To See or Not To See…

“My favorite thing to do is to go where I have never been.” -Diane Arbus

There is no question. Chattanooga Tennessee is definitely a must see, and there is so much you can see! Located at the northwest corner of Georgia, northeast corner of Alabama, and along the Tennessee state line, this was the scene of the ‘Battle of Lookout Mountain’ on November 26, 1863, during the Civil War. It also claims to be where you can see seven states (Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama) from the ‘Rock City’ point. Sunset Rock, located on the northwest side of Lookout Mountain, is part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military State Park, the largest and oldest Civil War National Park. There are beautiful views, paths and climbing spots throughout the area, not to mention Ruby Falls. The falls were discovered in 1928, 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, by excavator Leo Lambert and his team. Lambert named the falls after his wife Ruby and opened the area to the public in 1930.  You can tour the falls, along with caves and paths, for $19.95 per adult and $11.95 per child. This tour is well worth the price, as you will see and experience some wonderful things! Don’t forget to try the Incline while you are there! A trip up and down the mountain, in these trolley-style cars with many windows to view the scenery around you, is one you won’t soon forget!

Down the mountain you will find the beautiful city of Chattanooga. With it’s unique shops, restaurants and attractions, you won’t want for something to do. The Tennessee Aquarium has two complete buildings of attractions, making it a full day of fun all on it’s own! If you don’t want to spend the day in the aquarium, there are so many other things to do in Chattanooga! You can catch a Chattanooga Lookouts game at AT&T Field, walk across Walnut Street Bridge to ride the carousel in Coolidge Park, take a tour of Coker Tire Museum or the International Towing and Recovery Museum, have a whiskey flight after a tour of the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, get your hands on some science at the Creative Discovery Museum, hang out with some animals at the Chattanooga Zoo, or grab a ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. As you can tell, there is something for everyone, young or old, but be sure to check out the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, maybe even stay in a railcar room. Though the rooms are a little outdated, this is a bit of fun and history I think everyone should experience. It is a unique, fun little stay that I think you will enjoy.

While you’re in town, work up an appetite and try Big River Grille and Brewing, Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken, Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant, or one of the MANY wonderful restaurants in town. Oh! And before I forget! Be sure to run by the Moon Pie store for a little southern snack of a Moon Pie and RC Cola!