Chattanooga’s name comes from a Creek Indian word meaning ‘rock coming to a point,’ but the city’s official nickname is ‘scenic city.’ With the Appalachian mountains in one direction, Cumberland Plateau in the other and the nearby Chickamauga and Nickajack Lakes, this lovely Tennessee city more than lives up to its name. Travel to Chattanooga for a dose of history, gorgeous landscapes, a lively art scene and plenty of outdoor fun. Visit Chattanooga for a family-friendly experience complete with a children’s museum, an aquarium, plus lots of parks and green spaces. History buffs and fans of the great outdoors will also be thrilled with all that Chattanooga travel has to offer. Our Chattanooga travel guide will help you discover this great Southern city.
Things Not to Miss in Chattanooga
• Head to Lookout Mountain for spectacular views of the area.
• Admire hundreds of sea creatures at the Tennessee Aquarium.
• Go rowing or kayaking down the Tennessee River.
• Shop for specialty foods and souvenirs at the Chattanooga Market.
• Check out the outdoor public art collection, spread out all around town.
When to Go to Chattanooga
Chattanooga shows its most exciting side during the summer. The temperatures are high (and so is the humidity) and the streets are buzzing with activities. Every June, the Riverbend Festival brings together around a hundred bands–from rock to country to bluegrass–and thousands of music fans from all over the country. The weather cools down around September, and the city turns to lovely shades of oranges and yellows thanks to fall foliage. Come winter, temperatures can reach the forties although it rarely snows, and it can be a good time to score good hotel and flight deals.
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