Glenn Miller gave Chattanooga some extra attention when
he wrote and performed the big-band swing tune “Chattanooga
Choo Choo” in 1941 about its rich railroad history.
Chattanooga Tennessee is the 4th largest city in Tennessee
after Memphis, Nashville
and Knoxville and is a great
family destination or romantic getaway with lots of things
to do and see. Chattanooga Tennessee lies in a valley
in southeastern Tennessee between the Appalachian and
the Cumberland mountains. Chattanooga Tennessee sits on
both banks of the Tennessee River at Moccasin Bend and
is bordered by Signal Mountain on the north and Lookout
Mountain to the south which shelters the city from
any major weather systems.
In May of 2005 new, well-needed developments to the Chattanooga Tennessee Riverfront saw the city as a forerunner in urban renewal. Parks and pathways link restaurants, shops and attractions along the river. Chattanooga Tennessee has reassessed its priorities and created an impressive gathering spot for events and picnics as well as a concerts area to enjoy during the warmer months. Waterfall stairs meet six fountains arching into the river and provide a great place to splash around in. Chattanooga Tennessee has come a very long way since Walter Cronkite first declared it “the nation’s dirtiest city” in 1969! Chattanooga Tennessee has definitely cleaned up its act since then.
Chattanooga travel can be done all through the year
as temperatures are not too extreme, but spring and fall
are the best, temperature-wise, to visit. Spring and fall
can be a great time of year to enjoy a Tennessee
cabin. Winter is cool and summer is quite hot. Chattanooga
travel in spring and fall defined by lots of sunshine,
some rain, mild temperatures and rich foliage. Any extreme
cold is pretty rare and annual snowfall average is just
under 3 inches.
Chattanooga travel has picked up in pace and now visitors take time out to discover what the city has to offer. The Bluff View Arts District is a neighborhood that has thrived into an area filled with great galleries, bed and breakfasts and bistros enfolded in historic homes along the river bluff. Across the river to the North Shore the spirit has spread and now vibrant cafes and shops line Frazier Avenue. Tennessee hiking in the area is another activity best done around Lookout Mountain.
On Friday nights head to Signal Mountain for the Mountain
Opry, a favorite of Chattanooga events. Bluegrass and
old-timer country bands play classic Tennessee mountain
music from roughly 8pm to 11pm with free admission. The
Riverwalk tour is one of the Chattanooga events you won’t
want to miss out on. Lasting about 2 hours over 3 miles,
the tour begins at Ross’s Landing and continues
along the gleaming Tennessee River. Enjoy beautiful scenery
along the river and take a trip across Walnut Street Bridge,
the longest walking bridge in the world. Southern Belle
Riverboat Co. and Pier 2 Special host Chattanooga events
such as the Fall Color Cruise and the Fall Leaf Cruise
along the Tennessee River , both in October when fall
foliage is at its most colorful. They also host other
cruises throughout the year. Contact Pier2 for rates.
The Chattanooga aquarium is the most visited attraction
in the area and includes and IMAX 3D cinema. Exhibits
at the Chattanooga aquarium, or Tennessee
Aquariums its called, include reptiles, mammals, butterflies,
birds, amphibians and the ever-loved penguins. The Chattanooga
aquarium hosts a special ‘sleepover’ event
where kids can sleep over and discover the aquarium during
a night of adventure where kids can journey from the mountains
to the sea. Other features at the Chattanooga aquarium
include a Behind the Scenes Tour, a Seahorse exhibit and
Find Nemo at the Aquarium. Rates run at $11.00 for children
and $20.00 for adults with extra charges for the IMAX
and other special events. Make sure to inquire before
buying tickets. The Chattanooga Aquarium is a great place
to visit where staff exemplifies the importance of ocean
conservancy and giving back to the environment.
