Go There: How to Spend 48 Hours in Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga? Let’s chat about it.
Nestled in the southeast region of Tennessee, Chattanooga is an idyllic weekend getaway. It sits less than two hours from Knoxville, a little over two hours from Nashville and is just a quick drive across the border from both Georgia and Alabama.
Offering a unique blend of metropolitan and mountainous environments, the city features everything from MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and trendy makers’ markets to serene waterfall hikes and cave-crawling adventures. No matter which paths you choose to take, each activity is within a 10-mile radius of the others, making a weekend getaway in Chattanooga, TN, convenient, fun and full of things to explore.
In This Article
Friday Afternoon and Evening
Check In to Historic Luxury at The Hotel Chalet
Nestled right behind the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo is, well, more Choo Choos – thanks to The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo. Upon arrival, I was amazed to find a luxurious, MICHELIN Key-rated hotel just minutes from the mountains.
This charming boutique oasis oozes high-end nostalgia, from the retro plush furniture and gold accents to the literal restored train cars out back. And the best part? They are not just for decor – you can actually stay in one.
Fully intact and equipped with all the modern luxuries you would expect from a swanky stay, it gives visitors a chance to experience a core piece of the city’s history firsthand and in style. Speaking from my own experience, it was cozy, comfy and truly one of a kind.
Savor James Beard-Nominated Dining at Calliope Restaurant
For dinner, I headed to the MICHELIN-recommended Calliope Restaurant, whose chef just so happened to be nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award that same day. And by the time the first dish hit the table, it was easy to see why.
A self-proclaimed modern Levantine establishment, Calliope infuses some of the best of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with locally sourced ingredients – creating dishes that delight the senses with every bite. The menu features seasonal small plates, and dishes are delivered as they are prepared, so you receive them at their freshest. The whipped feta was a feast in and of itself, fused with Palestinian hawaij, olive oil and mint, served with fresh pita for dipping. The winter salad and burnt carrots were the perfect accompaniment to the braised short rib and crab fried rice, each delectable in their own right.
Saturday During the Day
Uncover Underground Wonders at Ruby Falls
After a good night’s sleep in my train car, I headed out for a day of outdoor adventure. Recently designated a National Park City, Chattanooga is known for its accessibility to natural wonders. In fact, my first stop – a cave tour at Ruby Falls – was just 12 minutes away from my downtown hotel.
The tallest and deepest waterfall open to the public in the country, Ruby Falls, was truly mesmerizing. Though I’d seen plenty of photos, nothing quite prepared me for the magic of seeing the 145-foot waterfall up close.
Almost just as alluring is the story behind it, which visitors learn all about on the 60-80 minute tour. Opened in 1929, it was founded by Leo Lambert and named after his wife, Ruby. The falls were discovered on his quest to reopen Lookout Mountain Cave and his dream of finding something worthy to be his wife’s namesake. Additionally, the tour offers rare glimpses of unique geological structures and sweeping views from the 40-foot climbing tower, complete with colorblind viewfinders.
Take In Seven-State Views at Rock City Gardens
Next, I headed up the mountain to the iconic Rock City. Just 10 minutes away from Ruby Falls, I knew I was in for a treat when I spotted the gnomes and a cabin-inspired Starbucks – easily the cutest I have ever seen.
Exquisitely designed by Frieda Carter and her husband, Garnet, the trails are full of wonder, whimsy and literal fairytales. Along with the incredible views, guests can see seven states at once, massive rock formations and, if you’re brave enough, walk across the famous swinging bridge. Take it from me – it isn’t as scary as it sounds!
Fuel Up at Massey’s Kitchen
Working up an appetite from all the exploring, I stopped at nearby Massey’s Kitchen for some fuel. I was instantly intrigued by the menu – a Mediterranean restaurant that specializes in pizza? That was one I hadn’t heard before.
I started off with the arancini – plump risotto balls oozing with mozzarella, provolone and prosciutto. They were hot, crispy and so flavorful. My only disappointment was not being able to finish them. After all, I did have pizza on the way.
At my server’s suggestion, I split my pizza into two flavors – half classic pepperoni and half “Tuscan,” which included artichokes, roasted red peppers, onions, roasted mushrooms, pistachio pesto, herb oil, mozzarella and Roma tomatoes. When I say this was some of the best pizza I’ve ever had – I mean it (and yes, I’ve been to Italy!). It was cheesy, savory and had me dreaming about it for weeks after.
Hike to Glen Falls
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a huge outdoorsy type of gal, but I would be remiss not to do something adventurous in one of only four National Park Cities in the world. So, with the help of Outdoor Chattanooga, I took a guided hike to Glen Falls.
One of the more moderate trails in the area, it was the perfect trip for someone who isn’t used to hiking. It was quiet, scenic and only a mile round trip. The waterfall itself was serene, and it was easy to forget that I was only a few miles from downtown.
Overall, it was an incredible experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and got my adrenaline pumping without going too far. I left feeling refreshed, proud of my body and (at no fault to the trail), ready for a nap.
Saturday Evening
Sip Craft Cocktails at The Rosecomb
For dinner, I landed at The Rosecomb – an intimate cocktail bar with small bites, vintage vibes and great music. You will definitely want a reservation, because even when I went on a Thursday night, this place was packed, and for good reason.
Along with a hefty list of craft cocktails, I enjoyed the broken potatoes served with “salty” cheese and the grilled cheese. The sandwich is a crispy concoction of Monterey, cheddar, their “sexy cheese of the week,” caramelized onions, fig jam and locally sourced sourdough from nearby Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery.
Indulge in a Sweet Treat at Clumpies Ice Cream Co.
I had been told by the locals that I simply could not leave without experiencing Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Open since 1999, Clumpies is a Chattanooga tradition, and you can feel it the second you walk into one of their specialty shops.
Their ice cream is made by hand, pasteurized from fresh milk and cream, and every added ingredient is made in-house – from chunks of cookies and cakes to swirls of sauces and jams. After sampling a few, I went with my two favorite scoops: Birthday Cake and A Cup of Ambition – a specialty flavor in honor of Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday featuring locally sourced Velo Coffee, ganache swirl and mocha brownies. The verdict: it’s well worth the hype.
Sunday Morning and Afternoon
Dive Into Adventure at the Tennessee Aquarium
The next day, I was up bright and early for a trip to the world-renowned Tennessee Aquarium. When it comes to aquariums, you tend to think that, once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. But that was certainly not the case here.
Located in the heart of downtown and just five minutes from my hotel, the Tennessee Aquarium was an extraordinary adventure from start to finish. Not only can you explore almost 800 different species – from penguins and otters to alligators and turtles – but you can also touch a lake sturgeon, sit in a room filled with fluttering butterflies, see Tennessee-native creatures up close, learn about conservation efforts and catch a movie in the state’s only IMAX 4K with laser theater.
While your standard aquarium could be completed in a few hours, I definitely could have enjoyed most of the day here.
Shop Local Artisans in the NorthShore District
The rest of the morning was spent shopping through various parts of town. First up was the recently-opened Studio Ours. Designed for makers, by makers, this market is the perfect place to find a little bit of everything. Displays are filled with products from local artisans, including candles, soaps, clothing and jewelry.
Afterward, I popped over to the trendy NorthShore district. Collective Clothing, I Go Tokyo, Almanac Supply Co. and Verre Noir were just a few of the places I stopped at along the way.
Enjoy a Delicious Lunch at Main Street Meats
As the saying goes, you should always save the best for last. In this case, it was the main event: Main Street Meats, to be exact. The place was packed at lunch hour (which seemed a bit odd for a place whose signature dish is steak), but the aroma of smoked meats and farm-fresh ingredients made their case.
The lunch menu consisted of charcuterie fixings, a few salads, sandwiches and a whole lot of beef. In a farm-to-table style (with the help of local suppliers), each dish contained simple, fresh and exquisitely tasty ingredients.
I went with the Niman Ranch Flat Iron – deliciously simple and juicy – with a side of their “warm” potato salad. And though I’m a sucker for a good steak, this was the star of the show for me. With loads of bacon, mustard seed, mayo, Dijon mustard and chives, it felt more like a loaded mashed potato in the best way. In fact, not a single bite was spared.
I left Chattanooga full of good food, great memories and probably one too many shopping bags. But most of all, I was full of excitement for the next time I’d be back.
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