Top 5 things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Until we cruised up the inland waterway from Alabama and onto the Tennessee River, I had never even heard of Chattanooga. Little did I know that this cute waterfront city would charm me enough to stay three summers and counting. Traveling up and down the eastern seaboard, and now inland through Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee has given me lots of opportunities to explore many small towns and cities. From my observation, Chattanooga is the most successful in redeveloping its downtown and riverfront, transforming the city from an industrial manufacturing town to a beautiful waterfront city that now competes with Nashville, Memphis and Gatlinburg as a tourist destination.


Located in southeastern Tennessee, this little gem is an easy two hours drive from most major cities in the area - Knoxville, Nashville, Atlanta, Georgia, and Huntsville, Alabama; a tad longer to Birmingham, Alabama and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From the mountains to the river, Chattanooga has much to offer. These are my top 5 favorite things to do in Chattanooga:
Chattanooga waterfront
Tennessee Aquarium
Of all the attractions in Chattanooga, perhaps the most famous is the Tennessee Aquarium. Located on the Tennessee River in the heart of downtown, The Tennessee Aquarium is unique in that it has exhibits for both freshwater (river journey) and saltwater (ocean journey). There are many hands-on features, giving you the opportunity to pet sea creatures from prehistoric sturgeon to sting rays and nurse sharks. The butterfly exhibit is great fun, and you can let them land on you.
 
The Hunter Museum in the Bluff View Arts District
Bluff View Arts District
Sitting atop stone cliffs that overlook the scenic Tennessee River, the Bluff View Art District is a unique neighborhood that resembles a small European village, complete with restaurants, café, art galleries, and a sculpture garden. Enjoy the picturesque view of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga, and the Hunter Museum of American Art as you stroll along the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.
 
Chattanooga Choo Choo, now a Holiday Inn
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Whether you are a fan of trains or train station, you can go back in time with a stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. A renowned landmark of the South, the 1909 Terminal Station was saved from the wrecking ball in 1973 and is now a Holiday Inn. You can sleep aboard and dine in an authentic railcar. Stroll through the gardens and catch a trolley for a ride around the Choo Choo complex. You can take the free electric shuttle from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to downtown.
 
Point Park
Point Park
High atop of Lookout Mountain, Point Park, a national military park, is full of civil war history, monuments and canons. Not only you get to learn about Civil War history, you also get an awesome view of Chattanooga. Start at the visitor center to see paintings and watch a film about the battles. Then, tour the grounds and take a hike on trails that wind around massive rock boulders and stop at lookout points to admire the awesome vistas of the Tennessee River and Missionary Ridge.
 
Rock City
Rock City or Ruby Falls
These two attractions are located in the same vicinity on Lookout Mountain. If you prefer caves, choose Ruby Falls. Your tour will take you down 260 feet into a cavern on an elevator. You will pass by unique rock formations as you meander around the cavern on your way to the beautiful 145-foot underground waterfall that is Ruby Falls.
If you are claustrophobic but not acrophobic, opt for Rock City. An exhilarating walk along the Enchanted Trail through giant rock boulders and across the thrilling Swing-A-Long Bridge will reward you with a stunning view of Chattanooga Valley. If you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of the rare white deer at Deer Park. Make sure you have proper shoes for walking.

Sources:

This article was originally published in Associated Content in May, 2010

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