Chattanooga, TN: So much more than a Choo Choo!
Written: Oct 30 '05 (Updated Oct 31 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful city, so many things to do and see.
Cons: Road construction, if any.
The Bottom Line: History, Art and Fun combine to make this an outstanding vacation!
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| Mom2TyZick's Full Review: Chattanooga |
My husband and I visit the great city of Chattanooga, Tennessee every year in June. We are invited to attend a golf tournament with a business associate each year, and while the men are golfing, the wives take in the sights of the city. Believe me when I say there is much more here than just a Choo Choo!
The Big Ones:
There are several tourist attractions that are largely recognizable by most. Probably Chattanooga’s most famous attraction is Ruby Falls, and it is not to be missed. Ruby Falls is essentially a cave tour that progresses to an underground waterfall, but it is so much more than that! U.S. History is evident in the signature of Andrew Jackson on the wall and the many stories of who stayed in the caves and why. Also, when going above ground, you can see 7 states from the top of the Mountain!
Rock City is another can’t miss attraction. You’ve seen the birdhouses, now see the actual place! Rock City has bountiful beautiful walkways through rock formations, to a beautiful waterfall. Also there is a mile high swinging bridge that stretches across 180 feet. Don’t look down!
Tennessee Aquarium is one of the newest and most proudly displayed attractions in Chattanooga. On the waterfront, and busy as all get-out, it is still an attraction that you shouldn’t miss if you have kids or any interest in underwater life whatsoever.
The Incline Railroad located on top of Look Out Mountain provides spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas. Ride the train car to the top of the mountain, and it isn’t as scary as it looks from the bottom!
Little Known Attractions
Riverbend Festival happens every summer, usually in June. It is a two-week long music festival with some pretty big names. It is held downtown on the river and is actually a huge festival. I called it “little known” because you really might need to be close by to find out about it.
The Chattanooga Ducks is, in retrospect, probably my favorite activity that I’ve done in Chattanooga (besides Ruby Falls). It is an old Army Amphibious vehicle, which means it can go on land and in the water. So, the driver gives you a driving tour of the downtown area, and then all of the sudden he turns to plunge into the river! Many historical and cultural sights are pointed out along the way and it is great fun! Another perk, the tour guide “quacks” at everyone along the way. Don’t forget to tip your guide!
Coolidge Park is one of the better public parks in the United States. Once an abandoned shipping yard, the park now enjoys a century-old carousel, many cement animal statues that spray water perfect for cooling off youngsters in the summer, and plenty of open spaces near the river for picnics, games or just relaxing. Admission is always free.
Where to Stay
The Chattanoogan: If money is no object, I’d suggest you stay here. It is located in downtown Chattanooga and is quite fancy! My friend and I had a spa-day here, which is located on the premises, and it was worth every penny. We had massages and facials, then used the pool and sauna facilities. It was quite a treat and a great experience. Down in the lobby there is a fire going, which is cozy during the wintertime.
The Wingate Inn: Nothing fancy, but if you and the family are together for a vacation, the Wingate offers nice deluxe rooms for a reasonable cost. In every room you have all of the necessities: a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, ironing board and iron, hair dryer and alarm clocks. On site are whirlpools and fitness rooms, and an expanded continental breakfast is included.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn If you or someone you vacation with is a train enthusiast, what could be better than staying a few nights at the Chattanooga Choo Choo? Staying a few nights in one of the train cars! This hotel also offers regular hotel rooms and suites. A great way to get the whole Chattanooga experience!
Where to Shop
Warehouse Row is the place to go for some fancy outlet shopping. Made from an old clothing textile plant, many expensive stores and boutiques are inside, such as Strasburg kids clothing and Ralph Lauren Polo outlet. There is also a Tommy Hilfiger outlet here that is quite popular. It had nice outdoor areas for non-shoppers to relax as well.
Frazier Avenue which is right next to Coolidge Park hosts a wide variety of stores and boutiques. A beautiful walk, trendy stores, art galleries and great restaurants dot the area.
McKay’s Used Books is the best used bookstore I’ve seen. Books, audio books, video games, Movies and more grace this enormous store that is absolutely categorized to the max. No more searching through piles of books loosely categorized. These are specifically in order, by genre, sub-genre, and then alphabetized by author. Bring your reading list in and find nearly everything you need. Tip: The hardbacks are dirt-cheap!
Hamilton Place Mall provides a host of shopping choices with not a lot of thought. Some people just love a mall, and for this you can’t beat Hamilton Place, the largest mall in Tennessee.
Where to Eat
Bonefish Grille is a chain, and I normally wouldn’t recommend these when going to a new place, but this place is truly great. We started our meal off with firecracker shrimp and they were the most fantastic shrimp appetizers I’ve ever had. We each got a different fish dinner and there was no one who was disappointed.
Clumpies Ice Cream is famous because it was once featured in Southern Living Magazine! It’s your typical ice cream shop, only kicked up a notch with freshly made ice creams, right on the premises in a wide variety of flavors, from the mundane to the exotic. Enjoy your scoop, cone, or malt right on the wooden deck that overlooks the river and park.
English Rose is an English Tearoom that serves authentic English Tea! You can even get a Ploughman’s Lunch here (if you are familiar with England). After your tea, you may shop around the store for more English goodies.
This short list compiles just a few of the things you’ll find in Chattanooga. It is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the South!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Mom2TyZick
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Member: Suzanne
Location: North Carolina
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