Visiting Chattanooga, Tennessee

1. Hunter Museum and Bluff View Art District The Hunter Museum has a wide variety of art on display. I have attached the link to the website so you can look at the current exhibition and collections to see if you have any interest. One of the most interesting things about the museum is the location. It is perched on the bluffs high above the Tennessee River. The original building was once the home of the family that founded the first Coca Cola bottling plant. A new addition, very modern, has been added in the last few years. It reminds me of a big mouth with the tongue sticking out...but you may have a better take on it. The museum structures are best viewed from the Walnut Street Bridge (see below). The museum is an easy walk from downtown along Chattanooga's elaborate walkways. http://www.huntermuseum.org/default.aspx

Once you have visited the museum (or instead of visiting), take a walk around the Bluff View Art District. The area is dotted with several galleries and a couple of nice restaurants. My favorite gallery is across the street (2nd Street) from the museum, The River Gallery. If you walk to the end of 2nd Street (short walk), you will discover a lovely outdoor Sculpture Garden and another beautiful view of the Tennessee River.

I have enjoyed lunch on the patio at the Back Inn Cafe in the Bluff View Art District. Dining inside is also quite nice through you may need reservations if you are eating dinner. Rembrandt's Coffee House is a nice place to stop in for coffee and a sweet treat. Rembrandt's also has an outdoor patio so you can relax and rest your feet! I have been told that Tony's is quite good but I have not tried it. The website below provides some great information about the Art District. http://www.realpages.com/sites/bluffview/index.html

Once you have satisfied your curiosity about the Art District, get back on the walkway system and head across the Walnut Street Bridge (a pedestrian bridge) for incredible views of the Tennessee River. This walk will take you to my next favorite spot -

2. Coolidge Park and the Coolidge Park Carousel Coolidge Park is a lovely green space on "the other side" of the river. I haven't been to Chattanooga in a couple of years but I understand the city has acquired more acreage on this side of the waterfront so the park may have expanded since I visited. This side of the river boasts some funky shops, a few restaurants including my favorite pizza place "Pisa Pizza" at 551 River Street, ph 423. 756.7492, AND the Coolidge Park Carousel. I love carousels and we ride this one every time we are in town. I have attached a link below with the history of this carousel. http://history.amusement-parks.com/tenncool.htm

When you finish exploring, return via the Walnut Street Bridge to downtown Chattanooga. While you are crossing the bridge, you may see an amphibious boat on the water giving "Duck Tours." I know this is very touristy and a number of waterfront cities offer them, but I confess, we took this tour last time we visited Chattanooga and had a great time. It is just fun "rollin' down the river." http://www.chattanoogaducks.com/

I found this link on Trip Advisor, which provides a nice description of a walking tour of Chattanooga's Riverfront. http://tinyurl.com/63fj3q

If you still have time after walking all over this city, I suggest one of my other favorite things to do:

3. The Incline Railway and Lookout Mountain Battlefield You can drive to the top of Lookout Mountain but why would you when you can take the Incline. Took me a few visits to Chattanooga before I was willing to ride the Incline Railway. The tram heads straight up Lookout Mountain at a 72% grade. I have been on the Hong Kong tram to Victoria Peak and I believe the Lookout Mountain Tram is steeper! Links to the Incline and Lookout Mountain Battlefield are below. http://www.ridetheincline.com/ http://www.nps.gov/chch

The Incline station at the top of Lookout Mountain is within a short walking distance of the Lookout Mountain (Point Park) Battlefield. I can't remember if there is a charge to get in the park but it so worthwhile. You can pick up a little civil war history and get the best imaginable view of Chattanooga and the snaking Tennessee River. Be sure to follow the trails along the top and just over the edges of the mountain. An entire trail system snakes up and down the mountain but that would take many hours of walking. When you are finished exploring, return to the Incline and that the steeeeeep ride down to your car!

Something else worth mentioning, if you have an interest, I haven't been there but understand it is a real kick, The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. I have attached the website, it is in downtown Chattanooga. If you go, let me know what you think. http://www.internationaltowingmuseum.org/

Now if the above isn't enough, Ruby Falls and Rock City are on Lookout Mountain, but you will need a car to get there.

Regarding restaurants, Chattanooga is active with walkers and diners in the evening. The city has a number of really good restaurants but we keep going back to the Big River Grill. It is in downtown and the dress is casual. I have attached the website so you can look over the selection to see if anything interests you. http://www.bigrivergrille.com/

I hope you have a great trip to Chattanooga. We have had a number of memorable trips there.

Beverly Smith

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA