The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee has long been a favorite day trip of mine from Atlanta. Less than two hours from my house, we skipped school one day to visit when Sammi was still in high school and then came back to check out The Crash Pad Chattanooga.
Everything came full circle when, after she graduated from her master’s program at Appalachian State University, she jumped headfirst into a job with the Tennessee Aquarium.
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So after a quick move into the trendy Southside, the family loaded up the car with a few items she needed to come for a visit. I quickly fell in love with her neighborhood and building, a former hotel right across the street from the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, a former train station.
While my parents stayed at trendy The Chattanoogan, I stayed with my sister. On upcoming trips, I hope to check out new places like The Dwell Hotel and En Root House Hostel Chattanooga.
A lot had changed since my last visit. There was much more street art and many trendy bars and eateries. Nashville favorites had opened second locations like Frothy Monkey coffee shop and Two Ten Jack ramen bar.
The craft beverage industry even made its mark with breweries Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. and OddStory Brewing Company and even whiskey distilleries. I also loved catching live music at the Choo Choo, a regular event.
We basically never stopped eating, starting with hip coffee at VELO COFFEE ROASTERS, LLC and breakfast sandwiches at Niedlov’s Breadworks. For lunches, it was burgers at Urban Stack and Delta tamales at Champy’s. Dinners were found at Main Street Meats and The Bitter Alibi.
Family brunch was spent at Bluegrass Grill on one visit and Beast + Barrel another, both of which were delicious. And the Chattanooga Market is a must-visit on Sundays for live music, fresh produce, and local artisans.
I see many more impromptu visits in my future!
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If it’s your first time visiting Chattanooga, I recommend starting with the Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art before exploring the North Shore. It’s easily walkable from downtown via the pedestrian bridge or you can take the free downtown shuttle. There are also bike rentals if you’d rather see the city on two wheels.
Wonderful job highlighting the city I love…
Thanks Kathy!
The aquarium at Chattanooga is one of the best I’ve ever visited. The freshwater building alone is worth the money. My family (all adults including one with a walker) spent almost the entire day at the aquarium. The river otter exhibit was wonderful and since it was the 1st day of summer, they had some extra exciting enrichment for them–we sat watching for nearly an hour as the otters played and figured out how to get to fish embedded in ice. The special exhibits on jellyfish and seahorses were both informative and beautiful.