Things To Do

Foster Falls Recreation Area

Where we got engaged! A short hike for the experienced and inexperienced hiker.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Beautiful waterfalls and hikes a short drive from Chattanooga. (For the experienced hiker - lots of stairs.)

Ocoee Whitewater Rafting

There are many different companies that offer White Water Rafting tours on the Ocoee River. Plan a day trip to experience the Olympic rapids on the Ocoee River. Rapids for all experience levels. Worth the trip if you're looking for something adventurous to do.

Float the Hiwassee River

Rafting a bit too much for you? Float the Hiwassee River in a tube or inflatable kayak for a more relaxing excursion on the river. We love this trip! Pack a lunch and snacks and plan to be in the area for most of the day.

Saint Elmo Historic District

Where we call home. Take a walk around the little historic city center or on the Virginia Ave Greenway (pop by and see us if you do!), grab ice cream at Clumpie's before taking a ride on the Incline, or have dinner or brunch at the popular 1885 Grill. Shopping includes Jonesy Wood Jewelry (where Catharine used to work!) and Mountain Vibes Mercantile. Casual dining and quick bites from Mr. T's Pizza and Ice Cream and our favorite, The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe. Grab coffee at Goodman's Coffee Roasters or a beer at the Tap House.

North Shore Neighborhood

Explore NorthShore Chattanooga! The NorthShore Merchants Collective is a cooperative association that began in 2005 to provide a voice to the businesses of NorthShore, Chattanooga. We strive to continue success of local businesses, beautification within the neighborhood and support initiatives in the community. More than 50+ members strong. Walk down Frazier Ave for ample shopping and dining opportunities. Good Dog, Clumpie's Ice Cream, and Taco Mamacita are family favorites.

The Southside

The up and coming Southside of Chattanooga is the place to be. Our wedding venue, Commonhouse, is located in this area of town. Up and down East Main Street you will find some of the best bars and restaurants as well as exploring the Choo Choo, and Station Street. Park and walk or rent a bicycle and explore up and down Main for a new and interesting look at Chattanooga.

West Village

Come experience this unique corner of downtown Chattanooga. Whether you're looking for an intimate date night spot, casual lunch, delicious dessert or a hot cup of coffee, West Village has a variety of eateries to meet your every need. Check out the photogenic Umbrella Alley, shop at Antibes, take in lunch or dinner at many of the eateries and head inside the Westin Hotel for Paloma.

Bluff View Art District

Bluff View Art District is a family owned and operated historic neighborhood filled with restaurants, a coffee house, art gallery, historic Bed & Breakfast, and plenty of gardens, plazas and courtyards where you can relax and rejuvenate. This is Chattanooga's first art district and stretches over 1.5 city blocks, set high atop stone cliffs that plunge into the river below. From this bluff front location, you will have breathtaking views of the Tennessee River, downtown Chattanooga, and the Walnut Street Bridge.

Downtown Chattanooga

Downtown Chattanooga has been voted the “Best Outdoor City” twice! Additionally in Downtown, you'll discover the Tennessee Aquarium, Double-A baseball and professional league soccer teams along with the Chattanooga Market and much more. With ample parking, wayfinding signage, bike share and a free electric shuttle, you will be able to make your way around Downtown Chattanooga with ease! Be sure to check out "Night Fall" every Friday in the summer.

Cooper's Alley

Cooper’s Alley is a space for everyone in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga’s City Center. A public space designed to be accessible to and used by the Chattanooga community, Cooper’s Alley is home to an award-winning public art installation, City Thread by SPORTS. The alley has hosted a variety of community events welcoming Chattanoogans and visitors alike to experience the space in unique ways. Grab a drink and enjoy it on the alley facing porches of Unknown Caller and Cherry Street Tavern.

Creative Discovery Museum

Bringing the kids? Occupy their time and yours at the Creative Discovery Museum. Fun for the whole family! Purchase tickets in advance for the best experience.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Visit Lookout Mountain in the best way! Discover America’s Most Amazing Mile - the Incline Railway is a funicular railway system over a hundred and twenty five years old! Book your seats in advance and depart from historic St. Elmo. The Incline travels just under 10 mph and near the top there is a 72.7% grade, making it one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. Their new railcar design makes manual and electric wheelchairs permitted.

The TN Aquarium

The TN Aquarium is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Chattanooga. Within walking distance from many places to stay, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance and planning to spend about 3-4 hours taking in all the amazing creatures inside.

Hunter Museum of American Art

At the center of the Bluff View Arts District, the Hunter Museum is a sight to see.

Walnut Street Bridge

A walk across the Walnut Street Bridge - or just "The Walking Bridge" to locals - is a must when visiting Chatt. Linking great shops, restaurants and perfect for taking in the beautiful Chattanooga skyline, don't miss this landmark.

Coolidge Park

Visit the carousel and water fountains with the kiddos or just enjoy the views of the river or a nice long walk around the park. Clumpy's Ice Cream and many other Chattanooga favorites are nearby on Frazier Ave.

L2 Outside

Rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for an adventurous afternoon on the TN river.

Point Park

Part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Point Park is the site of the pivotal Battle Above the Clouds in the fall of 1863 that helped give Union troops control of Chattanooga. A 5-minute walk from the Incline

Sunset Rock

A perfect Chattanooga panorama viewpoint on Lookout Mountain. Take a short, easy hike (about .25mi) to this favorite lookout point.

Rock City Gardens

SEE ROCK CITY. A Chatt tourist must-see. See 7 states, Lover's Leap, make your way through Fat Man Squeeze, and visit with a lot of (creepy?) mountain gnomes. Rock City is quirky, interesting, and beautiful. Fun for the whole family. Don't forget to take home a SEE ROCK CITY birdhouse.

Ruby Falls

Journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore ancient formations along the cavern trail to see the thundering falls.

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Climb aboard! Visit the historic Choo Choo. Housing a hotel, Glenn Miller Gardens, American Draft (a beer bar inside a train car), Backstage Bar, Gate 11 Distillery, Frothy Monkey, Nic and Norman's Restaurant, and STIR. Try your luck at the Escape Experience or shop Chattanooga Jewelry Co. and Sweetly Southern. Worth a walk-through for sure!

Chatt Taste Food Tours

Chatt Taste showcases the transformation of dining and local businesses in Downtown Chattanooga through guided food tours. Guests select from the 3 available Food Tour Options: West Village (our Signature Tour), Taco Tuesday, and the recently launched Art & Southern Cuisine. Each tour comes equipped with transportation and a Chattanooga Ambassador. Visit 3-4 restaurant locations effortlessly for the same amount of time and money as a conventional dining experience. With the surge of available eateries, Chatt Taste has dubbed this era as “Chattanooga”s Culinary Renaissance.

Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery Tour

Across the street from the Choo Choo. Chattanooga's own whisky distillery. Tours begin every hour on the hour. Learn about how we brought whisky back to Chattanooga and end your tour with a boozy flight of our best whiskeys.

The Read House

This historic hotel is a sight to see. Walk around the West Village and stop in to see the beautiful architecture and take in a cocktail at their 1920's themed bar.

Chattanooga Zoo

A quaint and enjoyable zoo, the Chattanooga Zoo is small and intimate enough for an easy afternoon activity for the kids. (Fun Fact: Catharine worked here after graduating college for the summer!)

Chickamauga Battlefield

For the history or Civil War buff.

Civil Axe Throwing - Chattanooga

How good is your aim? Have a go throwing axes at this trendy activity spot.

Top Golf Chattanooga

Chattanooga Football Club

Keep an eye out for game times during your stay. CFC plays home games at Finley Stadium.

Il Primo Northshore

Our favorite Italian eatery.

Bela Lisboa Restaurant

One of our favorite dinner spots. We highly recommend the Pulpo or Tuna on the stone.

Easy Bistro & Bar

Bluegrass Grill

The BEST breakfast in town! Get there EARLY to put your name in for a table. Family-owned and operated this is a fresh and delicious Chattanooga staple.

Syrup and Eggs

An excellent and quirky breakfast/brunch spot inside the delightful Dwell Hotel. Get in early as there is often a wait. Check their social media for the weekly specials featuring fun and creative pancakes!

Niedlov's Cafe & Bakery

Taqueria Jalisco Ania

State of Confusion

On the site of the junkyard treasure trove formerly known as "Estate of Confusion", this indoor-outdoor restaurant has a menu full of ceviche and other favorites.

Pizza Bros Southside

Where we get our za. Highly recommend The Yeti or the Cheesium.

Community Pie

Another great Pizza spot. Get the Bianca Supreme or Drunk Pig and Milk and Honey gelato for dessert.

Main Street Meats

The best burger in town lives here (according to Catharine!). Craft cocktails and delicious sides make this butcher shop restaurant a local fave.

Tremont Tavern

Our favorite go-to bar to chill and have a beer. Also serves Nico's second favorite burger in town.

Taco Mamacita

Are you even in Chattanooga if you don't go to Taco Mama?

Proof Bar and Incubator

A totally unique dining experience in Chattanooga. Great for brunch or dinner - sample many different flavors of the kitchens/chefs hosted inside Proof from Ethiopian food to Southern Soul food with an upscale twist. Also, try unique experimental cocktails by up-and-coming mixologists. Pick up a Taste Chattanooga Box while you're there!

Whiskey Thief

A rooftop bar inside the Edwin Hotel. Has one of the best Old Fashioneds in town (according to Nico). Sit outside at sunset and take in the view over the river and Walking Bridge. Get in early in evening for best seating.

Unknown Caller

Catharine's favorite Old Fashioned lives at this speak-easy style bar. Unknown likes to keep things fresh and exciting, so they put out new cocktails on every week! They also have all the classics: slushee cocktails, volcano bowls, local beer, cheap beer, wine, cheese boards, and even ramen/mac & cheese cups (for when that Old Fashioned hits a little harder than expected). Kick it in their comfy velvet booths or outdoor Cooper's alley patio. Just look for the red light on Cherry Street.

Flying Squirrel

Eclectic Southern comfort food with craft beer & cocktails in a funky hangar-like spot with an outdoor patio. Right next door to Chattanooga's own hostel, The Crash Pad.

Paloma Bar de Tapas

Paloma is a Spanish wine and tapas bar located on the 10th floor of The Westin Hotel Chattanooga in the West Village. Experience food/wine pairings, cocktails and an unrivaled view. Head in to the Westin, find the elevators and hit floor 10.

High Rail, rooftop bar + space

High Rail, a rooftop bar plus space, located on the second floor, features regionally inspired food, carefully crafted beverages and a modern outdoor space. Enjoy scenic views of the city.

American Draft

A super cool bar experience inside a train car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Sample many types of beer on draft that you pour yourself!

OddStory Brewing Company

Great beer, seltzers, and pizza on the Historic MLK Blvd.

Chattanooga Brewing Co.

Hutton & Smith Brewing Co.

Heaven & Ale Brewing Co.

Naked River Brewing & BBQ

Be Caffeinated

Sleepyhead Coffee

Inside the historic Loveman's building next to the Tivoli theater, Sleepy head is a coffee oasis.

Mad Priest Coffee Roasters

Mean Mug Coffeehouse

Milk & Honey

Brunch, lunch and GELATO! and coffee of course.

The Hot Chocolatier

More than just hot chocolate. Cakes, truffles, treats, coffee, and frozen hot chocolate OH MY.