Here’s everything you need to know about Chattanooga, TN
The Read House
Born in 1872 yet reborn in the last decade, The Read House harbors all the historical charm of Chattanooga for your stay. With The Read House’s nod to 1920’s splendor, they have married modern-day comforts for the ultimate level of luxury. Beyond the soaring ceilings and checkered floors, the building is saturated in history and complemented with upscale dining at Bridgeman’s Chophouse. In the heart of downtown Chattanooga, you’re entire experience is complemented with the bygone tunes of the past. You didn’t hear it from us, but if you’re a paranormal enthusiast, request room 311. 107 MLK Blvd., thereadhousehotel.com
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The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo
You can tell before you even step into The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo that you are in for a one-of-a-kind stay. Anchored to the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo, The Hotel Chalet sits in between the Tennessee River and the Appalachian Foothills and boasts an eclectic aesthetic not for the faint of heart. Stay in one of their Chalet guest rooms or train carriages with all the comforts of first class. If you are someone who sees the hotel as the experience, The Hotel Chalet is inspired by the culture of rail traveling, inspiring its guests to go hit the trails or kayak. The epicurean guest will find their niche at Elsie’s Daughter, an homage to Terminal Station’s architect, where they serve Appalachian tradition, French cuisine and elegance. 92 Choo Choo Ave., thehotelchalet.com
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Hunter Museum of American Art
As an indelible force of education and creativity in Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art stands among one of the most impressive collections of American art in the country. The building itself is riddled with memories frozen in time, so this treasure trove of the past is a must if you are visiting the Scenic City. Every medium comes through the museum, from art deco to impressionism to graffiti, all by the nation’s most prestigious artists. For the 2024 season, they are gearing up to wow visitors and families alike who are looking to explore Chattanooga. 10 Bluff View, huntermuseum.org
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Neutral Ground
With traditions that reach all the way back to chef Kenyatta Ashford’s enslaved African ancestors, Neutral Ground is an Afro-Creole culinary experience rooted in connectivity and enhanced by the simplified cooking practices of New Orleans casual dining. It is clear that the concept is near and dear to the chef’s heart, as he brings in authentic po-boys and yaka mein, the latter a Creole beef noodle soup. With those flavors of his hometown, he intermingles the culinary influences from his African pilgrimages. From rice to bean dishes with a working-class twist, Neutral Ground is a celebration of the flavors of the African diaspora. 5704 Marlin Road, Bldg. 6000, neutralgroundchatt.com
Alleia
If you are a tourist who likes to find the best Italian in town, look no further than Alleia. Merging the flavor of rustic Italian cuisine with regional nods, chef Daniel Lindley realized his Italian restaurant concept on the first floor of the Old Harrington building on the Southside of Chattanooga. The beautifully designed space, paired with the fact that there are seven in-house pastas, makes for the closest thing you can get to being in Italy. From the custom banquette that extends through the center of the building, the fluidity between alfresco and indoor dining and the atmosphere of the traditional trattoria, you won’t be able to wait for your pizza that’s baking in their handmade masonry oven. 25 E. Main St., alleiarestaurant.com
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Little Coyote
While everyone is biased toward their state’s way of doing Barbecue in the South, Little Coyote approaches the contended topic a little bit differently. Right at the base of Lookout Mountain, Little Coyote stands as an ode to what chef Erik Niel loved most about his time in Texas—good barbecue and tortillas. Cooking the goods low and slow, their wood fire pit stays lit day and night, so the cuts are mouthwatering and are ready for housemade corn tortillas. Combine this setup with their agave selection, terra cotta tiles and details reminiscent of the Wild West, and we think we’ve found the spot. 3950 Tennessee Ave., littlecoyote.com
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Common House
Stay, work, dine, connect or all of the above at Chattanooga’s elevated hub for community and the things that knit people together. Common House, while not only in Chattanooga, is meant to be a place for travelers and locals alike to find a home away from home. Catered toward merging leaders and creators, Common House knows its members are always on the go, so at any time of the day, you can pop in for a meal or a glass of wine. Through their “Goings On” series, this members-only yet modern social club invites you to participate in yoga, enjoy curated live music, taste the wines of the world and become a part of the quickly growing legacy that is Common House during your time in Chattanooga. 1517 Mitchell Ave., commonhouse.com
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Tennessee Aquarium
Take your kiddos to experience marine life from the mountains to the sea at the Tennesee Aquarium. Driven by the mission to educate, the aquarium offers IMAX films, in-depth tours and opportunities to immerse yourself in the underwater world, whether that is on the Tennessee Riverfront or a remote location of the earth. From Delta Country to the aquarium’s Penguin’s Rock, visitors have access to the ecosystems and behaviors that make both fresh-bodied and saltwater environments go ‘round. Not only are their species impressive, but you can rest assured that the Tennessee Aquarium strives to take the best care and promote preservation for each type of creature. 1 Broad St., tnaqua.org
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STIR Chattanooga
No matter where you are traveling, you always need a foolproof plan pre- and post-dinner. Not only does STIR serve delicious craft cocktails, but the bartenders take it up a notch by carving 300 pounds of artisanal ice to match the libation for the perfect phone-eats-first moment. At this happy hour haunt, they are masters when it comes to cocktail concoctions, even expanding into in-house syrups and bitters. For their monthly specials right now, grab their summer peach sangria, with which we would be remiss not to order the goat cheese and spinach stuffed chicken with linguine, pecan pesto, vodka sauce, cherry tomatoes, parmesan or a dozen fresh oysters. 1444 Market St., stirchattanooga.com
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Warehouse Row
When it comes to shopping, most people will point you in the direction of Warehouse Row. What was once the Old Stone Fort during the Civil War is now Chattanooga’s beacon of commercialism and vibrancy as a stylish shopping destination. The mixed-use development is not just a locale for high-end boutiques but rather a hub for the community to gather, dine, explore artisanal goods, and elegant home furnishings and see what makes the city so great. After doing some damage at Anthropologie or J. Crew, Public House is there for a refueling lunch, so you are ready to hit the art galleries and more designer brands in the chic atmosphere. 1110 Market St., warehouserow.com
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Photography by: DenisTangneyJr/Getty
