Opinion: You should spend a day in Chattanooga
Fall break is fast approaching. Many students will travel or go home over the four-day weekend. Others may choose to stay on campus. Instead of sitting around a dorm room for four days, students should get out and explore the area
A day trip to Chattanooga would be the perfect way for students to have fun while staying in the area. As someone who was born and raised in Cleveland, I have been to Chattanooga many times. I created a list of unique places that would be cool to visit while spending a day in Chattanooga.
1.) Tennessee Riverwalk
The Tennessee River Walk is a 16-mile pathway that runs alongside the Tennessee River. Visiting the riverwalk is a great way to experience Chattanooga. It connects some of the city' s defining features, like Coolidge Park and Walnut Street Bridge. With beautiful scenery and great stops along the way, the riverwalk is a wonderful place to bike, run or walk. I recommend parking along Amnicola Highway and biking to Rembrandt’s Coffee House for delicious drinks and treats.
2.) McKAY’s
McKAY’s is a physical media lover’s dream. It is a used book and record store chain with locations in Tennessee and North Carolina. The store is filled with tens of thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, toys, games, instruments and more. McKAY’s also offers cash or store credit for gently used items. The store’s size may be overwhelming, so I recommend setting aside an hour to look through it.
3.) Tennessee Aquarium
One of downtown Chattanooga’s recognizable features is the Tennessee Aquarium. The aquarium consists of two buildings: the River Journey and the Ocean Journey. Visitors can see all different kinds of creatures, such as penguins, otters and jellyfish. Visiting the Butterfly Garden and petting a stingray are two experiences you do not want to miss. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out.
4.) The Yellow Deli
With its rustic, earthy atmosphere, walking into the Yellow Deli feels like stepping into a hippie commune from the 1970s. The location in Chattanooga was the first in a chain of restaurants across the world. The Yellow Deli is run by The Twelve Tribes, a Christian fundamentalist group made up of communities across the world.
Their menus are handwritten with doodles and flowery accents. The food is made from scratch, and they are best known for their hot sandwiches. Eating at the Yellow Deli is a unique dining experience that everyone who visits Chattanooga should experience.
5.) The Hot Chocolatier
Craving a sweet treat? The Hot Chocolatier is just the place you are looking for. This chocolate shop is locally owned, with two locations in Chattanooga. The shop’s gourmet hot chocolate drinks are perfect for sipping in the cool autumn weather. Their menu has many other items, such as sandwiches and desserts. I recommend stopping by for a cup of hot chocolate and a dessert.
6.) Rock City
Looking for a bit of whimsy? Rock City is a mountaintop tourist attraction located a few miles down the road from Chattanooga. Visiting Rock City feels like stepping into the pages of a storybook. The Enchanted Trail leads you through the park’s many sites, including Fat Man’s Squeeze, the Swing-A-Long Bridge, High Falls and the Seven States Flag Court. One of the park’s most eccentric features, a personal favorite, is the Fairyland Caverns. With its beauty, uniqueness and eccentricity, Rock City is a must-see place for anyone visiting the Chattanooga area.
Chattanooga is full of gems, so this list could not cover all the great places and things to discover there. I recommend taking a trip to see for yourself all the cool things the city has to offer.
