing, City Cafe's rotating case of cakes might entice your sweet tooth. This 24-hour diner is a popular place for college students to end their night, but you can also get a slice of cake to go if that isn't your scene.
Of course there are plenty of options for a nicer meal, but one of the things I love about Chattanooga is that you can easily find great food without breaking the bank. However, if you are looking for a something fancier, Tony's and St. John's are both popular choices.
2. Hiking
Ok, so Chattanooga is gorgeous. Seriously, does it get any better than a booming waterfront and lush mountains? Both Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain can be seen from downtown Chattanooga, and they offer countless trails to explore. One of the best lookouts can be found at Sunset Rock. This short"right of passage" hike on Lookout Mountain offers an incredible view across the bluff. If you are looking for a longer hike, check out the Lula Lake Land Trust. Although this natural preserve is only open on select days (check the website for "open gate days"), visitors are rewarded with numerous mountain trails. Another popular spot is the North Chick Blue Hole, where hikers can find a few different swimming holes that are extremely popular during the hot summer months. Many of the best trails are a quick 20-minute drive from downtown, so it is very easy to add an outdoor excursion to a Chattanooga day or weekend trip.
3. NorthShore
I have spent entire days in the NorthShore area because there are so many things to do! Most of my favorite restaurants in the city (including Good Dog and Clumpies) are located in this trendy area. Frazier Ave is the heart of NorthShore and here you will find unique dining (check out Taco Mamacita, Milk and Honey, and River Street Deli) and boutique shopping (my favorite is Blue Skies).
One of the best things this area has to offer is Coolidge Park. Here you can walk the greenway along the Tennessee River, picnic on the lawn, play in the animal-shaped water fountains, and ride a 100-year old carousel.
On warm days I love to take Good Dog or Clumpies into the park to enjoy these treats in the sun. This is such a gorgeous spot to refresh and spend a relaxing afternoon.
While you are in the NorthShore, it will be hard to miss the blue Walnut Street Bridge. Crossing the Tennessee River on one of the world's largest pedestrian bridge is my must-do activity in Chattanooga. This is really what makes Chattanooga stand out to me.
This bridge offers gorgeous views of NorthShore, the Art District, the river and mountains. If you are crossing from Coolidge Park, you will eventually reach the Art District on this other side. This is another fantastic area that should be explored. Here you will find the Hunter Museum of Art, Rembrandt's Coffee House, Tony's Pasta Shop, and some cute bed and breakfasts.
4. Tourist Activities
With multiple museums, a world-class aquarium, and the famous Rock City, Chattanooga offers plenty of interesting sites to keep visitors entertained. Families should be sure to visit the Creative Discovery Museum, one of the top children's museums in the country. Located in the Art District, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers a unique look into art from the colonial period to present day. The collection is housed in three architecturally different buildings, including an original 1900s mansion. Perched atop a bluff, this museum also offers stunning views of the Walnut Street bridge and surrounding mountains. Downtown you will find the Tennessee Aquarium, which is one of the top attractions in the city. Housed in two buildings, this aquarium offers a look into river and ocean life. This stunning building is often used as the city's symbol and should be visited even if you decide not to venture inside.
Of course you should also "See Rock City"so you can experience this famous attraction for yourself. I was pretty young the last time I visited, but I will always remember the impressive panoramic spot where you can view 7 states. A few other popular sites to consider include Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
5. Events
Chattanooga is home to many different events, including music festivals, holiday activities, and athletic endeavors. Nightfall is a free music festival that takes place in downtown Chattanooga on Friday nights from May-August. This extremely popular event unites the community and brings together talented artists, delicious food vendors, and provides the gorgeous Chattanooga scenery as the backdrop. On Sundays from April to Decemeber, be sure to check out the Chattanooga Market where you can purchase high quality produce, baked goods, and crafts. Additionally, check out the multiple food trucks parked at the back of the market for a great lunch option. During the winter, Chattanooga hosts a lighted boat parade to celebrate the holidays and on Cinco de Mayo you can watch the Running of the Chihuahuas (yes you read that correctly and yes it is as strange as it sounds). If you are the athletic type, be sure to look into the Head of the Hootch Regatta or the Chattanooga IRONMAN triathlon.
With so many options Chattanooga should not be overlooked for your next trip. With the balance of outdoor activities, tourist sites, and great restaurants it is a great getaway spot. Have you been to Chattanooga? What is your favorite spot to visit in Chat-town?
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