Chattanooga

Chattanooga is the 4th largest city in Tennessee. It is the seat of Hamilton County. It is in Southeast Tennessee on the Tennessee River and near the border of Georgia. It was immortalized in the popular 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo", made famous by Glenn Miller.

Understand
Chattanooga played an important role during the American Civil War, when it was a major railroad hub and one of the most industrialized parts of the Confederacy along with the nearby city of Atlanta, resulting in Chattanooga and being at the center of numerous pitched battles. Many of the tourist attractions center around Civil War history such as numerous battlefield parks in and around the city. It is less prominent today because of the decline of its famed railroad, made famous by the popular song "Chattanooga Choo Choo", which is also commemorated in numerous tourist attractions and the popular Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. In 2020, the city was home to about 185,000 people. The racial makeup of the city is 62% White and 31% African American, with the remainder being other races or mixed-race. Despite its economic loss and a small population, the city has become notably modernized, urbanized, and economically revitalized, receiving nationally recognition for the renaissance of its once-dilapidated, post-Industrial downtown, redevelopment of its riverfront, and the fastest Internet in the world. Within the last ten years the city has won three national awards for outstanding "livability", and nine Gunther Blue Ribbon Awards for excellence in housing and consolidated planning. An early cornerstone of this project was the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge, which is now the world's longest pedestrian bridge. Chattanooga is the corporate headquarters and home of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Tennessee, Rock Creek Outfitters, Krystal, Chattem, Unum, the Chattanooga Bakery (home of the Moon Pie), and Miller Industries, the largest tow truck manufacturer in the world (Chattanooga is the birthplace of the tow truck, so you'll also find tourist attractions such as the Tow Truck Museum to commemorate this). Chattanooga is also home to the Tennessee Valley Authority, a self-funding government agency which operates numerous power plants in the South. Following the city's industrial decline, many businesses in the banking and insurance industries also set up operations in Chattanooga; the city is home to large branch offices of Cigna, AT&T and UBS.

By car
I-75 (North-South) and I-24 (East-West) intersect in Chattanooga.
 * I-75 - Easy access from Atlanta and Knoxville. Begins in Hialeah, Florida and ends in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan at the Canadian border. If coming this way from the south, consider making a detour to take the Cohutta Chattahoochee Scenic Byway, a Georgia-designated scenic route that includes some beautiful mountain views and charming historic sites.
 * I-24 - Easy access from Murfreesboro, Nashville and Kentucky.
 * I-59 - Connects to I-24 just Southwest of Chattanooga, gives access to Birmingham, Alabama, Southeast Mississippi and ends near New Orleans.

By plane

 * There are non-stop flights to Chattanooga:
 * Atlanta, GA
 * Charlotte, NC
 * Chicago, IL (service from O'Hare International Airport)
 * Dallas, TX (service from Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport)
 * Detroit, MI (service from Detroit Wayne County International Airport)
 * New York City, NY (service from LaGuardia Airport)
 * Orlando, FL (service from Orlando Sanford Airport)
 * Philadelphia, PA
 * Tampa Bay, FL (service from St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport)
 * Washington, D.C. (service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, otherwise known as National Airport, and Dulles Airport)
 * Washington, D.C. (service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, otherwise known as National Airport, and Dulles Airport)

By boat
Chattanooga is accessible by way of the Tennessee River by personal water craft.

By car
When a speed limit is not posted, assume that it is, especially when downtown or in a residential area.


 * National Car Rental, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, +1 423 855-2229.
 * Dollar Rent A Car, +1 423 855-2232.
 * Avis Rent A Car, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, +1 423 855-2232.
 * Enterprise Rent A Car, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, +1 423 296-9902.
 * Donna's Rent A Car, 1419 South Moore Road, +1 423 899-5621.
 * Thrifty Car Rental, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, +1 423 892-8983.
 * Access Car Rental, 2114 Chapman Rd, +1 423 894-3833.
 * Access Car Rental, 3150 Broad Street, +1 423 634-7771.
 * Hertz Rent a Car, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, +1 423 855-8131.

By bus
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, better known as CARTA, provides one of the easiest way to move around downtown Chattanooga via a free electric shuttle that operates between the Holiday Inn Choo-Choo and Tennessee Aquarium, along with new service to Chattanooga's North Shore shops and Coolidge Park.

There are also buses serving the remainder of the city. As of 2012, the fares are:


 * Adult - $1.50
 * Seniors - $.75
 * Persons with Disability - $.75
 * Students - $.75
 * Children 5 and under are free with a paying passenger

Special reduced fares require a photo ID issued at the CARTA bus depot.

CARTA schedules are available at many of the local banks, shopping malls, social service agencies, hospitals, colleges, universities, the downtown post office, libraries and through CARTA.

By bike
There are bike sharing services in Chattanooga.

Area parks and greenspaces

 * Coolidge Park. This park features a beautifully restored carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, and lots of open space where the Navy and Marine Reserve Center once stood. A short walk across the Walnut Street Bridge allows visitors to enjoy Chattanooga's most popular park. It is part of the Tennessee Riverpark, a 22 mile long public park along the Tennessee River. Coolidge park is also a Wi-Fi Hotspot thanks to the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group.
 * Renaissance Park. Another Northshore park. Adjacent to Coolidge Park, this 23-acre urban wetland park is a product of Chattanooga's 21st Century Waterfront project. Plans are underway to create an outdoor center to promote outdoor activities in the Chattanooga area, as well as a nature trail through the park.
 * Tennessee River Walk. A continuous 10-mile path stretching from Ross's Landing in the heart of downtown Chattanooga to the Tennessee Riverpark and the Chickamauga Dam, stopping various times along the way to open up into picnic areas. Start the trail in any number of places along Amnicola Highway, Riverside Drive, or Downtown. This linear greenway continues to grow and expand through several different projects.
 * Ross's Landing. A site of great significance for its relevance in Cherokee Indian and Chattanooga history, Ross's Landing has been renovated, adding a large pier, natural amphitheater and a large greenspace. Wrapping underneath Riverfront Parkway is a unique water feature for visitors to cool off in. Several mooring posts are available for boaters to make a stop off at this beautiful space.
 * Ross's Landing. A site of great significance for its relevance in Cherokee Indian and Chattanooga history, Ross's Landing has been renovated, adding a large pier, natural amphitheater and a large greenspace. Wrapping underneath Riverfront Parkway is a unique water feature for visitors to cool off in. Several mooring posts are available for boaters to make a stop off at this beautiful space.

Buy
Chattanooga offers many shopping opportunities and generally lower prices than many other cities.



North Shore District
''On the north shore of the Tennessee River, just across from downtown Chattanooga, the North Shore represents a great triumph in city growth and development. What was once a street of abandoned buildings and run-down homes has become one of the city's focal points. Mixed-use business and residential developments are underway, bringing even more people to the area. Coolidge Park, one of the city's most popular greenspaces, is the centerpiece of the North Shore District. The renovation of the Walnut Street Bridge as a pedestrian bridge is also heralded as part of the dramatic growth in the area. Frazier Avenue is considered to be the "Main Street" of this area, and many unique businesses are located here, such as ...''



Southside District
''This area between the Chattanooga Choo-Choo and Finley Stadium is still being renovated but has been popular for redevelopment. Several retail businesses have opened along Market Street near the Choo-Choo, but these listed here a little off the well-beaten tourist path:''



St. Elmo District
In contrast to the more metropolitan downtown, the quaint, historic St. Elmo district at the foot of Lookout Mountain offers a walkable residential area with several small boutique shops and restaurants.

Budget
Plenty of fast food restaurants litter the town, although not as many in the downtown area.


 * Southern Burger Co., 9453 Bradmore Ln #101, Ooltewah. They offer an assortment of gourmet burger combos for under $11. Call at +1 423-825-4919.
 * Southern Burger Co., 9453 Bradmore Ln #101, Ooltewah. They offer an assortment of gourmet burger combos for under $11. Call at +1 423-825-4919.
 * Southern Burger Co., 9453 Bradmore Ln #101, Ooltewah. They offer an assortment of gourmet burger combos for under $11. Call at +1 423-825-4919.
 * Southern Burger Co., 9453 Bradmore Ln #101, Ooltewah. They offer an assortment of gourmet burger combos for under $11. Call at +1 423-825-4919.
 * Southern Burger Co., 9453 Bradmore Ln #101, Ooltewah. They offer an assortment of gourmet burger combos for under $11. Call at +1 423-825-4919.

Splurge


The Bluff View Art District is host to several restaurants, art museums and galleries, as well as lodging.



Coffee and tea

 * Velo Coffee Roasters, 509 E Main Street, 8AM-5PM. An institution of Chattanooga coffee that serves traceable, light roast, single-origin coffees that are roasted within this space. Location includes roasting space and full service espresso bar, including a garden patio seating.
 * Goodman Coffee Roasters, 1110 Market Street, 8AM - 5PM. Goodman Coffee is in the upscale Warehouse Row shopping center and is largely known for its wide selection of light to medium roasts of single origin coffees. Tea, pastries, and eggs are also available.
 * Sleepyhead Coffee, 735 Broad Street, M-Sa 8AM-3PM, closed Sunday. Intimate, bright multi-roaster that serves espresso drinks and vegan pastries. Sleepyhead is notable for its abundance of plants and green life within its space.
 * Mean Mug Coffeehouse, 114 W Main Street, M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 8AM-4PM. Popular Main Street stand-by for food, coffee, and tea.
 * Mad Priest Coffee Roasters, 1900 Broad Street, Tu-F 7AM-2PM, Sa 8AM-2PM. A small tasting room for this local coffee roaster that serves espresso drinks and filter coffee. Mad Priest is known for their mission to support the refugee communities within Chattanooga.

Stay safe

 * The Chattanooga Police Department operates a police precinct located on Walnut Street in Downtown Chattanooga. (Closed)
 * The Chattanooga Police Department's Traffic Division uses patrol cars without emergency lights on their roof. Instead they have numerous blue lights mounted in the front grill and rear window.  In September 2006 the police department announced increased speed limit enforcement due to numerous recent speed-related fatal accidents.
 * The City of Red Bank, which is very close to the North Shore district, employs photo enforced traffic lights. A rolling right turn on red will very likely result in a citation.

Telephone
Local phone numbers - The area code for Southeastern Tennessee (which includes Chattanooga) is 423.

Internet
(Many of the city's parks have WiFi hotspots in them. See WirelessInTheParks.com for more information regarding this venture.)
 * Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - 2 Broad Street, next to the Aquarium. The Chattanooga Visitors Center provides maps of downtown, sample itineraries, attraction tickets, and more. Official Chattanooga Tourism site.
 * Coolidge Park - The area centering around the Carousel is a Wi-Fi Hotspot thanks to the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group. It uses 802.11b.  WEP security is turned off.
 * Grey Friars Coffee - Using 802.11a/b. SSID "Greyfriar24"
 * Chattanooga Choo Choo/Holiday Inn - Located at 1400 Market Street.
 * Panera Bread -
 * Located near the Target in the Hamilton Place Mall Area. 1810 Gunbarrel Road.
 * 417 Market Street, Near Jack's Alley
 * Stone Cup Roasting Company - Located in the Northshore Distinct. 224 Frazier Avenue.
 * The Walden Club - 633 Chestnut Street, 21st floor. The Walden Club is a members-only restaurant in the Republic Center.
 * University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Lupton Library - Located at the center of the UTC campus offering 802.11b on an open network.
 * Barnes & Noble - Near Hamilton Place Mall at 2230 Hamilton Place Blvd.
 * Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
 * Holiday Trav-L-Park - Free 802.11 WiFi for all campers.
 * Located near Northgate Mall, next to the TJ Maxx strip mall. 620 Northgate Mall.
 * The UPS Store - Located near the Best Buy in the Hamilton Place Mall Area. 2288 Gunbarrel Road.  May require subscription to Boingo Wireless service
 * Krystal Restaurants  - Nearly every Krystal Restaurant in the Chattanooga area.
 * McDonald's - Service is $9.95/day or $29.95/month through the provider Wayport.
 * 2003 Dayton Blvd in Red Bank
 * 4502 Rossville Blvd, 6220 Lee Hwy
 * 1117 E 3rd Street. This location very close to Erlanger Hospital and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus.
 * Amigo's Mexican Restaurant - Located in Hixson at 5450 Highway 153.

Medical
The Chattanooga area has three major hospitals with 3 full-service Emergency Departments and 3 limited-service Emergency Departments:

Law enforcement
In any emergency situation, call 911!

Weather

 * Summer (Jun-Aug), average temperature of, with maximums in the low 100s (38°C). Scattered thundershowers quite often appear and disappear almost as quickly, sometimes dropping almost an inch of rain in 30 minutes or less.
 * Autumn (Sep-Nov), average temperature of.
 * Winter (Dec-Feb), average temperature of, with a number of days below freezing. Very little snow or ice in the valley, but fairly often in the higher elevations such as Lookout and Signal Mountains.  Almost any amount of snow or ice in the valley will stop nearly all activity in the city.
 * Spring (Mar-May), average temperature of.

Go next
Nearby: (While they may not necessarily be huge tourist attractions, they are nearby) Not quite as nearby, but still reasonable:
 * Ocoee, TN. A popular destination for water sports such as white water rafting and kayaking, as well as fishing.
 * Sewanee, TN. Home of the University of the South, and many scenic views.
 * Cleveland, TN. 30 minutes North of Chattanooga.  M&M Mars has a plant here.
 * Dalton, GA. Home of SHAW Industries, one of the world's largest carpet manufacturers.
 * Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore acre upon acre of forested mountains with a 2 hour drive North.
 * Knoxville. About a 1.5 hour drive.
 * Nashville. About a 2.5 hour drive.
 * Atlanta, GA. About a 1.5 hour drive. (Including Marietta, Decatur and Stone Mountain)