Head of the Hooch Regatta: Your Ultimate Spectator Guide to Chattanooga's Premier Rowing Event
Every year, top collegiate, high school, and masters rowers from across the U.S. converge on Chattanooga for Head of the Hooch – the nation's second-largest rowing regatta. Held the first weekend of November, over 2,000 boats race down the Tennessee River, with more than 1,200 competing on Saturday alone.
Ross's Landing serves as the epicenter of the action, where boats launch every 12 seconds. These sleek crafts, longer than a semi-truck, launch and land from the same spot. Racers paddle 3 miles upriver to the start line, turn around, and race furiously to the finish. Spectators enjoy prime viewing of most of the course from one convenient location.
Crowds fill grassy areas and stadium seating along the river to cheer their favorites. For a bird's-eye view, head to the Walnut Street Bridge. Prefer quieter spots? Coolidge Park on the Northshore offers great finish-line views. Stretch your legs along the 13-mile Chattanooga Riverwalk, with scenic course overlooks throughout.
When hunger strikes your crew, nearby restaurants deliver. Past the Tennessee Aquarium, favorites like Puckett's and Big River please crowds. Upriver, Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar boasts a wraparound porch with river panoramas, fresh oysters, and wood-roasted chicken.
Cap off the day at the Chattanooga Market (Sundays, 11am-4pm). Named one of Frommer's top 10 U.S. markets, it features fresh produce, artisan foods, local arts, crafts, live music, and entertainment in the First Tennessee Pavilion.
Steps from the action, the Tennessee Aquarium – the world's largest freshwater aquarium – showcases penguins, sea otters, sturgeon, and seahorses. Art enthusiasts should visit the Hunter Museum of American Art, then explore the Bluff View Art District for coffee at Rembrandt's or shopping at River Gallery.
Families with kids will love the hands-on fun at the two-story Creative Discovery Museum.
Early November brings peak fall foliage. Escape the races via the Southern Belle riverboat into the Tennessee River Gorge, or hike the Bluff View Trail on Lookout Mountain for elevated vistas.
For the full race schedule, spectator info, and details on Head of the Hooch, click here.
