As the fourth-largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga boasts a population of nearly 171,000 inhabitants. Depending on who you ask, its name means either “to draw fish out of water” or ‘the big catch.” It was named in honor of the Cherokee Indians, its very first settlers.
The city offers a surprisingly diverse number of outdoor activities. Surrounded as it is by mountains visitors can choose from inspiring views of seven different states from LookOut Mountain, which rises high above the valley below. The mountain is also home to Ruby Falls, a 190 foot waterfall which is the tallest in the world-which is located some 260 feet inside the mountain. It is also the largest accessible underground waterfall in the U.S. To get there visitors must take an elevator.
Lookout Mountain also offers the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Incline Railway, which has been operating since 1895. While there, be sure to stop in the machine room to see the massive gears turning as they power the railway. The best part is that this phenomenal attraction is just a quick 10 minute trip from downtown Chattanooga.
If heights are not your thing, try a trip on the 500-passenger Southern Belle Riverboat where you can choose either a sightseeing cruise or a luncheon/dinner cruise. Either way you’ll be able to enjoy some unique, and delicious, moments along the Tennessee River. The boat is sure to be a winner as well for special events such as weddings, anniversary parties, birthdays and corporate celebrations.
But no trip to Chattanooga would be complete without stopping in at the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo. You can actually book a room aboard the restored train car, or enjoy a meal at the Station House restaurant where your food is delivered by singing wait staff who double as stage performers throughout the evening!
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