Explore Chattanooga Summer 2023

W hether you’re simply spending a summer weekend with friends or just finished unloading the moving van at your new home or apartment, everyone who encounters Chattanooga eventually comes face to face with the beautiful Tennessee River! As temperatures climb and school lets out, there’s no better time to explore the various adventures the river offers. For those who want to cool off on the river, if you make your way across the walking bridge to Coolidge Park you’ll discover public kayak and paddleboard put-ins for those who brought their own gear, but if you don’t have your own, fear not: there are plenty of local businesses like L2 Outside (located on the southern end of the Market Street Bridge) who offer paddle board rentals, and Chattanooga Guided Adventures offer guided SUP and kayak tours. For the adventurous type who don’t mind a full submersion, many locals like to paddle out to the Maclellan Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a small island below the Hunter Art Museum, to try their balance on a slackline tied to a post in the water. Even if you’re hoping to stay high and dry, the Tennessee River

still offers a plethora of fun exploration opportunities. Book a ride on the Southern Belle Riverboat’s sunset cruise to sip a glass of wine and watch the evening light reflecting off the water, or be amphibious and take a Chattanooga Ducks tour in an authentic WWII Duck Boat! You’ll learn from the captain about the fun and entertaining history of Chattanooga as well as explore the Maclellan Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Kids love when they get the chance to drive the boat! If you’d rather not be in the water or on it, there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy the river’s ambiance. Adventure Sports Innovation, located in Coolidge Park, offers electric scooter and bike rentals. This is a great way to explore the Chattanooga Riverwalk, a beautiful greenway that spans 16.1 miles along the Tennessee River’s winding contours. There are also plenty of outstanding restaurants on the water like Scotty’s on the River or The Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar to stop in for dinner! Whatever you decide to do, make sure you spend some time near, on, or even in the beautiful Tennessee River!

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