Chattanooga

Settled in 1835, Chattanooga is enclosed on three sides by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. It is the birthplace of miniature golf, the site of the first Coca-Cola bottling plant, and has the steepest passenger incline in America. It is also a transportation junction where three major interstates (24, 75, & 59) intersect. You can tour its many museums, get some rest or recreation at the various parks, learn about animals at the zoo or Chattanooga aquarium, or check out the railroad and the Southern Belle Riverboat. This is a popular destination for those touring the North Georgia Mountains.

Chattanooga Museums:

At the Chattanooga African American museum, you will learn how African American’s have contributed to Chattanooga’s growth. Of special interest for families is the Creative Discovery Museum where hands-on interaction and creativity equals individual achievement. There are several galleries sure to make your visit enjoyable. Your children can try their hands at art in the Artist’s Studio, build in the Inventor’s Workshop, get creative in the Musician’s Studio, and mix it up in the Scientist Field Laboratory.

If you delight in beautiful works of art, then visit the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. Here you will see glass, porcelain, music boxes, dolls and country-style furniture. The Hunter Museum of American Art showcases paintings, sculpture, glass, drawings, work by American artist and changing exhibits.

Chattanooga Parks:

At Chester Frost Park, you can cool off at the Sandy beach as you swim, or go fishing and boating. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, concessions, and camping facilities. On the banks of the Chickamauga Lake is Booker T. Washington State Park where you can go swimming, fishing or boating in the 60 mile long lake. There are nature trails, picnic areas, a playground and a lodge.

Also on Chickamauga Lake is Harrison Bay State Park and its many amenities. Here at Harrison Bay, you can take along a picnic lunch as you go boating or fishing, grab a bite at the snack bar then sit by the pool, get camp supplies to use back at one of the many campsites or you can let someone else do the cooking when you eat at the park’s restaurant.

Chattanooga Theatrical & Musical Productions:

You can see a variety of plays, concerts and operas at the Tivoli Theatre on Broad Street or visit the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Associations which host over 25 concerts and 2 yearly opera productions. You can enjoy a meal and a play at the Backstage Playhouse or see a show at the Memorial Auditorium or the Chattanooga Theatre Center. Other Area Attractions:

The Chattanooga Choo-Choo (www.choochoo.com) is a converted 1909 train station. This 23 acre area on the 1400 block of Market Street has formal gardens, fountains, pools, turn of the century shops, gaslights, a hotel, conference rooms and restaurants. You can visit the model railroad museum or go on a trolley ride. Also of interest to train lovers is the Tennessee Valley Railroad. The TVR is the South’s largest operating historic railroad and is made up steam locomotives, diesels and a variety of passenger coaches. You can enjoy a 6 mile ride, an audiovisual show, displays and a gift shop.

For extra special fun you can go sightseeing while enjoying a meal on the Southern Belle Riverboat . The 500 passenger boat serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day from April to December.

Other outdoor Chattanooga activities include the Nickajack Dam and Lake, Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Lake (www.tva.gov/sites/raccoon.htm) and Signal Point.

Rock City Photo by Bitman
Hardware Store Picture by Drew Wilson
Chattanooga Photo with Lookout Mountain by Brent K. Moore
Ruby Falls Photo by Bryce Edwards
Aquarium Picture by Dark Vision