Top Five Favorite Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Until we cruised up the inland waterway from Alabama and onto the Tennessee River, I had never even heard of the city called Chattanooga. Little did I know that this cute waterfront city would charm me enough to stay three summers and counting. Traveling up and down the eastern seaboard, and now inland through Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee has given me lots of opportunities to explore many small towns and cities. From my observation, Chattanooga is the most successful in redeveloping its downtown and riverfront, transforming the city from an industrial manufacturing town to a beautiful waterfront city that now competes with Nashville, Memphis and Gatlinburg as a tourist destination.

Located in southeastern Tennessee, this little gem is an easy two hours drive from most major cities in the area - Knoxville, Nashville, Atlanta, Georgia, and Huntsville, Alabama; a tad longer to Birmingham, Alabama and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From the mountains to the river, Chattanooga has so much to offer. These are my top 5 favorite things to do in Chattanooga:

Tennessee Aquarium
Of all the attractions in Chattanooga, perhaps the most famous is the Tennessee Aquarium. Located on the Tennessee River in the heart of downtown, The Tennessee Aquarium is unique in that it has exhibits for both freshwater (river journey) and saltwater (ocean journey). There are many hands-on features, giving you the opportunity to pet sea creatures from prehistoric sturgeon to sting rays and nurse sharks. The butterfly exhibit is great fun, and you can let them land on you.

Bluff View Art District
Sitting atop stone cliffs that overlook the scenic Tennessee River, the Bluff View Art District is a unique neighborhood that resembles a small European village. Within a couple of blocks, you can find Hunter Museum of American Art, art galleries, a sculpture garden, several restaurants and café, beautiful gardens and courtyard. Take a stroll around the area to find art and sculpture throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy the picturesque view of the Tennessee River and of Chattanooga and the Walnut Street Bridge.

Chattanooga Choo Choo
Whether you are a fan of trains or train station, you can go back in time with a stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. A renowned landmark of the South, the 1909 Terminal Station was saved from the wrecking ball in 1973 and is now a Holiday Inn. You can sleep aboard and dine in an authentic railcar. Stroll through the gardens and catch a trolley for a ride around the Choo Choo complex. "Station House," the area used for storing baggage, has been turned into a restaurant with a singing wait staff. You can take the free electric shuttle from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium.

Point Park
High atop of Lookout Mountain, Point Park, a national military park, is full of civil war history, monuments and canons. At the visitor center, you can buy your ticket and watch a film about the battles. Not only you get to learn about Civil War history, you also get an awesome view of Chattanooga. Take a hike on trails that wind around massive rock boulders and stop at lookout points to admire awesome vistas of the Tennessee River and Missionary Ridge.

Rock City or Ruby Falls
These two attractions are located on Lookout Mountain, in the same vicinity. If you prefer caves, choose Ruby Falls. Your tour will take you down 260 feet into a cavern on an elevator. You will pass by unique rock formations as you meander around the cavern on your way to the beautiful 145-foot underground waterfall that is Ruby Falls.

If you are claustrophobic but not acrophobic, opt for Rock City. An exhilarating walk along the Enchanted Trail through giant rock boulders and across the thrilling Swing-A-Long Bridge will reward you with a stunning view of Chattanooga Valley. If you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of the rare white deer at Deer Park. Make sure you have proper shoes for walking.

Sources:
http://www.choochoo.com/index.php
http://bluffviewartdistrict.com/
http://www.seerockcity.com/