Chattanooga: How to See It in a Weekend

Now, before we get too deep into this, be aware: there is no possible way to experience all the absolute joys that Chattanooga offers in one weekend. I went to school in Chattanooga for three years, and still missed out on a lot of the cool things there. It has grown into what one local called a Millennial's Paradise because of the tech boom that has brought a lot of 20- and 30-somethings into the area for jobs. With that, of course, has come the openings of more breweries, coffee shops, shops, and restaurants. The landscape of Chattanooga has changed greatly from when I left in 2011. But, I was fortunate because my sister-in-law and her husband lived down there until this past summer which gave Robby and I a reason to go down to visit her at least once a year.

This last visit felt a little more urgent because of their move: the next time I'd be in Chattanooga was unknown and not guaranteed. So, with that in mind, we tried to cross things off the list with the "what if this is our last visit?" in mind. Granted, we didn't do the Tennessee Aquarium because we'd been there before. We also only had two full days to really enjoy the city. I will include the things we didn't do as well, and that I remember thoroughly enjoying when I was there to give you some options, and a more "holistic" Chattanooga experience.

Food

1. Sugar's Ribs

If you're in the south and not getting barbecue, bless your heart. Let me stop you right now and ask you, kindly, to adjust your priorities. Chattanooga has some pretty great BBQ joints, but this one, to me, tops them all. You can easily spend over $30 for two people, but it is 1000% worth the splurge. Their brisket, fried okra, mac & cheese, chicken, pulled pork . . . literally all of it is so good. If it's a nice day, go outside on the porch and eat overlooking Chattanooga. The views are unbeatable. And, afterward, you have to feed the goats around the side. This is a must in my book. So much so, I'm only going to list a few of my other favorite places.

2. Thai Smile - for amazing Thai food.

3. Taco Mac - the atmosphere of BBW but with much better wings.

4. The Yellow Deli - and get their strawberry pie.

5. Clumpie's Ice Cream - my all-time favorite, hands down, ice cream shop in town. If I could afford to have my freezer stocked with their ice cream, I would 100% do that for the rest of my life.

Beer

1. OddStory Brewing Company

We had heard that OddStory wasn't a place to visit for the faint of heart simply for all the experimentation in tastes that they do and it was, by far, one of the most unique breweries, flavor wise, that we had ever been to. They had two beers on tap that I will never forget, but were unfortunately limited releases: their Nitro Tiramisu stout which, to this day, I regret not getting it over some of Clumpie's vanilla ice cream. STOP IT. And, a Tequila Sunrise sour, which whopped a 12% ABU, and nearly knocked me out. It tasted like orange Hi-C, and holy cow. It was probably the most delicious beer I've ever had.

2. Chattanooga Brewing Co. - great space to hang out in. Beautifully decorated.

3. Hutton & Smith Brewing

4. Heaven & Ale Brewing Company

5. Naked River Brewing Company

Attractions

1. Chattanooga Ducks

If you want a fun tour and a way to see all that the city has to offer, I highly recommend a Chattanooga Ducks tour. We had a great tour guide, Captain Barry, and had an absolute blast. He also never made us use those crazy duck calls . . . not even once! Haha. This would be a great option if you have children too as kids can "drive" the boat during the tour.

2. Tennessee Aquarium

3. Chattanooga Walking Tour - You don't have to spend money on this, but I did one in college and thought it was absolutely brilliant.

4. Lookout Mountain & Point Park - for the history buffs.

5. Ruby Falls & Rock City - for great views underground and above ground.

6. Chattanooga Lookouts - everyone can have a good time at a Minor League baseball game!

7. The Art District

Chattanooga is probably one of my favorite cities I've ever visited, and it's ever-changing. I would pick it over Nashville, Memphis, and most other southern cities probably because I lived there, but also because it just feels fresh and alive. The city has come a long way from even the 1990s, becoming more modern, and bringing business in from all over the world. If it's been on your list, I would say make it a top priority. And if it's not on your list at all, what are you doing?! Head down there as soon as you can! Happy Travels!