PLAY
Whether you’re an avid museum hopper or a busybody with a need for adventure, Chattanooga has something to tickle everyone’s fancy. The city lives up to its “Scenic City” nickname with its abundant parks, recreation areas, and trails, including Foster Falls. Located in South Cumberland State Park, Foster Falls is a 60-foot waterfall on the Cumberland Plateau’s south end. Visitors have to work for the breathtaking view at the base of the falls, though, by hiking the moderately challenging trail—complete with a brief trek across a suspension bridge. An outdoor experience in Chattanooga would be incomplete without a visit to Lookout Mountain, which features three of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. Scale Lookout Mountain in one of the world’s steepest passenger railways, and then explore the rock formations at Rock City Gardens. (Be sure to make your way to Lover’s Leap, where you’ll get a panoramic view of seven surrounding states.) Round out your time at Lookout Mountain by descending 260 feet below ground to witness the United States’ tallest and deepest underground waterfall at Ruby Falls. If arts and culture are more your speed, Bluff View Art District combines Chattanooga’s stunning nature views with visual arts. The neighborhood features the Hunter Museum of American Art, Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, and River Gallery. Folks who wish to experience art in tandem with nature can do so at the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, one of 195 sculpture gardens in the International Sculpture Center’s Sculpture Parks and Gardens Directory.
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EAT
If you’re already in The Bluff, Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria is a must. The restaurant opened in 1994 as a small gourmet grocery store and has since been serving guests house-made pastas and sauces made from authentic family recipes. Guests can choose from entrées such as baked pesto chicken ravioli or create their own pizzas and pastas. Tony’s complimentary garlic ciabatta and classic country loaf are baked daily at Bluff View Bakery, while the fresh herbs and produce come from Bluff View Gardens. Chattanooga prides itself on being a small town with big city energy, and its culinary scene is the perfect demonstration of this. Easy Bistro & Bar has been one of Chattanooga’s most lauded restaurants since it opened in 2005. Chef Erik Niel’s menu blends classic French flavors with seasonal Tennessee ingredients, offering a constantly evolving dining experience. The menu features steak au poivre, mussels served with white wine butter and focaccia, oysters, and caviar. Those who appreciate the most important meal of the day should consider Big Bad Breakfast, located in the Lodge Museum of Cast Iron and known for its traditional Southern fare. Don’t forget to visit the museum and snap a photo in front of the world’s largest cast-iron skillet before you go. No trip to Chattanooga is complete without a visit to Clumpies Ice Cream.
STAY
The Kinley Chattanooga is perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action. The hotel, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection, is located at the intersection of art, culture, and entertainment on the south side of the city. The Kinley is within walking distance of the Tennessee Riverwalk, the Tennessee Aquarium, and Main Street. Inside the hotel, you’ll find The Exchange—a coffee shop by day and bar by night—as well as Company, Kinley Chattanooga’s speakeasy. The Crash Pad is perfect for adventurers who, as the name suggests, need a place to crash after a day of hiking and rock climbing. The hostel accommodates both individuals and groups, offering several room styles depending on the level of privacy guests desire. For a more rustic getaway, Treetop Hideaways blend luxury with nature. The boutique treehouse hotel has two locations on Lookout Mountain, providing tranquility within the forest. Each location offers an array of amenities, including climate-controlled facilities, a kitchenette, complimentary wine and flowers, a fire pit and s’mores kit, and more. Despite Treetop Hideaways’ remote location, guests are no more than 30 minutes from everything that Chattanooga has to offer.
