Scenic
City Scene
From the mountains to the sea,
Chattanooga-area attractions rock-n-roll
From
the top of Lookout Mountain to the depths of the Tennessee Aquarium’s
Undersea Cavern Chattanooga, Tenn., takes visitors above the
clouds and below the waves on a journey from the mountains to
the sea.
Voted
one of America’s top family weekend getaways by “Southern
Living” magazine, and one of America’s top family
destinations by “FamilyFun” magazine, Chattanooga
has a safe, pedestrian-friendly downtown and a host of attractions
to appeal to visitors of any age, all surrounded by the scenic
beauty of the mountains and the Tennessee River.
In
the heart of Chattanooga visitors can explore a world-class
aquarium, play at an award-winning children’s museum or
discover priceless works of American art. These downtown attractions
are surrounded by miles of walking trails, acres of parkland
and a series of public art pieces. Just a few miles from downtown,
Lookout Mountain offers visitors a chance to experience an amazing
garden with ancient rock formations and native plants, an underground
waterfall and a trip on the world’s steepest passenger
railway.
In
addition to the attractions, Chattanooga’s unparalleled
scenic beauty provides a wonderful natural playground. It’s
a Mecca for rock climbers, hang gliders and spelunkers. Visitors
can also explore the outdoors while hiking or biking the miles
of mountain trails, taking a canoe or boat down the Tennessee
River or braving the whitewater of the Ocoee. Chattanooga’s
waterways are also great places for fishermen to reel in the
catch of the day. For more information about Chattanooga’s
outdoor adventures: www.outdoorchattanooga.com.
These
Chattanooga-area attractions are arranged geographically to
make it easier to customize a story. To find additional story
ideas, customized itineraries or to provide a helpful online
link for your readers, listeners or viewers, please check the
online getaway planner at www.tnaqua.org/VisitorInfo/Getaway_planner.asp.
RIVERFRONT ATTRACTIONS:
On the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River, there are river
parks, river walks and attractions you won’t find anywhere
else in the country. All within strolling distance or
easily accessed by free shuttle bus.
- Tennessee
Aquarium -- The world's largest freshwater aquarium, the
Tennessee Aquarium, now offers a spectacular new saltwater
adventure. Dive beneath the waves through a coral reef teeming
with fascinating 10-foot-long sharks, fierce barracuda and
graceful stingrays. You'll enter a lush tropical cove, where
100 feet of shoreline beckons you to a touch pool where
you'll have hands-on encounters with tiny bamboo sharks
and stingrays. Then you'll discover a serene rainforest
fluttering with hundreds of jewel-colored butterflies. Other
enchanting exhibits showcase amazing creatures like octopus,
jellyfish and giant crabs.
- IMAX
3D Theater -- Practically next door to the Tennessee Aquarium,
the massive six-story-high IMAX 3D Theater screen combines
breathtaking crystal clear 3D images with state-of-the-art
digital sound. You'll feel like you're in the movie, not
just watching it! IMAX 3D. So real, it's unreal. Films
show every hour on the hour.
- Creative
Discovery Museum -- Perch high in a crow's nest, splash
in water creating dams and channels for floating boats,
feel the sand between your fingers as you dig for dinosaur
bones in an excavation site, create your own artistic masterpiece
or take the fun sky high and blow soap bubbles in the new
Rooftop Fun Factory. Children will discover a whole new
meaning to art, music, science and technology in a world
made just for them at the children's Creative Discovery
Museum.
- Hunter
Museum of American Art -- Connect with American history
as you approach art like you've never done before. The Hunter
Museum of American Art now offers a whole new museum experience.
Bring the artist alive and connect with the past. Immerse
yourself in the country's finest collection of American
Art, stroll through an outdoor sculpture garden, create
your own masterpiece in a studio class or sip a cappuccino
in the café where the glass walls offer spectacular
views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.
While you're up on the bluff, explore the Bluff View Art
District, where there are several restaurants, galleries
and another outdoor sculpture garden.
- Ross’s
Landing -- Alongside the Aquarium as you approach the river
is an incredible historical point, connecting Chattanooga
with Native American cultures. The Passage was created to
celebrate these cultures while providing a dramatic passageway
leading to the river. The Passage is lined with huge Cherokee
symbols, wall figures of Native American sports like stickball
and a water spider collecting the water that slides over
the wall and down the stairs.
- Chattanooga
Regional History Museum -- More Native American history
can be discovered just two blocks from the Aquarium in Chattanooga's
Regional History Museum, where interactive exhibits feature
Chattanooga’s history: Early Land, Early People;
the Cherokee Nation; Growth and Conflict; the New South;
and the Dynamo of Dixie.
- Southern
Belle Riverboat -- There's no better place to see the beauty
along the Tennessee River than the views you get from the
Southern Belle Riverboat. With a variety of thematic, lunch,
dinner or sightseeing cruises, you’ll have a chance
to sit back and enjoy the scenery, while eating delicious
food and listening to the Riverboat Ramblers band.
- Chattanooga
Choo-Choo -- Made famous in a song written by Johnny Mercer
and performed by the Glenn Miller band, the Chattanooga
Choo Choo offers a unique experience. Visitors not only
get to eat in a train car, but they could sleep in one too.
The grounds at the Choo Choo are scattered with gardens
and gazebos, a trolley, the largest railroad museum in the
South, gift shops and a variety of restaurants including
one where the waiters sing for your supper.
- Chattanooga
Pier -- Strollin' along the river walks and river parks
that surround the Aquarium will wow you with vast green
spaces to lounge on a pedestrian pier, featuring special
artistic lighting, to bring you even closer to your watery
world. The pier is especially beautiful at night.
- Walnut
Street Bridge -- Take a stroll over the Walnut Street Bridge,
the longest pedestrian bridge in America. The bridge
connects the Aquarium side of the river to the north side
of the river – another great hangout, with fun and
funky shops and restaurants along Frazier Avenue.
- Coolidge
Park Carousel -- Enjoy the park's lush landscaping and interactive
fountain. This is a great place for a picnic, jog,
stroll, Frisbee or ball toss.
LOOKOUT
MOUNTAIN ATTRACTIONS
In addition to the riverfront and a hoppin’ downtown scene,
the Scenic City offers timeless attractions high atop Lookout
Mountain six miles from downtown that have been exciting visitors
for decades.
- Rock
City -- A mysterious marvel of nature featuring massive
ancient rock formations, Rock City Gardens features panoramic
views 1,700 feet above sea level as well as gardens with
more than 400 different native plant species. Along Rock
City's Enchanted Trail, explore wonders like the Grand Corridor,
Needle’s Eye and a 200-foot swinging bridge on your
way to Lover's Leap, site of the legendary See Seven States
view.
- Ruby
Falls -- Descend deep within the heart of Lookout Mountain
to experience a thundering 145-foot natural waterfall in
the largest underground commercial cavern in the world.
Ruby Falls is packed with amazing geological wonders that
only occur underground. Your adventure takes you past natural
formations in the shape of an angel's wing, an elephant's
foot and even one that looks like a plate with steak and
potatoes.
- Incline
Railway -- Experience the thrill of riding the world’s
steepest passenger railway. The Incline Railway scales the
side of Lookout Mountain at an almost impossible 72.7 percent
grade, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
and valleys through the glass roof. It’s been
called America's most amazing mile.For
more information on Chattanooga and its attractions, visit
the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
site: www.chattanoogafun.com.
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The
Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the
natural world. Admission is $17.95 per adult and $9.50 per child,
ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation
programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium.
Ticket prices are $7.95 per adult and $5.50 per child. Aquarium/IMAX
combo tickets are $22.95 for adults and $13.50 for children.
Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or
by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks
of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization.
Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium
and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities. Members
enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. Call 267-FISH to
join.
Downloadable images: http://www.tnaqua.org/Newsroom/Photo_library.asp
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