
A riverboat trip down the Tennessee River in the fall offers gorgeous reflections of Chattanooga's natural surroundings.
City officials and community members alike responded immediately with a number of legislative measures and community goals that, they hoped, would revitalize the struggling southern city. Today, visitors to Tennessee’s “Scenic City” would never know this thriving metropolitan area sprang from a less-than-pristine history. Aside from being a major center of commerce in the South, the vibrant city offers any number of historical, educational and cultural attractions that draw visitors from all over the nation.
Living History

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park preserves the heritage of a pivotal Civil War battlefield.
Fans of the city’s industrial heritage can visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel and Terminal Station, but visitors looking for the spookier side of area history can enjoy a Chattanooga Ghost Tour, which includes a comprehensive overview of the city’s heritage, haunted and otherwise.

In Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium, visitors can follow the path of a drop of water as it travels from an Appalachian mountain stream to the Gulf of Mexico.
Waterfront Reawakened
Recognizing the natural potential of the Tennessee River Waterfront, slicing through the heart of downtown, community organizers created a 13-mile walking trail along the river that connects many of the city’s popular attractions. The Riverwalk attracts joggers, walkers and bikers alike and offers beautiful views of both the city and the river. A major component of Chattanooga’s Waterfront renewal plan, the Tennessee Aquarium features the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, as well as a massive saltwater exhibit, and has continually received top ratings in educational programs and customer satisfaction since it opened in 1992.Visitors to Chattanooga won’t want to miss a thrilling ride on the aquarium’s Tennessee River Gorge Explorer, a high-speed catamaran that provides a biological and historical tour of the Tennessee River Valley. “High society” takes on new meaning when applied to the city’s renowned Bluff View Art District. Located a few short blocks from the aquarium and situated high above the river on a cliff, the European-inspired neighborhood features a variety of elegant restaurants, gardens, museums, cafes, inns and galleries. Artisanal bakers, confectioners and chefs create a wide variety of delectable treats you won’t find anywhere else. Bluff View is also home to the renowned Hunter Museum of American Art, which features a permanent collection and a number of traveling exhibits as well as a stunning view of the city.
Natural Attraction

With nearly a mile of trail meandering through beautiful and unusual rock formations, accompanied by a variety of wildflowers, shrubs and trees, Rock City Gardens is sure to delight the entire family.
And deep in the heart of the mountain, thundering Ruby Falls is a (human-enhanced) natural wonder that is not to be missed. Although man-made pathways allow tourists to travel easily within the cave, the awe-inspiring 145-foot waterfall found more than 1,100 feet underground can only be attributed to Mother Nature. The greater Chattanooga area also offers a number of outdoor recreation possibilities. Several regional rivers provide everything from whitewater rafting to fishing, and the variable topography found in this ridge-and-valley area of the Appalachians makes mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and even hang gliding popular activities for locals and visitors alike.
No longer the industrial center of yesterday, Chattanooga is relishing the new identity it has taken years to create and perfect. Large enough to keep you engaged but small enough to still be friendly and accessible, it may be the perfect destination for your summer getaway or retirement.
Vital Stats
Chattanooga, TennesseePopulation: 169,243
Household median income: $37,260
Average house value: $126,500
For more information: Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-322-3344; chattanoogafun.com