Chattanooga A Great Getaway! Chattanooga
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My family and I live only two hours from Chattanooga. This is one of our top destinations for a weekend getaway. We visit as often as we can.
The only downside to visiting that we have encountered is the incessant road construction on I-75. Every state needs a job. For Tennessee, that hobby is the road construction. Once you get past that and off of the interstate (even I-24 has its share) then you’re fine.
We usually stay near Hamilton Place Mall (I-75 Exit 7). Besides a terrific place to shop and eat, there are a number of motels at that exit. You’ll find everything from Hampton Inn, La Quinta, and Comfort Inn to moderate priced chains like the Sleep Inn.
No matter where you stay make reservations. This is a popular destination. Plus, with two interstates running through town it’s a popular stop on the way to somewhere else. No reservations means either no room or very high prices.
Restaurants found at this exit include the Cracker Barrell and Shoney’s. There are mid-range restaurants such as the Chop House and the Acropolis and Olive Garden.
Chattanooga is appealing because there really is something for everyone.
Take the downtown area for example:
When our kids were younger they loved the Children’s Discovery Museum. This is located downtown just around the corner from the Tennessee Aquarium. Even at college age they still love the aquarium. Newer exhibits such as the Penguin Exhibit and Butterfly Garden in the new building keep you going back. Of course, the old favorites like the sharks at Ocean Journey are always great too!
A typical day for us might begin with continental breakfast at the motel or Shoney’s as we are frequently running past the breakfast cutoff time. (Roughly $40 for a family of 4.)
Then, it’s off to the downtown area.
We like to park either next door to the Tennessee Aquarium ($7.00 or more) or at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo by Holiday Inn (Free) and take the shuttle (also free).
Getting into the Aquarium runs $19.95 per each adult. Family memberships begin at $100.00 for two adults and all children in your household. Plus, you’ll get 10% off at the gift shop and free future visits for 1 year.
After spending a couple of hours there we’ll do lunch on the grounds. To save money and stress we usually pack a cooler. if you don’t want to do that there are eateries around the aquarium. They can be pricey though.
Next, we sometimes head over to the museum. Generally, it’s for younger kids but my almost college agers sometimes get a kick out of the exhibits. (They’re teens. They don’t have to make sense.) Admission here runs $8.95 for each person age 2 and up. Again, check into memberships, a family is only $75.00 and you get free repeat visits for a year.
When the kids tire there we’ll pursue any of a number of shops. The area is ripe with great shopping. There’s everything from an upscale variety in Warehouse Row to trendy socially focused shops. There’s even a cute, fun candy shop that you’ll want to visit.
When you’re at the Aquarium don’t forget to check out the Chattanooga Visitors Center (free). The center and aquarium are right next door to each other. There’s lots of brochures and friendly, helpful staff. Check out the Visitor’s Center online for coupons, brochures and more information on the other attractions in Chattanooga. The url is http://www.chattanoogafun.com/attractions/ .
On the way back to the motel we’ll try to grab a bite at the Acropolis. This is a terrific Greek restaurant. We love it! We usually wind up spending about $50 - $55 dollars for the four of us.
Then, it’s at the motel to start planning what attractions we’ll see the next day. The list is long and the fun is abundant.
On budget conscious trips we’ll go to the Chattanooga Zoo (free) and take a picnic. Or, we’ll head just across the Georgia line to the Chickamauga Battlefield and picnic there or go to the wonderful city park called Riverpark and walk along the river or play on the playground (free). Or, we’ll visit Red Clay (free) about 30 minutes away. It was the last encampment of the Cherokee Indians and is filled with history and an interpretive center.
Failing that, if it’s raining there’s a movie theater outside Hamilton Place mall where the movies are only $1.50 each. And of course, you can window shop at the mall for free too.
There truly is something for everyone.
Visit Chattanooga. It’s a great getaway!
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Tags: , Chattanooga, Destinations, Hotels & Travel
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