Chattanooga
Settled in 1835, Chattanooga is enclosed on three sides
by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau.
It is the birthplace of miniature golf, the site of the
first Coca-Cola bottling plant, and has the steepest passenger
incline in America. It is also a transportation junction
where three major interstates (24, 75, & 59) intersect.
You can tour its many museums, get some rest or recreation
at the various parks, learn about animals at the zoo or
Chattanooga
aquarium, or check out the railroad and the Southern
Belle Riverboat. This is a popular destination for those touring the North Georgia Mountains.
Chattanooga Museums:
At the Chattanooga African American museum, you will learn how African American’s
have contributed to Chattanooga’s growth. Of special  interest
for families is the Creative Discovery Museum where hands-on
interaction and creativity equals individual achievement.
There are several galleries sure to make your visit enjoyable.
Your children can try their hands at art in the Artist’s
Studio, build in the Inventor’s Workshop, get creative in
the Musician’s Studio, and mix it up in the Scientist Field
Laboratory.
If you delight in beautiful works of art, then visit the
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. Here you will see glass,
porcelain, music boxes, dolls and country-style furniture.
The Hunter Museum of American Art showcases paintings, sculpture,
glass, drawings, work by American artist and changing exhibits.
Chattanooga Parks:
At Chester Frost Park, you can cool off at the Sandy beach
as you swim, or go fishing and boating. There are also hiking
trails, picnic areas, concessions, and camping facilities.
On the banks of the Chickamauga Lake is Booker T. Washington
State Park where you can go swimming, fishing or boating
in the 60 mile long lake. There are nature trails, picnic
areas, a playground and a lodge.
Also on Chickamauga Lake is Harrison Bay State Park and
its many amenities. Here at Harrison Bay, you can take along
a picnic lunch as you go boating or fishing, grab a bite
at the snack bar then sit by the pool, get camp supplies
to use back at one of the many campsites or you can let
someone else do the cooking when you eat at the park’s restaurant.
Chattanooga Theatrical & Musical Productions:
You can see a variety of plays, concerts and operas at
the Tivoli Theatre on Broad Street or visit the Chattanooga
Symphony and Opera Associations which host over 25 concerts
and 2 yearly opera productions. You can enjoy a meal and
a play at the  Backstage
Playhouse or see a show at the Memorial Auditorium or the
Chattanooga Theatre Center. Other Area Attractions:
The Chattanooga Choo-Choo (www.choochoo.com)
is a converted 1909 train station. This 23 acre area on
the 1400 block of Market Street has formal gardens, fountains,
pools, turn of the century shops, gaslights, a hotel, conference
rooms and restaurants. You can visit the model railroad
museum or go on a trolley ride. Also of interest to train
lovers is the Tennessee Valley Railroad. The TVR is the
South’s largest operating historic railroad and is made
up steam locomotives, diesels and a variety of passenger
coaches. You can enjoy a 6 mile ride, an audiovisual show,
displays and a gift shop.
For extra special fun you can go sightseeing while enjoying a meal on the Southern Belle Riverboat 1-800-766-2784. The 500 passenger boat serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day from April to December.
Other outdoor Chattanooga activities include the Nickajack
Dam and Lake, Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, Raccoon
Mountain Pumped Storage Lake (www.tva.gov/sites/raccoon.htm)
and Signal Point.
Rock City Photo by Bitman
Hardware Store Picture by Drew Wilson
Chattanooga Photo with Lookout Mountain by Brent K. Moore
Ruby Falls Photo by Bryce Edwards
Aquarium Picture by Dark Vision
|
