Chattanooga Summer Fun 2021

Photo Courtesy of Ruby Falls

Fall for something beautiful.

The nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public lies deep beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. Named Ruby Falls – after the wife of the man who discovered it – this popular attraction is explored by half a million folks annually. Reach the impressive waterfall by taking a glass-front elevator 260 feet below ground to the half-mile-long cavern pathway to the falls. The guided walk highlights ancient geological formations and cave curiosities on the way to the thundering waterfall. Cave adventure options include the Classic Waterfall Tour, Gentle Walking Tour, and after-hours Lantern Tour. And after falling under the spell of the magnificent falls, check out the amazing views from historic Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook or brave the 700 feet of zip lines at High Point ZIP Adventure. rubyfalls.com

Cross that bridge when you come to it.

An iconic part of the Chattanooga skyline, the famous Walnut Street Bridge was built in 1890 and is now the oldest remaining truss bridge in the South. It’s also among the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Spanning the nearly half mile between the NorthShore and downtown Chattanooga, the bridge provides unmatched views of the Tennessee River – perfect for a jog or an afternoon stroll. Wishing you’d explored this legendary spot sooner? No worries. That’s water under the bridge. chattanooga.gov

Photo by Rich Smith

Enjoy the sweet life.

They say that life is like a box of chocolates, and now, yours truly can be, thanks to The Hot Chocolatier. Not only does this local shop offer handmade truffles and other chocolates by the piece or by the box, but also pastries, cakes, gelato, coffee, and over 20 kinds of hot chocolate! It’s a chocolate-lover’s dream come true. They also have a frozen version in original or white and plenty of other frozen treats for those hot summer months. thehotchocolatier.com

(Left) Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga Red Wolves Media Department, (Right) Photo by Ray Soldano

Keep your eye on the ball.

Okay, sports fans, let’s get the ball rolling! It’s football season again – or soccer season, if you’d rather. The Chattanooga Red Wolves are gearing up for their season opener on May 22nd in Tennessee’s only professional soccer stadium: CHI Memorial Stadium (which features a video jumbotron that measures more than 2,000 square feet!). The Chattanooga Football Club kicked off their season in March, and home games at Finley Stadium will be played with fans at limited capacity. Whether in-person or from afar, don your team colors and root for the home team. chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com | chattanoogafc.com

Throw something.

Disc golf is just like ordinary golf, except that instead of hitting a ball with a club, you throw a Frisbee-like disc at a target. There are approximately 16 disc golf courses in the greater Chattanooga area, including the laid-back nine holes of Bigfoot Adventure; the intermediate Jack Mattox Recreation Complex course in Ringgold, Georgia, which features 18 holes, with 192-foot to 347-foot fairways; and the more challenging wooded and sinkhole-heavy 18-hole course in Chattanooga, appropriately named “The Sinks.” There are also local leagues and tournaments. outdoorchattanooga.com/activities/disc-golfing | noogadisc.ultimatecentral.com

Photos Courtesy of Lake Winnepesaukah

Be amused.

Considered to be “one of America’s top 10 family amusement parks for all ages,” Lake Winnepesaukah can really bring the fun. With roller coasters, bumper cars, paddle boats, kiddie rides, a tour train, and so much more, there is sure to be something for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re looking for an amusement park that really makes a splash, the SOAKya Water Park offers five acres of slides, giant fountains, tubing, and other watery fun. There are also plenty of refreshment options and skill games to play for prizes. Whatever you do, you win at Lake Winnie! lakewinnie.com

Moonlight with village people.

Go west, and head to the popular and trendy Southside neighborhood of West Village. Formerly a sleepy and forgotten part of Chattanooga, this bustling area has been updated and revitalized and is now filled with lively eateries, shops, and luxury hotels. Come by for a meal, snack, or drink at one of the several restaurant options, or browse in one of the shops. While you’re in the area, get a new ‘do at the nearby salon. Or, make it a weekend and stay overnight at the Westin or one of several other nearby hotels, where you can also grab a craft cocktail at the bar or a bite in the dining area.
westvillagechattanooga.com

Test the waters. 

It’s a car, it’s a boat – actually, it’s a “duck.” You’ll be missing the boat if you don’t get a ride on one of the Chattanooga Ducks’ authentic WWII amphibious landing crafts. See the city by land and then roll into the Tennessee River for floating views of the riverfront and Maclellan Island.

Or, take a relaxed cruise aboard the Southern Belle riverboat, for scenery and fun. Choose from sightseeing, lunch, or dinner cruises, or charter the boat for a private event. Prefer to grab a meal from the 3rd Deck Burger Bar for incredible views of downtown Chattanooga while still docked? Whatever floats your boat. 

chattanoogaducks.com | chattanoogariverboat.com

Wine and dine.

Toast the town of Chattanooga as you sip on wine from one of many excellent local wineries. Ocoee Winery in Cleveland offers wine – from sweet to dry and even non-alcoholic – wine accessories, snacks, a gift shop, and a tasting room. Georgia Winery, just across the state line in Georgia, is “one of Chattanooga Valley’s oldest and most celebrated wineries.” Tours are available and tastings are free. For wine-tasting along with dining overlooking the Tennessee River, check out Look Out Winery. They offer outdoor seating year-round on their heated covered balcony and patio, where you can see three states while sipping on vino and enjoying a wood-fired pizza. ocoeewinery.com | georgiawines.com | lookoutwinery.com

Photo by Rock Creek Aviation

Put on your game face. 

On the lookout for something fun to do around town? Check out a game with the Chattanooga Lookouts. As Chattanooga’s minor league baseball team, the Lookouts bring the action to AT&T Field every summer, going head-to-head with teams from across the South. The season opens on May 4th this year as the Lookouts take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, tickets will be sold in phases, with the first-phase games, from May 4th until June 13th, being socially distanced, reduced capacity, and mask required. Join mascot Looie the Lookout to cheer on the team! milb.com/chattanooga

Photos Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium, (Bears) Photo by Ian McAllister/PacificWild.org

Explore the world in one amazing place!

The Tennessee Aquarium is home to thousands of animals from nearly every ecosystem on Earth. Throughout the summer, the Aquarium invites you to explore habitats from all seven continents within their two buildings. Download your Global Passport activity sheet from the Aquarium’s website before visiting and come face-to-face with amazing creatures from around the world without ever leaving the Chattanooga riverfront! Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance online. tnaqua.org

Make no bones about it.

Hang out with a room full of spineless wonders at the Boneless Beauties exhibit, where you can watch jellyfish, octopuses, coral, sea stars, spider crabs, and anemones swim or sway without a backbone. In fact, jellyfish are not only boneless invertebrates, but they also have no brain! The Boneless Beauties gallery is an important part of any visit to the aquarium – there’s just something fascinating about these animals. You’ll feel it in your bones.

Explore the world in 3D.

The IMAX 3D Theater is the ultimate movie-going experience. Two new giant-screen adventures transport you to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. If you love outdoor adventure, then Into America’s Wild 3D will help you plan your next nature escape. Three trailblazers take you from the wilds of Alaska to the lush terrain of the Appalachian Trail. This nonstop ride via kayak, bike, hot air balloon, and more explores the transformative allure of being outdoors.

Great Bear Rainforest 3D is a journey to a land of grizzlies, coastal wolves, sea otters, and the all-white spirit bear – the rarest bear on earth. Hidden from the outside world, the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the wildest places left on earth. IMAX tickets are just $8. tnaqua.org/IMAX

Photos Courtesy of Chattanooga Zoo

Enjoy creature comforts.

Are you an animal-lover? Over 650 animals from all over the world await you at the Chattanooga Zoo. See cougars and coyotes, tamarins and tortoises, monkeys and meerkats, all while enjoying your personalized zoo experience. You can take a semi-private guided tour. Ride a camel (or a train). Feed a giraffe. Pet a goat, interact with a meerkat, or get up-close and personal with a Komodo dragon. A visit to the Chattanooga Zoo always promises adventure, discovery, and plenty of wild fun. chattzoo.org

Have a ghost of a chance. 

Get into the spirit of things with Chattanooga Ghost Tours, where guides will share spooky tales of Chattanooga’s best haunted locales. Their award-winning original ghost tour takes guests on a walk through downtown Chattanooga, including a visit to the city’s most haunted hotel. Hoping to see an apparition? Don’t give up the ghost! If the spirit moves you, sign up for a ghost hunt, which comes complete with investigation equipment, so you can see if you’re in the presence of paranormal activity. chattanoogaghosttours.com

Photo by Brad Cansler

Be theatrical.

Originally founded in 1923, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre has been bringing fabulous theatrical productions to the city for 97 years now – thus making it among the oldest, largest, and busiest community theaters in the United States. Their 11 annual productions are watched by more than 30,000 theater-lovers each year, and they have a 40,000-square-foot facility, which houses rehearsal rooms, a dance studio, costume and set-construction shops, and two theaters. They have several concerts coming up this season, including The Big Fig concert on May 25th and the Counterpoint Trio concert on June 15th. theatrecentre.com

Be a trailblazer.

Happy trails are here again at the Lula Lake Land Trust, where you can hike or bike more than eight miles of trails, picnic while enjoying incredible bluff views, or take a selfie in front of the waterfalls (one of which is 120 feet tall!). All these gems of nature are a welcome respite just minutes from the urban hustle of the city. The “easiest” hike is 4.2 miles, or, for the daring athletes, there is an 8.7-mile mountain bike loop that also involves a climb at more than 900 feet up. During the summer, Lula Lake is open the first and last weekends of each month for public access and expert-led guided hiking experiences; reservations are required. lulalake.org 

Photo Courtesy of Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Do something historic.

Named after the “Empress of the Blues” – 1920s blues singer and Chattanooga native Bessie Smith – the Bessie Smith Cultural Center honors the contributions of African Americans to the development of Chattanooga and celebrates African American history and culture as a whole. Plan a visit to the newly renovated Chattanooga African American Museum and also enjoy the exquisite architecture of the center, including the Vilma Fields Atrium and the Bessie Smith Performance Hall. bessiesmithcc.org

Get the hang of it.

Hang out with Lookout Mountain Flight Park (LMFP), where you can soar high above the Scenic City. Take a tandem flight with an instructor, at either 1,500 or 3,000 feet, or receive advance training in order to hang glide on your own. With safety as their No. 1 priority, LMFP is one of the oldest hang gliding flight schools with some of the best instructors in the country. On-site facilities include overnight accommodations, a volleyball court, clubhouse, and a pool, and they also offer paragliding. flylookout.com

Book it.

Sometimes, you just want to curl up with a good book to relax at the end of a long day. If reading is a fun activity in your book, you’re in luck. Chattanooga has a good selection of bookstores to choose from. McKay’s is a retail metropolis of used books, movies, music, and more. Not only can you get a great deal on a used book there, but you can sell or trade your old stuff. Winder Binder – Books Art and Music has both new and used items, including folk art and vinyl. A Little Bookish sells both adults’ and kids’ books, along with games and toys. And All Books is a used bookstore specializing in books, yarn, and pottery. 

mckaybooks.com  | facebook.com/winderbinder | alittlebookish.com | facebook.com/allbooks.inc 

Photo by Emily Pérez Long

Discover something brewing.

All hail the ale! Beer is always a go-to beverage, and nowadays, it’s even more popular, thanks to small-batch and craft breweries. Chattanooga has several great breweries to check out right in the downtown area, including OddStory, Heaven & Ale, Five Wits, Hutton & Smith, Naked River, Wanderlinger Brewing Company, and Chattanooga Brewing Company. Arrange a tour, plan for a tasting, or hang out in a taproom. Whether you’re an IPA enthusiast, pilsner purist, or lager lover, you’re bound to find something that tickles the taste buds here in town. 

oddstorybrewing.co | heavenandalebrewing.com | fivewitsbrewing.com | huttonandsmithbrewing.com | nakedriverbrewing.com |
wanderlinger.com | chattabrew.com

Photos Courtesy of Hunter Musuem of American Art

Get artsy. 

If you’re seeking some culture in the Scenic City, head on over to the Hunter Museum of American Art, where you can enjoy art and culture galore. The museum’s collections and exhibitions are spread out in three different buildings — including a beautiful early 20th-century mansion atop the bluff — and feature paintings, sculptures, photography, textiles, and glass from the Colonial period to today. Check out the installation art exhibit “Baggs McKelvey: Indigo,” which is made entirely out of denim, or the ongoing photo exhibit “Depicting the Invisible,” featuring works that portray the lasting effect of war on those who serve. At the Hunter, you can have museum-going down to a fine art. huntermuseum.org   

Ken Browar and Deborah Ory, Samuel Lee Roberts, 2017. Dye sublimation print on aluminum, 50 x 42 inches, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Clothing by Issey Miyake, Image courtesy of the artists.

Look at the big picture.

From May 21st through September 6th, the Hunter will be featuring the special exhibit “Power, Passion & Pose: Photographs by Ken Browar and Deborah Ory.” This collection of nearly 50 beautiful works accompanied by costumes will highlight the intersection of dance and couture fashion with photography. The exhibit is a joint collaboration among artists, dancers, and choreographers.

Ashley V. Blalock, Bridging the Hunter (from the series Keeping Up Appearances), 2020. Crocheted cotton yarn. (c) Ashley V. Blalock, 2021.

See red.

In the east wing of the museum, the fabulous and immense crocheted red doilies by artist Ashley V. Blalock hang majestically within the stairwell leading to the Hunter Mansion. These crimson installation pieces are meant to combine craft, fine art, and everyday objects.

Go public.

Public art is seen as a collaboration between artists and the community – a way to use space to affect art. The Hunter has an extensive collection of public art pieces in the form of large-scale outdoor statues that decorate the city, on both the grounds of the museum and beyond.

Photo Courtesy of Experience Chattanooga

Take a hike.

Experience Chattanooga is the ultimate outdoor experience. Not only will you be in the presence of natural beauty and scenery, from refreshing waterfalls to breathtaking overlooks to serene forests, but each hike also comes with all the amenities. Hiking packages are family-friendly and include professional photography to commemorate your experience, transportation to and from the hiking site (optional), expert tips from your guides, and snacks and water. They even throw in some restaurant discounts, so you can satisfy the hunger you work up while walking the trails. Choose from either easy- or moderate-level hikes, and all tours are private and therefore fully socially distant. experiencechattanooganow.com

Let the good times roll.

Looking for a fun and unique way to visit the city? See the Scenic City by Segway with Chattanooga Segway Tours. After a brief tutorial on how to operate a Segway, you’ll be ready to roll. Choose from a guided two-hour historic tour of downtown, covering notable points of interest and stories that locals love, or roll along the river with a slightly shorter, 90-minute guided tour of the Northshore area, which includes the Walnut Street Bridge and Coolidge Park. chattanoogasegwaytours.com

Answer the call of nature.

Want to feel closer to nature? The 317 acres of forests and fields of the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, at the foot of Lookout Mountain, have been letting nature take its course for over 65 years now. With emphasis on botanicals, wildlife, education, and recreation, Reflection Riding features 14 miles of trails for hiking, more than 140 tree species, canoeing along Lookout Creek, and native animal exhibits that represent nearly 30 species native to east Tennessee. reflectionriding.org

Shop in style.

Warehouse Row, one of the Southeast’s premier shopping destinations, is made up of buildings that once formed the Old Stone Fort during the 1860s. With shops that today offer jewelry, clothing, home goods, cosmetics, and accessories, this warehouse-turned-retail center can help you find whatever you need for a personal pampering or the perfect gift. And if those cute jeans you saw aren’t all that you’re craving during your shopping spree, there are also plenty of on-site spots to choose from for a cocktail, coffee, snack, or full meal. warehouserow.com

Photo Courtesy of Yellow Racket Records

Set the record straight.

If you thought vinyl was a thing of the past, think again. Beef up your vinyl collection at Yellow Racket Records, where you can find all your classic favorites, including The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Grateful Dead, along with newer artists, such as Sturgill Simpson, Tame Impala, and Leon Bridges. Yellow Racket also sells t-shirts and turntables and even has an online catalog for top-tier convenience. yellowracketcha.com

Taste the moon.

Once in a blue moon, a treat comes along that’s so delicious and well-loved that it becomes a classic. Such is the case with MoonPies. These s’mores-like goodies were originally invented by Chattanooga Bakery, Inc. over 100 years ago, and today, MoonPies have become so popular and famous that the bakery produces up to a million of them per day! Visit the MoonPie General Store to learn more about them, stock up on MoonPies in a variety of flavors, or shop for MoonPie apparel and gifts. You’ll be over the moon. moonpie.com

Steep yourself in history.

At a 72.7% grade, the historic 125+-year-old Incline Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world. Originally built in the 1800s, this climbing funicular takes visitors up “America’s Most Amazing Mile” to see breathtaking views and several Civil War sites. Take the Incline Railway back down the mountain again to wander around the charming St. Elmo district below and grab a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream while you’re there — if you’re so inclined. With tickets to the railway starting at just $7, the prices are one thing that isn’t so steep. ridetheincline.com

Photo Courtesy of National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

Do something heroic.  

Chattanooga is the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military award for valor. A total of 52 Medals of Honor were awarded for actions in the Chattanooga area during the Civil War. The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center explores the amazing stories of those first medals, along with the exploits of all Medal of Honor recipients from Tennessee, through award-winning immersive exhibits in its 19,000-square-foot facility downtown. The center also offers changing exhibits and special events throughout the year. mohhc.org

Photos Courtesy of International Towing Museum

Go with the tow.

Did you know that the tow truck was invented right here in Chattanooga? So what better place to learn all about the towing industry and its history than at the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum right here in town? See fully restored tow trucks (including the world’s fastest!), towing equipment, and collectible toy tow trucks. Check out the Hall of Fame, which honors more than 300 noteworthy towing professionals from around the world and how they contributed to the towing industry. Every honoree is inducted during a ceremony each year in October and has their photo on the wall in a special section of the museum. You can also visit the Wall of the Fallen – recognizing men and women in the towing field who have lost their lives in the line of service. The Towing Museum shows us that tow trucks don’t have to only be associated with accidents and parking violations; they can be fun, positive, and nostalgic!
internationaltowingmuseum.org

Courtesy of Hatties’ on Holmes Gift Shop

Leave with a gift in tow.

The International Towing Museum has a top-notch gift shop, named Hatties’ on Holmes, that offers everything from books to baseballs, cookie cutters to cutting boards, pillows to pins to patches – a nicely curated selection of gifts. If you’re looking for a memento of your visit to the museum, a fun gift for a loved one, or something to spruce up your home décor, this newly updated and well-stocked museum shop has everything you need. 

Photo Courtesy of See Rock City

Hit the rocks.

Panoramic views, botanical gardens, gargantuan rock formations, and magical day-glo villages – there’s a reason why Rock City is one of Chattanooga’s most beloved attractions. Located atop fabulous Lookout Mountain, Rock City offers more than just views that extend to seven different states, but also a 180-foot-long suspension bridge, a thundering waterfall, eateries, a working fudge kitchen, and much more. Wander along the 4,100-foot walking trail with your family or your furry friend (Rock City is pet-friendly!) past the streams, wonders, and enormous stunning stones that have stood the test of time. seerockcity.com

Stage a comeback.

Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, the famous Tivoli Theatre has been honoring the theatrical arts in a beautiful historic building in downtown Chattanooga since 1921. Dubbed Tivoli after its namesake town in Italy, the theater features more than 1,700 seats with velvet plush chairs, along with a grand lobby, its original box office, and an iconic marquee that make it recognizable to all. This beloved “Jewel of the South” should once again be featuring live performances by summer’s end. tivolichattanooga.com

Toast the town.

Whiskey is just one of the many things that Tennessee is known for, and you can taste the proof of that (111 proof, to be exact!) at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery. With over 100 different barrels maturing in its cellar and a retail shop where you can pick up a bottle of your favorite house-distilled bourbon expression, this distillery is well-stocked for daily guided tours and whiskey tastings (don’t miss their signature Tennessee High Malt!). Brush up on your bourbon knowledge while you tour, taste, and toast. chattanoogawhiskey.com

Photo by Grant Dotson Photography

Have a field day.

The largest sculpture park in the Southeast, Sculpture Fields at Montague Park offers 33 acres of large-scale sculptures by artists from around the world. With over 40 different sculptures to visit, this outdoor art museum is totally free and is a great resource for students, as well as a popular attraction for visitors. The sculpture park’s 1.5 miles of dog-friendly trails make it an excellent spot to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors, while also taking in a little culture. Download the free Otocast app to learn more about the sculptures. sculpturefields.org

Come out on top.

High Point Climbing and Fitness will have you climbing the walls. They offer 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor climbing, including brightly colored rock walls organized by skill level and discipline, 45-foot climbing walls, two bouldering areas, and a top-roping room. If you know that you want to climb on the bandwagon but aren’t sure where to start, High Point offers multiple classes for you to learn the ropes. There are also fitness and yoga classes, individual coaching, a Kid Zone, and youth clubs. highpointclimbing.com

Photo by Steve Freer, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Get on track.

Trains are an important piece of Chattanooga’s history, which you can see firsthand at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Get the inside track on the region’s railroad history with the museum’s displays and artifacts. Or, ride the rails on one of several train trips offered, including The Missionary Ridge Local, which takes guests along an original Chattanooga line; Dinner on the Diner, featuring a three-course dinner aboard a train; or the Summerville Steam Special, which follows a historic route to Summerville, Georgia. Additionally, Hiwassee River Rail Adventure trips are offered near Etowah, Tennessee. tvrail.com

Plan your escape.

These days, it’s easy to feel a little trapped. But what if being trapped could be fun? Lock yourself up in a room with friends, then enjoy the challenge and thrill of solving puzzles and clues to get out in 60 minutes or less. Different escape rooms come in various themes, and some even offer virtual options. Chattanooga has several escape room locations, including Escape Mission Chattanooga, Time to Escape, Escape Experience, Breakout Games, and All in Adventures Mystery Room. escapemissionchattanooga.com | itstimetoescape.com | escapeexperience.com | breakoutgames.com |
mysteryroom.com

Photo Courtesy of Topgolf

Tee off.

Get into the swing of things and improve your golf game or just have some fun. Topgolf is a sports entertainment facility that offers the opportunity for you to indulge your inner golfer by playing technology-enabled golf games and more. Topgolf Chattanooga also features mini-golf, golf lessons, and an excellent selection of food and drink options. From beer and a burger to cocktails and queso, this is a great spot for a birthday party, company outing, or date night. topgolf.com/us/chattanooga

Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Choo Choo

Feel good.

Laugh yourself into a great mood at The Comedy Catch, where nationally recognized (and downright funny!) stand-up comedians perform live. thecomedycatch.com

Nothing beats retail therapy. Shop your way to happiness at the Chattanooga Jewelry Co., which offers custom jewelry and watches, specialty jewelry, estate pieces, and jewelry repair. chattanoogajewelrycompany.com

To get those endorphins pumping and feel great, get in a good workout at Echelon Cycling & Fitness, which features 40-bike updated cycling studios, with group classes taught by certified instructors and live streaming. They also offer yoga, Pilates, and strength-training classes. echelonstudio.com

Music is good for the soul, and the Songbirds Foundation promotes music through lessons, programming, events, and the preservation of music history. songbirdsfoundation.org

Eat your heart out.

Grab a bite at STIR, which is known for its all-seasons outdoor seating, fresh oysters, and brunch – complete with $1 mimosas. They also pride themselves on their handmade cocktails, using the finest ingredients and hand-cut artisanal ice. stirchattanooga.com

Nic & Norman’s features traditional American cuisine and cocktails. It’s an ideal spot to grab a burger or flatbread on the outdoor patio to relax and people-watch. nandnchattanooga.com

Drink it all in. 

Grab a drink in a unique venue at American Draft. Situated inside an old converted train car, this tavern-meets-historic site offers a wide selection of beer. Enjoy a cold one on the deck or pick up a to-go beer at the concession window to sip while you wander around the Choo Choo area. americandraft.beer

Just steps away is Gate 11, a micro-distillery that makes its own spirits right on-site. You can tour the distillery – complete with tastings – or just stop by to enjoy one of their many handcrafted cocktails or pick up a bottle to take home. gate11distillery.com

Photo Courtesy of The Ice Cream Show

Scream for ice cream.

At The Ice Cream Show, you can concoct the frozen treat of your dreams by choosing from vanilla or chocolate ice cream or frozen yogurt, then adding your favorite toppings (from candies and cookie dough to chocolates and cherries). Can’t decide? Try a different one of the 17,000 possible flavor combinations each time you come in. With fresh-baked waffle cones, dairy-free and sugar-free options, as well as smoothies and gourmet coffee, there is surely something for everyone here. Enjoy the show! theicecreamshow.com

Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga Skydiving Company

Reach for the sky.

The sky’s the limit at the Chattanooga Skydiving Company! With 60 years of experience, they offer the newest, safest skydiving aircraft in the region and state-of-the- art parachute systems to ensure that your dive from the clouds will have you on cloud nine. Jump tandem from heights ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 feet – or, if you’re ready to get right into skydiving, no tandems necessary, jump into the solo Freefall program. Join their playground in the sky and become a licensed skydiver. chattanoogaskydivingcompany.com