Chattanooga Like a Local

Chattanooga like a Local

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed

Fall travel just hits differently.

After time spent in the summer months visiting beaches and lakes, bobbing on foam noodles or skim-boarding waves on 30-A, we’re all ready for something a bit different. Weekend escapes in the cooler months such as football bye-weeks here in SEC country are the ideal time to explore someplace new, or even revisit a familiar destination but see it in a whole new way.

Chattanooga, which is just a short two-hour trip Northeast of Birmingham, ticks a lot of boxes for so many different types of travelers. So much has been written about the hiking and scenic-overlooks of Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain. Many readers have probably already visited the famed Chattanooga Choo-Choo and the phenomenal Tennessee Aquarium. However, there is so much more to Chattanooga! Let’s explore what a visit would look like from a local’s perspective.

This bridge over Rock City hangs hundreds of feet in the air, providing tourists a view over the treetops. Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

WHERE TO STAY

Recent years have seen the addition of several great new hotels in the Chattanooga area, as well as the sprucing up of some venerable favorites.

Bode

Equal parts non-traditional hotel, local gathering spot, coffee shop, hip bar, co-working and collab oration space, BODE in downtown Chattanooga is the kind of landing spot that can make all types of travelers happy. Offering one, two and three-bed room lofts, each high-ceilinged space is outfitted with a kitchen, living area and maybe even a ping pong table and a view of nearby Lookout Moun tain. DAWN is where you’ll find your morning coffee while the bartenders at DUSK have you covered with evening snacks and libations. Think family groups, girlfriend getaway or those with wanderlust seeking local connection.

Common House

Tucked into the heart of uber-cool Southside, stands Common House. This white-stucco-ed former YMCA building has been exquisitely converted into a coveted “third space” that needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Third spaces exist to create community and connection, outside of home and work.

Common House is a private Chattanoo ga social club with six hotel rooms (plus one suite) available to the public. Hotel guests have access to the entire club while on-site: four bars, fitness center, intimate restaurant, co-working spaces, cabana-lined pool, podcasting studio and positively the coolest vibe in town.

The crowd here is strictly 21+, so plan accordingly. Memberships are available in case you never want to leave.

Bluff View Inn

Nestled in the arts-rich Bluff View Art District, this bed-and-breakfast-style inn is actually three turn-of-the-centu ry homes overlooking the Tennessee River. From the front porch of the T.C. Thompson House, you can sit a spell in a rocking chair and watch the sun set over Signal Mountain. Located within walking distance of many of Chattanoo ga’s must-see sites means you can park the car and venture out afoot to dine and do.

Common House’s exquisite architecture is but one aspect that garners attention from both locals and tourists alike. Photo courtesy of Ali Harper and Common House.

Pictured above is the historic Bluff View Art District. Photo courtesy of Chattenooga Tourism Co.

Bode Chattanooga’s many amenities keep customers coming back. Photo courtesy of Digital Love Photography.

WHAT TO DO

Outside

Yes, any trip to Chattanooga should include something outdoors, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing and the temperatures are most conducive to being outside.

Lookout Mountain Incline

Take the recently renovated Lookout Mountain Incline to the top of the mountain, where you can visit Point Park (site of the Civil War Battle Above the Clouds). Back at the bottom, it is a short drive to Ruby Falls, Cloudland Canyon and Rock City, which is celebrating its 90th year of visitors! Locals suggest buying tickets ahead of time to spend more time oohing-and-aahing over the views and less time waiting in lines.

Kayaking on the Tennessee River

For something completely differ ent, get on the Tennessee River by kayak to observe the endangered gray bats as they take to the eve ning sky in search of insects. On this 30-mile paddle of Nickajack Lake, you may even spy an osprey or the occasional bald eagle, so pack your binoculars!

The Hunter Museum

The Hunter Museum deserves an afternoon all to itself. With a permanent collection featuring works by the likes of Bierstadt, Frankenthaler and Ansel Adams, there is just enough to see without feeling overwhelming. BONUS: the museum is showcasing work by Birmingham-based artist Amy Pleasant until July of 2023, so be sure to check that out.

Inside

Chattanooga is teeming with creatives and you can find something inspiring at almost any turn.

Bluff View Art District

Locals love wandering in and out of galleries and showrooms in the Bluff View Art District, where the juices just flow. Gallery 1401 is a respite from the ordinary, and you’re bound to discover an eclectic mix of artists’ work.

Kyle House Fitness

If you’re game to stay on track with fitness goals while you travel- and those Lookout Mountain hikes weren’t enough- pop into Kyle House Fit ness for a class.

Sisu Sauna

If you’d just rather sweat it out, a session or two at Sisu Sauna should do just the trick.

Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Photo courtesy of Zach Bopp

Shop

For the travelers who simply must have their retail therapy when they visit a new city, there is nothing like discovering local gems.

Warehouse Row

Warehouse Row, which is a converted Civil War stone fort in downtown Chat tanooga, has always been a great shop ping draw with plenty of national names you already know. Do yourself a favor and shop Embellish, which specializes in names like Rag & Bone and Veronica Beard. If something for the home is what you seek, just go directly to Revival, where the offerings include one-of-a-kind antiques and vintage finds, as well as gorgeous coffee table books and pretty barware, lamps and furniture to create the nest of your dreams back at home.

Locals Only

Looking for a souvenir to take home? Pop in to Locals Only, which prides itself on supporting local artisans and makers.

Book and Cover

Book and Cover is a lovely, little independent book store, where staffers are happy to suggest a new favorite read.

K Boutique

Looking for something new to wear out to dinner or even just something casual?

Local ladies love K Boutique in North Shore, where you can outfit yourself for almost any occasion.

Alice Blue, Electric Blue and Hanover Blue

In the heart of Riverview, locals are drawn to the three-stores-in-one allure of Alice Blue, Electric Blue and Hanover Blue, which will have you dapper-in-aflash for an afternoon spent exploring Chattanooga local dining spots.

WHERE TO EAT

Speaking of local dining, Chattanooga is replete with interesting people doing interesting things, culinarily-speaking.

Alleia

The aforementioned Revival-decorat ing-haven gets the credit for the warm interiors at Alleia in Southside, where the rustic Italian menu makes the most of lo cal ingredients. This is where Chattanoo gans go for date nights or to celebrate something special, even if that event is just called “making it to the weekend.”

State of Confusion

State of Confusion is great for outdoor dining and drinks. Think ceviche, burgers and beer. Lunch, dinner, brunch. Reserva tions are accepted.

Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar

The secret is out about Boathouse Rotis serie and Raw Bar, where locals and visi tors alike clamor for seats that fill up fast. Go early to avoid too much of a wait.

Main Street Meat

Main Street Meats is a one-part butcher shop, one-part restaurant, where the daily offerings change, according to what

is in season.

Southern Squeeze

For the vegetarians and vegans in your group, make like a local and head to Southern Squeeze with enough plantbased breakfast and lunch offerings to satisfy anyone.

Feed Table and Tavern

For weekend brunch, head to Feed Table and Tavern, where locals clamor for short ribs and grits or the Rocky Balboa biscuit.

Sidetrack

At Sidetrack, be sure to order the beig nets (yes, you WILL make a mess) and the Eggs in Purgatory.

Adelle’s Creperie

Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth?

Check out Adelle’s Creperie. Carla and Ken Pritchard may own this darling creperie, but their daughter, Adelle, gets all the credit for the concept and inspired menus and décor.

Photo courtesy of Ali Harper and Common House.

Photo courtesy of Blaes Green