Explore Chattanooga Spring 2022

YO U R V I S I TO R ’ S G U I D E TO T H E B E S T O F C H AT TA NOOG A

SPR ING 2022 • $5 . 99

30 THETENNESSEE AQUARIUM

WONDER-FILLED YEARSAT

All Aboard For Fun! Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Coker Museum Hidden Gem on the Southside

Hercules Chattanooga Pinball Going Strong

iGNiS Glass Studio Making Memories at 2000°

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A few areas are restricted, such as food service & seasonal birds of prey shows.

Atop Lookout Mountain!

Rock City comes alive with festivals, live music, character appearances & special events throughout the year. Visit and save with a VIP Annual Pass!

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contents S P R I N G 2 0 2 2

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Welcome From the Publisher..............................6 Explore Facts & Stats ........................46

Getting Around Town Downtown Shuttle ............................29

Photo courtesy of Angela Lewis

Spotlight The Coker Museum.............................8 International Towing Museum............12 Tennessee Aquarium.........................16 Classic Arcade Pinball Museum ..........19 Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ....34 Riverbend Festival.............................37 iGNiS Glass Studio............................38 River City Apparel.............................40

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Photo courtesy of Todd Stailey

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contents S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 Good Fortune Soap ...........................41 Raccoon Mountain Caverns................42 National Medal of Honor Heritage Center ................................44 Day out with Thomas .........................45 Bike the South ..................................47 Listings Attractions ..................... 10, 11, 14, 18 Dining ........................... 29, 30, 31, 32

Events What’s Happening ............................20

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

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Photo courtesy Chattanooga Tourism Co.

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W hether you’re planning a vacation, or you’ve just arrived, it’s a great time to explore Chattanooga. Awarded the distinction as “The Best Town Ever”, Chattanooga has grown into a world-class destination over the past 30 years, and we are proud to be your guide with the all-new Explore Chatta nooga Magazine. Nestled on the banks of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is surrounded by scenic mountains and ridges, picturesque valleys, meandering rivers, as well as numerous mountains beyond. This landscape provides hundreds of miles of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, climbing, hang gliding and paraglid ing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, whitewater rafting and more. Whether you are staying in the Downtown, Lookout Mountain or Hamil ton Place areas you are not far great food, shopping, and fun. Chattanooga’s Downtown District is compact, vibrant, and easy to navigate. You can park your car and easily explore on foot, hop on the free electric shuttle, or with the Bike Chattanooga public bicycle system. You will find world-class attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, and the Creative Discovery Museum. There’s the relaxing Riverwalk, live-music & entertainment venues, and a thriving arts scene anchored by The Hunter Museum and the Bluff View Art District. Trendy neighborhoods like the North Shore, Southside and St. Elmo boast one-of-a-kind boutiques, nightlife and lo cal-owned restaurants with creative chefs expressing the cultural diversity found in Chattanooga. Overlooking Chattanooga, less than six miles from downtown you’ll find scenic Lookout Mountain, home to some of the area’s most iconic attractions: Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Follow the mountain south and you’ll find beautiful bike and hiking trails and a scenic pull off at the Lookout Mountain Flight Park, where you can watch the soaring hang gliders. No matter where you start or what your interests are – there is something for you in Chattanooga. Look for our Chattanooga Area Coupon Map and Chattanooga Pad Map for special values and more detailed directions for exploring Chattanooga. Share your photos and experiences at our social media sites and keep up to date at explorechattmagazine.com. We hope you have an incredible experience in our city and feel the warmth and genuine Southern hospitality our locals are known for. Welcome to Chattanooga.

Owner &Publisher .........................Todd A. Smith VP of Business Development ........Catherine Smith ContributingWriter.......................... Camille Platt Graphic Designer...................... Harriet McDowall Contributing Photographer..............AndrewKeller

Cover Photo Credit: AndrewKeller - ISOneedphotos.com

For comments or advertising information contact: Todd Smith (Cell): 423-593-0179 tsmith@explorechatt.com or visit the website: www.explorechattmagazine.com

For editorial inquiries email: contact@explorechatt.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 POBox 21806 Chattanooga, TN37424 Copyright ©2022 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 inDecember.

Todd Smith Owner/Publisher Explore Chattanooga Media

@explorechatt @explore.chatt

Spring 2022

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Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

Coker Museum THE A Hidd n Gem Tucked Away on the Southside

Spring 2022

C onsider putting the Coker Museum, a hidden gem of History, on your list of ‘must visit’ places in Chattanooga. When you visit, you can take a walk through history and discover a vast array of vintage vehicles and nostalgic memorabilia. The world-famous Honest Charley Speed Shop serves as your entry point to this one of-a-kind museum. It is home to Corky Coker’s personal collection of over 150 vintage cars, hot rods, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and even airplanes hanging overhead. The collection is housed inside some of the oldest standing buildings in Chattanooga, including the former White Truck Dealership and the Chattanooga Welding and Machine Company which began in the late 1800s. This portion of the complex is now the machine shop, utilizing all old-school machinery, none of which are computer assisted. Neon lights set the stage for the big names in auto manufactur ing, as well as the lesser-known names such as Chattanooga’s own, Nyberg Automobiles. The vehicles in the collection span seven decades, with the oldest being 115 years old. Most vehicles have been restored to their original glory and shine bright. Others have been left untouched to demonstrate how the manufacturer’s origi nal labors have stood the test of time. In either case, special love and care have been given to each masterpiece. Away from the bright lights, you can view what love and care look like in the working garage which includes a four-bay mechanic

shop, professional paint booth, a machine shop, and one of only five wheel shops in the world still making wooden wheels. In the wheel shop, they build amazing rolling stock for the rarest cars. Before the Honest Charley Speed Shop crew added a roof line, the mechanic shop was an outdoor yard for Combustion Engineering and Komatsu Tractor Co. Restorations are always in progress, so you never know what you’ll see. Recent renewals include a 1909 Cadillac, a 1969 Camaro, 1965 Comet, and a 1914 American Underslung. As you make your way through the halls of the museum, you are likely to see one of the techs sanding vintage automobile pieces, or applying primer before adding a flawless coat of paint. You may see another tech fabricating metal fenders, or hand painting the perfect woodgrain dash. The Coker Museum is a must see for all those passing through Chattanooga and it is an awesome place for you to create some history of your own by renting out the venue for a family reunion, a corporate lunch, a reception, or even a wedding. You can find the museum at 1309 Chestnut St. just across from the Chattanooga Convention Center and two blocks from Main Street. Make your plans to tour the museum 10 am – 4pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For reservations, seasonal hours, and more information visit www.cokermuseum.com or call 1-888-795-7077.

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Explore | ATTRACTIONS

Be sure and check the specific websites to see if advance ticket purchase is required.

The perfect place to start your Civil War journey!

BATTLES FOR CHATTANOOGA 1110 E. BrowRd., Lookout Mountain, TN37350 (423) 821-2812 www.battlesforchattanooga.com

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, TN37347 (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 fromairplanes since1960.Whether youwant toexperience one skydiveor learn to skydivewithour “A” license inaweekprogram, come join in! CHATTANOOGA ZOO 301N. HoltzclawAve., Chattanooga, TN37404 (423) 697-1322 | www.chattzoo.org With over 500 animals exhibited, representing over 200 different species, many of which are endangered, the Chattanooga Zoo is committed to engaging and inspiring our community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creatingmeaningful connections between people and animals. Get face to face with a chimpanzee or jaguar, ride a camel or check out some rare and venomous reptiles. Come by and see why everyone is calling the AZA-accredited Chattanooga Zoo “the Best Little Zoo in America”. Only a mere twomiles fromdowntown, the Chattanooga Zoo is open daily from9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and NewYear’s Day. CLASSIC ARCADE PINBALLMUSEUM 409 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 541-4097 www.chattanoogapinballmuseum.com 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

Civil War Digital Diorama Battles Show

Located on top of Lookout Mountain across fromPoint 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. CHARLES H. COOLIDGE NATIONALMEDAL OF HONORHERITAGE CENTER 2W. AquariumWay, Ste. 104, Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 877-2525 | www.mohhc.org Chattanooga is where our nation’s first 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, sacrifice and commitment. CHATTANOOGAHELICOPTER TOURS 932 Jubilee Drive, Chattanooga, TN37421 (931) 510-5245 | chattanoogaheli.com ChattanoogaHelicopterTours is a family-owned and operating business offering service in aerial tours and vacation highlights of the Chattanooga area. CHATTANOOGARIVERBOAT CO. SOUTHERNBELLE 151 Riverfront Pkwy., Pier 2, Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 266-4488 | chattanoogariverboat.com This 450 passenger excursion vessel was built in 1985 at Serodino Shipyard inHales 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

Civil War Relic and Weapon Collection Bookstore & Gift Shop

The International Towing & Recovery Museum Open year-round. Checkwebsite for hours. 1110 East Brow Road Lookout Mountain, TN 423.821.2812 battlesforchattanooga.com

3315 Broad Street Chattanooga 423-267-3132 Open M-Sat 9-5pm Sun 11-5pm

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colorful artistic masterpieces that lie behind the backglasses, the artists who created them, and the inspiration behind the content.

outdoors. Climb walls up to 60 feet tall! High Point has over 28,000 Sq. Ft. of climbing surfacemaking it oneof thenation’s largest gyms.HighPoint caters to individualswhoarebeginners all theway toadvance climbers.

CREATIVE DISCOVERYMUSEUM 321Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 756-2738 | www.cdmfun.org

HIGHPOINT ZIP ADVENTURE AT RUBY FALLS 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, TN37409 (423) 821-2544 | www.rubyfalls.com

Whether within the walls in Chattanooga or across the nation through its outreach programs, Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) is a leader in engaging the senses, inspiringexplorationand ignitingchildren’spassion for learning throughplay. ESCAPE EXPERIENCE CHATTANOOGA 1800 Rossville Avenue, Chattanooga, TN37408 (423) 551-3306 | www.escapeexperience.com/chattanooga TheEscapeExperience is anentertainment activity located inDowntown Chattanooga’sSouthsideHistoricDistrict - just a fewblocks fromthe ChattanoogaChooChoo. Eachescape roomscenario is a real-life interactive adventuredesigned for teambuildinggroups, friends, family, or co-workers. HIGHPOINT CLIMBING AND FITNESS DOWNTOWN 219 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 602-7625 | www.highpointclimbing.com The premier rock climbing facility features climbing indoors and

Get your adrenalinepumpingatRubyFalls as yousoar through the treetops onLookoutMountain!HighPoint ZIPAdventure features over700 feet of rushingziplineswithbreathtakingviews of theTennesseeValley anda40-foot climbing towerwithmultiple routes of varyingdifficulty.

HUNTERMUSEUMOF ART 10 Bluff View, Chattanooga, TN37403 (423) 267-0968 | www.huntermuseum.org

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 Museumof 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.

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Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

5 Can’t Miss Moments AT THE INTERNATIONAL TOWING & RECOVERY MUSEUM O riginally housed in a tractor trailer that traveled the country, the International Towing & Recovery Museum celebrates an industry often overlooked. Founded by Friends of Towing, the museum found its permanent home in Chat tanooga in the early 1990s. The Scenic City is, in fact, the birthplace of the tow truck. It was a perfect fit. Today the museum offers a unique look at relics from the history of the towing industry. Home to 24 trucks, plus histor ic golf carts and pedal cars, the collection ranges from models made in the early 1900s to a 2001 pink freightliner. Here’s what not to miss.

1. The History of Ernest Holmes. A Chattanooga native, Holmes invented the tow truck in 1916 after a frustrating attempt to help get a friend’s flipped truck out of a ditch. He outfitted a Cadillac with a pulley system in his garage, which was just a few blocks from where the museum is located today. 2. The 1940s Diamond-T 969WWIIWrecker. Manu factured locally, this vehicle became a part of the Red Ball Express, a convoy that moved supplies for Allied Forces. “This was on the beaches of Normandy and traveled through World War II as the allies pushed the Nazis back,” says the Towing Museum’s Nyle Vincent. 3. TheWorld’s FastestWrecker. This orange and white Chevrolet Silverado registered 130 miles on the straight away at Talladega Superspeedway in August 1979. Its av erage speed around the track, a world record, was 109.33 mph. The feat literally melted the tires, which prevented any attempts at a second run.

Spring 2022

4. The Indian TowMotorcycle. This three wheeled bike made by Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company, now owned by Harley-Davidson, was popular in the 1940s. Found in pieces, the bike was put back together based on blueprints. 5. The 1947GMCBubble Nose. A guest favorite, this vehicle has worked to haul beer for Pabst Brewing and to tow school buses. Abandoned in a field in Wisconsin, it was found and restored by George Lanser, then put in parades and truck shows.

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• Area’s top rated natural cavern experience • Open rain or shine and always a pleasant 58 degrees • Gem Panning on site • Free parking • Highly-rated campground on-site The Crystal Palace Walking Tour is an expertly guided 45-55 min. walking path tour through the largest and most active natural cavern in the southeast. 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 surroundingmountains 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. RACCOONMOUNTAIN CAVERNS & CAMPGROUND 319West Hills Dr., Chattanooga, TN37419 (423) 821-9403 |www.raccoonmountain.com RaccoonMountain Caverns &Campground is home to Tennessee’s OH-Zone 14-story free fall! SOAKyaWater Park offers splashtacular fun for the entire family! SOAKya features theWinnie 500 racing slides, crazy river, body and tubes slides, wave lagoon, toddler splash park, obstacle course andWaterWorks play area. Covered and uncovered seating, retail shops, concession and a changing facility with lockers are available.The amusement park is open fromMay through September and SOAKya is open fromMemorial Day through Labor Day. On Friday and Saturday nights inOctober, the park is open for theWinnepeSPOOKah Halloween event. For more information, hours of operation and pricing, visit lakewinnie.comor call 1-877-LAKEWIN. LOOKOUTMOUNTAIN INCLINE RAILWAY 827 E. BrowRd., Lookout Mountain, TN37350 (423) 821-4224 |ridetheincline.com

iGNiS GLASS STUDIO 401 Broad Street., Chattanooga, TN37402 (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 heirloomglass ornament or paperweight.With the help of professional artists, youmay choose colors, assist with working the piece, and actually trap your own breath in glass.

INTERNATIONAL TOWINGMUSEUM 3315 Broad Street., Chattanooga, TN37408 (423) 267-3132 | internationaltowingmuseum.org

It all startedmore than 20 years ago when a group of dedicated towing professionals, the Friends of Towing, decided to recognize outstanding individuals in the towing and recovery industry worldwide, record the industry’s history, collect and display artifacts andmemorabilia in a museum setting, and provide information about the industry to the public. The first Hall of Fame class consisted of 27members and today has grown to include over 300 distinguished towing professionals. LAKEWINNEPESAUKAHAMUSEMENT PARK/SOAKYAWATERPARK 1730 LakeviewDr., Rossville, GA 30741 (706) 866-5681 |www.lakewinnie.com LakeWinnepesaukah Amusement Park has been thrilling guests for over ninety years with attractions like the Cannon Ball Roller Coaster and the

RaccoonMountain Caverns and Campground

Reservations required for all tours. Call today to book your tour. Open 7 days – 9am – 5pm. Last tour goes in at 4:00pm

Conveniently located close to downtown Chattanooga and just 1.3 miles off HWY 24 at exit # 174. www.raccoonmountain.com 319 West Hills Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37419 423-821-9403

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highest rated cave (TripAdvisor’s #1 ‘Thing ToDo’ 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!

Cast your wish upon the 140-foot high falls. Standmightily upon world famous Lover’s Leap and wrap yourself in the magnificent view.Wind your way throughmassive rock boulders and caverns that bring you to Fairyland Caverns andMother 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, TN37409 (423) 821-2544 |www.rubyfalls.com

RIVERGORGE EXCURSIONS 21808 River Canyon Rd., Chattanooga, TN37405 (423) 987-1711 |www.rivergorgeexcursions.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.

River Gorge Excursions is a Chattanooga Boat Rental and Tour company located along the scenic Tennessee River Gorge, just 15minutes away fromDowntown Chattanooga.We provide an eye-opening experience to the TNRiver on one of our pontoon boats that are available for rent or tour. Come out with family and friends and enjoy a fantastic day exploring and relaxing on the TNRiver Gorge and all the beauty that it has to offer.

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 265-0695 | tnaqua.org

The mission of the Tennessee Aquarium is to connect people with nature and empower them tomake 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.

ROCK CITY GARDENS 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 (423) 820-2531 |www.seerockcity.com

CreateMemoriesWorth 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!

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Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

CELEBRATING 30 WONDER FILLED YEARS ON THE CHATTANOOGA RIVERFRONT TheTennessee AQUARIUM

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Photo courtesy of John Bamber

F or 30 years, the Tennessee Aquarium’s distinctive glass peaks have defined the skyline of downtownChattanooga and enticed tens of millions of guests fromall over theworld to embark on an adventure from themountains to the sea. Sprawling across two buildings, River Journey and Ocean Jour ney, the TennesseeAquarium is home to a living collection of about 12,000 animals representing 600 species fromall seven continents. Designed to mimic the downhill descent of a raindrop falling in the Appalachian Mountains as it flows to the Gulf of Mexico, a trip through River Journey takes guests through freshwater habitats. Guests begin their voyage winding between moss-covered rock walls to emerge into the light-filled expanse of the Appalachian Cove Forest. One of the Aquarium’s three “living forest” galleries, this space is home to playful North American River Otters. As they continue their descent toward the Gulf, visitors come face to face with other amazing species that live in or rely on freshwater including colossal Red-tailed Catfish and silver-scaled Arowana. Alligator Bayou is home to songbirds, ducks, non-venomous snakes, and turtles of all sizes, from tiny Map Turtles to a pair of enor mous Alligator Snapping Turtles. The gallery’s star attractions are its American Alligators, who stealthily glide through the water and bask on a “beach” between cypress knees. Rivers of theWorld features Siberian and Russian Sturgeon, Red bellied Piranhas, and the world’s only Twitter connected Electric Eel. In the Turtles of theWorld gallery, guests can visit a nursery housing dozens of hatchlings, many representing species critically endangered in the wild. Across the plaza, the Aquarium’s focus shifts to marine life and island-bound species as the adventure continues in the Ocean Journey building. Straightaway, guests are introduced to a troop of bounding Ring tailed, Red-ruffed and Red-collared Brown Lemurs. In Stingray Bay, an expansive pool surrounded by low walls offers ready access to touchable aquatic life, from Epaulette Sharks and Guitarfish to Horse shoe Crabs and Blue-spotted Stingrays. The hugely popular Butterfly Garden houses more than 1,500 butterflies that flutter from plant to plant to shoulder, offering must-snap fodder for Instagram feeds. Ocean Journey cools off a bit in the Penguins’ Rock gallery. Here, guests can take in the incredible speed and surprising agility of Gen too and Macaroni Penguins. Ocean Journey’s showcase attraction is the Secret Reef. The entire 30,000-square-foot building is constructed around this 618,000-gallon behemoth. During their tour, visitors wind down, around and eventually under this multi-story exhibit. Here, aquatic

Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

life includes sleek Sandbar and Sand Tiger Sharks, Cownose Rays, a Green Sea Turtle and large schools of reef fish. Branching off from the Secret Reef, the Island Life and Boneless Beauties galleries showcase Giant Pacific Octopuses and Japanese Spider Crabs, schools of charming Clownfish and glimmering Split-fin Flashlight Fish, a garden of colorful anemones and a light ning-tongued Panther Chameleon. After their Aquarium adventure, guests can visit the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. This facility’s state-of-the-art IMAX with Laser projection system is found in only a handful of theaters in the world. This spring and summer, audiences can take in a pair of thrilling giant-screen nature films, Ocean Odyssey 3D and Aus tralia’s Great Wild North 3D, as well as a rotating schedule of popular feature films. Guests arriving after April 15 are in for a special surprise. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Aquarium is hosting Washed Ashore, a unique art installation designed to raise awareness about the perils of oceanic plastic pollution. As they explore the buildings, guests will come across more than a dozen art installations depicting animals such as seahorses, sea lions, and jellyfish. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear they were created by carefully arranging discarded plastic items, such as eating utensils, beach toys, toothbrushes and more. For the last three decades, the Tennessee Aquarium has been a must-visit destination for generations of Chattanooga residents and visitors from around the globe. Whether they’re first-time arrivals or long-time fans, each trip through this riverfront attraction offers the kinds of thrilling sights and memorable moments that generate lasting memories and spark a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Purchase timed-entry tickets online at: www.tnaqua.org

Photos courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium

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TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD 4119Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, TN37421 (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 the romance of the rails when vintage trains provided an escape from the everyday routine. The Tennessee Valley RailroadMuseumprovides an interactive, historical experience that adds an extra dimension to your visit to Chattanooga’s popular attractions. Here you will find the only regularly scheduled, full-sized train ride in Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is somuchmore than entertainment, it’s your chance to experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear! (888) 795-7077 |cokermuseum.com The Coker Museumhouses Corky Coker’s personal collection. Corky grew the collection during his career at Coker Tire.With over 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and even 3 airplanes hanging overhead, there is something for everyone. Our events can have as many or as few of the vehicles as you would like. THE COKERMUSEUM 1309Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN37402

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Hercules CLASSIC ARCADE PINBALL MUSEUM Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE I n the 1970s, BallyManufacturing Corporation created a jum

Hercules is hard to come by. Classic Arcade Pinball Museum on Broad Street is one of the few places in the United States where the public can pay to play it.

Atari at the time, redesigned the game, and Jim Kelley handled the art, which was crucial for its placement in amusement parks. Kelley once admitted he was told to use “as much orange and purple as you can stand” so Her cules would stand out among the other games. For a “museum,” Classic Arcade Pinball Museum is hands on. Only a few of the 40 pinball machines on site are for viewing only. The rest are ready to play. You’ll find Black Knight (made in 1980), Dominos Spectacular Pizza Adventure (one of only 316 made), Twilight Zone, Orbiter 1, and Hot Wheels (made in 2020) as well as vintage arcade games like Galaga, Centipede, Joust, and Street Fighter. Admission to the museum allows for unlimited play all day. This means you are free to leave the museum for a meal or another Chattanooga attraction, then return later in the day.

bo-sized pinball machine prototype calledBigfoot but wouldn’t push it into production because vibrations caused the game to destroy itself. Atari bought the concept off Bally, and in 1979 it was released as Hercules, the largest pinball game ever commercially made. At 8 feet long, 7 feet tall, and three and a half feet wide, experts in the gaming industry cannot quite agree on how many were actually produced. Some speculate as few as 139. Others estimate closer to300. Either way, today theHercules is hard to come by. ClassicArcade Pinball Museum onBroad Street is one of the few places in theUnited States where the public can pay to play it. The engineering on

Hercules was a feat that had never been done before in pin ball. The flippers and

slingshots were powered by washing machine solenoids. A pool cue ball served as the pinball. Steve Bicker, who worked for

VISIT US AT: 409 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37402. (423) 541 4097. chattanoogapinballmuseum.com

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Explore Spring Events

March1-31 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 millions of 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. Together, we 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/ Mar1 Apr30 River Gallery Exhibits Visit River Gallery during the months of March and April to experience works by four(4) artists: James Conner, Mississippi (Mar 1-Apr 30) , Mitch Yung, Missouri (Mar 1-Apr 30), Brad Schweiger (May 1-Jun 30), and David Swa nagin (May 1-Jun 30). The River Gallery is located in the Bluff View Art District. www.river-gallery.com

BEGINS Mar4 IMAX3DTheater: OceanOdyssey 3D Ocean currents are the arteries and veins of planet earth. This hidden oceanic circulatory system regulates the climate, shapes our coastlines and feeds the ocean’s biodiversity. Ocean Odyssey 3D takes us on a 1800 mile long adventure down the East Australian Current - made famous by the film Finding Nemo - to discover how currents have shaped our lives, and how their changing character will affect us for generations to come. tnaqua.org/imax/ocean odyssey-3d/

Robert Pattinson as Batman in The Batman. (Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers)

BEGINS March1 IMAX3DTheater: The Batman Hot on the heels of an unprece dented run of hit feature films, the caped crusader arrives at the Aquarium’s IMAX Theater on March 1 for a special IMAX-only Fan First Premiere of The Bat man three days before its official release date in regular theaters. Every ticket purchase to the Fan First Premiere includes a free copy of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s comic book Batman: The Long Hallow een #1 with an exclusive cover variant inspired by the film (while supplies last and limited to one comic per ticket). tnaqua.org/imax/the-batman

Spring 2022

Mar4 Apr3

Rock the Riverfront Each weekend will feature diverse programming including a walking lantern parade hosted in partner ship with Playful Evolving Mon sters and Art 120, a Rock ‘N Cheer for the Chattanooga Marathon, a Health &Wellness weekend, a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and an artist market featuring creatives from the East ern Band of the Cherokee. www.rivercitycompany.com/rock

Mar4 Mar6 ErlangerChattanooga Marathon The marathon course was designed by a passionate group of local distance runners to be first and foremost, a great run course. 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 Chattanoo ga with this route that will surely be one to remember! Approximate elevation gain is 1200 feet. www.chattanoogamarathon. com/event/marathon Courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Company

Courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Company

Mar11 Apr17 Spring Break Safari During Spring Break Safari, the city is transformed into a place where kids rule! Hands-on adventures include a 14-site Scavenger Hunt (both outside/inside the attractions & districts) and experiences that turn kids into Musicians, Cave Explorers, RockQuest Adventurers, Zookeep ers, Conductors, Rock Climbers, and more. www.visitchattanooga.com/ spring/spring-break/

Courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership

Mar5 AmuseUm: HardHats Required: Creative Discovery Museum Creative Discovery Museum’s annual fundraiser returns March 5, 2022 in-person with AmuseUm: Hard Hats Required! Overlook the Museum under renovation and celebrate the new CDM to come. From hard hat tours to building challenges to dancing under the stars to Th Atlanta All Stars, this will be an event you don’t want to miss! www.cdmfun.org/event/amuseum

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Explore | WHAT TO DO

Mar12-Mar20 Shamrock City: Rock City Looking for the luck of the Irish? Visit Rock City’s 15th annual Irish celebration and festival—Shamrock City! This premiere St. Patrick’s Day event features Irish food, specialty beer, pop-up Irish dancing performanc es, and fun for the whole family! You can even see the High Falls flowing green! Visit and see why the Southeast Tourism Society has consistent ly chosen Shamrock City as a Top 20 Event! www.seerockcity.com/ events/shamrock-city/

BEGINS Mar12 Brew Skies Beer and Food Festival Brew Skies is returning this Spring! With unlimited tastings from local and regional breweries along with home brewers. Come sample beer you can’t buy in any store while having fun in the Ball Park! www.chattanoogabreakfas trotary.com/brew-skies Mar26 Teddy Bear CheckUp - Chattanooga Zoo Come meet Dr. Jim Hammon from Northgate Animal Hospital as he performs check-ups on your plush animal! From teddy bears to sequined snakes, he’s seen it all! If you don’t have a plush animal, pick one out in our gift shop- there’s a lot of great options to choose from. Plush purchases during this event will receive a 10% discount! www.chattzoo.org/events/ted dy-bear-checkup

Courtesy of See Rock City

Apr2,Apr9 ScreamBreak at DreadHollow: Ruby Falls Special-Edition Spring Break Haunt & Escape Room: Do you have the courage to brave the Maelstrom? WARNING: Extreme Haunt Attraction! Not recommended for children under 12. You can buy your time entry tickets in advance, tickets will not be available at the door. www.dread hollow.com

Spring 2022

Apr9-10 4BridgesArtsFestival An essential part of Chattanooga’s creative capital, 4 Bridges Arts Festival (4BAF) will return to a live event April 9-10, 2022. The 4 Bridges Arts Festival has cultivated and inspired an appre ciation for the visual arts by creating opportunities for exchange between working artists and the public. The high ly-anticipated, 4BAF is a juried art show that attracts visual artists from across the country was ranked in the top 20 fine art festivals in country. The festival showcas es the distinctive talents of 140 artists. www.avarts.org/about-4baf1

BEGINS Apr7 Chattanooga Bike &Brew Tours Beer lovers, this is the tour for you! Put a new spin on thirsty Thursday! Join in for a guid ed bike tour to experience 4 of Chattanooga’s best craft breweries by bike. Tour price includes guided tours and beer samples at each of the brew eries, along with additional discounts and a wheelie fun evening! www.bike-the-south. com/cc/bike-and-brew

Courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Company

Apr16 - Apr24

EarthDayz :RockCity Join the fun at Rock City Gardens during this outdoor Earth Day cel ebration...EarthDayz! Be mesmer ized when Vines and Trees come to life with methodical movement, hear live percussionists, watch an animal show, and go on a virtual scavenger hunt all while enjoying the great outdoors with your family during Earthdayz! www.seerockci ty.com/events/earthdayz

Courtesy of See Rock City

BEGINS April 23 ChattanoogaMarket /ChattanoogaRiverMarket 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. chattanoogamarket.com

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Explore | WHAT TO DO

Apr23 BattleBelowtheClouds -RubyFalls The South’s friendliest amateur BBQ cook-off returns to Ruby Falls, benefiting the Lana’s Love Foundation. Free admission for spectators, live bluegrass music 10:30 AM-5:00 PM, and BBQ for purchase. Lana’s Love provides year-round fun activities for Chatta nooga area kids with cancer and their families. Team registration is open to the public March 14- April 15. Register at LanasLove.com. www.rubyfalls.com/special-events/battle-below-the-clouds

April23,24 NationalCornbreadFestival& Cornbread Cook-Off

Over 27,000 festival-goers from throughout the southeast gather to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Annual National Cornbread Festival. Located 30miles west of Chattanooga, TN, this quaint southern town hosts a celebration of cornbread, often considered the cornerstone of southern cuisine. Be sure to check out this year’s schedule of events, line up of musical artist, and craft and food vendors. nationalcornbread.com

Apr23,24,30; May1 DayoutwithThomas : TennesseeValleyRailroadMuseum Day OutWith Thomas™ is an annual event that offers children and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with Thomas and Percy and enjoy a day of fun filled Thomas &Friends™ themed activities. Meet Sir TophamHatt, the Controller of the Railway, and enjoy crafts, storytelling, videos, train play tables, coloring, temporary tattoos, andmuchmore! www.tvrail.com/ train-rides/day-out-with-thomas-2022

Apr30 ChickamaugaChaseRoadRace The Chickamauga Chase has been held since 1969 in the historic and beautiful Chickamauga &Chattanoo ga National Military Park. The Chickamauga Chase is Chattanooga’s oldest continuously run road race, and the signature event 15K is one of America’s oldest races at that distance.With the competitive 15K, Trail Race, 5K, 2.4-Mile ScenicWalk and Kiddie K, the Chickamauga Chase is a must do event for the entire family! eventregis tration.chattanoogatrackclub.org/events/chickam auga-chase-2022-282

Spring 2022

May7 Rail&HopsBrewerFestival

This curated event with a focus on the artistry of brewing handcrafted beers from brewers that are Local, Regional, and beyond as your favorite food trucks and tents. Featuring Lee Fields & The Expressions and more on the EPB Community stage! www.railandhops.com

May7- May15 SouthernBloomsFestival : RockCity See Rock City in full bloom at this flower-filled festival! Discover a real life fairy garden, enjoy the sounds of live harp music, and buy a plant to start a little enchantment in your own yard. Specialty spring treats from food locations around the garden will delight! www.seerockcity.com/events/south ern-blooms-festival

Courtesy of See Rock City

May21 Jfest

May22 Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN70.3 Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City. The Scenic City, featuring Lookout Mountain, Tennessee River and endless opportunities to explore. This course brings a unique PR setting downriver 1.4 mile swim, epic rollers on the bike through the historic Chickamauga and a run through down town Chattanooga. From leisurely adventures or epic all day exploration, there’s something for everyone. Endless adven tures for all. www.ironman.com/im703-chattanooga Jfest is a day full of worship, great food, family activities, and great music from artists such as Colton Dixon, Caitie Hurst, and The Union Chattanooga. jfest.com/

Courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Company

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Medal of Honor Heritage Center

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.

nnepesaukah/ a Water Park

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Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

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Map ©2021 ExploreChattanooga

DOWNTOWN

ExploreChatt.com

Spring 2022

Explore | DINING

Ride The Electric Shuttle Bus It’s Free!

DOWNTOWN

ALLEIA 25 E. Main St., Chattanooga, TN37408 (423) 305-6990 | alleiarestaurant.com

Located in Southside, Alleia resides in the oldHarrington Building and is the fulfillment of Chef Daniel Lindley’s dreamof offering simple, Italian inspired cuisine. Lindley uses fresh ingredients to create his unique interpretation of rustic Italian.

The Downtown Electric Shuttle is the easiest way to get aroundDowntown Chattanooga. It’s a FREE ride! Electric buses run daily* fromShuttle Park South at the Chattanooga Choo Choo to Shuttle Park North across from the Tennessee Aquariumwith 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 15minutes, 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 15minutes - 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 fromShuttle 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, ThanksgivingDay &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.

BIGRIVERGRILLE &BREWINGWORKS/DOWNTOWN 222 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 267-2739 | www.bigrivergrille.com

Located in downtown Chattanooga, across from the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAXTheatre, 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.

BRIDGEMAN’S CHOPHOUSE 107W. M.L. King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 643-1240 | www.bridgemanschophouse.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 andmost diverse wine lists. Enjoy Sunday Brunch every Sunday from10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

CLUMPIES ICE CREAMCO./SOUTHSIDE 1401Market St., Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 648-5425

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, ten gallons or less at a time. That micro-batch process allows Clumpies to care for and consider each scoop of ice cream that is served. The result is a rich, creamy, delicious ice cream crafted with care. “It may take longer, but we think it makes our ice cream that much better.”

EDLEY’S BBQ 205Manufacturers Rd., Chattanooga, TN37405 (423) 498-2772 | www.edleysbbq.com/chattanooga

In the historic North Shore neighborhood, Edley’s transformed the Old KnittingMill into a beautiful restaurant space with plenty of TVs for gameday and added on a large dog-friendly patio. The patio includes a bar where you can enjoy a local craft beer on tap or a unique Southern cocktail like Bourbon Tea or the famous Bushwacker. IL PRIMO 1100Hixson Pike, Ste. 100, Chattanooga, TN37405 (423) 602-5555 | www.primochattanooga.com Il Primo, which will feature authentic Italian cuisine, is your new neighborhood restaurant and bar. Il Primo offers a great selection of spirits, wines, and beers.

MELLOWMUSHROOMPIZZABAKERS/DOWNTOWN 205 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN37402 (423) 266-5564 | mellowmushroom.com

MellowMushroom serves stone baked pizzas made-to-order using fresh ingredients in an eclectic family-friendly environment. They specialize in amazing pizza, craft beer, and great eats via dine-in, take-out, and catering. Mellow is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.

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