If you’re looking for a quick and super-fun spring break trip, then keep reading—I have the perfect spot that’s kid-friendly and just a short drive away. When my daughter had a few days off from school recently, we jumped in the car and scooted over to Chattanooga for a 72-hour girls’ getaway. We’ve been to Chattanooga before and done quite a few of the amazing activities the city offers, like the phenomenal Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City at Christmastime. I’ve also been many times with college friends, where we hit the local karaoke spot and the Riverbend Festival. But for this trip, my seven-year-old daughter and I vowed to try all new (to us) activities. Following is our three-day itinerary.
Day 1
We arrived in Tennessee after an easy two-hour drive up I-59, quickly dropped our bags, and walked over to the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge—one of the longest in the world. It’s a half-mile stroll from downtown over to the North Shore, where there are eclectic shops to explore. It was freezing and windy the day we crossed the bridge, and we warmed up at Clumpies Ice Cream Co. (it was toasty indoors!). Opened by the son of a third-generation candymaker in 1999, you can find a Clumpies on nearly every corner in Chattanooga. They pasteurize their own ice cream mix and churn each product in 10-gallon or less batches.
Fueled by our sugar high, we walked the streets and popped into a few shops before meandering down below the bridge to Coolidge Park. There, I bought $1 ride tickets for the Coolidge Park Carousel. The crown jewel of the park, the antique 1894 Dentzel carousel was restored by local master wood carver Bud Ellis and a team of craftspeople at his studio near Chattanooga. It features 52 hand-carved animals, a calliope band organ, and gold leaf benches. After a couple ride-arounds, we bundled back up for the half-mile trek back across the bridge and then admired the scenery on the second half-mile of our journey back to the hotel on Chestnut Street.
Following a quick rest and the addition of extra layers, we headed out to dinner at Agave & Rye, a short (and safe) walk a few blocks toward the river and across the corner from the aquarium. The restaurant is funky enough to entice adults but there’s cheese dip and loud music to keep the kids happy, too. Harper gives the queso and fresh-made tortillas two thumbs up, and I will definitely be back for more “epic tacos”—specifically the birria grilled street tacos, which featured slow-braised beef, cilantro, onion, and Oaxaca cheese nestled between housemade corn tortillas.
Day 2
Fresh from a good night’s rest, we enjoyed a slowish morning before heading out for our second day in Chattanooga. First stop: brunch at Hello Monty, which we thoroughly enjoyed. (Other suggestions that looked delicious: The FEED Co. and The Daily Ration. Next trip!) Bellies full, we crossed the street at our hotel’s corner and were at the doors of Creative Discovery Museum. I was a little worried Harper might not find much new to do, as we are members of and love McWane here, but not to worry. While some of the climbing structures and water play were similar, the museum otherwise offered so many options we hadn’t experienced before. The STEM floor was an especially big hit, as was the outside playground area. We spent a good part of our afternoon here and capped off the visit with the Great Balls of Fire science show, where our “mad scientist” explained combustion and demonstrated several types of explosions. It was fascinating!
Next stop: Target. Oops—mom forgot a swimsuit and the outdoor pool at our hotel was heated. Harper spent a few hours swimming with new friends from Atlanta, then we threw on some warm clothes to grab pizza at Community Pie, which offers by-the-slice options. We ended the night on a sweet note with treats from Cupcake Kitchen—a a family-run bakery started by Helene Grzybowski, a mother of five, in 2011. (Pro tip: Order a giant cupcake and a brownie the size of your palm, then share!)
Day 3
Our last day was all about adventure with some iconic stops that, believe or not, I’d never visited. We took a glass-front elevator 260 feet below Lookout Mountain to take in the ancient cave formations and explore the trail in the cavern before arriving to the light show at Ruby Falls, the tallest underground cave waterfall (145 feet) open to the public in the U.S. Truly breathtaking. We had a fantastic and engaging tour guide—Olivia—who kept us safe, entertained, and educated during the hourlong trek. The balmy 60-degree cavern was a welcome respite from the chilly Chattanooga temps, and my daughter is still talking about this adventure. We both enjoyed the cute intro video we viewed before we got too deep into the cave, which depicted the love story of Ruby and Leo Lambert. Leo accidentally discovered the falls in 1928, after crawling through 18-inch openings in the cavern for 17 hours. He named the feature after his sweetheart, and the attraction was opened to the public in 1929. As is our family tradition, we chose a Ruby Falls Christmas ornament from the gift shop on our way out. Cavern guests can also venture up to the Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook, included with tickets, to look out over the Tennessee Valley, Cumberland Plateau, and Tennessee River. For older kids and adventure-seekers, be sure to check out the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour, offered after-hours on Friday evenings.
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After the falls, we drove down the mountain to the Incline Railway lower station, where we hopped on a car to take us straight up to Lookout Mountain. The trolley-style cars—there are two—travel about 10 mph up to a 72.7% grade at the top, making it one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” the funicular railway operates by pulling the cars up the steep grade with heavy-duty cable, made more efficient by counterbalancing two train cars on the same track and using the weight of one to help pull the other up the mountain. The Incline’s two cars ride on the same single mile-long track, which splits into a “passing loop” when the cars need to pass each other. We explored a bit, took in the panoramic view of the Tennessee Valley from the top, walked down to Point Park Battlefield, then took the train back down.
Our very last stop was the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, an iconic historical terminal that once welcomed visitors to the city. We enjoyed a late lunch at Nic & Norman’s, indulged in photo ops at the train, and checked out the old cars that are now part of a hotel. One more scoop of ice cream at Clumpies, and then we hit the road to Birmingham. There’s no place like home, but Chattanooga, we’ll be back!
More Stops in the Scenic City
Need to fill another day or two in Chattanooga?
Try some of these places!
- Tennessee Aquarium – Located on the Tennessee River in the heart of downtown, the aquarium is home to 10,000 animals, an IMAX theater, and is split into two structures: River Journey and Ocean Journey.
- Classic Arcade Pinball Museum – This interactive downtown spot is dedicated to the nostalgia of pinball, with the chance to play at 50-plus “exhibits,” including classic arcade games of the eighties and nineties. Admission includes unlimited play of all operating games and a wristband that gives you in-out privileges.
- Southside Social – A boutique, family-friendly, 10-lane bowling alley, this hangout also offers games like darts, ping-pong, and gigantic Jenga, along with cornhole, snacks, and live music.