Falling for the South: Chattanooga, TN

Like many towns and cities across the U.S., Chattanooga has expanded left and right over the last decade.  Every where you look, hotels and residential buildings are popping up. Traffic congestion is becoming a huge problem, especially at the I-24/I-75 split, and west towards Nashville. 

Luckily, the downtown is not so bad as restaurants and hotels are not concentrated in just one area. A free  electric shuttle runs from the TN Aquarium to the Chattanooga Choo Choo with stops in between, so you can get to your favorite restaurants, shops and hotels easily. In addition to summer concerts and the annual Riverbend Music Festival, Chattanooga riverfront is also a port of call for cruise ships and the replica of Columbus' ship Pinta and hosts events like Ironman, paddling and rowing.

This week, with friends in town, we explored the North Shore, the bluff view art district and the south side.

Market St Bridge in the early morning

 The American Splendor docked in Chattanooga riverfront

Looking at the aquarium from the North Shore riverfront

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge connects the bluff view arts district to the North Shore

Hunter Museum in the bluff view arts district

Bronze statue of Woman in Dress with Star

Lobby of the Edwin Hotel (opened May 2018)

Chattanooga Choo Choo station, now a Holiday Inn

Recently, we kayaked at Raccoon Mountain (less than 10 miles from downtown), and took some friends up to the visitor center. The view of the Tennessee River Gorge is breathtaking, as always.

Tennessee River Gorge, as seen from the Visitor Center at Raccoon Mountain

picnic area at the bottom of Raccoon Mountain

launching area for boats and kayaks

As you can see, Chattanooga is a scenic city, with an abundance of outdoor opportunities for both kids and adults. We look forward to some of our favorite fall events on the Tennessee River - Chattajack31 (Oct 28), and Head of the Hooch (Nov 4/5). See you on the river!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Image-in-ing.

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