I'm gonna be there for 3-days total for work so my free time will be limited but, what should I be aware of for attractions, notable places, food options, good hikes or, places to get outside and see the area?
I know there's plenty of Civil War sites, was told Lookout Mountain & Sunset Rock are good spots if I wanna go stretching my legs.
May 09, 2024, 12:44 PM
DrDan
If you like whiskey, try some Chattanooga Whiskey. One of my favorites. They have a tasting room, but it was too crowded the time I tried to go there.
Rock City is great. They have a nice aquarium, too.
________________________________________
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May 09, 2024, 01:13 PM
Perception
Head south from Chattanooga towards Cloudland Canyon state park in GA. The park is great, lots of hiking and pretty waterfalls, and the scenery just feels different than the rest of the Chattanooga area. The road from Chattanooga to Cloudland is named Scenic Highway, and it's a very pretty drive. It runs along the ridge overlooking the valleys, and there's a few spots you can go right to the edge and look all the way down. There's a hang glider ramp at the top, it's a great spot to park and watch the sunset. Lots of little tiny homes you can rent along the edge as well, although that might not be an option if your accommodations are already taken care of.
Top of the Rock restaurant is great too. It's a little outside of Chattanooga, but it's up on a ridge with a great view and lots of outdoor seating to enjoy it as well. The food and beer are pretty decent there too.
"The people hate the lizards and the lizards rule the people." "Odd," said Arthur, "I thought you said it was a democracy." "I did," said Ford, "it is." "So," said Arthur, hoping he wasn't sounding ridiculously obtuse, "why don't the people get rid of the lizards?" "It honestly doesn't occur to them. They've all got the vote, so they all pretty much assume that the government they've voted in more or less approximates the government they want." "You mean they actually vote for the lizards." "Oh yes," said Ford with a shrug, "of course." "But," said Arthur, going for the big one again, "why?" "Because if they didn't vote for a lizard, then the wrong lizard might get in."
May 09, 2024, 01:15 PM
YellowJacket
Rock City and Ruby Falls are musts. They do have a nice aquarium. The incline railroad to the top of Lookout Mtn is decent and the park up there is cool to walk around.
Chickamauga Battlefield is not far across the state line in Georgia.
For a day hike, Cloudland Canyon is spectacular.
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May 09, 2024, 03:44 PM
Sailor1911
Second Chickamauga Battlefield. Also, Ft Oglethorpe is interesting.
Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark.
“If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016
May 09, 2024, 03:58 PM
Sig2340
Will they be serving the usual corporate vulcanized chicken for lunch?
If so, you'll get to try the famous Chattanooga chew chew while you're there.
Nice is overrated
"It's every freedom-loving individual's duty to lie to the government." Airsoftguy, June 29, 2018
May 09, 2024, 04:08 PM
sigseller2000
Champy’s Chicken and Tupelo Honey, which may have the best chicken I have ever tasted.
May 09, 2024, 04:41 PM
CQB60
Aquarium is a good way to spend some time..
______________________________________________ Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…
May 09, 2024, 05:10 PM
jandersd
I second the Coker Museum
Rembrandt's Coffee in the Art District Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw bar was very good
Several good breweries (Chattanooga Brewing Co, Tailgate, Five Wits)
--- Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas
May 09, 2024, 05:15 PM
Tn226
If your time is limited and depending on your interests:
Aquarium - always in the top 5 nationally Civil war history - Chickamauga battlefield & museum Restaurants Italian - Boccaccia or Alleia Seafood on the river - The Boathouse Steak - Hennen’s
Personal opinion - Rock City and Ruby Falls are tourist traps though small children enjoy them
Lookout Mountain only if you’re interested in riding the Incline Railway
If you’re looking for walking/running for exercise, the Tennessee river walk goes for miles but there’s no lack of opportunity around downtown
Couple of the others listed above are interesting too plus there’s always the International Towing Museum if you’re into tow trucks This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tn226,
May 09, 2024, 05:28 PM
Sailor1911
Yes, Lookout Mtn is well worth the time. And, we enjoyed "Sticky Fingers" for BBQ.
Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark.
“If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016
May 09, 2024, 05:30 PM
egregore
I have only seen it from a distance, but there is a system of trails running along the Tennessee River, near downtown, known as the Tennessee Riverwalk. Large passenger boats also ply the river. There is also a large zoo (again no personal experience).
If you are going that way, the interchange of I-24 and I-75 has been undergoing reconstruction, causing traffic delays, for some time. Hopefully it will be finished by now.
"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
May 09, 2024, 06:10 PM
scratchy
Rock City and Ruby Falls for sure. Lots of other good suggestions in here
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May 09, 2024, 06:17 PM
Oz_Shadow
Tennessee Aquarium and related stuff in that area.
Rock City for an outdoor walk in a touristy mountain path.
Ruby Falls
Lake Winnepesauka tiny theme park
Stop and grab flyers at the interstate rest stop. Lots of little things to see and do.
May 09, 2024, 06:50 PM
mholmes
Be careful where you go downtown at night. There is a lot more violent crime than what you see in the news. My company has multiple locations in Chattanooga so there is a good chance you will see one of our semi trucks hauling product between facilities.
May 09, 2024, 09:10 PM
RogueJSK
Following.
I'll be in Chattanooga myself in ~6 weeks, and was planning to ask for similar recommendations.
May 10, 2024, 08:38 AM
creedbratton2
GT Distributors- because who doesn't need more trade in magazines
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tn226,