Saturday, after 10 hour drive, we arrived late in Chattanooga Marriot, which I had a good deal from priceline.com. After settling in at the hotel, we took the free electric shuttle to Tennessee Aquarium. The aquarium is located at the north end of the downtown area. From there we strolled around trying to formalize the area and at the same time find a place to eat. Nearby, we passed the River Front, Hunter Museum of American Art, The Walnut Street Bridge, and the Bluff View Art District. These attractions are all in walking distance from each other.
The free electric shuttle runs every 5 minutes makes it very easy to go around downtown area.
Carriage tour
Carriage tour
Sunday morning, we went to Ruby Falls. At Ruby Falls, we first took an elevator 260 ft down from the ground to a cavern. A tour guide led us into the mountain through a 0.5 mile cave walk. He explained and showed us different rock formations along the way. At the end of the walk is an underground waterfall. It was all dark in the begining and then the LED lights were turned on for 4 minutes for the dramatic effect. After the light went off, we went out from the same route. We were glad we went there early in the morning because people were lining up outside when we got out. We had lunch at the "Sticky Fingers." in downtown. The restaurant is well known for its BBQ ribs and wings.
" Dragon's Foot" rock formation at Ruby Falls
Sunday afternoon, we opt for visiting the Tennessee Aquarium since the termperature was 100 degree outside and we need a place to chill. The aquarium is the largest in the state of Tennessee, It has two 2 buildings, one for ocean journey and one for river journey. Inside, there are butterfly habitat, exhibits of jelly fishes and penguins, and large tank of fishes. Children (adults as well) can even touch the stingrays with fingers.
Monday morning, we headed out to Rock City Garden. It was a 15 minute drive from our hotel to the Lookout Mountain, Georgia. In Rock City Garden, we walk through different exotic rock formation and landscape such as "Needle's Eye," "Fat Man's Squeeze," "Swing-Along Bridge," .etc. At the lookout spot, you can see the 7 states. The walk is relaxing and the view was breathtaking.
A narrow passage( "Needle's Eye") at Rock City Garden
It took some courage to cross the "Swing-Along Bridge"
From the lookout on top of the picture, you can see the seven states
It took some courage to cross the "Swing-Along Bridge"
From the lookout on top of the picture, you can see the seven states
After the Rock City Garden, we went to Chattanooga Choo Choo. Chattanooga Choo Choo used to be a train station, now the terminal was converted to a garden, and the complex was used by Holiday Inn for hotels, restaurants, gift shops and convention center. We had a light lunch there and appreciated the grandiose of the building.
Model Train at Chattanooga Choo Choo showed the heritage of its railroad past
Monday afternoon, we visited the Hunter Museum of American Art. The museum is located right on the cliff overlooking Tennessee River. It consists of three buildings: the main building is a classic mansion; the east wing and the west wing are two contemporary style buildings. The art collection includes American impressionism, modernism and contemporary art. The west side of the museum is the Bluff View Art District which hosts a collection of restaurants and boutique shops. The east side of the museum is the Walnut Street Bridge which is the second longest pedestrian bridge. We had dinner at the Tony's Pasta Shop in the Bluff View Art District. Next door at Rembrandt's coffee shop, people can sit outside while enjoying their sip of coffee. It brought back my memory of living in Germany. After dinner, we took a walk along the river and stroll around downtown and conclude our stay in Chattanooga.
Hunters Museum of American Art overlooking the Tennessee River
Now you know the answers.
No comments:
Post a Comment