TRAVEL
WORDS BY KAREN RING
Let’s Go to Tennessee A state packed with Southern hospitality and family fun CHATTANOOGA Located along the Tennessee River near the southeastern corner of the state, Chattanooga is a hotbed of family fun. In the city’s vibrant downtown, both the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum will delight young visitors. Explore the riverfront at Coolidge Park, where for just $1 you can take a ride on the park’s namesake antique carousel. Take in gorgeous views of the city, the river and the mountains beyond with a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge, a 19th century truss bridge that now serves as a pedestrian walkway connecting the hip "north shore" and the revitalized south side. Sundays in April through November, shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts at the Chattanooga Market, named one of the top 10 public markets by Frommer’s travel guide.
While Tennessee is a bit of a chuck from Indianapolis, it is still a driveable destination – a very scenic drive, at that. Whether you are looking for last-minute fall break ideas or are thinking ahead to summer vacation, Tennessee is home to a number of destinations that are packed with family fun. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Just six miles outside of town, Lookout Mountain is home to fantastic views and several family-friendly activities. Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 native plant species and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Little ones will love the Enchanted Trail woodland path, as well as Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. Also atop Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is the nation's largest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. Guided walking tours of the Ruby Falls cavern run daily, taking guests 1,120 feet underground. Adjacent to Ruby Falls, the ZIPstream Aerial Adventure Course takes your family through a series of suspending obstacle courses high in the treetops. For more on Chattanooga, visit www.chattanoogafun.com.
14 INDYSCHILD.COM October 2018
