Jude 2

Concerning a trip to Chattanooga to see the Aquarium, IMAX, Museums, etc, is there a recommended place to stay convenient to the attractions?

pa

The Reed House is nice. Valet parking and all. Everything is fairly close to this spot.

You should look for Combo ticket coupons. I also recommend the City Cafe! At least go for dessert! (Can I get an AMEN, Poimen?)

I went to a few of the Youth Conference that were held in Chat back
in the 90's. Our church charted a bus and went . I believe we stayed at on older hotel Reid House.. It was nice. old but nice.

But the cool thing was Chatt has a free electic shuttle from one end of town to the other. Ties in all the tourist traps, hotels and resturants.

But here is a brochure that will get you started.

http://www.carta-bus.org/pdfs/ShuttleCvr-07_08.pdf

The Closest Hotel to Aquarium is a Marriott courtyard
And the hotel at the other side of town is the Holiday Inn (Chattanooga Choo Choo) Way kewl. At least eat a meal there and check out the model railroad Room..




Have fun

Billy n NC wrote:The Closest Hotel to Aquarium is a Marriott courtyard
And the hotel at the other side of town is the Holiday Inn (Chattanooga Choo Choo) Way kewl. At least eat a meal there and check out the model railroad Room..




Have fun

If it's been awhile since you have been Billy let me give you my opinion. We went to the Chattanooga Choo Choo last summer because I remembered going with my family back when I was a teen and had fond memories of it. One of them being the food at the resturant being fantastic! Well......I was greatly disappointed when we went last summer. They had changed from the family style resturant to a buffet, and the food was average. Even the shops, etc around the hotel were a disappointment to me. It has lost it's luster.

pa,

The aquarium in Chattanooga is GREAT! We went there a few years ago and I was impressed. I've seen my share of aquariums living in Florida and Chattanooga beats them all.

Two good eats:

1. Boathouse (on the river): www.boathousechattanooga.com/

2. Sticky Fingers BBQ at Jack's Alley (Sunday buffet!):
Jack's Alley
420 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37402
Operating Partner: Scott Alexander
Phone: (423) 265-RIBS (7427)Fax: (423) 265-3107

Ilovebigcats wrote:The Reed House is nice. Valet parking and all. Everything is fairly close to this spot.

You should look for Combo ticket coupons. I also recommend the City Cafe! At least go for dessert! (Can I get an AMEN, Poimen?)

AMEN! I LOVE the City Cafe.


BTW, if the Reed House is a bit pricey, there are several lodging options just across from it -- one being the Days Inn where the City Cafe is located.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Tony's Pasta yet. It's the must-stop in Chattanooga for all my out-of-town friends. It's located in the art district just a block over from the walking bridge (which is also a good thing to do). Tony's is my favorite restaurant in Chattanooga, perhaps even Tennessee.

Another cool thing to do is the Murder Mystery Dinner Show where I gave four good years of my life. It's a character-driven, interactive dinner show. www.funnydinner.com

The Riverboat is nice, too - much better than Nashville's, which gives you a nice bird's eye view of rusted out industrial equipment.

There is a bed and breakfast just a short drive from downtown. It's called the Mayor's Mansion Inn. I performed at a Christmas party there once. There's also the Lookout Mountain Inn on top of Lookout Mountain.

DeWayne,

I have been to a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. I had a great time.

pastorables wrote:Concerning a trip to Chattanooga to see the Aquarium, IMAX, Museums, etc, is there a recommended place to stay convenient to the attractions?

pa

Response: Chat. is not that big you can be anywhere in town in just a few minutes.

We like to stay at the Country Inn and Suites.

YOu could always go a little ways to Jeruselem and stay at The Chalet or at The Holiday Inn on the hill and pretend you are a Overseer at the "semmbly".

Quick note, the Aquarium is actually TWO aquariums, a fresh AND salt water including sharks.

If you have little ones and plan on doing BOTH buildings, bring a stroller and some Oxygen, you'll need it. Also, plan for at LEAST a half a day if you're doing both or you won't get through both of them without rushing.

The IMAX is pretty good, but I agree that combo tickets are the best way to go other than being a local and buying a membership.

When I lived there we got a family membership and it was great and saved cash, especially when relatives came to town.

Definitely do lookout and pay for the little civil war museum at the top near the park. It looks cheap, but seeing the 3-d replica of the mountain with the little soldiers makes it seem a bit more real, espcially when you get to the top and realize I-24 is so close

Rock City and Ruby falls are Ok. Ruby falls is awesome if you can get the guide to take you down to the unopened level and let you look out into the cavern. Those caverns were used to house men in the Civil war and they still find artifacts down there from time to time. It isn't safe to open to the public, but some guides will let you look from the safety of the elevator. the incline railroad is fun but expensive when you realize the only place you can go is the park. Rock City and Ruby Falls are too far away to walk from the top OR bottom.

Final note, like almost all TN parks there is an access fee to the Lookout Mtn park on most days. the park information center is good and has a great video on the park that is Free.

Has anyone mentioned Chickamauga Battlefield, yet? The drive through those Civil War battlefields is beautiful and inspiring, and just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Aquarium.

As for accomodations, for history/nostalgia, definitely The Reed House downtown, but for fun and entertainment, I'd recommend any number of hotels on Shallowford Road, adjacent to Hamilton Place Mall.

Thank you all. The information is very helpful.

pa

I have heard that Coolidge Park is awesome.