Chattanooga Chronicles: Exploring Unique Areas Beyond the Beaten Path
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tennessee, the city of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas offer a trove of unconventional attractions that promise a unique blend of history, mystery, and natural beauty. Explore these extraordinary destinations, for a truly memorable stay in Tennessee!
1. The Read House Hotel
The Read House hotel boasts an elegant 1920s charm and is drenched in history as it has gone through a series of rebuilds since its original opening in the 1800s. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the hotel has managed to survive floods, fire, the Civil War, epidemics, the Great Depression, and kept up with the ever-changing Chattanooga.
This hotel was part of the whole experience while we enjoyed our stay in this charming city. It was conveniently located near all major highways for easy access to nearby cities such as Knoxville and other attractions.
The hotel features a bar, numerous ballrooms for your special events, a restaurant, an attached Starbucks to grab a quick coffee on the go, and plenty of nearby bars and restaurants in the city. As you venture through its corridors, you’ll often forget that it is a hotel and not a museum as it features a plethora of original memorabilia and decor from its glory days in the 1800’s and roaring 1920’s.
With all of the history behind the Read House, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find it may have its share of a resident ghost or two…or more. Beyond the elegant façade lies a somewhat dark history, grab a drink from the bar and take a complimentary ghost tour to room 311 which served as a brief holding for the infamous gangster Al Capone who refused to stay in the basement of the hotel, which itself has its share of dark history as the hotel was once a military hospital and in later years served as a union hospital for wounded soldiers during the Battle of Chickamauga, the bodies of fallen soldiers were kept in the basement for some time. Years before his stay in room 311, it is said that Ms. Annalisa Netherly was murdered by her jealous lover and now her spirit haunts that very room. You can bid for a stay in room 311 if you dare.
Trip Tip: If you do take advantage of the complimentary ghost tour, simply go to the front desk and let them know you want to do the tour as we happened to have found out about it from the friendly bartender on our last night there. The desk clerk will put your name on a list and call you when it’s time for the tour, our wait was barely 15 minutes which gave us more time to look around the beautiful hotel and get our spook on in the haunted Silver Ballroom. If you can, I highly recommend requesting a man affectionately dubbed “Kerby the Derby” to host your tour. Kerby’s lively storytelling brings the hotel’s rich history and spectral tales to life. Brace yourself for an evening of spine-tingling delight!
2. Anakeesta, Gatlinburg
Venturing beyond Chattanooga, we found ourselves in Gatlinburg, where Anakeesta beckons with its enchanting Astra Lumina light show, Treetop Canopy, Anvista Tower, and more. Growing up a born and raised South Florida girl, and so close to all of the Orlando theme parks, Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta is unlike any theme park I’ve personally ever attended.
The Astra Lumina Night Walk is nothing short of a visual symphony set against the backdrop of the Tennessee mountains, featuring a vibrant light show accompanied by ethereal music. After your stroll through Astra Lumina, take in the breathtaking sights of the Tennessee mountains and the entire town of Gatlinburg on the beautifully lit Treetop Skywalk. The park offers a variety of other attractions including AnaVista Tower, which is undeniably the tallest point in Downtown Gatlinburg and offers 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also enjoy a rope and log adventure course, a splash pad, and many more! The entire experience blends nature, adventure, and a touch of magic, leaving you with memories to cherish.
Trip Tip: Buy your tickets online ahead of time and get there early as the line to get to the park via skylift or the shuttle buses was no less than a 2-2.5 hour wait when were there at around 5 pm. It would have been longer had we not already bought our tickets before getting there as there was an equally long separate line for ticket purchases. Additionally, we were there at night, once the park closed you had to wait to be transported back down the mountain, which was an additional hour, as their transportation is the only wait to get to and from that area, so be sure to plan for that extra time.
3. Ijams Nature Preserve
One of the defining features of Ijams is its extensive trail network, catering to hikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual stroller, the trails wind through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and meadows to the peaceful banks of the Tennessee River. The River Boardwalk Trail, Mead’s Quarry Trail, and the Will Skelton Greenway are just a few of the paths waiting to be explored.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Ijams offers a unique treetop adventure course known as Navitat. Navigate suspended bridges and zip lines as you weave through the forest canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the natural surroundings. It’s an exhilarating experience that combines adventure with the beauty of the great outdoors.
History enthusiasts can visit Stanton Cemetery a historic site that adds a touch of intrigue to your nature walk. Found along Tarpon Trail where weathered headstones tell tales of lives lived in the late 1800s.
If you’re there during the hotter months, take a refreshing dip in Mead’s Marble Quarry, which was converted to a swimming area after it was mined of its natural marble deposits.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hike, an educational experience, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Ijams offers a diverse range of activities for everyone. So, lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the natural tapestry that is Ijams Nature Center – a true gem in the heart of Tennessee.
Trip Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers or walking boots and bring plenty of snacks and water as you could easily spend a few hours, if not all day, there exploring the park. We hiked Tarpon Trail and noted that most of it is uphill reaching toward a much-deserved descencion toward the end before it wraps around a breathtaking view of Meads Quarry, so bring your walking sticks and be prepared for a workout!
4. Downtown Knoxville and Old City
After you’ve worked up an appetite taking in the sights at Ijam’s Nature Preserve, take a 5-minute drive to grab a bite in the charming and eclectic town of Downtown Knoxville and Old City.
As the beating heart of the city, Downtown Knoxville welcomes visitors with a mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions, and a lively atmosphere. The Market Square, a bustling pedestrian-friendly hub, serves as a central gathering place with its open-air market, eclectic shops, and diverse dining options. Marvel at the neoclassical architecture of the Tennessee Theatre, a historic venue that has hosted legendary performances since its opening in 1928. Visit the East Tennessee History Center which offers a fascinating journey through the region’s past, while the Knoxville Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of local and international works.
As you stroll the town, you’ll come across Gay Street offering its breed of charm and leads you directly to Old City. From vintage finds to contemporary crafts, meander through the streets and discover hidden gems that reflect the district’s diverse and artistic community.
Explore the local bars and music venues, where a diverse array of bands and performers grace the stages. Whether you’re into jazz, rock, or indie beats, Old City’s vibrant music scene has something for everyone.
From historic landmarks to vibrant street scenes, this duo of districts promises a delightful mix of past and present.
5. Ruby Falls
No journey through the scenic landscapes of Tennessee is truly complete without a visit to the breathtaking Ruby Falls. The story of its discovery is almost as beautiful as the waterfall itself as the tale of Ruby Falls goes beyond its geological wonders; it is a love story etched in the very stones that surround it. Leo Lambert’s dedication to exploring the unknown, coupled with his affection for his wife Ruby, immortalized in the name of the falls, adds a poignant touch to this natural spectacle.
As you walk further into the caverns, you’ll realize that you are not merely a visitor but a time traveler retracing the steps of Leo Lambert himself. It’s hard not to put yourself in his shoes when you see the names chosen for many of the stalactite and stalagmite formations, names such as “steak and potatoes” and “chips”, you can tell he worked up an appetite crawling through the tight corridors that once riddled the cave. Thankfully, he paved a much more comfortable route for us visitors to seamlessly enjoy.
The Falls are located at the end of the main passage of Ruby Falls Cave, in a large vertical shaft. The stream, 1,120 feet underground where you’re ultimately led by a knowledgeable tour guide, is fed both by rainwater and natural springs. Perhaps more fascinating is that to this day, no expert of any kind has been able to pinpoint where the water is coming from to create such a beautiful wonder.
Trip Tip: Buy your tickets online, they can sell out quickly, and be sure to reserve your desired time slot. I would recommend wearing sneakers or some kind of non-slip shoes as some of the terrain can be slippery from the natural water dripping from the stalactites and stalagmites, which the tour guides affectionately call “Cave Kisses” and is supposedly good luck if you get 10 of them!
6. The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee
This is truly a venue like no other, an experience that transcends the ordinary. The Caverns Concert Hall is housed within a naturally occurring cave system, providing a one-of-a-kind setting for live performances. The natural acoustics of the caverns, formed over millions of years, create an unparalleled auditory experience for both artists and audiences.
The Caverns has earned a reputation for hosting an eclectic array of musical genres, from bluegrass and folk to rock and classical, the venue caters to a diverse audience. We were lucky to catch Post Modern Jukebox here while we were in town, definitely one of the absolute best concert experiences I’ve ever had.
Before the main event, visitors have the opportunity to explore the intricate cave system through guided tours. Learn about the geological formations, the history of the caverns, and the fascinating stories hidden within the rock walls. Some packages even offer a combination of cave tours and concert experiences, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the natural and cultural wonders of The Caverns.
Trip Tip: Although we booked the cave tour and our concert tickets package, we didn’t reserve a time slot for us to actually do the cave tour and therefore did not get to experience it because they were fully booked with reservations. I recommend booking your time slot as although the website says walk-ins are welcome, if they fill up, you’re out of luck. The concert definitely made up for that though!
Chattanooga and its surrounding areas offer a tapestry of unconventional attractions, inviting travelers to step off the beaten path and explore the extraordinary. From historic hotels and ghostly tales to magical light shows, nature preserves, and underground concerts, this journey promises a rich tapestry of experiences that will linger in your memories long after you bid farewell to Tennessee.
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Great Trip tips!!! Definitely will be using if we go to TN.