Voted #2 Top Arts Destination for Mid-Sized Cities by American Style magazine, Chattanooga is redefining its nickname as the Scenic City with a thriving arts scene. Weve curated a perfect three-day itinerary packed with must-see attractions to ignite your creativity. Stay longer if you can—grab your sketchbook and lets paint the town! Day 1 Morning: Begin at Chattanoogas oldest and most revered art museum, lovingly called the Hunter. Founded in the 1950s, the Hunter Museum of American Art showc

Chattanooga boasts diverse paddleboarding opportunities, from serene lakes to thrilling whitewater. Local expert Ben Friberg, the first to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Cuba to Key West, notes, There are some pretty significant bodies of water in the area, so you’re pretty unlimited in the things you can do with a paddle and board.With over 20 years exploring regional waterways, Friberg switched from kayaking to SUP four years ago. He paddles daily, enjoying Chattanoogas mountain vistas while

Photo credit: Andrew Kornylak Chattanoogas Southern sandstone is among the finest in the U.S., offering unmatched variety and quality. Dont just take our word for it—Cody Averbeck, co-author of the definitive guidebook Chatt Steel, shares on Rock/Creeks blog: Southern Sandstone, specifically the type found in Chattanooga, has some of the greatest variety of rock characteristics and personality found in any rock type, in any region—in America. Our sandstone has so much variation in such a small

Chattanooga ranks among the Souths most haunted cities, rivaling New Orleans and Savannah, thanks to wars, devastating floods, tragic love stories, and family feuds. Much like the buried Underground Chattanooga—paved over 150 years ago to escape Tennessee River floods—these eerie tales have long been overlooked.   In 2007, Amy Petulla launched Chattanooga Ghost Tours, now ranked among TripAdvisors top 10 ghost tours nationwide. Doubting if Chattanooga had enough documented hauntings, her

Each fall, intricate patterns emerge in Chattanoogas cornfields, marking the start of corn maze season. Forget alien conspiracies—these are crafted for family fun and excitement. Enchanted Maize (Closed for 2020 Season) 271 Chattanooga Valley Road, Flintstone, GA 706-820-2531 Finding Enchanted MAiZE at Blowing Springs Farm is simple—its at the base of Lookout Mountain, just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Navigating the twisting paths of this 1-hour maze is the real challenge. Thousands

Chattanooga is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a remarkable concentration of events from Paleolithic Native American settlements to Civil War battles and the heyday of railroads. Explore the citys premier historical attractions below.Where to Stay:Immerse yourself in history with these accommodations. The Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel, a transformed train station operational from 1909 to 1970, captures railroad heritage. The romantic Bluff View Inn occupies three turn-of-the-century

At the dawn of the 20th century, Chattanoogas elite cliff dwellers constructed elegant European-inspired mansions in the Bluff View neighborhood, perched safely above the Tennessee Rivers floods. Neglected amid the suburban boom of the 1960s and 1970s, the area was reborn in the early 1990s when Dr. Charles and Mary Portera arrived, sparking a remarkable revival.The visionary couple swiftly established the Bluff View Art District, now home to three acclaimed restaurants, a renowned bakery, bed-a

Step back in time in Chattanooga during this unforgettable historic weekend of November 22-24. History enthusiasts can relive the Civil War era through immersive reenactments, expert-led tours, and pioneer activities—no time machine required. Battles of Chattanooga Living History and Tours November 22-24, times vary Free and paid events Join nationally renowned speakers, authors, historians, park rangers, and reenactors for commemorative events marking the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Ch

Discover exceptional shopping in Chattanoogas historic Northshore neighborhood. Stroll tree-lined streets lined with locally owned boutiques in century-old buildings, sidewalks featuring public art, and unique finds from dresses and shoes to artwork and antiques at every price point. FRAZIER AVENUE Begin your shopping adventure by parking behind the shops in the lot next to Coolidge Park. On the lower level, uncover eclectic treasures like recycled artwork and jewelry at Tangerinas or hand-pour

Chattanooga exemplifies a can-do spirit, from revitalizing its waterfront to delivering some of the worlds fastest internet. Harness this positive energy to successfully keep your New Years resolutions. Transform your year with a visit to the Scenic City. Lose Weight Counting calories and gym visits work, but sustainable results come from enjoyment. Chattanooga excels in outdoor adventure sports. Our world-class sandstone cliffs offer premier rock climbing, with 56 trailheads within 25 minutes

If laughter truly is the best medicine, Chattanooga delivers the ideal prescription. National comedy stars regularly perform here, sparking waves of giggles and knee-slapping hilarity to lift any spirits. Plan your visit to the Scenic City for relaxation, entertainment, and endless laughs—its just what the doctor ordered. The Comedy Catch & Giggles Grill 3224 Brainerd Road 423-629-2233 The Comedy Catch has been a Chattanooga staple since its 1985 debut in a downtown hotel. Now a premie

Chattanooga is famous for its outdoor adventures, but winter fun shifts indoors seamlessly. When temperatures drop, skip hibernation and cozy up at the citys premier winter attractions. Heres your expert guide to staying warm and entertained.Channel Your Inner Bear: Explore Underground CavesBears know best—caves maintain a steady 60°F year-round. Experience this natural wonder at Chattanoogas top subterranean sites. The iconic Ruby Falls, a stunning 145-foot underground waterfall discovered in 1

Recognized as one of the nations premier farmers markets—including a top 10 ranking by Frommers—the Chattanooga Market is a true producer-only venue. Vendors personally grow or craft every item, from hand-blown glass bead necklaces to bushels of tomatoes harvested that morning within a 100-mile radius. If driving, pack a cooler—youll need it for the bounty. 10 Things Not to Miss at the Chattanooga Market Sundays at the First Horizon Pavilion, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Ode to Food The market celebrates l

For locals, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park offers prime spots for biking, hiking, and picnics. It hosts a renowned November marathon and half-marathon, ranked third in the U.S. by Runner’s World. To truly appreciate the pivotal events of nearly 160 years ago, start with a guided tour at the Chickamauga Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 27 (Lafayette Road). Here, a compelling 30-minute film details the Battle of Chickamauga, where nearly 35,000 soldiers were casualties in Septemb

Seeing a massive catfish at the Tennessee Aquarium is impressive, but reeling one in on 10-pound test line is an exhilarating challenge, shares Coast Guard captain and renowned fishing guide Richard Simms. As owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters, Simms has guided hundreds of anglers—men and women alike—to hook crappie, largemouth bass, and more. His true specialty? The legendary blue catfish lurking in the Tennessee Rivers depths.Most charters operate within Chattanooga city limits, just 15 mil

Officially known as the Riverfront, downtown Chattanooga is the heart of the citys dynamic redevelopment. Since the early 1990s, the Riverwalk and Tennessee Aquarium have anchored this bustling district. From fine dining to quick bites, it offers diverse eateries that draw both tourists and locals. Heres your expert guide to dining like a Chattanooga resident. Big River Grille and Brewing Works Atmosphere: Visitors flock here for the award-winning craft brews, celebrated at beer festivals nati

If your vacations center on exceptional dining, this guide is for you. Immerse yourself in Chattanoogas neighborhoods by savoring their unique culinary cultures, one bite at a time. SOUTHSIDE Once Chattanoogas financial hub, the Southside boasts repurposed warehouses and depots transformed into trendy eateries. Exposed brick walls define the aesthetic, but cuisines vary widely—from Japanese and Italian to traditional meat-and-three, sandwiches, and Latin fare. Arrive hungry and wander this hist

Chattanooga, a city of innovation navigated by its famously winding roads, proudly claims the title as the birthplace of the towing industry. Tow trucks often operate out of sight until an emergency strikes, yet these unsung heroes rank among our most vital first responders. Each year, around 40 dedicated drivers lose their lives serving others, out of approximately 300,000 towing operators nationwide. To honor their sacrifice, the International Towing & Recovery Museum opened in 1995 in do

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (November 5, 2014) – IRONMAN today announced that Chattanooga will host the 26th race in the IRONMAN® 70.3® U.S. Series, with Sunbelt Bakery as title sponsor. The inaugural Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga triathlon is set for Sunday, May 17, 2015. Following the resounding success of Little Debbie IRONMAN® Chattanooga, were thrilled to introduce an IRONMAN 70.3 event, offering athletes another chance to compete amid this regions stunning landscapes, said An

Securely dock your boat and immerse yourself in Chattanoogas lively, walkable downtown. Navigate easily on foot, via the free electric shuttle, or one of 300 bikes from the Bike Share program. Discover premier attractions including the Tennessee Aquarium, High Point Climbing & Fitness, Creative Discovery Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, Lookouts baseball stadium, and Coolidge Park. Savor local restaurants steps from the riverfront, such as Big River Grille, Hennens, Tonys Pasta, and the Ba