Chattanooga

Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar

Located 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga on the site of the old Sand Bar Restaurant, the Boathouse features oysters on the half shell along with plenty of Gulf Coast fare such as catfish and shrimp. On Mondays, Gulf Oysters are half price! Main courses average $15 - 18, excluding dipping into the raw bar.

11AM-10PM daily, with their bar staying open until 11PM

Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel

Erected in 1908 with an 85-foot cast-iron dome rising majestically over the lobby, the Terminal Station served thousands of passengers until 1970, when the trains stopped running. In 1973, after a 4 million dollar renovation, it was reopened to the public as a hotel. Authentic private rail cars were furnished as unique sleeping quarters. The dome is decorated with magnificent colors and it is stunning when lit up at night, and the Choo Choo Holiday Inn is preparing to enter its second century as a premier hotel and convention center. The private rail car rooms are still available, and there are a variety of shops and dining options on the 35-acre complex. While there, see the world's largest model railroad setup showing a scale version of the Chattanooga Valley, an authentic 1880s steam engine (the only one of its type in the area), and the beautifully restored Terminal Station.

Chattanooga National Cemetery

It was designated as a national cemetery "in commemoration of the Battles of Chattanooga, Nov. 23 - 27, 1863" by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas on Christmas Day of 1863. In addition to Civil War veterans, there are 78 German prisoners of war from the First World War and a number of prisoners of war from Germany and other Axis countries dating from the Second World War, the largest number of German (and other Axis) POWs interred in the United States. The 120-acre cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and it features one of five memorial entrance archways built in national cemeteries. The archway approaches 40 feet in height. A number of other monuments have been erected throughout the cemetery.

Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park

Also referred to as the "Warner Park Zoo", it is on 6 acres in the middle of Warner Park. March – October the park is open 9AM–5PM, everyday, November – February 10AM–5PM, everyday, and closed New Years Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Cheaper prices online.

$14.95 - $16.95 for adults, $12.95 - $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 - $13.95 for children age 3 - 12

Creative Discovery Museum

Corner of Chestnut and 4th. Search for Lost Dinosaur Bones! Build Slot Cars! Create Your Own Music! Walk Through A Picture! Captain a ship in RiverPlay! Creative Discovery Museum isn't just for children, although it was designed for them in mind. There are lots of interactive exhibits here, enough to keep even the most hyperactive of kids entertained. Revolving exhibits, such as "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" and "Curious George" keep the Museum fresh for multiple visits. Creative Discovery Museum was voted as one of the top 20 children's museums in the nation by Child magazine. Plan on spending approximately 2 hours in the Museum. Value-pack tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are also available. Visit the website for current hours.

Daily 10AM-1PM, 2-5PM·Adult or child $16, senior 14, military or first responder $10

Hamilton Place Mall

With over 200 stores, 30 eateries, and 17 theater screens, Hamilton Place Mall is a very popular shopping complex in the Chattanooga area.

Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun noon-6PM

Houston Museum of Decorative Arts

Located in a century-old Victorian house in the Bluff View Art District. It is home to antique glass and ceramics, as well as antique furniture, music boxes, coverlets and other rare pieces from the collection of the late Anna Safley Houston. It boasts the world's largest collection of pitchers.

Open Mon-Fri 9:30AM-4PM. Open seasonally on Sat and Sun. Closed major holidays·Adults $7, children (4-12) $3.50. Discounts available for groups of 20 or more

Hunter Museum of American Art

Perched on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. This panorama is equaled only by the exceptional collection of American art inside recognized as one of the country's finest.

Open Mon Tue Fri Sat 10AM-5PM; Wed noon-5PM, Thu 10AM-9PM, closed Wednesdays Labor Day through Memorial Day·$7 for adults, $3.50 children 3 - 12

Incline Railway

The Steepest Passenger Railway in the World

In November of 1895, the Incline in its second incarnation made its first ascent up Lookout Mountain on what is the steepest passenger incline in the world. Renovation in that was completed in 1986 has brought the station back to its original splendor. Traveling at a 72.7% grade, the trolley-styled cars pass at the midpoint of the 10 minute one-way trip. After arriving at the upper station, a short walk will take you to Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park where a spectacular view of Mocassin Bend and the Tennessee River await you; the ride itself is interesting even if the view at the top is obscured by fog, but that does mean a 20-minute wait in the gift shop for the next train. A popular attraction; some cars may fill up on weekends. Good for kids, but most passengers are adults.

Every half hour. Between Memorial Day-Labor Day from 8:30AM-9:30PM, during April, May, September, and October from 9AM-6PM; November-March, from 10AM-6PM.·Adult round trip USD 15, children ages 3–12 USD 7

International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum

The museum can be found on the right in a blue and white building as you drive toward the mountain, a short drive from downtown. Chattanooga was chosen as the site of the museum because the first wrecker was built here at the Ernest Holmes Company. You'll find dozens of antique tow trucks and pictures of Hall of Famers.

$8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, $4 for children 6 - 18, and free for children 5 and under

Memorial Auditorium

Home to dozens of events, from graduations to live music, throughout the year.

Miller Plaza Pavilion

Containing an outdoor stage and public fountain, this is the site of a regular, free concert series called "Nightfall." The Nightfall series, held each Friday evening from May through September, is extremely popular, especially with area bikers, but it is still a very friendly crowd. Also offers a WiFi hotspot sponsored by the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group.

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

Chattanooga Nature Center

Established in 1979, the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center includes a 1400 foot boardwalk meandering through seasonal wetland and lowland forest. The RRANC sponsors summer camps each year and space is always limited.

Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM·Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children (4-11) and seniors (65+)

Ruby Falls

This thundering 145-foot waterfall inside Lookout Mountain has been a popular attraction since 1929. Named after the founder's wife, Ruby Falls was found by Leo Lambert in 1923 as he and his corporation were drilling a shaft to open the historic Lookout Mountain Cave to the public. During the drilling, a small opening was located and after a 17-hour trip, Leo emerged with tales of beautiful rock formations and a spectacular waterfall. Parking is on-site, attended and free. Allow approximately two hours for your visit. Those with claustrophobia may be a little unnerved by the elevator ride into the caverns. No strollers are permitted, and the cave tour is not wheelchair accessible. Ruby Falls is weatherproof and 60 degrees year round. Combination tickets covering Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline are available at any of the three attractions.

8AM–8PM (except Christmas Day)·Adult $28.95, children ages 3 – 12 $18.95, 2 years and under are free

St. John's Restaurant

Next door is St. John's Meeting Place, a more relaxed atmosphere and à la carte menu, with bar or floor seating.

Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium features two buildings, "Ocean Journey" and "River Journey." The River Journey focuses on freshwater environments, carrying you through mountains forests, swamps, valley and lakes, both in the Tennessee Valley and throughout the world. Some of the special attractions are the seahorses and otters. The Ocean Journey building offers opportunity to touch stingrays, visit a butterfly garden and see sharks. Both buildings stand out in the skyline with their pitched glass roofs and have become a popular landmark for photographers. Expect to tour for at least two and a half hours, more during the summer. During the summer, hours are extended and tickets are time-stamped. Purchasing tickets in advance during the summer months (or even all year) is an extremely good idea. Not only are they cheaper, you can also plan on an entry time. Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available. First admittance at 10AM and last at 6PM, outside of summer months.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Ride the 50 minute Missionary Ridge Local for a guided tour of their restoration shop or grab the 4 hour roundtrip ride into Chickamauga, Georgia. Special tours like the Autumn Leaf special or the Steam All the Way, North Pole Limited, Valentines (sometimes dinner) available seasonally.

Tickets $25 - 125

Tivoli Theater

Known as the "Jewel of the South," the Tivoli has entertained Chattanoogans, offering everything from silent movies to Broadway blockbusters, for over 75 years. One nugget of its history: in 1926 the Tivoli became one of the first public buildings in the country to be air-conditioned. The Tivoli was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and received a $7-million renovation that was revealed to an excited audience in 1989. The Tivoli is the home of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association. It also offers a venue to other music artists, Broadway shows and dance troupes. The Tivoli has installed a movie projector, calling back to its early days a first-class movie house.

Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria

Located in the carriage house of Bluff View Inn's Thompson House, with a classic Italian menu featuring fresh, house-made pastas, sauces, and breads. Outdoor deck views of the Tennessee River. Average main course price is $11. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Acropolis

Blvd. Serving a large menu of Greek fare in a family-style restaurant.

Amigo's

Standard Mexican fare featuring fifty cent tacos and one dollar domestic beers on Monday nights.

Attend the Annual Riverbend Festival

An annual nine-day music festival that just celebrated its 30th year that consumes the riverfront part of downtown. 6 stages, including one on a barge, and vendors are set up all over the area. Don't expect big, crazy headliners, though - the organizers of the festival have said time and time again that they bring in acts that A) They can afford and B) Will make the majority of the attendees happy. Some nights can get a little rowdy, as this is the south and beer certainly is popular, but the local Sheriff's Department and Police Department bring out their finest to keep things safe. For fans of the blues, be sure to check out the Bessie Smith Strut, which features great blues artists and the town's finest BBQ.

Bea's Restaurant

A little off the beaten path, Bea's offers real home cooking. Take a seat at a table, any table, occupied or not, and start grabbing what you'd like off the lazy susan in the center of the table.

Bud's Sports Bar

Bud's is probably the best place in town to grab a beer and watch a game on the television. The lively crowd will keep you entertained even when, man, when the television doesn't.oh and not to mention the best wings in town!

Catch the Chattanooga Mocs

The Mocs represent the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in NCAA Division I sports, competing in six men's sports and nine women's sports as a member of the Southern Conference. The most popular sports, as at most schools, are football (competing in the second-level Division I FCS) and men's basketball, with women's basketball gaining a higher profile.

Chattanooga Billiards Club

725. Climb the tall flight of stairs to enter the downtown location of CBC is the original and has the classic pool hall environment. Friendly bar staff, plenty of pool tables, and a bunch of smoke. 21 and up after 6PM nightly. Serving a range of bar foods. Their second location is near Hamilton Place Mall at 110 Jordan Dr, +1 423 499-3883. Go there for more billiards, live music, and a cigar lover's heaven.

Chattanooga Market

Themed events including live music are scheduled throughout the growing season. Vendors set up booths, which includes area farmers, artists, and restaurants.

Seasonal Sundays, noon-5PM

Chattanooga Theatre Center

It was founded in 1924 as the "Little Theatre", but this community theater has grown up: it has a modern facility and grown up name. Classes, as well as auditions for the more than 15 productions are held year round.

Climb the Walnut Street Bridge Climbing Wall

The Adventure Guild

Inside Coolidge Park, (The Adventure Guild). From April through November, the wall is open F 6PM-9PM, Sa 1-9PM, and Su 1-5PM. Climb on one of the limestone towers that supports the Walnut Street Bridge. Located within Coolidge Park, the wall is open seasonally to the general public and for groups on a reservation basis. There are as many as 30 distinct climbing routes perfect for novices to experienced climbers. All equipment is provided! The price for open climbing $5 per-hour-per-person with a three climb minimum or $15 for the entire day, with the capability to come and go as you'd like.

Clumpie's

A great little ice cream shop on Frazier Avenue in the heart of the Northshore.