What I Did In: Chattanooga
Chattanooga is my favorite city in Tennessee right before Nashville. It’s 90 miles from Downtown Atlanta and within minutes of the North Georgia Mountains, which places it in the perfect location for a weekend getaway or summer day trip. I took my most recent trip to ‘Nooga in November 2017. Allow me to recommend several restaurants to try and a few places to explore.
Things I Did
Rock City
Check out massive natural rock formations, “See Seven States” (a panoramic view of, you guessed it, seven states), and the infamous 180-foot wobbly Swing-A-Long Bridge
Ruby Falls
Definitely a tourist trap, but it’s a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites that lead to a 145-foot underground waterfall
Incline Railroad
Ride a train straight down a mountain (72.7% grade, to be exact) and learn about the history and significance of the railway
Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
In my opinion, no trip is complete without a distillery tour of some sort. For $12, you can see how whiskey is made in Chattanooga’s first legal whiskey distillery in over 100 years.
Where I Ate
Food Works
Traditional Southern dishes, but it’s evident that the Chef has taken classes on dish presentation
Bitter Alibi
You honestly can’t go wrong with anything you order here, but simple/picky eaters beware. I ordered a dish called “The Seoul Train”, which features a pork hash, sambal, and a soft-boiled egg.
The Hot Chocolatier
It’s a chocolate shop! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, truffles, bonbons, cakes, squirrels, and just about anything else you can think of. There’s stuff for chocolate lovers and chocolate tolerators alike.
Brewhaus
Although I only stopped in for a snack of fried pickles, I can undoubtedly say I loved the vibe of this place - a bride in her gown stopped by for a meal and a beer!
Chattanooga Wing Factory
As a certified wing connoisseur, my opinion is that this spot is a bona fide wing joint. Located in an “unassuming” building, they feature flavors like Bourbon Bliss, Hickory Honey, Sweet Chipotle, and of course, Hot. They also have dishes for vegetarians like veggie wings, meatless empanadas, and an array of salads and pastas.
Things I Saw
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
This free art installation boasts over 30 sculptures in the southside of Chattanooga. Pack a lunch, bring a yoga mat, and enjoy the scenery.
Hunter Museum of American Art
I saw the work of Wayne White, most famous for creating sets for Pee Wee’s Playhouse, last fall. There is currently an exhibition on modern Mexican photography that runs through late April. The museum also features permanent Colonial, Impressionist, Contemporary art.
Walnut Street Bridge
Right near the doors of the Hunter Museum lie the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Excellent place for photography, exercise, and ice cream in the warmer months.