Authored By Sean Phipps
The first thing you should know about Chattanooga’s newest tour experience is that it’s pronounced “turs” not “tours.” According to officials with Hillbilly Jeep Turs, the spelling is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the “country” origins of the Soddy-Daisy based company. Hillbilly Jeep Turs launched in July with the goal to offer scenic and historic tours of the Chattanooga region. Guests load into a modified jeep for one of 4 available tour excursions, including everything from a short, 1-hour tour of Chattanooga’s downtown to a half-day, 4-hour off-road adventure through Soddy-Daisy with hiking and swimming. Prices range from $40 to $69 depending on the tour. Guests can book a tour up to 24-hours in advance online. Day-of-tour requests should be made by phone at (423)-332-2632. Tours are offered Tues. through Sun. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours begin and end at Puckett’s in Aquarium Plaza. The idea for a tour company started with Brad Snyder, owner of Jeepsters LLC. All of the jeeps used for the tour were customized in-house at the Soddy-Daisy garage. The vehicles have modifications to seat an additional row of passengers and an awning to prevent exposure to the sun. Britt Self, lead tour operator and guide, said the tours are for anybody looking for a unique way to explore the region. “Our goal is to get people outside,” she said. “We want to get them excited and show them some beautiful views along the way.” And it’s no surprise that people love the look of a jeep. Self said she’s had nothing but positive reactions from the general public. “I was stopped at a light and a woman rolled down her window to talk to me,” she said. “She just gave me a thumbs up and said ‘you’re winning.’” Chattanooga excursions include a tour of Chattanooga’s downtown with a focus on the history of the city. Both the Lookout Mountain and Battle Above the Clouds tours highlight Chattanooga’s most iconic feature through storytelling, history and stunning views. The Battle Above the Clouds experience features an additional stop and walk-through of Point Park. The standard Lookout Mountain tour passes Covenant College, Lula Lake and the Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding School. Guests who seek the ultimate jeep experience can enjoy the Soddy-Daisy tour. It features a route along The Trail of Tears and a private visit to Big Soddy Gulf during a 4-hour experience. The adventure also includes a 2.3 mile hike and swim at a secret swimming hole. Passengers will also visit a moonshine still and historic Poe’s Tavern, which was used as a stopover during the Civil War. Self said jeeps are the perfect way to see Chattanooga. “Who doesn’t want to go on a safari?” she said. “Everybody wants to be an outdoorsman whether they know it or not. With a jeep, we give you the ability to be an outdoors person on your own terms. We want to get people excited, educate them and spend time outside.” Here is a list of frequently asked questions. Hillbilly Jeep Turs also offers a line of custom clothing. Products include a T-shirt, khaki bucket cap, shot glasses and more.
