Situated along the Tennessee River and nestled among the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga has truly earned its nickname as the "Scenic City." Once named the most polluted city in America by the Department of Health, Chattanooga has experienced an urban revitalization over the past few decades, making sustainability a priority and giving the city a much-needed boost of diversity without losing touch of its small-town charm. Chattanooga is primarily known as a historical hub, having served as a Civil War battlefield and the grand central station for southern railway travel in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the city is a pioneer of different sorts, as one of the first cities in the U.S. to offer its citizens 2 gigabits per second (read: extremely speedy) Internet service, and the first American city to have its own typeface, appropriately named "Chatype." Silicon Valley better start watching its back.
Technological advancements aside, travelers of all types could spend days enjoying Chattanooga's diverse array of attractions. Adventurers can explore the nooks and crannies that lie within Lookout Mountain, history buffs can traverse terrain once inhabited by Civil War troops at Chickamauga, engineers can marvel at restored centuries-old trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and foodies can eat their way through the delectable North Shore district. Or, you can simply do like a Chattanoogan and take a stroll along the city's riverwalk, and catch a sunset atop the Walnut Street Bridge, the world's longest pedestrian bridge.
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The best time to visit Chattanooga is during the fall, from September to November. The end of summer peak season ushers in thinner crowds and cooler temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees. The best reason to visit Chattanooga during the fall, however, is the season's colorful foliage. Experts say this is the most beautiful time to visit Chattanooga's plethora of natural attractions. Plus, RiverRocks, the monthlong outdoor adventure festival, is held in October. Travelers tend to steer clear of Chattanooga come wintertime, thanks to freezing temperatures and increased chances of rain. However, various annual holiday events, such as the Tennessee Valley Rail Road Museum's North Pole Limited, do draw some visitors. Spring is another attractive season, with temperatures becoming more moderate. Summer is the busiest month for tourism in Tennessee, which means you'll find the highest hotel prices, not to mention temperatures, this time of year.
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
Well-known for its natural wonders and ties to the Civil War, Chattanooga may not stand out to foodies as a must-visit destination at first glance. But at closer inspection, visitors looking for a great bite will see that there is much more to this town than fried chicken. Chattanooga's dining scene is filled with comfort dishes, yes, but it's also involved in the farm-to-table culinary movement. Many of Chattanooga's beloved local eateries source produce, meat and dairy products from farms within a 100-mile radius of town. Most notable of which is the upscale TerraMae, whose owner started a farm to ensure the freshest ingredients, which are grown in compost fertilizer, are utilized in the bistro's Appalachian cuisine. Along with sourcing regional ingredients, Chattanooga prides itself on its large community of local eateries. You won't find a Starbucks on every block here, and the city doesn't even have a Chipotle.
Taco Mamacita reigns supreme as the area's top Mexican joint, while GOOD DOG is the only restaurant of its kind in the city, offering nothing but hot dogs and sausages with loads of toppings. If hot dogs aren't enough to satisfy your carnivorous appetite, head to Urban Stack Burger Lounge for a variety of flavorful patties, including the Philly Cheesesteak Burger. For a great cup of joe, wander to Rembrandt's and indulge in anyone of its house-made breads, French pastries or chocolates. St. John's Restaurant and the Italian eatery Alleia are run by Daniel Lindley, a Chattanooga native and five-time semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast by the James Beard Foundation. All of these restaurants are a part of the "Harvested Here" farm-to-table program in Chattanooga.
When you're craving something sweet, sample some of the handcrafted ice cream from Clumpies, referred to by the Chattanooga tourism board as an "institution."
There's also the beer. Chattanoogans love beer. Along with the Chattanooga Brewing Company, which was restored in 2010, the city hosts the Chattanooga Craft Beer Festival and the Southern Brewers Festival, where more than 100 different types of brews are regularly showcased from some of the country's most popular craft breweries. If you aren't in town for the festivals, squeeze in Brewhaus, Chattanooga's only German-American-style gastro pub.
And last but not least, MoonPies. MoonPies were invented in Chattanooga. For those unfamiliar, MoonPies are graham cracker marshmallow sandwiches covered entirely in melted chocolate. The name originated when a local coal miner asked a traveling salesman for a snack "as big as the moon" at the beginning of the 20th century. The traveling salesman brought the request back to the Chattanooga Bakery and thus MoonPies were born. Because of their low cost (5 cents!) and small size, they were bought up quickly and eventually sent to the front lines of World War II to give soldiers a taste of home. Today, the Chattanooga Bakery that originally mass-produced the MoonPie is no longer around, but you can still find some at the MoonPie General Store in downtown Chattanooga.
The best way to get around Chattanooga is via public transportation or by bike. Chattanooga's public transportation system offers a free electric shuttle service that drops visitors off at various points of interest in the city, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium. The city also offers the Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System, which has more than 33 stations spread throughout the downtown area and some in the North Shore district. If traveling by wheels isn't necessarily your cup of tea, then you won't miss much from simply walking. Chattanooga's downtown riverwalk snakes 13 miles along the Tennessee River and boasts numerous shops and restaurants, as well as popular attractions including the Bluff View Art District, the Passage and The Market Street Bridge, which is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. If you're looking to explore the famous natural attractions that Chattanooga has to offer, such as Lookout Mountain or the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park, you'll need a car.
To get from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to your hotel, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus, since getting around downtown Chattanooga doesn't require a car. Taxi rates are approximately $30 one-way from the airport to downtown Chattanooga. Additionally, cabs are available to take visitors throughout Chattanooga, but be forewarned: rates do add up.
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