DYK that today is Tennessee Day? What an exciting way to kick off the week, Chattanooga.
Never heard of Tennessee Day? Don’t worry. It’s only been around for a couple of years. In 2017, the folks over at National Calendar Day decided to celebrate all 50 states with their own state day.
These state holidays are meant to celebrate and recognize the best that each state has to offer, from important cultural and historical information to recognizing our state’s beauty + sharing quirky facts.
Here are some fast facts about our amazing state:
🌉 The Walnut Street Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the entire world, at 2,376 ft. long. It was built in 1891 + is the oldest surviving Camelback Truss Bridge. Fun fact: Tennessee is also home to the longest pedestrian bridge in the country, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
⛳️ Tom Thumb Golf, the first patented mini-golf course, was created in Chattanooga in 1927 by Garnet Carter, a true “fore-father.” Carter was an inventor + the founder of Rock City Gardens, as well.
⭐️ Some of today’s most famous people are from Chattanooga, including Samuel L. Jackson, Usher, and Leslie Jordan, who has been a ray of sunshine on his Instagram during the last few months.
🌙 The world-famous MoonPie was created at the Chattanooga Bakery in 1917. It was perfect for coal miners because they were filling, only cost 5 cents, and fit in a lunch pail. By 1929, hundreds were being boxed every day + during WWII, the tasty treats were sent across the world in care packages.
Here are a few ways to celebrate Tennessee Day:
Blue Ridge Parkway | Each year more people visit the Blue Ridge Parkway than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined. Head to the Parkway for some hiking, biking, picnicking, or to take a scenic drive. (Although it doesn’t technically go into Tennessee, it’s close to the Smoky Mountains and easy to get on from Gatlinburg.)
High Point Climbing | High Point has 25,000+ square-foot of indoor and outdoor climbing space and even has a beginner zone for kids. This is a great alternative for those who like to hike + climb, but aren’t fans of nature.
Riverboat Cruise | There are several cruise options, including lunch, dinner, sightseeing, holiday, and even cruises for those over the age of 21. You can even try a private charter with friends + family.
Southern Food | BBQ + Southern foods are a TN staple + we’ve got some of the best options in the South. Grab a meal from HillBillyWilly’s BBQ, Sugar’s Ribs, or any number of local gems.
With fascinating facts + plenty to do, Chattanooga’s got it all. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
