Remarkable Summer Attractions in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is not a city in the limelight much, but it'd really be a shame not to spend some time here if you're in the vicinity of Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, or Alabama. This city has more incredible activities and family-oriented things to do than many towns triple the size. For one thing, it's a city that really emphasizes the wonders of nature abounding here. From Ruby Falls, to Lookout Mountain, to the absolutely gorgeous Gothic campus of Sewanee, the University of the South, Chattanooga is one extended medley of beauty and wonder. The attractions that Chattanooga offers will delight nature lovers and outdoors adventurers. Why not take some time out this summer to experience some of the inexpensive attractions this city is so popular for.

Rock City--what Tennessean hasn't heard of it? We used to see huge painted signs on barn roofs and above highways all around the area, "See Rock City!" Well, they're right. You really should see this area atop Lookout Mountain, right outside Chattanooga. Rock City is a park featuring walkways, paths and bridges over some magnificent rock formations that were formed millions of years ago by erosion, wind, and water. The Enchanted trail begins at the Grand Corridor, a very narrow trail through massive rock walls that loom up into the air above and into the Needle's Eye, an extremely narrow passage that sounds with eerie whistling winds blowing through. Walk a hanging bridge that's swing out into a panoramic view of mountains and valleys. There's one point on Lookout Mountain where you can look out to 7 states from the viewing platform: Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. Lookout Mountain is all about the incredible rock formations; some are truly unbelievable.
Rock City Gardens
1400 Patten Road
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
706-820-2531
800-854-0675

Nobody should even think of visiting Chattanooga without visiting the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX Theater. This Aquarium has gotten accolades from around the country since it opened in the early 1990s. It is a word class aquarium that features both a saltwater exhibit tour and a freshwater tour. Animals viewed are tiger sharks, stingrays, various magical seahorses, great barracuda, black crappie, paddlefish, green moray eel and blue catfish. River otters also are included in the aquatic exhibits. The Ocean Discovery Building also houses a butterfly exhibit, and there are three indoor forests under glass. Happy Feet and Deep Sea 3D are now showing on the IMAX. This place even hosts sleepovers for youngsters! The Aquarium visit costs $17.95 for adults and the combo Aquarium and IMAX costs $22.95 online.
Tennessee Aquarium
One Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37401-2048
800-262-0695 Toll Free
423-265-0698 Direct Dial
brochure@tnaqua.org

http://www.cdmfun.org/visitor_info/visitor_info.asp
Creative Discovery Museum is perfect for inquisitive children (and fun-loving adults). It is much like Mid-America Museum in Arkansas, with tons of hands-on discovery exhibitions and interactive projects involving a range of science wonders. There's an inventor's Clubhouse where kids learn about how things work, and a Riverplay section to let kids learn about damns, lakes and rivers, and learn about riverboats and sailboats. But there's a lot more to the museum, so plan to visit this on your Chattanooga trip. Tickets are $8.95 for both children and adults. The Museum is located at the corner of Chestnut and 4th St. It's open noon-5 on Sundays and 10-5 all other days.

One other stop in Chattanooga should be their world-class Zoo. In November 2007, a fire destroyed one building with education animals that were lost, but the Zoo has acquired some new animals since this. They have animals from Asia, Latin and North America, and Africa. There are thousands of species of animals in this wonderful display. One note: this year, 2007, people can get into the Zoo for just one buck on the 7th day of each month, and folks over 70 get in free!
http://www.chattanooga.gov/PRAC/30_989.htm