Visiting Chattanooga was the first time my husband and I explored outside of South Carolina in 2021. It was so refreshing to actually go somewhere and stay overnight. We chose Chattanooga since we’ve both never been.
We were socially distanced and wore our masks. Some restaurants that we chose to try had a long wait, closed early, or were actually closed. We ate outdoor at one non-chained restaurant. We didn’t order any significant dishes; therefore I don’t have any recommendations to give.
I looked up some activities and attractions that we could check out. Here’s what we did that weekend!
Tennessee Aquarium
It’s actually two aquariums that you have access to. We spent about 2 hours total at the location. When you go, take the elevator to the 4th floor, and eventually, you’ll end up walking your way down to the various sections of the aquarium.
The Tennessee Aquarium is listed as one of the top 5 aquariums to visit according to Trip Advisor. The aquarium is located downtown. Be prepared to pay for parking.
Walnut Street Bridge
The Tennessee River is the body of water beneath the bridge. The Walnut St Bridge has been in existence since 1891. It’s one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. It’s located downtown within walking distance of the aquarium.
Missionary Ridge Local
On this excursion, we rode a train that has been in service for over 100 years. It’s a 6-mile ride that includes going through a pre-Civil War tunnel. There’s also a turntable demonstration in which the locomotive changes its position in the opposite direction. While riding I kept thinking, my great grandparents probably rode on a train like this.
The entire duration is approximately 1 hour. Parking is free.
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States. I was really excited about this attraction at Lookout Mountain. We walked inside a cave! I’ve never done that before. I was in awe of this natural creation. After several steps, we finally made it to the underground waterfall. It’s definitely a sight to see.
We explored the cave in a group setting. Masks are required. It’s a lot of walking. The duration is about 2 hours. Parking is free. Keep in mind you have to drive up the mountain. You may want to bring a jacket because inside the cave is generally 60 degrees.
Incline Railway
The Incline Railway has been in existence for 126 years. It’s located at historic Lookout Mountain. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can go to the gift shop for souvenirs and food. There’s also an observatory where you can view the city. When we went it was so foggy! We couldn’t experience the spectacular view of the city of Chattanooga. My recommendation is to go to this attraction in the afternoon. *That was our plan initially, but our food was ready at our allotted time. By then, we needed to head over to our next attraction.
The incline cart is handicap accessible. Again, the incline is steep, so I recommend sitting near the entry door. This way you don’t have to climb so many steps on your way out.
Black Women’s History in Chattanooga
Bessie Smith
Singer Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, TN in 1892. She was known as the “Empress of the Blues.” Smith was one of the biggest Black stars of the 1920s. At one point she was the highest-paid Black entertainer in the world. If you watched the Netflix movie, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, her name was mentioned. Ma Rainey mentored Bessie Smith.
There is a cultural center named in her honor in Chattanooga. Due to Covid 19, it’s currently closed.
Mary Hardway Walker
Walker was born into slavery in 1848. She and her family migrated to Chattanooga, TN in 1917. She was at the ripe old age of 69 when they moved. In 1963 at the age of 115, she learned to read, write, and apply simple mathematics.
I always say, “You’re never too old to learn.” This confirms it!