There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including spirited Chattanooga, Tennessee.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY RINGS TRUE
Families can't help but like a place where Moon Pies and miniature golf were invented. Set in the Tennessee River valley below Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga is enjoying a riverfront renaissance. These days, a seven-mile river walk conveniently links several attractions, making it easier for families to see the sights. Other big draws are the city's Southern hospitality and reasonable prices.WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT
Chattanooga is loaded with classic attractions, such as Ruby Falls, which have entertained visitors for years. Since 1929, families have traveled to the 145-foot underground waterfall, aglow in colored lights, located deep within Lookout Mountain. Sure, the spot is touristy, but it still makes you smile. Admission is $12.95 for adults, $5.95 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for kids ages 2 and under. Call 423-821-2544.FRIENDLY HOTEL
At the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Holiday Inn, families can sleep in converted train cars, see a vintage locomotive and a 174-foot-long model railroad, ride a 1924 electric trolley, and hear servers sing "The Chattanooga Choo-Choo" in one of the on-site restaurants. Rates for a family of four are $129 and up year round. Call 800-TRACK-29.A LOCAL FAVORITE
Get a foamy root-beer mustache at Big River Grill & Brewing Works, where they brew their own root beer (plus homemade ginger ale and cream soda). Call 423-267-2739.BEST MUSEUM
At the Creative Discovery Museum, kids can dig for dinosaur bones, make the ultimate paper airplane, play the tuba at a real recording studio, and create artistic masterpieces. Admission is $7.95 for adults, $5.95 for kids ages two to 12, and free for kids under age two. Call 423-756-2738.TOP OUTDOOR FUN
Strolling along the city's new river walk and, along the way, exploring such sights as the Tennessee Aquarium and the Walnut Street Bridge, the world's longest pedestrian bridge.DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT
Inviting your kids to climb inside the child-size truck and wrecker at the International Towing & Recovery Museum, located a few blocks from the aquarium. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for kids ages five to 18, and free for children ages four and under. Call 423-267-3132.YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY
Visiting the Tennessee Aquarium, the world's largest freshwater aquarium. It contains a 60-foot canyon, two living forests, recreations of the world's great rivers, more than 9,000 aquatic creatures, and a neighboring IMAX 3-D theater (so you have a chance to wear those goofy glasses). Combination tickets to the aquarium and theater cost $22 for adults, $12.50 for kids ages three to 12, and are free for kids ages two and under. Call 800-262-0695.FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-322-3344, or click here. Make your first stop the Chattanooga Visitors Center at 2 Broad Street, where you can buy discounted tickets (about 10 percent off) to several area attractions.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
