Celebrating its 26th anniversary, Rock Citys Enchanted Garden of Lights shines brighter than ever with over one million sparkling lights and one of the worlds largest walk-through Christmas trees—the first of its kind! Weve navigated Fat Man’s Squeeze by day many times, but it had been years since our last lights visit. All three of us—our 8-year-old, my husband, and I—were utterly enchanted. Upon arrival, the inviting aroma of Starbucks coffee wafted through the air, complemented by a cozy

Chattanooga lights up the holiday season with millions of twinkling lights across boats, bridges, cliffs, and more. Experience the magic safely with our comprehensive Clean & Safe Holiday Guide, designed for families and visitors seeking trustworthy, up-to-date recommendations. Our attractions, restaurants, and businesses prioritize visitor safety through enhanced protocols, timed entries, and spacious environments for social distancing. Follow current local health guidelines for masks and

Experience the enchanting magic of winter in Chattanooga, where twinkling lights, festive music, and crisp days create unforgettable memories. Ideal for romantic escapes or family adventures, the Scenic City brims with holiday cheer and unique activities. Discover our top 12 ways to embrace winter in this vibrant destination. 1. Captivating Holiday Shows The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera presents Holiday Brass at Collegedale Commons on Dec. 18 & 19. Create lasting family memories with

Whether youre a visitor or a lifelong local, playing tourist in Chattanooga unlocks a world of fresh discoveries. Iconic attractions like Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and the Tennessee Aquarium draw crowds, but the citys diverse offerings allow everyone to craft personalized adventures and experience the Scenic City anew. These expert-curated, mix-and-match itineraries highlight hidden gems and favorites alike. Tailored by theme—from waterfall chases to craft brew trails— theyre

The past year brought virtual learning, Zoom meetings, and endless streaming. Now, families crave real-world, hands-on experiences. While not fully back to normal, many attractions offer safe visits with precautions like masks and timed entries. Chattanooga is an ideal family getaway, blending museums, history, culture, and nature. Each site follows safety protocols—check ahead for details. Reconnect with these Scenic City highlights for unforgettable family bonding. Creative Discovery Museum

Chattanooga shines in winter with mild Southeastern weather, rare snow, and a mix of outdoor adventures and cozy indoor options. Always check individual attraction websites for the latest safety guidelines and protocols. From thrilling chills to heartwarming thrills, heres our expert guide to the best things to do this season. 1. Explore the Tennessee Aquarium The Tennessee Aquarium is an essential Chattanooga experience. Enjoy exhibits with enhanced air filtration via new HVAC units with UV li

Chattanooga offers exceptional ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with delectable meals, whether you prefer plant-based options, convenient takeout, at-home baking kits, or elegant dining. From cozy nights in to sophisticated evenings out, discover the top choices for discerning food lovers. Plant-Based Vegan Delights Recognized by PETA as one of the top 10 vegan-friendly cities in the U.S., Chattanooga shines with outstanding plant-based dining. Plant Power Café, the citys highest-rated vegan

If youve been bouldering in the Southeast this winter, youre aware the season ended early due to relentless rain and snow. Spring has arrived, bringing warmer temperatures and looming humidity that can make even V1s feel like V6s—or that infamous Dawn Wall dyno. Southeast climbers are swapping crash pads for ropes, thinning out boulder fields. But for those extending the bouldering season, Rocktown on Pigeon Mountain offers ideal breezy conditions and concentrated high-quality boulders that ma

Chattanooga brims with vibrant stories of Black history, from striking murals and art to legendary music venues and pivotal civil rights sit-ins. These sites honor the courageous individuals who shaped our community and influenced the world. Here are six essential ways to immerse yourself in Chattanoogas Black heritage and culture. ML King Blvd. Once known as 9th Street or The Big 9, ML King Blvd. was a hub for legendary jazz and blues performances that captivated audiences. Today, it blends h

Climbing offers an inherently solitary experience, focusing on the climber, their gear, and the rock face. While the community is tight-knit, the activity itself promotes personal challenge and isolation. For those seeking solitude or small-group sessions amid social distancing, Chattanooga boasts exceptional outdoor and indoor options. This guide highlights premier locations for safe, enjoyable climbing. Stone Fort (Little Rock City) A legendary bouldering destination in the Southeast and ho

Spring is approaching in Chattanooga, where our region receives an impressive 53 inches of rain annually. From February through April, trails turn muddy from steady precipitation, making some outdoor pursuits challenging—but this is the prime season for waterfall hikes. Creeks swell with powerful flows, showcasing eastern Tennessees abundant natural wonders. Weve curated the top 10 largest and most impressive waterfalls near the city, each boasting at least 50 feet of free-falling water—and man

Embrace the luck of the Irish this St. Patricks Day in Chattanooga! Though celebrations look different this year, enjoy parades, parties, virtual races, cocktail classes, and more. Family-friendly and nightlife options abound. Channel your inner Irish spirit outdoors—you might just find that pot of gold! Masks required at all events; social distancing encouraged. Luck of the Irish Dinner at FEED Co. Table & Tavern Wear your green for a festive 4-course Irish Whiskey Dinner in their private

In celebration of National Women’s History Month, Chattanooga is home to a thriving community of women-owned businesses. Support these exceptional female entrepreneurs by exploring the curated selections below across food, drinks, adventure, events, art, and self-care. FOOD One of Chattanoogas newest eateries, Lil Mama’s specializes in authentic Chicago-style hoagies. Owner Tiffany Pauldon-Banks developed the menu at home with her family, delivering a true taste of Chicago in every bite. Nearb

Over the past year, families adapted to new norms in work, school, shopping, dining, and socializing—often pausing traditional vacations. As COVID-19 precautions continue but travel resumes, Chattanooga emerges as a premier family destination, offering urban charm, outdoor thrills, and safe, distanced experiences that have long made it a Southeast favorite. Chattanooga adheres to Tennessees clean and safe guidelines, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions implementing protective protocols. R

It wouldn’t be National Women’s History Month without celebrating the remarkable women who have profoundly influenced Chattanooga’s story over the past century and beyond. Many are honored through local landmarks. Discover their inspiring legacies below, along with ways to learn more. What other Chattanooga women deserve recognition? Share in the comments. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a trailblazing surgeon, alleged spy, abolitionist, feminist, and the only woman ever awar

Chattanooga, the Scenic City, draws summer visitors with its outdoor adventures and thriving culinary scene. Many top restaurants feature rooftops, decks, and patios for al fresco dining amid fresh air and stunning views. This blend of exceptional cuisine and scenic settings delights food enthusiasts. Here are 16 standout outdoor dining spots. Brewhaus Chattanooga’s premier German-American gastropub, Brewhaus, serves classics like schnitzel, egg noodles, and brats paired with German-inspired b

Experience the perfect blend of food, fresh air, and family fun on Chattanoogas scenic Riverwalk. This 16.1-mile paved trail along the southern banks of the Tennessee River offers an immersive journey through nature, culture, and cuisine. With diverse restaurants and activities along the way, its ideal for year-round exploration. Accessing the Riverwalk Multiple entry points make the Riverwalk easy to access throughout Chattanooga. Our interactive map highlights official trailheads, additional

Mothers Day is approaching, and Chattanooga offers wonderful ways to honor it. Whether you have young children, adult kids, one child, or many, join us for memorable celebrations in the Scenic City. For the Whole Family Start the festivities early at the Chatterys Word to Your Mother Mothers Day Market and Sidewalk Shop on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discover handmade treasures from local Chattanooga makers, including bath bombs, jewelry, note cards, bitters, and more. If youre no

Safe and Clean Guide for Summer TravelJune 10, 2021 We're thrilled about your visit to Chattanooga! Currently, there are no state or county mask mandates. Our attractions, restaurants, lodging, and more continue to implement extra safety precautions to protect our community and visitors. We recommend contacting individual attractions directly for their latest health and safety guidelines. As family summer travel ramps up, we're here to help you prepare with the best resources for a worr

Swimming holes define Southeastern summers, and the Chattanooga region boasts stunning natural spots for a dip. However, much of the area involves private land with access restrictions. Disclaimer: Your favorite local spot may not be listed here, as we focus on legally accessible sites. These selections, though some require a drive, are worth it—especially on hot, humid days. Discover our top picks for safe, legal natural swimming in the Chattanooga area. Always prioritize Leave No Trace princip