Chattanooga, Tennessee - a Small Town with Southern Charm

You may not think that Chattanooga, Tennessee has much to offer but since moving here more then four years ago it has grown so much. This city has the charm of a small, southern town along with the hospitality and the accomodations and events of a big city. If you are planning a trip to Chattanooga there are some things you just have to take the time to see. Downtown Chattanooga has grown so much; the north shore has a ton of new shops and attractions.

One of my favorite things to do here in Chattanooga is the walking bridge which is called the walnut street bridge. This large bridge is for walking only and takes you from the northshore all the way over to the other side of the river. Upon reaching that side you are met with the Hunter Art Museum and downtown. There is absolutely nothing like taking a stroll across this bridge with friends, family, or just by yourself. Its lovely at night when the city and the other bridges and bulidings are lit up. Its definately something you dont want to miss when comming to Chattanooga.

If you are into walking and are looking for something doesnt cost a lot to do here you do have options. The riverwalk is a great attraction it leads you around 13 miles all the way from the Chickamauga Dam to Ross's Landing, across the Walnut Street Bridge and to the North Shore. This is a wonderfull activity on a nice day with your family or by yourself. You are allowed to bring a bike, rollerblades, and even fish around the area provided you have a non resident fishing license or a resident if you live in tn. We are always impressed with the views and they really cant be beat!

The aquarium here in Chattanooga has undergone some major renovations in the last few years and has added another building which now includes penguins, salt water fish, and a butterfly garden. The tickets for just the aquarium will cost 19.95 for adults and 12.95 for children ages 3-12. This is an attraction that you shouldnt miss when comming here to town. It will take you a few hours to go through the aquarium but there are different restraunts near by several major chains and the best burger joint in town is right across the street from the aquarium it is called cheeburger cheeburger. They also have vending machines for drinks and snacks and a gift shop for souveniers.

The River Gorge Explorer is a boat ride that is offered by the aquarium, you can take this 90 minute boat ride along the tennessee river and view some excitting views. You can purchase tickets for this individualy for 29.00 for adults and 21.50 for children 3-12. You can also add this onto your aquarium ticket and do the bundle for this it will cost 43.95 for adults and 30.95 for children ages 3-12. If you have time for this its a very excitting adventure!

Since we are allready on the subject of boats I would like to include the Southern Belle River boat. There are a few options available with this amazing boat, you can take a sightseeing cruz, a lunch cruise or a dinner cruise. They also have cruises for many holidays and events through out the year. This is the boat my husband and I got married on and it is very near and dear to my heart. The prices range from anywhere between 15.00 per person to 45.00 per person for a dinner cruise. Children are at a discounted price and it depends on which cruise you would like to take.

If you are going to be bringing children with you definately check out the Creative Discovery Museum, This is one of my sons favorite places to go here in chattanooga it offers a hands on learning experience and lots of fun for the kids. The museum is closed on wed. and it will cost 8.95 for adults and children 2yrs and over. They do give a discount if you show your aquarium ticket stub and the tickets will cost 6.95 per person. You can also do a package with the aquarium and the museum for 32.95 per person and that includes the aquarium, and IMAX movie and the museum ticket. This is definately something worth seeing while here. It will bring out the kid in you!

Ruby Falls is worth taking the trip 10 miles out of chattanooga to see. Ruby falls is a water fall that is 240 feet inside lookout mountain. You take an elevator ride down into the mountain and walk back into a cave to view the falls. There is absolutely nothing like this and it is a very out of the ordinary thing to do. I will say that if you have seen it once you have seen it ! We have taken family there when they have come to town and really once or twice is enough allthough it is worth seeing. The tickets are 14.95 for adults and 7.95 for children 3-12.

Rock City is a breath taking activity that well is breathtaking in more ways then one. You can see 7 states from the rock city gardens along with over 400 native plants and rock formations. I say that it will take your breath away because of the views and it does require alot of walking. This is something that you may want to take the day and pair with Ruby falls. You can get tickets for Rock City for 14.95 per person or 7.95 for children. If you are planning on going to see Ruby falls also it would be your best bet to get the double play tickets which includes entrance to both atractions for 29.95 per adult and 15.00 for children 3-12

There are many night clubs here in chattanooga one that I would definately recommend is the Electric Cowboy. This night club has a mix of music and isnt set to one age or music. This is a great place to come and have a few drinks and dance. One of the best in chattanooga ! Chattanooga food and drink is also another one that I would recommend for the younger crowd.

If you are into Comedy shows The Comedy Catch has a variety of shows available that will get you in stitches. Their shows range in price from about 10.00 to 25.00 depending on who is playing and the events they have going on. This is a favorite of mine you can relax and have fun at the same time. There is always a welcomming crowd of people here and it is just an all around great time!

If you are at all interested in the farmer market scene there is a great one here in chattanooga, Every week there is a new band playing and they have locally grown and created merchandise. If you are going to be here on a sunday this is definately something worth seeing. You can make a day out of it and enjoy food from local restraunts and local entertainment. This is a weekly thing for our family and we enjoy every minute of it.

Along with these atractions there are many great places to eat here in Chattanooga. Dont be afraid to check out the local places they offer some new gourmet food and some southern counrty favorites. I hope that this will give you some insight into what is available here in town. Cant wait to hear if some of this information allowed you to have a good time here!