Chattanooga

“The Hywife wants to go to Chattanooga, Tn for 4 or 5 days in June. My wife isn't a big hiker, but will do easy short distance trails. My daughters are 12 and 10 and aren't "frilly" girls so caving will probably be fun for them. My son is 6 yo, but has Downs Syndrome, so he is more like an 18month to 2 yo developmentally. He's still heavy to lug around once he gets tired of walking or decides he doesn't like our planned direction.

So, peeps, give me some ideas of things to do and places to stay. Some of the ideas i have is too:

Spend a day at ruby cave, rock city, and maybe ride the inclined railway thing.

Go rafting on the ocoee river.

Maybe we will do the aquarium, but we have them here in wilmington and Myrtle beach so maybe not. Unless its a world class can't be missed aquarium.

Tour the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park”

“I like the Aquarium, but I wouldn't declare it to be world class.

Call the Chattanooga CoC and get them to send you a visitor packet.

http://www.chattanoogafun.com/

Dont go the second weekend, that is riverfest.”

“we're picking up our kids in Atlanta the weekend of the 24th then headed to tennessee for the week so we should miss riverfest. Chattanooga is our latest idea, but nothings carved in stone. I do like the idea of taking the girls on one of the wild tours in a cave. Get them a little dirty but keep them safe at the same time.

Maybe we can invade your turf and do some tubing.”

“If you want rafting, you might also look into the Hiawassee. It is a lot slower than the Ocoee, but is a ton of fun. You basically guide yourself down the river. I think there is one rapid that is class 2, but the rest is just moving water. You can rent rafts, funyaks, or even inner tubes. The water is really cold, so it feels good on a hot day.”

“Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Inclined Railway can all be done in one day. Buy the combo ticket and save some bucks.

The Children's museum is down the street from the aquarium, and so is the IMAX theater. I agree with Chili, I like the aquarium but wouldn't say it's "world class".

Spend the day in Chattanooga and then head up to Townsend and do some tubing down the river. Have a picnic at the Smokies picnic area near Chimney Rock...it's usually cool there even in the summer and it's shaded. There's a creek there the kids can play in. Lots to do in that area. Most of all, enjoy time with the family!!”

“Ruby Falls offers a wild tour?”

“not ruby falls, but there are lots of other caves in the area that do. Ruby falls and rock city will be what we do has a whole family. The wild caving thing I want to do just with my daughters, let mom veg back at the hotel with the boy.

My daughters did the nantahala last summer and want some wilder water this year. The guide told them they were ready for the Ocoee. The Hiawassee sounds great for the whole family too if I can't force ourselves on the Chili's”

“Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga
Tennessee Aquarium During your visit at the Tennessee Aquairum you will walk through living forests; touch stingrays, sturgeon, and sharks; and see...
Attraction type: Aquarium


Rock City, Chattanooga
This hiking path along the "Enchanted Flagstone Trail" takes visitors on a winding trek through scenic grottos and glens.
Attraction type: Scenic railroad; Garden; Hiking trail; Park; Trail; Geological formation; Lookout


Coolidge Park, Chattanooga
Named in honor of a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, this seven-acre park features a restored hand-carved carousel, pavilion and interactive play fountain.
Attraction type: Bridge; Urban park; Fountain


Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga
This high, wide plateau located on top of a mountain and surrounded by perpendicular cliffs is home to three exciting attractions: Incline Railway, Ruby Falls and Rock City.
Attraction type: Battlefield; Garden; Cavern/cave; Mountain


Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga
Art museum with a wonderful collection of 19th and 20th century American art.
Attraction type: Art gallery; Museum; Art museum



Inside Chattanooga and

Inside Chattanooga
Written for Travelers by Travelers
Getting Around (Last edited by chasm4u, 2:42 am, December 22, 2005)
Nightlife (Last edited by chasm4u, 5:27 am, January 12, 2006)
Off the Beaten Path (Last edited by chasm4u, 2:32 am, May 26, 2006)
Chattanooga goLists
Tips and secrets from real travelers
Chattanooga in Spring (Created by Bluecuzco, May 5, 2006)
Swimming with the Fishes...Southern Style (Created by thankstomiles, May 5, 2006)
Chattanooga's Hidden Treasures (Created by Bluecuzco, May 2, 2006)

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Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga
Four areas of exhibits including art, music, invention and science.
Attraction type: Children's museum; Museum


Bluff View Art District, Chattanooga
Neighborhood lined with small shops, galleries and two museums.
Attraction type: Scenic/historic walking area; Neighborhood


Tennessee Valley Railroad (TVR), Chattanooga
One of the largest operating historic railroads in the United States offers scenic trips through the Tennessee countryside.
Attraction type: Scenic railroad; Transportation museum


International Towing and Recovery Museum, Chattanooga
A museum commemorating the history of the tow truck.
Attraction type: Transportation museum; Specialty museum


Ruby Falls, Chattanooga
Visitors are wowed by this thundering 145-foot underground waterfall, a natural wonder located on the scenic Lookout Mountain.
Attraction type: Park; Waterfall; Cavern/cave


Walnut Street Bridge, Chattanooga
One of the finest examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges that were build between 1884 and 1923.
Attraction type: Bridge


The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Chattanooga
Specially designed cars, with windows on the side and the ceiling, take passengers on the steepest passenger train ride in the world.
Attraction type: Scenic railroad; Historic site


The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, Chattanooga
Located in a century-old Victorian house, this museum houses one of the world's finest collections of antique glass and ceramics from the collection of local eccentric Anna Safley Houston.
Attraction type: Museum; Art museum


Chattanooga African-American Museum, Chattanooga
Attraction type: History museum


Chattanooga Regional History Museum, Chattanooga
Attraction type: History museum


Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Garden; Historic site; Nature reserve


River Gallery, Chattanooga
Craft and art collections.
Attraction type: Art museum; Art gallery


Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Cavern/cave; Lookout; Park


Point Park, Chattanooga
Part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, these grounds commemorate the "Battle Above the Clouds" that was fought on Lookout Mountain in 1863.
Attraction type: Monument; Park; Historic site


Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Zoo


Ross's Landing Park, Chattanooga
Walk over the world's longest pedestrian bridge
Attraction type: Urban park


Audubon Acres and Maclellan Island, Chattanooga
both provided by the Audubon Society
Attraction type: Nature center; Hiking trail


On The Glory Land Road, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Trail


River Gallery Sculpture Garden, Chattanooga
Two-acre garden with over 30 original sculptures on display.
Attraction type: Garden; Art gallery


Wilcox Golf Range Center, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Sports camp/clinic



Inside Chattanooga and

Inside Chattanooga
Written for Travelers by Travelers
Shopping (Last edited by chasm4u, 6:00 am, January 06, 2006)
Public Transportation (Last edited by Bluecuzco, 9:32 pm, December 16, 2005)
Getting Around (Last edited by chasm4u, 2:42 am, December 22, 2005)
Chattanooga goLists
Tips and secrets from real travelers
Chattanooga in Spring (Created by Bluecuzco, May 5, 2006)
Swimming with the Fishes...Southern Style (Created by thankstomiles, May 5, 2006)
Chattanooga's Hidden Treasures (Created by Bluecuzco, May 2, 2006)

More Inside Chattanooga Pages VIEW: All Chattanooga goLists
CREATE: Your own Chattanooga goList

Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map and Museum, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Military museum; History museum


Bessie Smith Hall, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Specialty museum; Performance


Brainerd Golf Course, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


Bridgeview Gallery, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Art gallery


Brown Acres Golf Course, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


Challenger Space Center and Computer Museum, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Science museum; Educational site


Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Cemetery


Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Symphony; Opera


Chattanooga Visitor Center, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Tourist/visitor center


Concord Golf Club, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


Dragon Dreams Museum, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Specialty museum


Siskin Museum of Religious Artifacts, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Museum


Eagle Bluff Golf Course, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


University Gallery, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Art gallery


Eastgate Golf Center, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


Hickory Valley Golf Course, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


Historic Dent House, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Historic home


Jack's Alley, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Street


Medal of Honor Museum, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Military museum


Miller Plaza, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Urban park


Moccasin Bend Public Golf Club, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Golf course


Tennessee Riverpark, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Park; Hiking trail


Silverdale Confederate Cemetery, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Cemetery


Paint Your Masterpiece, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Educational site; Art gallery


Raccoon Mountain Dam, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Dam


Buck Wild, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Dance club/disco


Chattanooga Market, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Flea/street market


Sir Goony's Family Fun Center, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park


Warehouse Row, Chattanooga
Factory outlet mall.
Attraction type: Factory outlet


TVA Energy Center, Chattanooga
Learn about the Tennessee Valley Authority and energy system.
Attraction type: Factory tour


Cravens House, Chattanooga
This historic home was the site of one of the most intense Civil War Battles.
Attraction type: Historic home


IMAX Theater, Chattanooga
A 3-D movie theater thats always a hit with the kids.
Attraction type: Theater


Southsides Jazz Junction, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Jazz bar


Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park


Chattanooga Choo Choo, Chattanooga
Large exhibit for train aficionados.
Attraction type: Transportation museum; Specialty museum


Brewing Works, Chattanooga
Beer is made fresh daily at this brewery: come sample the product.
Attraction type: Brewery”

“supertroll, I have visited the websites mentioned. I was looking for first hand information from peeps who have been there.

I mean,
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, Chattanooga
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park
could be a fabulous place to go, or it might be a Crusty the Clown claptrap.”

“LMAO @ Crusty the Clown claptrap!!!...not sure what it means but i'll be running that one into the ground”

“It's crusty. I think most county fairs are better than Lake Winne”

“Wow, I managed to pull a great example out of the hat on the first attempt. Thanks matt.”

“If you decide to come up toward Townsend, I will take a day off and we will take the kids tubing.

$8 a day per person, and it includes shuttle and tube rental all day.”

“ouch! you're charging me?”

“Hmmm, we should all be imparting the type of knowledge hyway REALLY needs. Like, ummm, ditch the family and take a ho hiking??

;-)

Always thinking of YOU, hyway, bro! LOL”

“Glad to see you got my back. You should let me return the favor ;)”

“SuperTroll's list should hold you for the first day. (Just reading the list!)

At Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, there is an exceptionally large gun collection with separate areas of pistols and rifles. If you enjoy old guns, that should be a place to visit.

Enjoy a great trip.
last edited: 5/31/06 8:45:17 AM”

“Thanks, Nowslimmer. I told my wife last night that we had to visit that site and she rolled her eyes at me. LOL”

“There is a stone lookout tower at Chickamauga, so tell her it is for the kids.”

“so Lake Winne is a no go.

Ok, so I am thinking of a day at ruby fall/rock city/ etc

a day downtown doing the Imax/Aquarium/creative design museum and just chilling.

A 1/2 day on the ocoee which will probably stretch into a whole day considering drive times lunch and sight seeing (maybe throw in the battlefield driving tour).

Hopefully I can get the wife to watch my 6 yo for 1/2 a day then the girls and I can do a couple hours on a wild cave tour at raccoon mountain.

Then Thursday, check out of chattanooga and find a motel near townsend and spend friday tubing with chili and chiliclan if he's available.

After that, don't know where will go before we make it back to wilmington”

“Deep Creek(Bryson City) is where most tubers go. Hope you're not planning to ignore me. Please resubmit your dates for your trip. Thanks.”

“hyway - ocoee won't take much time. If you go late in the evening you can explore the rocks because the water level is way down.

ruby/rock city, etc is dang expensive. You can get tickets online.

There is a river around Bryson City that will allow kids down to 4 years old raft. Other rivers have a weight limit because of hypothermia, but this one is a warmer river.

My family is probably going to be at Smokemont weekend after next (6/9-11)”

“ns, chili mentioned going tubing near his house if we were ever in the area. well we will be in the area, so I will let chili decide what river :). Bryson city is on the wrong side of teh smokies from where I'll be. Besides, we did Bryson city and that area last year. Not sure what you mean by ignoring you, heck, I fetched you a beer whenever you asked. My dats are June 25th through july 1.

Day, the rafting companies all show the ocoee trip being 3 1/2 hours long (2 hours on the river). My wife and girls will be white water rafting. I want to do it, but I already plan to stick her with teh boy when the girls and I go caving. So I will have a few hours to kill with my son while I wait. I have checked into rivers that Jason can raft on, but they would bore the girls to tears. They are turning into adrenaline junkies. Jason will have more fun tubing anyway.

Yep, ruby/rock city/incline is gonna cost us $133 plus tax. But I think its something Trish (and Jason) will enjoy without killing herself for the views. She isn't a hiker.

Have fun at Smokemont.”

“Thanks for the dates. Hope I'm able to see you and yours. I'm still in GSMNP and, currently, plan to stay for a while.”

“Ahh, I didn't understand that they were rafting. There's an Italian place mixed amongst the rafting places that is good.

For something to do while they raft just drive up to the Olympic area. THey have a visitors center, suspension bridge and picnicing along the river route. If your fam does the Olympic section (Upper Ocoee) then yall can watch them pass.”

“PS, Last summer the head guide for High Country Outfitters was a civil engineer from ATL.”

“is that an endorsement of High Country Outfitters?”

“has anyone mentioned the chattanooga choo choo?”

“I was pleased with them. They also have cabins you can rent. Their website is something like highcountry.com

The choo choo is also operated by Holiday Inn. It's a couple of G's to spend the night, though it is in a sleeper car.”

“Ok, I have my Chattanooga agenda set. Now someone tell me a good place to stay in Townsend for a family of 5. I like to have a suite where i can lock up the kids , err, I mean so the kids can retreat to another room. Not to ritzi but not a fleabag either.”

“we stayed at some cabins of a very distant relative a couple years ago in townsand, they were very close to entrance to the park...they had ones with separate rooms...i'll try to dig up some info”

“yeah, but were they nice :) I am assuming the answer is yes if you are recommending them.”

“oh very nice...30+ of my wife's family went...we had a total of 3 cabins...1 huge 2 story house plus two smaller cabins...unfortunately my wife doesn't remember who owned them or what they were called”

“i think this is the place buy i'm not sure...there's not enough pictures on their site for me to tell

http://www.mtnmistcabins.com/index.html”

“if you go to the bottom of the accomodations page and click the small photo you get pics of all teh cabins. Once there if you click the cabin you get more pics of that cabin”

“i see...and no, this isn't the one i stayed at, but it looks nice anyway ;)”

“Try Dogwood Realty in Townsend for a cabin.

If you want a lodge setting, go with the Maple Leaf Lodge, which I think is changing its name to Dancing Bear Lodge.

Dawn works at a realty company in Wears Valley and I can see if she can get you a discount if you want to stay over there (10 minute drive) and closer to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.”

“Oh, outside of the Maple Leaf Lodge, the only other two places that might have a suite would be Comfort Inn (probably not) and Valley View Lodge (used to be Best Western and the largest place in Townsend).”

“The cabins at Dancing Bear Lodge are more than I wanted to pay. Nice looking place, but no pool. My kids really want a pool.

The comfort inn has large rooms but not suites.

I have been looking at the Valley View Lodge. Has indoor and outdoor pool, and supposedly a 1/4 acre kid play area. It would be great to come back to our room at night and take a swim before bed. I was hoping for someone who's seen the place to give me an eyeball on it. Is it a well kept place or a Crusty the Clown claptrap”

“last night in Chattanooga and I am exhausted. It seems my six year old son, all 45 pounds of him, has decided to give up walking. I have been carrying him everywhere. At first it was because lots of placed it it was just too dangerous to let him run loose and he got used to the leasure life :).

We have done Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railroad, the Aquarium, the water steps next to them, walked the long pedestrian bridge over to ride the carousel and play in the water fountain (then back across the bridge again), the childrens museum (great place, a lot of imagination went into that place), saw Harry potter and the goblet of fire on the big Imax screen, and generally just wandered around the downtown area.

We also swam in the pool a lot. The s are great at making friends and had to say a lot of goodbyes today. They have spent every free moment in the pool. I love indoor pools, I feel safer letting them go down on their own.

The s and I also did a 2 hour wild cave tour at Raccoon Mountain this morning. It was just the 3 of us and our guide. Wow was that fun, although I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get my fat ass through some of those crawls. We slithered on our bellies, slid down slides on our , climbed up rock ledges using ropes, straddled a small canyon, splashed through an underground creek and generally crawled over more rocks than you can shake a stick at. They loved it, couldn't believe the 2 hours passed so fast. Of course, we also had to hit the go cart rides for 15 minutes before we left as well.

Now its time for bed, so we can pack up in the morning, check out and head to the Ocoee for some white water rafting before heading over to townsend for some nice leasurely tubing friday.”

“Sweet, sounds like a great time.”

“I think there is a age or weight limit that will prevent kids from going on the Ocoee River?”

“There is an age limit of 12 years old, but they don't really care how old they are as long as you say they are 12. My 10 yo went and had a blast. The nantahalla has a weight limit and thats due to the body mass needed to keep from freezing in the 55 degree water.”