Even in a city you know + love, it’s easy to get in the habit of going to the same places over and over.
Whether you want to experience something beyond your usual haunts or you need ideas for out-of-town guests, we’re breaking down must-do CHA experiences.
We also asked for reader suggestions for quintessential Chattanooga must-do experiences and got great responses. Check them out below. What would you add? Respond to this email and let us know.
— “Breakfast at Kenny’s, then @BikeChattanooga around downtown, lunch @TheCampHouse, hike at Point Park.” @gardenertate
— “Aquarium, riverwalk, the Hunter (for arty folks), creative discovery for kiddos, coolidge park (esp. in warmer temps), a stroll on the walking bridge (basically northshore..?).” @JLBNerdy
— “Walk the bridge, Rembrandt’s for coffee and dessert, Tony’s for pasta under the Wisteria!!” @julielance
— “Rock City!” @twopluslu
— “Ruby Falls.” @rbrandon15
— “Walking bridge and clumpies!” @katerjstew
Pro-tip: The time just after the holidays is generally slower for local hotels, so it might be a good time for a little staycation.
The art lover
🎨 What to do
The Hunter Museum of American Art is a great place to start.
Not only will you get stunning views of the Tennessee River and the Walnut Street Bridge, but inside you can experience an array of American art including paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed media.
The museum’s three buildings represent 100 years of architecture. Check out the history here.
If you’re more into creating art, try Ignis Glass Studio. At this locally owned small business on Broad Street you’ll find a hands-on glass blowing experience + art to take home with you.
Other ideas:
— A new nonprofit + arts complex, Stoveworks, has upcoming exhibitions, including one in February.
— Frazier Avenue’s In-Town Gallery is a great spot if you’re looking to buy local art + the space also has exhibitions, including one on Feb. 1.
— Chattanooga Workspace, a gallery and exhibition space for creatives, also hosts open studio nights, at which you can experience dozens of local artists from musicians and jewelry makers to painters and muralists.
—The Association for Visual Arts also has exhibits and if you’re planning ahead, the organization puts on the 4 Bridges Arts Festival in April.
— Check out other galleries here.
— View more than 180 examples of public art throughout the city. Here are five.
🍴 Where to eat
Try something in the Bluff View Arts District, which is within walking distance from the Hunter Museum. For coffee + treats or something lighter, try Rembrandt’s Coffee House. For a sit-down meal, Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria is a sometimes overlooked gem.
— East Martin Luther King Boulevard’s Two Sons eatery has delicious, affordable meals + a great Chattanooga mural on the second floor. There are also countless other murals on the boulevard, including a gigantic piece on the side of the AT&T building. Drive or walk + observe the amazing artwork.
— For something a little more fancy try Whitebird at The Edwin Hotel, which is also filled with tons of local artwork.
For the fam
👪 What to do
Chattanooga is super family-friendly, and downtown’s Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium are worthwhile options. People of all ages will enjoy the aquarium and you might just re-discover your child-like curiosity at the museum, which has hands-on learning experiences.
If the weather is nice, don’t miss Coolidge Park. There’s a carousel, plenty of room for running, biking, flying a kite or lying in the sun to read or watch the flow of the Tennessee River.
High Point Climbing Gym and Fitness has yoga classes and climbing areas for people of all ages and skill levels.
Other ideas
— Consider renting bikes and riding down the riverwalk or check out one of these parks, which have playgrounds, tennis courts, dog parks and more.
— Lake Winnie, a nearby amusement park with everything from kids rides and games to roller coasters, is an option if the weather is right and you’re in the mood for a day of junk food and fun. There’s also a water park for summer fun.
🍴 Where to eat
At Market Street’s Community Pie, parents can enjoy pizza, pasta, beer, cocktails, coffee, drinking vinegars and gelato + the kids get pizza dough to use like Play-Doh. There’s also a kids menu and activity books with crayons.
Hat-tip to @MarieLetsEat for these family-friendly suggestions via Twitter: “Miss Griffin’s, Taco Mamacita, Fat Boy’s Roadside Eats, Mojo Burrito, Fiamma, Lupi’s, Southern Star, Countryside Cafe, Sugar’s.”
@MarieLetsEat said these characteristics made them ideal for families: “Attentive servers, great staff, good desserts, kind of boisterous already, often better sorts of kids meal offerings than just grilled cheese/nuggets. Plus the goats at Sugar’s.”
Twitter user @rtbrown123 also weighed in with some family-friendly food options: “Eddley’s BBQ, Mean Mug, Frothy Monkey, Olive Branch- all are great for toddlers- food served fast, relaxed environment, space for children to be children”
Get out(side)
🌳 What to do
I recently spoke to someone who has lived in Chattanooga their entire life and only recently walked the Walnut Street Bridge. If you haven’t done this, do it. Do it now.
The bridge, which connects North Chattanooga to the Bluff View Arts District, is a favorite for locals and tourists. It’s beautiful any time of year (in the winter it’s decorated with snowflakes), and allows for views of Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River and a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. Plus, it’s free.
For something a little more exciting and active, consider checking out Adventure Sports Innovation, which has a storefront in Coolidge Park and offers a wide variety of experiences, including off-roading in a unique vehicle.
Feeling like a hike? Experience Chattanooga offers locally led hiking tours + aims to help people experience the area like a local. And, let’s face it. Even if you’ve lived in Chattanooga for a while, figuring out where to start can be intimidating. (When in doubt, go to Stringer’s Ridge, right?)
Head to Play, Wash, Pint if you want to drink beer + entertain your dog.
Where to eat
🍴Chattanooga has a plethora of quality restaurants and many up their ambiance game with outdoor seating. Here are a few to consider:
— Universal Joint (dog-friendly)
— Rembrandt’s Coffee House (Beautiful spot to watch the sunrise.)
— State of Confusion (In the winter, there are igloos.)
— The Westin (Two words: Sky bar)
— Pickle Barrel (Divey with fresh air = 👍)
— The Daily Ration (spacious)
— The Boathouse (Watch the sunset on the Tennessee River.)
— Café on the Corner (Quaint patio space on Lookout Mountain)
— 1885 (Located at a happening St. Elmo intersection)
— Parkway Pourhouse (Outdoor seating with fans + putting green and cornhole)
For the music lover
🎸 What to do
Chattanooga’s music scene has improved considerably in the past 20 years. Now we’ve got the renowned Songbirds Guitar Museum + multiple music venues that draw major, reputable and relevant acts. 🙌 (The Tivoli, Memorial Auditorium, The Signal and McKenzie Arena probably draw the biggest musicians.)
There are also countless local artists who make their livings performing and contributing to the city’s flavor. And don’t forget the everyman option — karaoke. (If you need someone to go with you, I’m all about some karaoke.)
Songbirds hosts recurring Blues nights and Backstage Bar on Station Street has live music every Wednesday.
If jazz is your thing, check out the Barking Legs Theater, and the list goes on.
🍴Where to eat
There are countless options for dinner + music in Chattanooga.
A few highlights include Feed Table and Tavern, HiFi Clyde’s and The Flying Squirrel.
What is your favorite place to see local music while enjoying dinner? Reply to this email and let us know.
For the history buff
📚What to do
Chattanooga is infused with history, from Native American to Civil War and beyond.
The Passage at Ross’ Landing, which is on the river near the aquarium, marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears. It’s outdoors and part art, part educational experience.
The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has multiple sites where visitors can get endless insight into what happened here during the Civil War.
Try Point Park on Lookout Mountain. It’s a five-minute walk from the top of the Incline Railway. Or check out monuments and wildlife at the Chickamauga Battlefield.
Moccasin Bend Archeological District has history that spans 12,000 years of continuous human habitation. Whoa.
This one is often overlooked, but Chattanooga is also home to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum because it’s the birthplace of the United States towing industry.
For a dose of mystery with your history, try Chattanooga Ghost Tours.
🍴Where to eat
Try some of the city’s oldest restaurants, such as Miss Griffin’s Footlong Hot Dogs or Zarzour’s Café.
Pro-tip: Check out this article we wrote about the city’s oldest businesses.
