Explore Chattanooga Spring 2024

YOUR VISITOR’S GUIDE TO

THE BEST OF CHATTANOOGA

®

SPRING 2024 • FREE

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK The Ultimate Experience

Ruby Falls Savoring the Springtime

Soaring Artistry Kite Festival

Rock City Highlighting the Seasons

401 Broad St., Near 4th & Broad. (423) 265-2565 ignisglass.com Hours: Fri. 10am - 4pm Sat. 11am - 7pm Sun. 12pm - 5pm Closed Mon. - Thurs.

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contents SPRING 2024

Welcome Letter from Publisher.................................................6

Getting Around Town Downtown Electric Shuttle.......................................29 Chattanooga Trolley Tours.......................................21 Spotlight Rock City – Seasons Take the Spotlight...................... 8 IMAX3D Theater – Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D......................................16 Tennessee Aquarium – National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition.............22 Kite Festival – Soaring Artistry..................................34 Ruby Falls – Savoring the Springtime.........................36 Bessie Smith Cultural Center & African American Museum – Celebrating A Heritage........................38 Rock Climbing – Let’s Hang Out..............................40 Lookout Mountain Flight Park — Discover the Gift of Flight...................................42 River Gallery Sculpture Garden — Recognized Excellence........................................ 44 Chattanooga Street Art Series – Sculptures Form & Function.................................46 Playgrounds – The Art of Play...................................48 Day Out With Thomas – Bubble Tour 2024...............50

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Spring 2024

contents SPRING 2024 Listings Attractions.............................................................. 10 Dining.................................................................... 29

34

Events What’s Happening...................................................18

Maps Lookout Mountain.....................................................7 Chattanooga Area...............................................26-27 Downtown. ............................................................. 28

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Welcome

®

Owner & Publisher..............................Todd A. Smith VP of Business.................................. Catherine Smith Contributing Writers ........................... Katie Corbett

Luke Harvey Camille Platt Catherine Smith

Graphic Designer........................... Harriet McDowall Contributing Photographers.................Andrew Keller Explore Chattanooga Staff Additional Images Provided by: Bessie Smith Cultural Center and African American Museum Bluff View Art District Chattanooga Tourism Co. Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Rock City Ruby Falls Tennessee Aquarium Tennessee Valley RR Museum Cover Photo Credit: Audray Luck

S pring is often considered a season of rebirth or renewal. Here in Chattanooga, we can see that renewal happen visibly, as the light-green growth of newly sprouting leaves and vegetation slowly begin creeping up the sides of the ridges and mountains. We are blessed in Chattanooga with abundant natural beauty all around us. From high above on Lookout and Signal Mountains, to the winding Tennessee River Gorge and area streams, there is so much to see and expe rience. And most of these inspiring wonders are easily accessible from the comfort and convenience of our area hotels. While you are here, take time to enjoy Chattanooga’s Spring Season. Get out and explore the outdoors, on the mountains and ridges, along the trails and byways, on or along the rivers and streams, at one of our attractions or parks, even inside one of the world-class museums or the aquarium. Explore all that the Chattanooga area has to offer. I hope that Explore Magazine and our maps, along with our friendly locals will be your guide to a wonderful and revitalizing visit.

OMISSION: We inadvertently left off a photo credit in our Summer 2023 issue of Cooper’s Alley by Connie Brurgdorff. Thank you for your understanding. For comments or advertising information contact: Todd Smith C: 423-593-0179 tsmith@explorechatt.com or visit the website: www.explorechattmagazine.com Explore Chattanooga Magazine has made every effort to ensure that listings and information are accurate and assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Published by Explore Chattanooga Media PO Box 21806 Chattanooga, TN 37424 Copyright ©2024 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the publisher. Explore Chattanooga Magazine is published 3 times per year (Spring/Mar-May, Summer/June-Aug, Fall/ Sept-Oct), with a Holiday Guide in December. For editorial inquiries email: contact@explorechatt.com

Todd Smith Owner/Publisher Explore Chattanooga Media

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Spring 2024

Introducing Rock City’s

Soak in the sunshine, art installations and our beautiful blooms everyday from March 4 - May 12th!

/seasons

Lookout Mountain

©Explore Chattanooga Media 2022

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Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

ROCK CITY SEASONS TAKE CENTER STAGE

R ock City is excited to announce a new lineup for 2024! Introducing Rock City Seasons, four distinct themed seasons each featuring special celebrations, performances, activities, photo opportunities and more: Spring Blooms, Mountaintop Summers, Fall Colors and HoliDAYS. Rock City Seasons replaces the events Shamrock City, EarthDayz, Southern Blooms Festival, Summer Music Weekends and Rocktoberfest, however, the Enchanted Garden of Lights remains. “Our hope with highlighting the seasons versus spe cial events is not at all to diminish the kind of enhance ments we have offered during our previous weekend-on ly events, but instead offer the enhancements folks love every day of the season,” said See Rock City Inc. President & CEO, Doug Chapin. “This programming change gives us the opportunity to showcase Rock City during the day in a new way that

Spring 2024

celebrates the seasons and all the uniqueness and ever-changing qualities of the gardens in winter, spring, summer and fall,” said Will Jackson, Rock City’s senior manager of innovation. The seasonal lineup begins with Spring Blooms, where guests can soak

wind through cool corridors of stone and beat the heat with a re freshing beverage while taking in a seven-state view! As always, the Rock City Raptors birds of prey shows are a sight to see, as some of nature’s most incredible birds soar overhead in this immersive educational program.

in the sunshine and colorful array of spring décor and the garden’s fabulous art installa tions from March 4 to May 12. Rock City is also excited to host a first-of its-kind nighttime soirée, Rock City Nights: Flora Luna. With culinary, gardens and art intertwined, the attraction’s first food & drink event offers a unique dining experience in a low light garden environment. From April 5 to May 12, wine and dine in the gardens at

See the gardens and the Chattanooga Valley in full autumn splendor during Rock City’s Fall Colors, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 8. Pumpkins, haybale vignettes and other seasonal decorations throughout the trail provide a picture-perfect backdrop for fall family photos. Guest-favorite banjo player Matt Downer is sure to amaze guests of all ages during one of Rock City’s most popular seasons.

twilight and be one of the first to cross the Swing-A-Long Bridge at night! Tickets go live on March 1. Check here for updates: www. seerockcity.com/seasons. Looking for the perfect summer adventure? Rock City’s Moun taintop Summers is just the place to be! From May 24 to Sept. 2,

Rock City’s HoliDAYS is the daytime complement to the nightly Enchanted Garden of Lights. Featuring festive natural decorations, HoliDAYS provides a unique Christmas experience for daytime guests, from Nov. 22 to Jan. 4. For tickets and more info visit www.seerockcity.com.

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Explore | ATTRACTIONS

ADVENTURE SPORTS INNOVATION 191 River St., Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-591-5654 | AdventureSportsInnovation.com Explore differently! Located in the North Shore district next to Coolidge Park, Adventure Sports Innovation (ASI), offers an adventure for everyone! ASI curates the latest inventions and innovations in adventure sports and outdoor activities, providing individuals and groups with fun things to do all year long. They offer a wide range of adventures like guided ChattaScooter and “Little Vehicle” tours around town, off-road driving on electric ATVs (Swincar), and unique rental gear and training for outdoor activities like e- scooters, e-unicycles, hoverboards, e-longboards, racing pontoon water bikes, and more. For inside fun, ASI also offers virtual reality simulators for hang gliding, rollercoaster riding and tightrope walking. ASI also offers a large selection of e-scooters and e-bikes for sale, along with local repair service for battery-powered personal transportation devices. Check the website for hours and details. Located on top of Lookout Mountain across from Point Park Battlefield. A 3-dimensional presentation of Chattanooga’s Civil War history featuring theater-seating and audio tape presentation. Hear the sounds of battle as you learn about Lookout Mountain’s ‘Battle Above the Clouds’ and Sherman’s assault on Missionary Ridge before his famous ‘March to the Sea’. On display are weapons, guns, equipment, and other Civil War artifacts. Bookstore and gift shop. (423) 877-2525 | www.mohhc.org Chattanooga is where our nation’s rst and highest military award for valor was presented. Chattanooga’s newest, award winning attraction showcases the powerful stories of how ordinary people accomplished the extraordinary. Spending just an hour or two here will inspire you and your family with the values demonstrated by Medal of Honor recipients - patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacri ce and commitment. CHARLES H. COOLIDGE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR HERITAGE CENTER 2 W. Aquarium Way, Ste. 104, Chattanooga, TN 37402 BATTLES FOR CHATTANOOGA 1110 E. Brow Rd., Lookout Mountain, TN 37350 (423) 821-2812 www.battlesforchattanooga.com

CHATTANOOGA GHOST TOURS 57 E. Fifth Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 800-5998 | chattanoogaghosttours.com Named one of the TOP TEN ghost tours in the US by TripAdvisor AND USA Today, one of the top six scariest ghost tours by Sherman Travel, and one of the top ten most popular US ghost tours by Good Morning America, Chattanooga’s original haunted tour has been chilling guests with tales of the city’s restless dead since 2007. The 1st paranormal hunt in the WORLD to offer the chance to TALK to spirits with the Ovilus, & on ultimate hunts SEE ghosts with the SLS Ghost Viewer. Visit the website for more info and tour reservations. CHATTANOOGA LOOKOUTS 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 267-2208 | milb.com/chattanooga The Chattanooga Lookouts have been the Scenic City’s hometown team since 1885. The Lookouts provide affordable family entertainment at 70 home games every season! Come see baseball’s top prospects at AT&T Field, located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA RIVERBOAT CO. SOUTHERN BELLE 151 Riverfront Pkwy., Pier 2, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 266-4488 | chattanoogariverboat.com This 450 passenger excursion vessel was built in 1985 at Serodino Shipyard in Hales Bar, Tennessee to operate on the Tennessee River in-and-around the Chattanooga area. Nestled between the Oligiati & Market Street Bridges, the Southern Belle cruises daily & offers sightseeing & lunch with live narration & pilot house tours or sunset & dinner cruises nightly providing music, dancing, & a delicious dinner to please every palate. She cruises the beautiful & historic Tennessee River to serve visitors, area residents, & group functions ranging from weddings to conventions. This is an experience you won’t want to miss! CHATTANOOGA SKYDIVING COMPANY 300 Airport Road, Jasper, TN 37347, (855) 776-5867 www.chattanoogaskydivingcompany.com What a view! Climb to an altitude overlooking the Scenic City’s best sights, such as the Tennessee River Gorge, Lookout Mountain, and the Sequatchie Valley! The Silvia family has been teaching people to jump from airplanes since 1960. Whether you want

Civil War Digital Diorama Battles presentation

Civil War Relic & Weapon Collec tion

Bookstore & Gift Shop

BattlesForChattanooga. com 1110 East Brow Road Lookout Mountain, TN 423.821.2812 Open year-round Play the Exhibits Experience the Classics. Check website for hours

An interactive museum dedicated to the nostalgia, history, science, and fun behind the fascinating game of pinball! PLAY. LEARN. REPEAT!

409 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Check website for hours. www.ChattanoogaPinballMuseum.com

Spring 2024

Explore | ATTRACTIONS

to experience one skydive or learn to skydive with our “A” license in a week program, come join in! CHATTANOOGA TROLLEY TOURS 1400 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402, 423-226-8687 www.sceniccitytours.com Fun guided city tours on a trolley bus originating at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Features history, landmarks, arts and culture. Reservations required. Book tickets online at the website. A great way to see Chattanooga! An interactive all-you-can-play museum dedicated to the nostalgia, history, and science behind the fascinating games of pinball and arcade. Guests have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of exhibits, including pinball machines spanning from the 1940’s to today. Visitors also have unlimited access to play each pinball game, as well as access to several classic arcades. Pinball players, young and old, will be introduced to the history of pinball, the science behind the games, learn about the engineering that goes into the design of playfields, and explore the many colorful artistic masterpieces that lie behind the backglasses, the artists who created them, and the inspiration behind the content. CLASSIC ARCADE PINBALL MUSEUM 409 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37402, (423) 541-4097 www.chattanoogapinballmuseum.com

ESCAPE EXPERIENCE CHATTANOOGA (423) 551-3306 | www.escapeexperience.com/chattanooga The Escape Experience is an entertainment activity located in Downtown Chattanooga’s Southside Historic District - just a few blocks from the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Each escape room scenario is a real-life interactive adventure designed for team building groups, friends, family, or co-workers.

HIGH POINT CLIMBING AND FITNESS DOWNTOWN 219 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 602-7625 | www.highpointclimbing.com

The premier rock climbing facility features climbing indoors and outdoors. Climb walls up to 60 feet tall! High Point has over 28,000 Sq. Ft. of climbing surface making it one of the nation’s largest gyms. High Point caters to individuals who are beginners all the way to advance climbers.

HIGH POINT ZIP ADVENTURE AT RUBY FALLS 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-2544 | www.rubyfalls.com

Get your adrenaline pumping at Ruby Falls as you soar through the treetops on Lookout Mountain! High Point ZIP Adventure features over 700 feet of rushing ziplines with breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley and a 40 foot climbing tower with multiple routes of varying difficulty.

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Explore | ATTRACTIONS

HUNTER MUSEUM OF ART 10 Bluff View, Chattanooga, TN 37403 (423) 267-0968 | www.huntermuseum.org

Travel to new places, dive into new worlds at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. Experience unrivaled brightness, clarity and color on the giant screen. Few theaters use this game-changing projection system — this is one of them.

Built on a ninety-foot limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and comprised of a 1905 classical revival mansion, a low-slung 1970s building and a 2005 contemporary structure, the Hunter Museum of American Art showcases 100 years of architecture and houses the finest collection of American art in the Southeast. The collection of the Hunter Museum spans the history of American art from the colonial period to the present day, and covers a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, contemporary studio glass, and crafts.

INTERNATIONAL TOWING MUSEUM 3315 Broad Street., Chattanooga, TN 37408 (423) 267-3132 | internationaltowingmuseum.org

The International Towing Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the towing industry. Opened in 1995, there are 24 antique and classic tow trucks from 1916 – 2001 on display along with memorabilia from the towing industry. Chattanooga, Tennessee was the chosen site for the museum as Ernest Holmes, Co. built the first wreckers there in the early 1900’s. Hattie’s on Holmes Gift Shop provides something for everyone with a delightful assortment of gifts, collectibles, and toys.

iGNiS GLASS STUDIO 401 Broad Street., Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 265-2565 | www.ignisglass.com

iGNiS offers the opportunity to have a hands-on glass blowing experience. The studio is open to the public so that you and your family can have the chance to blow your own heirloom glass ornament or paperweight. With the help of professional artists, you may choose colors, assist with working the piece, and actually trap your own breath in glass.

LAKE WINNEPESAUKAH AMUSEMENT PARK 1730 Lakeview Dr., Rossville, GA 30741 (706) 866-5681 | www.lakewinnie.com

Lake Winnepesaukah, the South’s favorite family amusement park, takes on a hauntingly surreal feel during Friday and Saturday evenings in October— WinnepeSPOOKah! It’s hair-raising, Halloween fun for boys & ghouls of all ages. Enjoy an atmos fear of haunted rides, eerie edibles, and screaming thrills throughout the SPOOKtacular

IMAX 3D WITH LASER 201 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN (800) 262-0695 | tnaqua.org/imax

Spring 2024

Tandem Skydive Today! 30 minutes from Downtown Chattanooga Try High Altitude Jump With Oxygen ONLINE RESERVATIONS CHATTANOOGASKYDIVINGCOMPANY.COM

Halloween event. Lake WinnepeSPOOKah scares up creepy delights and frightening fun, including the new Monster Parade, haunted train ride, as well as hourly magic shows, and Thriller parade. And don’t miss the lake illuminated by a mesmerizing choreographed light show. For more information, hours of operation and pricing visit LakeWinnie.com or call 1-877-LAKEWIN. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN INCLINE RAILWAY 3917 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | (423) 821-4224 ridetheincline.com A ride unlike any other! The thrill of riding ‘America’s Most Amazing Mile’ has delighted guests for more than a century. As the Incline climbs historic Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga’s surrounding mountains and valleys come alive as the trolley-style railcars carry you cloud-high. The breathtaking 72.7 % grade of the track near the top gives the Incline the distinction of being the world’s steepest passenger railway. RACCOON MOUNTAIN CAVERNS & CAMPGROUND 319 West Hills Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37419 (423) 821-9403 | www.raccoonmountain.com Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground is home to Tennessee’s highest rated cave (TripAdvisor’s #1 ‘Thing To Do’ in Chattanooga!) and premier RV park & campground and is located just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tour the nationally recognized cave system, pan for gemstones, or relax by a campfire while taking in the spectacular views of both Lookout Mountain and Raccoon Mountain. With onsite amenities for the whole family and just minutes from downtown Chattanooga and the Lookout Mountain attractions, your adventure awaits you! ROCK CITY GARDENS 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 (423) 820-2531 | www.seerockcity.com Create Memories Worth Repeating At Rock City Gardens Take an unforgettable journey high atop Lookout Mountain! Enjoy the quiet woodland paths and gardens. Discover ancient rock formations. Explore the 400 species of plants, flowers, and shrubs. Each step is a discovery! Cast your wish upon the 140-foot high falls. Stand mightily upon world-famous Lover’s Leap and wrap yourself in the magnificent view. Wind your way through massive rock boulders and caverns

Chattanooga’s Best View is At #ChattSkyCo

300 Airport Rd., Jasper, TN 37347 855-776-5867

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Explore | ATTRACTIONS

that bring you to Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. Magical adventures await you! Be Adventurous! Free Parking. Group Rates Available. Rock City is a AAA-approved attraction. RUBY FALLS 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-2544 | www.rubyfalls.com Journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore ancient formations along the cavern trail to see the thundering falls.

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 265-0695 | tnaqua.org

The mission of the Tennessee Aquarium is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. Within the two buildings, you’ll trace the path of water from the mountains to the sea. Come face-to-face with the fascinating native animals that live in our backyards and the amazing creatures that thrive in some of the most remote locations on Earth.

Spring 2024

Explore | ATTRACTIONS

TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423) 894-8028 | www.tvrail.com Take a trip back in time to a slower-paced era when railroad travel was a way of life. Relive

District, the Coker Museum is next to the Chattanooga Convention Center and just a short walk from many of Chattanooga’s finest hotels. Housed in the famous Honest

Charley’s Speed Shop building, the museum has been carefully curated with a collection of over 100 vintage cars, hot rods, motorcycles, trucks, buses and even 3 airplanes hanging overhead. The Coker Museum collection belongs to Corky Coker of world renowned Coker Tire. You will also be able to view the working woodshop, fabrication area, paint booth, and mach ine shop. Event Space

the romance of the rails when vintage trains provided an escape from the everyday routine. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum provides an interactive, historical experience that adds an extra dimension to your visit to Chattanooga’s popular attractions.

Fly Lookout!

Here you will find the only regularly scheduled, full sized train ride in Tennessee. The

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is so much more than entertainment, it’s your chance to experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear! THE COKER MUSEUM 1309 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 (888) 795-7077 | cokermuseum.com Located in Chattanooga’s historic Southside

- The Coker Museum also serves as an event and wedding venue. With 13,000 sq. ft. of space, the mesmerizing display of antique vehicles and nostalgic setting with colorful neon signs, memorabilia and exposed brick walls create the perfect setting for an impressive event for up to four hundred attendees.

America’s #1 Hang Gliding and Paragliding School 706.383.1292

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Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

BLUE WHALES RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D

B lue Whales 3D narrated by Award-Winning actor Andy Serkis, takes viewers on a journey of a lifetime to explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction. Blue whales are the largest animals ever to have lived, bigger than any dinosaur, yet we know surprisingly little about them. Blue Whales 3D will entertain audiences of all ages and trans form our understanding of these iconic creatures. The film follows two scientific expeditions: one, a high-risk mission to find a miss ing population of blue whales, not seen in 50 years; and the other, to join Diane Gendron, the “Blue Whale Whisperer,” in Mexico’s Gulf of California, where she and her team explore the important role these remarkable animals play in the health of our oceans.

Learn more about the surprising comeback story of the largest animal ever to have lived. Despite their colossal proportions, these marine mammoths are remarkably reclusive, leaving many myster ies about their behavior that scientists are still working to solve. Enjoy awe-inspiring underwater views of these whales (and a host of other marine life) on the only screen large enough to do them justice. The film provides an unforgettable window into the lives these animals live—and the extremes scientists must endure to study them. Joined by a cast of supporting characters—from dolphins and sperm whales to sea lions and orcas—the blue whale finally gets its star turn ... in life-size, on the giant screen! Showing now through September. An up-to-date schedule and advance ticket purchasing is available at tnaqua.org/imax.

Photo courtesy of MacGillivray Freeman Films

Photos courtesy of SK Films

Spring 2024

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Explore | WHAT TO DO

MoonPie and RC ... It’s a Southern Thing!

March 1 - 31 100 MILLION STEPS IN MARCH - RUBY FALLS You can support the mission of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women in a big way by accepting the challenge to walk 100 million steps at Ruby Falls in March! Come get active by walking the cavern trail to the thundering underground waterfall. Take home a complimentary special edition souvenir recipe card. You can take steps to have a healthier heart and create amazing memories along the way. www.rubyfalls.com/special events/100-million-steps-in-march March 1 - May 31 RIVER GALLERY EXHIBITS Visit the River Gallery during the months of March and April to experience works by four artists: Russell Whiting (Mar 1 - Apr 30), Stephen Golder (Mar 1 - Apr 30), Brad Schwieger (May 1 - May 31), John Whipple (May 1 - May 31) The River Gallery is located in the Bluff View Art District. www.river-gallery.com/ upcoming-exhibits Explore Spring Events

NOSTALGIC TOYS & GAMES APPAREL GIFTS FOR THE FAMILY

Open Daily 423-877-0592 Downtown at 429 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37421

General StorE

History Comes Alive at the International Towing Museum!

Discover over 100 years of towing history — where it all began. Over 24 fully restored antique to contemporary wreckers and equipment on display, including a 1916 Holmes wrecker.

Open Tues. - Sun. Closed Monday Check web site for specific hours.

Features a wonderful selection of gifts, memorabilia, collectibles and toys

3315 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-267-3132 www.towingmuseum.com

Spring 2024

March 3 ERLANGER CHATTANOOGA MARATHON This 26.2 mile course will provide a great experience for the first-time or experienced marathon runner by providing a safe course with plenty of well stocked aid stations, great spectator support, and an amazing finish line experience. We are proud to showcase Chattanooga with this route that will surely be one to remember! Approximate elevation gain is 1200 feet. www. chattanoogamarathon.com/event/ marathon Daily CHATTANOOGA GHOST TOURS Named one of the “Top 10 Ghost Tours in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor and USA Today, Chattanooga Ghost Tours takes you on a chilling adventure to the city’s most haunted spots. Special ghost hunt tours use the SLS Ghost Viewer, Ovilus X, and the new Poltercom. Don’t forget to bring your camera as ghost orbs, mists & even fully formed figures occasionally appear in photos at some sites on the tour. Tours are rain or shine. While waiting for the tour to begin, you can wander through the haunted steampunk theme gift shop! www.chattanoogaghosttours.com March 4 AMUSE UM 2024 - 1995 (CDM’S VERSION) Journey back in time and join us at AmuseUm ‘24: 1995 (CDM’s Version) – a chance to relive the magic of the 90s and celebrate CDM’s inception year! Step into the world of grunge, boy bands, and revolutionary tech innovations that defined the iconic year.

NARRATED BY ANDY SERKIS

For tickets & showtimes: TNAQUA.ORG/IMAX

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Explore | WHAT TO DO

Explore Spring Events

Indulge in a fusion of entertainment, activities, and exciting surprises, all while enjoying food and drinks that pay homage to the flavors of the 90s. Embrace the spirit of 1995 by donning your favorite 90s attire and get ready to rock to the beats of an unforgettable evening that captures the very essence of the year CDM first opened its doors. www. cdmfun.org/amuseum March 4 - May 12 SPRING BLOOMS AT ROCK CITY GARDENS Soak in the sunshine and colorful array of spring decor during Spring Blooms. Admire the garden’s fabulous art installations, including several new pieces, as you walk the garden trail. www.seerockcity.com/seasons March 8 - Sept IMAX: BLUE WHALES - RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D Blue Whales 3D will entertain

learning how Ruby Falls was accidentally discovered, and maneuvering a robotic arm to build a tower at the Creative Discovery Museum. Kids can become RockQuest Adventurers and see geology in action at Rock City, a Zookeeper and feed the Zoo’s giraffes, and so much more. Spring Break Safari will take you around the world without leaving Chattanooga! www.visitchattanooga.com/spring/ spring-break March 9 - 10, 16 - 17, 23 - 24 CHATTANOOGA RIVER MARKET Celebrate spring at the Chattanooga River Market for three full weekends. Shop dozens of local and regional artists on the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza. You will find jewelry, hand made crafts, artisan foods, woodworking, soaps/candles, and many other local works. Each Market day features live music and a local food truck. www.chattanoogamarket.com

audiences of all ages and transform our understanding of these iconic creatures. The film follows two scientific expeditions: one, a high-risk mission to find a missing population of blue whales, not seen in 50 years; and the other, to join Diane Gendron, the “Blue Whale Whisperer,” in Mexico’s Gulf of California, where she and her team explore the important role these remarkable animals play in the health of our oceans. www.tnaqua.org/imax/ blue-whales-3d March 8 - April 9 SPRING BREAK SAFARI From Friday, March 8 to Sunday, April 9, 2024, participating attractions will offer kids the chance to use their imaginations and have fun while exploring the all-new Ridges to Rivers gallery at the Tennessee Aquarium,

Book your Spring Break Staycation Now!

Book Direct and Save! StayAtRiverViewInn.com / 423-821-8619

Spring 2024

March 14 - April 14 ROCK THE RIVERFRONT FEATURING LOOP BY EKUMEN Loop is an interactive work that plays short flip book-style movies inspired by Quebec literature. At the center of each giant wheel is a music box to provide accompaniment for the hand-drawn animations. The work is inspired by the zoetrope, an optical toy invented in the 19th century. Loop is a hybrid of the music box, zoetrope and railway handcar. Sit down inside the zoetrope, pump the bar, and make the image cylinder turn. The pictures will spring into motion. The images, tinted by a strobe, are reminiscent of the earliest movies. The speed of the whirring pictures, the frequency at which the light flickers and the tempo of the music are all determined by how fast you move the bar. Have fun! www.rivercitycompany.com/rock March 20 - April 24 SEA SPROUTS AT THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM Create memories with your little one while exploring the wonders of the natural world at The Tennessee Aquarium! A 6-week series provides children ages 3-4 the opportunity to learn about nature in a safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate environment. You can choose all six classes within the series or only those that fit within your schedule. www.tnaqua.org/educate/sea-sprouts March 23 SIP TN CHATTANOOGA Taste your way through over 200 wines produced right here in Tennessee, utilizing some of the freshest fruit in the South. Sip TN is made up entirely of Tennessee Wineries. Come sip, savor, and purchase bottles of your

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Open Daily 411 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-326-8297 ligchattanooga.com

The Life Is Good brand resonates with local store owners, Roy and Jacqui Gress who also believe in “Do what you love, Love what you do.” They look forward to sharing that message of optimism and hope with you.

Downtown Chattanooga Chattanooga Merchandise Local Good Vibes

Showcasing Chattanooga through its history, landscape, art, and culture.

Knowledgeable guides show you the city with expert historical insights of Chattanooga’s 200-year-old history, unique stories, fun trivia, along with highlights of landmarks & attractions. Tours begin at the Chattanooga Choo Choo located at 1400 Market St. Hop aboard the Chattanooga Trolley for a guided tour of the city!

PRIVATE CHARTERS, PARTIES, WEDDINGS, AND CUSTOM TOURS AVAILABLE!

Book Now! Purchase your tickets online at ScenicCityTours.com or call 423-226-8687.

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Explore | WHAT TO SEE

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK EXHIBITION BEGINS MARCH 1 W hen it comes to their names, some animals could use a bet ter publicist because, to the unfamiliar ear, there’s little about “River Chub” or “Least Rasbora” that spurs the imagination or sparks a desire to protect them. That’s where award-winning National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore comes in.

Through this 17-year (and counting) effort, Sartore has archived stunning portraiture of more than 15,000 species across more than 50,000 images. He estimates completing the archive could take another seven to eight years. More than merely ticking each and every box on an exhaustively ambitious list, Sartore hopes these images inspire wonder and a sense of urgency to protect all life on Earth. Presented on plain black or white backgrounds, Photo Ark viewers are given no choice but to consider each animal’s unique qualities in isolation and, hopefully, feel moved to safeguard them. “The Photo Ark is really my last-ditch, desperate effort to get people to care about nature,” Sartore explains in the introduction to a documentary about the project. Beginning March 1 and continuing through the end of the year, the Aquarium will exhibit two dozen images from the Photo Ark throughout its campus.

The chub and rasbora — both freshwater fish species — are two of the dozens of animals Sartore has visited the Tennessee Aquarium to photograph as part of the Photo Ark, his attempt to document all species in human care at zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries around the world.

Regardless of the setting in which the images were made, the Photo Ark aims to level the playing field and inspire an equal sense of wonder and importance for all animals — whether big or small, world-beloved or largely unknown. “The black and white backgrounds are a great

All images credit: Joe Saratore/National Geographic Photo Ark

Spring 2024

equalizer,” Sartore said. “It shows the beauty, the grace and power in a mouse. He’s no less important than a Polar Bear. That tiger is no more important than a tiger beetle. “We must, must, must get people to care [about these species]. It’s absolutely critical.” Presented at the grand scale at which guests will encounter them during their Aquarium visit, the Photo Ark images bring details to the fore that would be easy to miss in motion. Up close and frozen in time, guests can appreciate the rough textured skin of a Short-tail Nurse Shark or the slick, glossy sheen on a Spotted Salamander. Weaving Photo Ark’s images and messaging into the guest experience dovetails naturally with the Aquarium’s call in 2024

for visitors to “get closer, look deeper and enjoy the ‘wows’ along the way.” More details about the Photo Ark are available at joelsartore. com/photo-ark/ To view Photo Ark images taken by Joel Sartore of animals at the Tennessee Aquarium, go to joelsartore.com/search/ tennessee+aquarium/ Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.

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Explore | WHAT TO DO

Explore Spring Events favorite wines. Stroll and shop with Chattanooga Market artisans and vendors, enjoy some of the hottest local food trucks, and sip wine and hard cider all from local sources. Live music adds to the festivities! Even the proceeds from the event stay local, benefitting Tennessee Agriculture and Chattanooga Market vendors. www.chattanoogamarket. com/events/sip-tn-wine-festival March 29-30 HUG-A-BUNNY DAYS AT THE CHATTANOOGA ZOO Continued from page 21

cross the Swing-A-Long Bridge at night! Tickets go live on March 1. www.seerockcity.com/seasons April 20 - 21 4 BRIDGES ARTS FESTIVAL An essential part of Chattanooga’s creative capital, 4 Bridges Arts Festival (4BAF) will return April 20-21, 2024. The 4 Bridges Arts Festival has cultivated and inspired an appreciation for the visual arts by bringing in artists from around the country to interact with our local community and display and sell their work. The highly anticipated 4BAF is a juried art show that attracts visual artists from across the country, and has been ranked in the top 30 fine art festivals in the country. The festival showcases the distinctive talents of 145 artists. www.avarts. org/about-4baf1 April 20 BATTLE BELOW THE CLOUDS - RUBY FALLS Amateur grillers and smokers compete for bragging rights as Chattanooga’s best backyard cooks at the 9th annual Ruby Falls Battle Below the Clouds BBQ Cook Off, benefiting Lana’s Love Foundation. Free admission for spectators.Enjoy live bluegrass music, BBQ, kid’s activities and giveaways. This event raises funds for Lana’s Love Foundation, providing year-round fun activities for kids with cancer and their families. Public registration opens March 1st. www.rubyfalls.com/special-events/battle below-the-clouds April 20 - 28 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS — TN VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour is heading to heritage railways across the country with loads of bubble themed games and activities! Enjoy live entertainment, the exclusive gift shop, photo ops, lawn games and so much more. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creat ing memories for the whole family. www. tvrail.com/train-rides/day-out-with-thomas-2024

Hug-A-Bunny, at the Chattanooga Zoo, is a family-friendly event celebrating the arrival of spring. Zoo visitors are welcome to enjoy springtime crafts and games, like the golden egg hunt, while many zoo animals will enjoy special seasonal enrichment activities. Event admission also includes up-close rabbit encounters, candy stations, photos with the Easter Bunny and other special activities. www.chattzoo.org/events/hug-a-bunny April 5 - May 12 FLORA LUNA AT ROCK CITY GARDENS Rock City is excited to host a first-of-its-kind nighttime soirée, Rock City Nights: Flora Luna. With culinary, gardens, and art intertwined, the attraction’s first food & drink event offers a unique dining experience in a low-light garden environment. From April 5 to May 12, wine and dine in the gardens at twilight and be one of the first to

Spring 2024

April 27 - 28 NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL Located 30 miles west of Chattanooga, TN, this quaint southern town will host a celebration of cornbread, often considered the cornerstone of southern cuisine. There is something for everyone! From Cornbread Alley to Cornbread Fondo – you can find something for every member of your family to enjoy! Let South Pittsburgh welcome you to the 27th annual National Cornbread Festival! www. nationalcornbread.com Begins April 27 CHATTANOOGA MARKET The weekly open-air producer only market features local food artisans and farms, fresh produce/ meat/cheese, live plants, local arts & crafts and much more. www. chattanoogamarket.com May 19 IRONMAN 70.3 CHATTANOOGA The IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga triathlon leads nearly 3,000 athletes on a 1.2-mile swim in the Tennessee River, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. Transitions and finishes are at Ross’s Landing on the downtown riverfront. www.ironman.com/im703-chattanooga

June 6 NATIONAL DAY OF CAVES & KARST — RUBY FALLS In honor of the matchless educational and recreational opportunities found in irreplaceable caves and karst, Ruby Falls is celebrating the National Day of Caves and Karst on June 6. This special day raises awareness of the crucial roles both caves and karsts

play in our lives and environment. Tennessee has over 10,000 known caves - more than any other state. Caves and karst are rich in natural resources, including the most productive groundwater on earth with 175 different minerals; some of which are found only in caves. www.rubyfalls. com/special-events/national-day-of caves-and-karst

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Medal of Honor

VISITOR INFORMATION

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Helpful Info As you explore Chattanooga, we encourage you to stay informed about current health and safety measures. Please check websites of area businesses for the most up-to-date ticketing and operational adjustments to make your visit both safe and enjoyable.

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Map ©2021 ExploreChattanooga

DOWNTOWN

ExploreChatt.com

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Explore | DINING

Ride The Electric Shuttle Bus It’s Free!

The Downtown Electric Shuttle is the easiest way to get around Downtown Chattanooga. It’s a FREE ride! Electric buses run daily* from Shuttle Park South at the Chattanooga Choo Choo to Shuttle Park North across from the Tennessee Aquarium with stops at every block in between. Convenient access to the attractions, convention center, shopping, hotels & employment sites in the Downtown area. All Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Downtown Shuttle buses run between Shuttle Park South and Shuttle Park North about every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Sunday 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. The North Shore Shuttle runs from Shuttle Park North to Shuttle Park Northshore about every 15 minutes - Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00am 6:00pm. Not in service on Sundays. The St. Elmo/Incline Shuttle runs from Shuttle Park South to the Incline Railway and St. Elmo about every 15 minutes Monday through Sunday: 8:00am 8:30pm. * The Downtown Shuttle runs daily except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. The Shuttle runs on a holiday schedule on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day & Labor Day. For more specific information see: https:// www.gocarta.org/routes-schedules.

1885 GRILL 3914 St. Elmo Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 485-3050 | 1885grill.com

1885 brings a grand and cabaret livelihood to St. Elmo. It not only provides beautiful coastal cuisine but, a meeting ground and common place for men and women from all walks of life. This restaurant bridges the gap between good food and good conversation and brings a setting for late nights and shared memories between friends, families, and passersby. 1885 is a wonderful centerpiece for the St. Elmo culture and community.

ALLEIA 25 E. Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 (423) 305-6990 | alleiarestaurant.com

Located in Southside, Alleia resides in the old Harrington Building and is the fulfillment of Chef Daniel Lindley’s dream of offering simple, Italian inspired cuisine. Lindley uses fresh ingredients

to create his unique interpretation of rustic Italian. BIG RIVER GRILLE & BREWING WORKS/DOWNTOWN 222 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 267-2739 | www.bigrivergrille.com

Located in downtown Chattanooga, across from the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, and a short walk from the Children’s Creative Discovery Museum, Big River Grille & Brewing Works features innovative cuisine, award-winning ales and lagers and a spacious outdoor patio. A billiard table gives customers a unique way to socialize with friends while enjoying appetizers and beverages. The restaurant features a working brewery, bar, and semi and -private dining areas for groups and parties accommodating up to 300 people. BOATHOUSE ROTISSERIE & RAW BAR Come for the View! Come back for the food! The vista is provided by the Signal and Lookout Mountains, reflecting off the Tennessee River. The Boathouse features a perfect environment and a well-rounded menu with interesting fresh ideas from the raw bar, the oyster pots and the wood fired rotisserie. Enjoy the view on the spectacular 2000 square foot deck with misters to escape the heat and heaters for wintertime comfort. The “foods from the Gulf” menu includes made to order Guacamole, El Scorcho Seafood Stew, Po-Boy sandwiches made with huge Shrimp, Rotisserie Chicken, and “you don’t have to go to Texas” Brisket. 1459 Riverside Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37406 (423) 622-0122 | boathousechattanooga.com

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Explore | DINING

BRIDGEMAN’S CHOPHOUSE 107 W. M.L. King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 643-1240 | www.bridgemanschophouse.com

CASTLE CAFÉ AT RUBY FALLS 1720 South Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37409 423-821-2544 | rubyfalls.com

Offering an extensive steak selection, Bridgeman’s Chophouse features USDA Prime Beef and Chops. The restaurant features a grand seafood tower, raw oysters, and a variety of fresh fish. This upscale chophouse also offers one of the city’s largest and most diverse wine lists. Enjoy Sunday Brunch every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. BUDDY’S BAR-B-Q I-75 Exit 1, 619 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge,TN 37412 (423)541-7400 and Hwy. 153N, 568 Northgate Mall Dr., Hixson, TN 37343 (423)206-4999. A quick-casual hometown barbecue restaurant offering real, hickory smoked barbecue - prepared the same way for over 47 years - serving always fresh food with southern hospitality and value. Dine-in (indoor & outdoor seating), take-out/to-go, drive-thru, large bulk orders, feeds 5 or 10 family packs, delivery and set-up service for large groups and events. Cooked slow on real hickory-smoke but served fast!

Fuel your adventure at the new Castle Cafe in historic Ruby Falls Castle. Enjoy a seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and lighter fare in the historic limestone castle built in 1929. The menu includes flatbread pizzas, salads, wraps and sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. Sample the rotating selection of local craft beer and hard seltzer from Chattanooga craft breweries on eight taps. Re-charge with fair-trade certified coffee, roasted locally by Mayfly Coffee and local craft beer from Chattanooga area breweries. Admission to Ruby Falls is not required to dine at the Castle Café. Open Daily, Hours Vary by Season. Check the website for hours and menu. CLUMPIES ICE CREAM CO./SOUTHSIDE 1401 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | (423) 648-5425 Northshore : 26 Frazier Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405 | (423) 267-5425 St. Elmo : 3917 St. Elmo Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37409 | (423) 821-0807 Each batch of Clumpies ice cream is made by hand with only the finest ingredients that can be found. Ice cream is handcrafted in small batches,

Clu ies ICE CREAM CO 25 th

Celebrating 25 Years Silver Jubilee

CLUMPIES.COM/25th Can’t get enough Clumpies? Enter to win a free pint pack monthly at

Spring 2024