Are you ready to travel again? Even as international travel still remains restricted, you can still explore destinations in your own backyard. If you want to get away for a weekend or even a day trip, Chattanooga, TN offers a perfect blend of nature, history, food, and culture. Conveniently located less than 2 hours drive from Atlanta, there are several attractions for families and travelers of all ages in Chattanooga. Businesses around the city are taking several measures to ensure the safety and health of travelers, that you can read about below. Here’s where to go on your summer getaway for a weekend in Chattanooga…
Stay at a Charming Inn
Lookout Mountain, the highest point in Chattanooga, has a number of family-run B&Bs, many of which are historic homes. Though the mountain is part of Georgia and part in Tennessee, you have to drive through the city of Chattanooga to get to the boutique RiverView Inn. This cozy inn is well-spaced out, with clean suites, and balconies offering stunning views of the city and the river. Due to current COVID Hotel Standards, they offer a to-go breakfast bag and coffee only, while the heated and salted swimming pool is open to guests.
Stroll Through Historic Gardens
One of the biggest attractions on Lookout Mountain is Rock City – a geological garden with waterfalls, wildflowers and art. Here you can walk through quiet woodland gardens, ancient rock formations, and a suspended bridge; breathe in fresh cool mountain air, and get a view of 7 states. There’s a cafe and restaurant onsite where you can enjoy a lunch break, before you make your way underground to a colorful displays of classic childhood fairy tales at Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Explore the Sites, Safely
You need to make reservations online to visit Rock City, as only a limited number of people are allowed in at any given time (pets are allowed too). This actually makes it a great time to visit Rock City, as you can avoid crowds and take amazing photos! There are hand sanitizing stations throughout the garden as well as reminders for visiting gnomes to maintain social distance.
Near Rock City, also checkout the famous Ruby Falls, Point Park, and Incline Railway.
Explore the Urban Areas
Chattanooga has a cool urban vibe, while being close to nature. The downtown area is pedestrian and bike friendly. You can walk or bike on Walnut Street Bridge, or along the waterfront, where you will see families, street artists, musicians and food trucks. Kayak or rent a boat on the Tennessee river and check out the scene from the water.
Stroll around the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel area (access to interior is currently closed), which comes alive on weeknights and weekends. Here you can see several bars offering outdoor seating, live music and lots of people watching.
Get a Taste of the South
During your weekend in Chattanooga there are several good restaurants that are open for dine-in, with spaced out tables, masked employees, and advance reservations. On weekends, grab a pitcher of mimosa for only $10, and sit outside overlooking Main St at STIR. Latin-inspired State of Confusion has some of the best Peruvian ceviche and traditional margaritas, paired with excellent service.
For dessert, get a scoop of some of the creamiest salted caramel and coffee toffee at Clumpies Ice Cream. If you’re there on Sunday, check out the Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion, to purchase goods from local farmers and artisans.
