Let's all be honest here: Chattanooga doesn't exactly pass as a "town." It has, however, been listed as one of the quirkiest places in the United States, and that deserves a little pat on the back. We decided to figure out just why the world thinks we're so fun and crazy, and realized pretty quickly that, well - we are. Here are a couple of reasons why you should just embrace the quirk and make your way out to Chattanooga.
The Yellow Deli exists in multiple towns, but we're a fan of its Chattanooga location. It has made quite a name for itself, being owned by a strict religious sect, but provides quality service and delicious food from Sunday at noon until Friday at 3pm. You can visit for yourself at 737 McCallie Avenue.
Aretha Frankenstein's is a popular brunch place in Chattanooga, known for their quirky decor and dark spin on Hollywood's most iconic pinups. Their funky take on diner staples makes this a spot you show up to early - otherwise you simply miss out. It's located at 518 Tremont Street.
The Incline Railway in Chattanooga is actually one of the steepest railways in the world, and it just so happens to be the fastest way up to Lookout Mountain. It has a maximum grade of 72.7%, so you just may want to hold on to your lunch. But the view from the top? INSANE. You can hop on at 3917 St. Elmo Avenue.
A highly regarded tourist location for the last 80 years, Ruby Falls is one of the most memorable attractions in the state. Pay for a ticket and step below ground, enjoying a view of the 145-foot underground waterfall and a fabulous guided tour of the caves. The history of this place is pretty interesting, as well.
Anyone up for a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium? As one of the largest and most prolific aquariums in the United States, this is a stop that's popular with both parents and kids alike. It's located on the banks of the Tennessee River, right in downtown Chattanooga, making it centralized and easy to slip into that weekend itinerary. You can find it at 1 Broad Street.
Learn about the inner workings of ol' Rocky Top at Raccoon Mountain Caverns, located at 319 W Hills Drive. You can take a tour of the expansive underground cave system, garnering a ton of information about the geological history of our great state.
The Chattanooga Riverwalk spans 13 miles, running alongside the Tennessee River from the heart of downtown all the way to Chickamauga Dam. It's a great place to get the wiggles out with kids, or to hold hands and ponder the future. Either way, enjoyable and a whole lot of pretty.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a hotel located in the old terminal station for the Southern Railway Line. It was originally built in 1908, and the historic hotel offers both modern rooms and the option to book in an old Victorian sleeper car. The trolley on the premises dates back to 1924, and the admission fee to their model railroad museum is well worth the price. Type 1400 Market Street into your GPS if you're headed over!
The International Towing and Recovery Museum is located at 3315 Broad Street, and has antique wreckers and old tow truck equipment on display. Their pictorial histories do the state proud, making this quite the deep dive into a commonly forgotten - yet oh so necessary - facet of world history.
This iconic southern Tennessee used to be listed as a rental, but has now been purchased by a family. Soooo that means you can't pop by anymore? But it still elevates Chattanooga to EXTREMELY QUIRKY status. We aren't yelling at you, we are just REALLY passionate about this.
Pretty neat, wouldn't you say? Continue the exploration of your favorite state with these 10 Easy And Beautiful Bike Trails In Tennessee Everyone Will Love.
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