Chattanooga, TN is along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. A fun place with an eclectic feel but a little more of a city than we had envisioned. When we were navigating to our hotel, we were confused by all the roads being closed.
We went through a barricade telling security we were booked at the Westin and he let us through. Upon check in we realized we the hotel was ground zero for the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. It was cool to walk around (for free) and check out all the cars and booths. Our two days in Chattanooga were spent playing tourist, walking around exploring and eating and drinking!
The Riverfront area has plenty of green space, local eateries and peaceful views of the Tennessee River. We ventured over the Walnut St. Bridge, which was erected in 1891, and is one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, no cars just feet! We enjoyed the Bluff View Arts district and the outdoor sculptures and walking trails. We even danced the Mambo (and some other dances) along the sidewalk!
We took the trolly cross town to the historical Chattanooga Train Station named Chattanooga Choo Choo. We marveled at the 82 foot domed ceiling and crystal chandelier in the bathroom. The station now houses restaurants, bars and a brewery!
We took a hike up Lookout Mountain by Cravens House. This house is the oldest surviving structure on the mountain and was a focal point for the battle of Chattanooga. Considering, the crazy task of driving up the mountain with the hairpin turns, narrow road and steep incline, the challenge of moving equipment and artillery up the mountain is unimageable.
We did a tourist thing and took a ride up the Incline Lookout Mountain Railway, and it was an outstanding experience! It is referred to as Americas Most Amazing Mile. The incline, 1,972 feet long and rising 1,450 feet makes use of a variable grade, ranging up to 72.7 percent near the top, to compensate for the changing weight of the cables as its cars move. The scenic views from the train were breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the beautiful landscapes. The entire ride was smooth and comfortable, but it was steep! At the top, there is a charming gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs. The views from the top are spectacular, providing a great panoramic look at the whole city. We also took a quick walk to Rock Point Park and enjoyed the overlooks, monuments, and cannon positions interpreting the Battle of Lookout Mountain.
Whiskey and Bourbon! Off we went to the the first distillery to craft whiskey in Chattanooga to take a tour and do a tasting! The distillery is in an old downtown brick building with a trendy, relaxed atmosphere. The tour took us through initial fermentation, distilling, and barrel aging, with an expert who broke it all down for us. It ended with a flight of six different pours.
Of course, we did a brewery walking tour!
