Southern comfort is closer than
you think
Family-friendly Chattanooga is just one-tank-trip away
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 8, 2006) – A riverboat calliope toots a
tune as it lazily rolls along the Tennessee River through the heart of
Chattanooga. On the shore, children giggle and splash in a gurgling animal
fountain near a carousel.
Families stroll across a walking bridge where music drifts across a plaza,
and families gather in the shade eating ice cream. Inside an aquarium,
in amazing forests under glass, the South’s favorite creatures are
waiting to be discovered: frolicking river otters, colossal catfish, graceful
stingrays, lurking gators and stealthy sharks.
Chattanooga is distinctly a Southern favorite – a city that’s
just as proud of its icons, like Rock City and Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain,
as it is of its idyllic new riverfront where there are countless river
parks, river walks and attractions you won’t find anywhere else
in the country — all within strolling distance on the banks of the
beautiful Tennessee River.
When the Tennessee Aquarium opened its new Ocean Journey experience,
visitors to Chattanooga soon discovered a summer vacation spot where they
could truly travel from the mountains to the sea and see it all in one
family-friendly city. Here’s a wrap-up of attractions and activities
that have earned Chattanooga the title of one of the South’s “favorites.”
For additional information, go to http://www.chattanoogasummer.com.
Down-home South
For those who long for the easy pace of a bygone time, Chattanooga offers
a variety of ways to kick back and revisit the spirit of summers past.
Whether your idea of summer fun is hot dogs and home runs at the ballpark
or watching the sun set while enjoying the city’s new “front
porch” on the river. Chattanooga offers a wealth of small-town charm.
• Take me out to a ballgame and fireworks.
With all the traditional fun of a minor league game, the Chattanooga Lookouts
batter-up in. Ball games when there are fireworks
to dazzle the fans turn any home game into a holiday. Check out the calendar
to see which dates have sky lighting.
• Board a riverboat to experience a bygone tradition of
the Southland.
History unfolds in this one-of-a-kind sightseeing cruise, where the city’s
history comes alive as you float down the beautiful Tennessee River in
the Southern Belle Riverboat
of Chattanooga!
• Journey from the Mountains to the Sea
Explore a cove forest under glass where river otters play near a splashing
waterfall. Feel the mist of a steamy delta swamp where alligators and
giant snapping turtles lurk. From free-flying song birds and butterflies
to colossal catfish and diving ducks, the Tennessee
Aquarium combines both freshwater and saltwater habitats to give you
experiences unlike any other.
Although more than 1,500 miles separate the streams of the Appalachian
Mountains from the Gulf of Mexico, the habitats of the South featured
at the Aquarium are so awesome and realistic you actually feel like you’re
diving the depths of a secret reef in the Gulf of Mexico where 10-foot
sharks and graceful stingrays glide through amazing coral formations.
You can even touch bamboo sharks and stingrays and talk to the blue macaws
in another indoor tropical forest.
Continue your ocean adventure at the
IMAX 3D Theater next door where you can purchase a discounted combo
ticket to see the new film, “Deep Sea 3D.”
Strollin’ on the river
Strollin’ along the river walks and river parks on the Aquarium
side of the river will wow you with vast green spaces to lounge on and
a pedestrian pier to bring you even closer to your watery world. (The
Chattanooga Pier is especially beautiful at night.)
Just alongside the Aquarium, discover a dramatic underground passageway
to the river that reveals the beginning of the Trail of Tears
and celebrates Native American culture.
The wading pools and shady spots of The Passage are
perfect when the summer sun is high in the sky. (“Swimmy”diapers,
bathing suits and water shoes are recommended for little ones.)
More Native American history can be discovered just two blocks from the
Aquarium in Chattanooga’s Regional History Museum,
where interactive exhibits feature Chattanooga’s history: Early
Land, Early People; the Cherokee Nation; Growth and Conflict; the New
South; and the Dynamo of Dixie.
The Hunter Museum of American Art is just a two-block
walk through an outdoor sculpture garden and over a glass bridge. The
café and museum store offer treats for all your senses, including
breathtaking views of the river.
While you’re up on the bluff, explore the Bluff View Art
District, where there are several restaurants, galleries and
another outdoor sculpture garden.
You and your children can pilot a river boat, climb high atop a crow’s
nest, build sailboats and make water wheels spin and buckets spill in
the Creative Discovery Museum’s “River Play.”
Just a block from the Aquarium, the museum also has a rooftop playground,
Dino Dig and a Little Yellow House where kids run the household.
Take a stroll over the Walnut Street Bridge, the longest
pedestrian bridge in America. The bridge connects the Aquarium side of
the river to the north side of the river — another great hangout
for families, with fun and funky shops and restaurants along Frazier
Avenue. Visit the Coolidge Park Carousel and
enjoy the park’s lush landscaping and interactive fountain. (“Swimmy”diapers,
bathing suits and water shoes are recommended for little ones.)
• Carousel Park on the river looks like a Norman Rockwell
painting
Take a spin on the Coolidge Park Carousel, where you’ll meet a menagerie
of creatures like a seahorse, a toad, an ostrich, a giraffe, a rainbow
fish, a white rabbit and, yes, of course, even prancing and proud steeds.
Outside the carousel pavilion are hopscotch courts, a climbing wall,
the Walnut Street Bridge – the longest pedestrian bridge in the
world -- and a water fountain where water jets concealed in sculptured
carousel animals soak anyone who dares get too close. (Bring beach towels,
bathing suits and swimmy diapers – Kids love to play in the fountain)
Picnics are fun. Frazier Avenue shops and restaurants are nearby, as well.
• Rock City: A Southern tradition
Since 1935, “See Rock City” painted barns stood as genuine
highway Americana compelling both snowbirds and Sunday drivers to a spot
near Chattanooga, Tenn., where visitors could “see 7 states”
amid a natural city of colossal boulders.
Located atop Lookout Mountain, just six miles from downtown Chattanooga,
Rock City truly is a marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations,
gardens with more than 400 native plant species, and breathtaking panoramic
views. The Swing-a-long Bridge and Fat-Man’s Squeeze are two favorites
on the trail. www.seerockcity.com 800-854-0675
• Cavern’s famous underground waterfall named for
the love of his life
Plunging a dramatic 145 feet straight down into a crystal clear pool,
Ruby Falls is one of the oldest and best known underground waterfalls
in the South, where visitors to the cavern attraction also see gigantic
stalactites and stalagmites.
Although the caverns were known to be used by Native Americans, outlaws
and even as a temporary hospital during the Civil War, the falls weren’t
discovered until 1928 when cave enthusiast Leo Lambert drilled into the
cave from the surface above. While gazing at its magnificence and beauty,
Lambert told his wife that he would name the falls in her honor. (423)
821-2544 www.rubyfalls.com
• Remember drive-in movies?
Lawn chairs and blankets scattered on the ground or the car on warm spring
evenings? Giant boxes of Raisinettes, Sno-Caps and Milk Duds. Backseat
smooching if the movie was bad — or even if it was good?
The Wilderness Outdoor Theater, a new drive-in, features
the world’s largest single-screen outdoor theater. Located on a
terraced hillside on the Georgia side of Chattanooga in Trenton, just
15 minutes from downtown, the theater has enough room for a thousand cars.
http://www.wildernesstheater.com/
• Nostalgic amusement park combines modern rides with charm
of a small-town carnival
Opened in 1927, the park's original ride is still a sentimental favorite
— perhaps because it's where many a teen stole a smooch in the Boat
Chute unofficially known as "the tunnel of love." Since that
time Lake Winnie visitors have logged hours on rides like the Cannon Ball
roller coaster, the Fly-o-Plane and many others .In 2006, they introduced
the OH-ZONE, 14-story freefall, where riders are subjected to 4.6Gs of
excitement during a thrilling 140-ft drop.
The carp are another curiosity at Lake Winnie. Surrounding the park is
a large lake full of ravenous carp. Visitors are welcome to feed the enormous
carp that live in the lake. 1-877-LAKEWIN (525-3946) www.lakewinnie.com
The Quirky Side of the South
The South has a reputation for embracing eccentrics and kitsch and Chattanooga
is no exception. Check out these slightly off-beat ways to spend some
time in the city.
• If it quacks like a duck. . .
Climb aboard an authentic World War II amphibious vehicle, drive around
historic downtown Chattanooga, then splash into the Tennessee River. The
Chattanooga Ducks are unique ex-military amphibious vehicles
made for the US Army to land troops on beaches during wartime and are
equally at home on land or water.
The captain on board will tell you about Maclellan Island, the Tennessee
River, Cherokee Indian History and places of natural and historical interest.
201 West Fifth Street, (423) 756-3825, www.chattanoogaducks.com.
• This widow of the South collected at least 9 husbands
& 10,000 pieces of glass!
Chattanoogan Anna Safley Houston single-handedly collected 10,000 pitchers,
creamers, lamps, flasks, jugs, china, tea sets, platters and frilly art-glass
baskets. She also collected husbands. After the Depression, the bank foreclosed
on her homes. Instead of selling her precious glassware, she let her house
go. When Mrs. Houston died in 1951, she left her collection for the Houston
Museum of Decorative Arts. (423) 267-7176; Only guided tours
available; call ahead.
• Dive the Gulf of Mexico without a SCUBA tank.
Dive the depths of a secret reef where 10-foot sharks, fierce barracuda
and graceful stingrays glide through amazing coral formations. Journey
to a lush tropical beach with 100 feet of "shoreline" where
you can touch bamboo sharks and stingrays. Descend into an underwater
cavern where you weave through a reef community where colorful fish and
a sea turtle playfully wave fins in your face.
From free-flying song birds and butterflies to amazing fish, amphibians
and reptiles the Tennessee Aquarium
combines both freshwater and saltwater habitats to give you experiences
unlike any other.
Although more than 1,500 miles separate the streams of the Appalachian
Mountains from the Gulf of Mexico, the habitats of the South featured
at the Aquarium are so awesome and realistic you actually feel like you’re
a cave diver beneath a secret reef, an adventurer discovering amazing
creatures for the first time or even a kid or kid at heart with a healthy
appreciation for the stuff that makes you say “WOW!”
• See life in 3D six stories tall
So real, it's unreal! In the massive six-story-high IMAX
3D Theater you feel like you're in the movie, not just watching it.
Whether you’re having astonishingly up-close encounters with giant
Pacific octopi and whale sharks the size of school buses or off on a Harry
Potter adventure complete with fire-spewing dragons or attending the Quidditch
World Cup, IMAX makes you feel like you’re part of the action.
• Get your art on the rocks or straight up.
Crowning the very peak of a 90-foot-tall rock bluff on the Tennessee River,
it’s hard to know whether to begin your tour in the art museum’s
grand classical revival mansion or on the patio of its new addition that
presents a stunning view of the river and surrounding mountains.
The Hunter Museum of American Art’s exceptional
collection not only is recognized as one of the country's finest, it’s
programming also is excellent and occasionally “out of the frame.”
Each Thursday evening, visitors enjoy “Hunter on the Rocks,”
when the museum stays open late and visitors enjoy adult beverages, music,
performance art, films or just taking in the riverine scene. http://www.huntermuseum.org/programs.aspx
• Visit this tiny village on a giant bluff
Tucked neatly atop the tall stone cliffs of the Tennessee River near the
Hunter and Houston museums just up the hill from the
Aquarium, the Bluff View Art District is a shady, creative
haven of restaurants and galleries that beckons visitors to spend time
exploring its old world elegance and a spectacular view.
Rembrandt’s is a favorite hang-out for coffee,
breakfast or dessert; Tony’s has the finest Italian
fare; and the Back Inn Café is so very romantic,
in addition to being culinary magic – all offer outdoor dining wrapped
around a neighborhood atmosphere reminiscent of a small European village.
Don’t miss the two-acre sculpture garden or the bocce ball courts!
www.bluffviewartdistrict.com
800-725-8338 411 E. 2nd St.
• Hook up with the world-famous Tow Truck Museum!
Chattanooga’s International Towing and Recovery Hall of
Fame has been featured in countless broadcast, newspaper and
magazine stories and also hosts thousands of visitors a year who are hooked
on restored tow trucks, towing equipment, toys and photographs of towing
scenes. 401 Broad Street, 423-267-3132; www.internationaltowing
museum.org
• Bragging rights: Ride the steepest railway in the world!
The thrill of riding "America's Most Amazing Mile" has delighted
guests for more than a century. In 1895 the railroad known today simply
as The Incline opened, rising up the steepest part of
Lookout Mountain. As the Incline climbs historic Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga's
surrounding mountains and valleys come alive as the trolley-style railcars
carry you cloud high.
• Singing waiters at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo
The romance of the railroad is luring you away on an adventure. The famous
Chattanooga Choo-Choo gives visitors a glimpse of the
past, when the singing waiters and waitresses at the Station House
entertain you while they carry out orders in this trademark restaurant.
With its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chattanooga
Choo Choo Holiday Inn also has authentic sleeper cars, a restored
Victorian dining car, a trolley car that travels the tracks behind the
station, retail shops that frame formal, picturesque gardens and a rail
terminal museum. www.choochoo.com
• It’s dinner with fun at the Vaudeville Café
next door to the Aquarium.
You’ll get to meet and talk with the play’s crazy characters
-- then, witness a crime that you must help solve! It’s family fun
-- appropriate for all ages. For show times: www.funnydinner.com
(423) 266-6202
The New South
While Chattanooga has always embraced
its heritage, the city is also moving forward. Outdoor adventures beckon,
and great music and shopping await you.
• Open-air market on Sundays is a feast for the senses.
When you visit the Chattanooga Market, you will find still-warm bread
from local bakeries, just-picked produce, live music, artists and artisans
selling things that they've made, live chef demonstrations from some of
our finest restaurants, farm fresh free range eggs, meats and more just
waiting to entice you.
The Chattanooga Market is a weekly open air market (with a covered “lid”)
in downtown Chattanooga (Southside) noon to 5 p.m. http://www.chattanoogamarket.com/index.php
http://www.chattanoogamarket.com/calendar.php
http://www.chattanoogamarket.com/directions.php
• Free Friday outdoor concerts in the park feature the
best of rock, pop, country and jazz
Summer sings downtown. Every Friday night is different – Sometimes
it’s rock, blues, jazz, reggae, Sidecar, funk, bluegrass or folk
music but it’s always fun and it’s always free.
The Nightfall
concert series is a downtown Chattanooga summer tradition for the
past 19 years. So hop aboard one of the free downtown electric shuttles
and head to Miller Plaza. All you need is a blanket or hotel towel to
sit on. The Miller Plaza stage heats up with a local opening act at 7
p.m. The headliner opens at 8 p.m.
The Historic South
Come explore the history of our area – from battles of the Civil
War to the “Empress of the Blues,” Chattanooga offers several
ways to get a glimpse of the past.
• See where one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War
was fought.
Imagine Northern armies creeping up Lookout Mountain under the cover of
clouds and engaging Confederate soldiers in a tremendous battle for the
"lookout" point of the Chattanooga armies. Point Park is the
site of one of the bloodiest battles in the United States Civil War. Later
romanticized as the "Battle Above the Clouds,” the Campaign
for Chattanooga was a turning point in the War Between the States.
During this campaign, the bloodiest two-day battle of the entire war
took place, the Battle of Chickamauga. Lincoln himself said, "Chattanooga
is as important as Richmond," and history proved him right with Sherman's
famous March to the Sea occurring after the Confederates lost Chattanooga.
Take a walk in the shoes of 124,000 Civil War soldiers through the Chickamauga
Battlefield. Learn more about the horrors these men faced as you watch
the 30-minute Multimedia show in the Visitors Center.
Continue your journey of the Campaign for Chattanooga as you enter the
gates of Point Park. A seven-minute narrative about the famous "Battle
Above the Clouds" depicts the climatic fighting atop one of Chattanooga's
most well known landmarks, Lookout Mountain. Then walk next door and visit
the Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map & Museum where a 3-dimensional
electronic map takes you on a journey of the battles that ravaged the
land from September to November 1863. http://www.chattanoogafun.com/historicinterests/
• Learn more about the “Empress of the Blues”
and African American history
Don't miss the Chattanooga African American Museum located on Martin Luther
King, Jr. Boulevard in downtown Chattanooga. The museum is filled with
information about the African experience in the world, in America, and
of course in Chattanooga. Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues; Free
Africans that ran businesses and politics in spite of slavery and Jim
Crow laws; Samuel L. Jackson of A Time To Kill and Spike Lee's Jungle
Fever are some of the exciting stories told about Chattanoogans in the
spacious museum. http://www.caamhistory.com/
• Pardon me boys, it that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
What’s a visit to Chattanooga without a visit to the real Chattanooga
Choo Choo?
Explore one of the South's most renowned and unique landmarks. This 24-acre
complex is located in the heart of Chattanooga. Visitors can explore a
fully restored train as it sits at the station. Don't miss the Model Railroad
Museum. This is a working display that consists of Chattanooga's Terminal
and Union Stations. It is one of the world's largest working "HO"
gauge model railroads. http://www.choochoo.com/model_railroad.shtml
Then, get in the car and head over to the Tennessee Valley Railroad where
you'll take a step back in time as you board a restored passenger train
for a six-mile venture across Chickamauga Creek. Wondering how to get
back? Watch the turntable in action. http://www.tvrail.com/
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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation
for the natural world. Admission is $17.95 per adult and $9.50 per child,
ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs.
The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are
$7.95 per adult and $5.50 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $22.95
for adults and $13.50 for children. Advance tickets may be purchased online
at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located
on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization.
Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX
are accessible to people with disabilities. Members enjoy unlimited visits
and other benefits. Call 267-FISH to join. |
