7 Things to Do in Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga is a vibrant city with amazing beauty, stunning natural landscapes and amazing historical sites. The people are warm and friendly and the food is oh so tempting. Aside from visiting top destinations in Chattanooga, you will also enjoy great festivals like the annual Riverbend Festival and the GoFest! Here are some of the most interesting things to do when you are in Chattanooga.
Visit the historic Tivoli Theatre
Known as “Jewel of the South,” the Tivoli Theater is a landmark theater in Chattanooga which opened its doors to patrons on March 19, 1921. This was designed by Chicago-based architectural company Rapp and Rapp and renowned architect Reuben H. Hunt. The Tivoli Theater was one of the first public buildings in the U.S. equipped with air-conditioning This structure is popular for its cream tiles, beige terra-cotta bricks and white marquee with chaser lights.
Check out the Tennessee Aquarium
If you are looking for a family destination in Chattanooga then you must check out the Tennessee Aquarium. This is a non-profit public aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to more than 12,000 animals. There are many attractions found in this huge aquarium like the River Journey and Ocean Journey sections. Other offsite activities include daily tours of the Tennessee River Gorge and an IMAX 3D theater onsite.
Go to the Creative Discovery Museum
This is a children’s museum found in downtown Chattanooga. The Creative Discovery Museum has art, field science and music areas. Play in water-themed attractions like RiverPlay, a space exhibit, an inventor’s workshop and a rooftop exhibit. This is truly a fantastic place to visit when you are in Chattanooga with your family.
Spend a day at the Chattanooga Zoo (formerly Warner Park Zoo)
This is a huge 13-acre zoological park established in 1937. This is where you will find amazing exhibits like the most-talked about Himalayan Passage where lovely red pandas are on exhibit. There are also natural living areas for snow leopards and exotic hanuman langurs. Other natural exhibits include the Corcovado Jungle home to jaguars, macaws, capybaras and spider monkeys and the Walkin’ the Tracks where you will find prairie dogs and white-tailed deer.
Admire the Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant
This is a vast pumped-storage hydroelectric underground power station in Marion County. Water comes from the Nickajack Lake on the Tennessee River at the foot of Raccoon Mountain. This is also a popular recreational area for hiking, running, road and mountain biking and fitness activities. It is home to the annual Raccoon Mountain Marathon, Half Marathon, Double Half and Relay.
Take the day off at the Bonny Oaks Arboretum
This arboretum is a small round park with lovely, historical gardens and structures that date from the mid-19th century. Be amazed at the large variety of trees and shrubs. It has 55 types of trees and plants including a majestic willow oak which is thought to be over 100 years old.
Enjoy the Riverbend Festival
The Riverbend Festival is an annual nine-night music festival. There are performances from top artists from every music genre including classic rock, country, urban and bluegrass. There are concerts, food stands, souvenir items and various outdoor activities.