CityView Magazine

Destination: Chattanooga
By Hannah Slaughter

Going down the river, without a paddle, to visit one of Knoxville’s closest neighbors!

Around the office here at Cityview, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about one-tank trips. Finally, the other day we thought, why does it have to be an automobile tank? Why not a Kawasaki Jet Ski? A 250 Ultra perhaps? So we decided to send one of our own down the river to visit one of our favorite neighbors, Chattanooga. The trip was actually part of a larger route, the 12th annual Tennessee 600, a quest that went from Knoxville to Birmingham to raise over $14,000 to benefit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and four children’s hospitals, all members of the Children’s Miracle Network. Thirteen hours, 3 locks and 185 miles later, our correspondent landed in Chattanooga, exhausted and burnt to a crisp, but excited to give us a look at what makes this city tick.

In the 1980s, Chattanooga was known as one of the United States most polluted cities. Factories lined the beautiful Tennessee River and blighted the skyline with a constant haze. Then, in 1985 the city began investing what has totaled over $2 billion in transforming what was once a dark, industrial city into one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the country.  Today, the city boasts bike routes, lots of green parkland and tourist revenue that totals $690 million a year. Whether you stay at one of the more historic lodgings like the Chattanooga Choo Choo or the Read House or you prefer a more modern hotel like The Chattanoogan, there are quite a few unique options for staying in the heart of downtown.  With over 28 miles of bike trails along the riverfront as well as many options for public transportation, it’s easy to park your car (or jet ski) and still be able to navigate the city with ease. Walk down Broad Street or Market Street and wander in and out of cozy boutiques full of books, gifts and clothes. Or you could ease over to the Bluff View Art District (literally located on a bluff overlooking the river) and stroll through the sculpture garden. Walk up to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts housed in an old Victorian and containing one of the world’s best collections of antique glass and ceramics or just across the street to the Hunter Museum of American Art.

If you have the little ones a long for the trip, perhaps you should visit the Chattanooga Zoo. Covering 6 acres of Warner Park, the zoo is home to many exotic animals including red panda and a snow leopard! Or go round and round at the Coolidge Park Carousel, a 100 year old beautifully restored relic surrounded by an interactive play fountain and lots of open space, perfect for a picnic or a game
of soccer.

Looking for a night on the town? Why not make a stop at Miller Plaza? The Nightfall Concert series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This outdoor series offers a plethora of musical styles every week, so bring a blanket to spread out on and expect something unique. With the announcement of the new Volkswagen plant, Chattanoogans are excited to share their city with the world. “I have noticed that people are sick of being stuck in their houses; and with the gas prices gently decreasing, people are starting to live again,” says Samantha Klaburner of Southwest Funding. The real estate market is doing well in Chattanooga with the additions of places like Canyon Ridge on the outskirts of the city. This club and resort offers an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and fishing to its residents not to mention the gorgeous scenic view off Lookout Mountain. If it’s more rustic activities you’re looking for hiking trails and great spots for hang gliding are also abundant in the area.

Any true Chattanoogan would emphasize that their city is a great place because it mixes the great outdoors with a unique downtown. Not only are boutiques, art, parks and bike paths abundant but so are hiking trails, swimming holes and peaceful valley views. Whether hiking in Cloudless Canyon, strolling down Broad Street or racing down the Tennessee River on a 250 horsepower jet ski, Chattanooga truly is a perfect one-tank trip.

Cityview’s Michael Nelson makes waves during the 12th annual Tennessee 600