Why Should You Choose to Travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee?
As a backpacker looking to explore most underrated destinations in United Nations of America then Chattanooga is a more and more ideal location to you. Yes, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a most adventure centric landmark nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and Tennessee River contains rich history, outdoor activities and cultural beauties.
From the last few decades Chattanooga has been known as most unfit to travel due to multiple reasons like unclean, less developed regions and even theft and property crime. But over a period of time it changed a lot. Today we can see Chattanooga is the safest region in the US when it comes to lodging, outdoor and trails.
Often considered as the “Modern Scenic City”, Chattanooga offers the most vibrant urban cultures, scenic mountain views and epic beauty of nature. So, let’s make some ideal discussions about Chattanooga that why every enthusiastic backpacker should visit through what are the best things to do in Chattanooga.
10 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee
1. Take Ride in Incline Rail
Since the place is recognised as the most adventure oriented destination, it is a good idea to start your journey by taking the ride in iconic Incline Rail. One of the spotting features in Chattanooga is to take a leisure ride in Incline Rail. Incline Railway in Chattanooga is recognised as the steepest in the world which helps riders to enjoy the panoramic views of the top of the lockout mountain.
Started during 1895, Rail has some historic significance, primarily considered as the 72.7% of steepest railway network primarily built to make it easy for residents to climb to this steep mountain. But later the train slowly got travel recognition. But today this unique railway network is recognised by the National Historic Site and National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
During your Incline Train journey visitors are much eligible to enjoy the mountain’s summit, moreover the journey allows you to take a look for nearest ancient rock formations, gardens and iconic “See 7 States”. However, this 10 minute train journey operates year round and exhibits the country’s popular Tennessee valley, Civil War History, and nearest Ruby Falls, making it a perfect match for the little called “America’s Most Amazing Mile”.
Note: The train starts at St. Elmo Station (3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN) and riders have to pay $22 if you’re an adult or $10 if you’re a child less than age of 12.
2. Enjoy Leisure Stroll along Tennessee Riverwalk
If you plan to stay near the city, then the Tennessee Riverwalk is a great thing to do in Chattanooga. Just a few minute’s walk is required to reach its river walk, and from then on take a scenic stroll along the Tennessee River where walkers can spot beautiful parks, and art installations. Do not forget to take a stop to spend some time with waterfront activities.
Stretching over 13 miles, if you feel it is difficult to walk then visitors are even eligible to book a bike and cover this beautiful riverwalk. This paved road starts from the Southern Bank of Tennessee River and this is even helping daily locals to connect Chickamauga Dam and historic St. Elmo neighbourhood.
Taking a scenic walk is good but visiting Ross’s Landing and Tennessee Aquarium is also a crucial thing to know more about this trail. To know more about fresh water ecosystems and interactive touch tanks visit Tennessee Aquarium, and for trail history and its waterfront activity visit Ross’s Landing. Additionally you can also spend some time with Bluff View Art District and Coolidge Park.
Tennessee Riverwalk is an ideal location to drink locally inspired coffees. We recommend you to walk these beautiful scenic trails with your family members during sunset periods and enjoy the nearest picnic spots and restaurants.
3. Visit inside Lookout Mountain
Such a unique attraction which allows every elite backpacker to see inside beauty and allow hiking and leaves in a situation why Lookout Mountain is recognised as the “America’s Deepest Commercial Cave”. Located just minutes away from downtown Chattanooga, and it welcomes every sort of visitor either a solo, family or adventure lover.
Once you enter inside this Lookout Mountain you’ll surely be impressed by its massive 145 feet thundering underground waterfall. Often called “Ruby Falls”, recognised as the deepest and tallest waterfall where visitors can walk its unique rock formations. Rock City is another inside attraction located on the top of the mountain holding fairyland caverns and an iconic swing long bridge.
As a backpacker your duty could be taking 700 feet of ziplines from its top. It helps visitors to enjoy the epic beauty of surrounding beautiful valleys and ancient rock formations. However, Point Park is a great place to speed your precious travel time. Located within Lookout Mountain Battlefield which opens up visitors to look at historical figures of the Civil War and incredible views of the Tennessee River.
If you wish to take the Chattanooga Incline Railway, then it is quite easy to reach its top or backpackers even reach its summit through taking Bluff Trail or Glen Trail along with enjoying surrounding nature.
4. Discover Marine Spices at Tennessee Aquarium
Tennessee Aquarium is the most popular spot to find diverse marine life where each species are clearly bifurcated according to basis of freshwater and saltwater features. Located in Ocean Journey building, Tennessee Aquarium today displays huge shark species to small coral reef systems.
Opened in 2005, where visitors can see 2 different buildings such as the River Journey Building and the Ocean Journey Building. Ocean Journey building aquarium is built according to triangles of glass on the ceilings. It is purely dedicated to marine species and displays species like sand tiger sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles and Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins. However, buildings even allow us to watch thousands of unique colorful butterflies and lemurs and touch stingrays.
Whereas River Journey Building is primarily a fresh water centric one. Here visitors eligible to see artificial Appalachian Cove Forest, exhibit how fresh canopy, river otters look beneath the sea. Sea turtles are the major features under this building home to more than 1,000 different styles of turtles (endangered too) exist. Touch Sturgeon Tank and watch close views of massive 10 feet of Arapaima and Giant Stingrays.
Looking to know much deeper understanding about all these individual species, better to take Tennessee Aquarium interactive sessions or educational exhibitions. Conducting so often and travelers are even much blessed to watch these species in IMAX 3D theatre.
5. Appreciate Art Collections at Hunter Museum of American Art
Hunter Museum of American Art is a place where American history meets Arts. The museum contains vast collections of diverse works of contemporary arts and historical works. Today the museum holds nearly 3,000 art works at its galleries, most of them are paintings, sculptures, drawings and mixed media. The museum is nestled 80 feet Bluff View Ave, always overlooking the Tennessee River.
Hunter Museum even includes popular pop cultures like Andy Warhol’s Series of Jimmy Carter portraits and Romare Bearden’s too. “Thomas Hart Benton’s” Painting is the most popular and attractive one, particularly “The Wreck of the Ole ‘97” (Painting) and “The Wreck of the Ole ‘97” (Lithography) are displayed at its East Wing Gallery. Besides that, art work from Ralph Gibson, Benny Andrews, photography from Richard Avedon and Dorothea Lange are really spectacular.
Museum architecture and style are really impressive, built according to the Fusion of architectural styles that includes zinc clad exterior and modern exhibitions spaces. Each time you’re watching stuff like historic and art evidence it leaves you in 200 years of history.
Special Events and Hosting makes your inside museum trip more easy and convenient. Occasionally it hosts themed art exhibitions which present women’s suffrage movements. Even Sunday Studio workshops additionally supports to know more about artist talks, sip events, painting and artful yoga classes.
6. Visit Chattanooga Choo Choo
Your things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee list shouldn’t miss out on this unique style of creations. Chattanooga Choo Choo was once a historic train station, but today this train station converted into a most beautiful hotel where travelers not just eat, even shop, and explore the most wistful rail history of Chattanooga.
Located in the heart of downtown in the historic Southside district of Chattanooga. During the 20th century the country slowly introduced trains to the industrial phase and it leads to building train stations across the country to help for transportations. During the same period this “Terminal Station” was built particularly for passenger rail services.
The train station looked very unique; it contained 85 feet of central dome and the largest brick arch according to Beaux Arts style. But after WW II slowly the importance of this Terminal Station declined. Instead of demolishing these unique creations, local businessman Mr. Glen Miller decided to turn the train station into a hotel during 1941. In 1973, he successfully inaugurated the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
But today this unique hotel stands as an ideal place to taste world famous “STIR” and Elsies’ Daughter (an Appalachian- French cuisine), oysters and evening cocktails. But what we like to say is today this hotel acts as a place for dining. Besides that, the train is filled with beautiful gardens, fountains, gazebos and koi ponds. So, don’t miss to visit such a unique human made creation.
7. Do your Outdoor Activities at Signal Mountain
Nestled on top of the Walden Ridge, Signal Mountain is a natural friendly location that perfectly blends nature and spending time with its local picturesque community and family friendly environment. When it comes to activities, each time when you search for what to do in Signal Mountain, it shows every elite backpacker that he/she can spend time hiking, biking, and picking at every point of travel.
Start from its outdoor activities, areas home to plenty of hiking trails which help you to enjoy the real beauty of Tennessee Valley. Sigal Point Trail is a more popular moderate hiking trail. It starts at the Signal Mountain Lodge parking lot and it goes south along the Teton Park road. Take left and it leads to Signal Mountain Road where you’ll experience a snow covered road that ultimately leads to Signal Mountain Summit. From its top backpackers are fortunate to see panoramic views of Jackson Lake, Teton Range and surrounding epic mountain views.
The trail covers around 6.8 km of distances; backpackers either choose bike or foot to reach its top, located 7,727 feet from ground level. Despite that, Signal Mountain is well known for its boat ride activities at its Jackson Lake. Yes, backpackers rent a boat and ride this lake more leisurely. During the boat ride visitors would indulge its calm atmospheres and enjoy the epic beauty of the surroundings.
Do not miss to spot local wildlife like moose, grizzly bears, elk, black bears and endangered bird species during your hiking which is available through your trail journey. Plan to do a hike with your family member then it is a good idea to stay at its Signal Mountain Lodge. Located at the base of the Signal Mountain, your stay is even a great place to access Jackson Lake and Teton Park.
8. Attend Live Events at Tivoli Theatre
Tivoli Theatre place where Chattanooga’s culture and rich history are exhibited through live performances. Often known as “Jewel of the South’, Tivoli Theatre opened in 1921 according to lavish Beaux Arts architectures. Today the theatre stands as the most important centre to watch Broadway shows, concerts and ballets in Chattanooga.
Tivoli Theatre exhibits more numbers of premier entertainment shows in Chattanooga. Visitors can book their tickets in the theatre to watch Broadway musicals, stand-up comedy shows, concerts spanning rock and symphony performances. According to some dates, Tivoli Theatre will open as a major touring production for Broadway in future.
It is equally important to know the architecture of this Theatre. Built by the local architect Reuben H. Hunt with the help of $7,50,000 money. Its interior is purely built based on Beaux Arts Style where visitors experience a high domed ceiling, grand lobby, crystal chandeliers and foyer. During 1926 Tivoli Theatre was the first public building in the US to become fully Air Conditioned. However, in 1989 new 70 performer’s dressing rooms, lighting systems, new state of the art sound and green room and rehearsal facilities were added to this theatre.
Today Tivoli Theatre has 1,750 seating capacities (2 balconies) with full A/C facility. The theatre witnessed many historical events such as the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ 235 special, Grand Opening and Talkies. Entry fee to visit inside Tivoli theatre is free, but if you want to watch shows, tickets are sold widely based on shows. Usually $ 15 for standard shows and $170 for premium or Broadway shows.
9. Taste Vibrant Cuisines of Chattangooga
It is a very crucial idea to add your list of things to do in Chattanooga as a culinary journey like how you did in other parts of the world. The place is filled with a number of hotels and restaurants ranging from farm to table restaurants to locally inspire champy’s. Every dish you’re gonna try in Chattanooga will try to explain how rich the city’s culture is.
Bridgeman’s Chophouse offers a more exquisite dining experience offering dishes like prime steaks, fresh seafood, and selected wine collections. Its dining friendly environment, opulent atmospheres and couple friendly options makes every dish worth one. Looking to make your first Traditional Mexican dishes or Taco Mamacita, a local favourite dish under more tranquil settings then it is a good idea to visit, North Shore.
“The Farm to Table” concept in Chattanooga is really a welcoming one. Which allow food lovers to taste local inspired cuisines like STIR, and Main street meats. STIR is the most popular made from scratch menu, fresh oysters and craft cocktails poured over artisanal rice. Don’t miss it.
“Meat and There’s” another traditional concept introduced for your culinary journey in Chattanooga. The idea is very simple: it helps you to meet dinners at one main point. Like fried steak, fried chicken and meatloaf. 1. Visit Public House for fried chicken and cheese, 2. Champay’s for fried chicken and cold beers and 3. Bluegrass Grill for meatloaf or gits bowls.
10. Try to be Part of the Riverbend Festival
Riverbend Festival is a renowned annual festival held in Chattanooga city every June month. It is an annual multi day music festival hosted at Ross’s Landing on the downtown riverfront of the city, where visitors could experience a number of musical acts. Riverbend Festival, ranked as one of America’s top music festivals, got a number of national awards.
The festival started during 1982 as a five day event, but over a period of time it slowly reduced to one day. Since its popularity and charming features, the festival is getting world recognition and today it welcomes around 6 millions of visitors who came and tried to be part of it.
Features include Coca Cola Stage and Multiple Stages. Under Cocoa Cola stage headline performers play over the Tennessee River and use tiered amphitheatres. Whereas Multiple Stages performed with more than 100 bands and musicians. However, music is even very curious to listen with a variety of classic rock, tastes and bluegrass.
Most recommended activity for family visitors, where you can go with your children. Riverbend is a traditionally inspired Children’s village that allows you to buy souvenir stuff/foods and interactive community spaces.
Note: Tickets are issued as General Admission Pass, VIP Pass and Club Pass, each one has different entry fees. $60 for general admission (single day) and $800 for VIP pass (for 4 days).
When to Visit Chattanooga, Tennessee
After understanding what are the best things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee visitors have to spend some time to understand which is the best time to do all these kinds of things.
After a lot of research and discovery we came to know that “Fall is the ideal season to visit”. Fall starts from September to November when the region boasts cool and comfortable temperatures that help outdoor activities, take leisurely stroll its streets and attend outdoor season’s events. However fall is a season which allows visitors to enjoy colorful foliage while exploring the city.
Fall witnessing lesser crowds and perfect time to attend Bluegrass festivals, Riverrock and other themed attractions. Try to avoid visiting during summer which is often considered as the busiest and most demanding season for hotels and transportations.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Your list of above 10 Things to Do in Chattanooga will make you explore the most breathtaking beauty of the city. This could be done if you choose at the right hotel. Chattanooga is an overwhelming place when it comes to hotels, but not every will fit your budget or conveniences. So, we help you to decide which sorts of hotels you can pick.
1. The Crash Pad- For Budget Friendly Visitors
Most recommended budget conscious hotel in Chattanooga. The Crash Pad hotel welcomes outdoor enthusiastics, climbers along with budget travelers. The hotel, often considered as the world’s first LEED Platinum Hostel, features a full kitchen, private rooms and shared dormity living rooms.
The hotel consists of 8 rooms (classified as 5 private rooms, 2 shared rooms and 1 special suite) purely of pre-cast concrete exterior and topped with a green roof. Each room of yours is filled by LED lighting, toilets, low flow sinks, and energy efficient washers. The Crash Pad is an ideal stay option for those who are looking to stay at eco-friendly accommodations at the close location to downtown and Chattanooga outdoor activities. Since this hotel atmosphere is friendly and communal, if you have free time do not forget to meet new people or travelers.
2 The Chattanoogan Hotel- For Mid-Range Travelers
If you’re looking so vigorously where to stay at my limited medium budget at the city’s popular attractions like Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium, then this hotel is for you. Located outside the district, The Chattanoogan hotel is a contemporary upscale hotel that perfectly welcomes families, couples and even solo visitors.
The hotel boasts a total 199 guest rooms (it includes 8 suites). Each room is comfortable and offers a full service spa and 3 restaurants. The hotel’s rooftop bar is a never miss thing, where guests can drink evening cocktails while enjoying outside views at its large windows. Besides that, hotel amenities include fitness center and spa services.
3. The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection- For Luxury Seekers
Exclusively known for high end luxury visitors. The Edwin Hotel is a most luxurious and elegant hotel option that combines modern elegance with a rich nod of the city’s deep culture. This opulence hotel is for those who want to stay near the city’s downtown Bluff View Arts District, Tennessee Aquarium, Hunter Museum and Chattanooga Riverwalk.
Opened in 2018, when it comes to amenities, the hotel includes a total of 90 rooms and suites. Each room and suite is filled with A/C, coffeemakers, and separate space for non-smokers and TV and high speed internet facilities. Since it is a 4 star boutique hotel guest can expect on site activities like Outdoor pool, Spa/Massage centre and Health club. Hotels even have close access to nearby activities such as golf courses, indoor tennis and shopping areas.
How to Get to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Getting to Chattanooga is really very easy. It is located in the Southeastern United States visitors can reach through flight, car and even public transportations. Let’s see what the best options to reach this city are,
1. By Air
Currently Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) stands as the major point for those who are coming from different countries. It welcomes regular flights from different cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Detroit. Check prior to booking whether direct flights are available to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport from your country, if not, you can book to nearest airports such as Knoxville or Huntsville.
The airport is located just 16km away from the city centre. Backpackers can book, rent a car or taxi/ ride share services to reach their destination.
2. By Car
A car is the greatest way to enjoy the scenic ways along with your ride, it allows travelers to explore the American countryside. Take a car through major highways like I-75 and I-24. Both are leading to Chattanooga directly.
Coming from Marietta (162 km), then you can cover Chattanooga within 1.5 hours or from Huntsville (164 km) and Knoxville (180 km), both locations help you to reach within 2 hours of time. Both are close locations to start a car drive. Use Google Maps for a better experience.
3. By Bus
Looking for a budget way to reach Chattanooga, then a bus could be a better option to you. Book your seat at Greyhound or Megabus, both are well known for most reliable and affordable bus options to reach your destinations from Nashville and Atlanta. The bus station is located downtown of Chattanooga, making it a great spot to take local transports. Visit their official website and check and compare schedules and ticket prices before booking your seat.
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For Your References;
Where to Eat in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Best Neighbourhoods in Chattanooga.
