10 Spots to Wander by Ashleigh Gallop

The Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga courtesy of Tony Fox

Our story of Tennessee is told one picture at a time, and the road in Chattanooga is paved with many of those pictures. Here’s our idea of a great Saturday in the ‘Nooga.

The Bitter Alibi

Their tag line….YOU WERE WITH US THE WHOLE TIME. Hoping it’s not your excuse from the night before, make sure you make it to The Bitter Alibi for breakfast to start your day. Open at 9am, their Breakfast Menu is the best in town. Serving local fruits, veggies and Niedlov’s Bread, make sure you try the Cumberbatch and wash it down with the Wake N Bacon.

Tennessee Aquarium

Now on to our next spot. Arrive right after breakfast to avoid the crowds. Featuring a River Journey and Ocean Journey in two separate buildings, the Tennessee Aquarium is a MUST SEE. Rated as the best aquarium in America, guests can enjoy otters to penguins, butterflies to sharks, and frogs to jellyfish, all while overlooking the Tennessee River. Their mission: inspire wonder, appreciation, and protection of water and all life that it sustains.

Walnut Street Bridge

Once you’ve finished at the Aquarium, take the Walnut Street Bridge to the North Shore. It’s a great stroll and even better view of our beautiful city. Over 100 years old, the “Chattanooga Walking Bridge” is a MUST DO for Chattanooga. Restored in 1993, the pedestrian bridge links the Arts District with our North Shore. From public parks to pedestrian walkways, there are shops and restaurants galore on either end of the bridge. This is a popular spot to relax and enjoy our wonderful city!

River Street Deli/Clumpies

Once on the North Shore, it’s time to hit River Street Deli for lunch. This true New York style deli has a unique and delicious menu that everyone will love. What to order? You’ll never go wrong with the daily special. After lunch, head up the stairs to Clumpies to cool off with a scoop or two of ice cream. Each flavor is hand made in small batches so you get the richest and creamiest scoop of ice cream each time. Our favorite: Firecracker…. It’s Tutti Frutti ice cream with Pop-Rocks!

Blue Skies

As you make your way back toward the walking bridge, head into Blue Skies. An independent and local store, they sell artisan jewelry, funky purses, baby gifts, paper goods, and so much more. You won’t find their items at any big box store, and the gift wrapping is always free!

Carousel @ Coolldge Park

Don’t cross the river just yet. Stop at Coolidge Park first. Here you can play in the interactive water fountain, enjoy the beautiful views of our Tennessee River and ride a giraffe on the 100 year old restored antique carousel. Have a seat in the large grassy area and relax and enjoy the day.

Photo courtesy of Katy Beth Barber — Photo courtesy of **Katy Beth Barber**

Hunter Museum of Art

The Downtown side of the Walnut Street Bridge will lead you on a glass walking bridge to the next stop for the day. The Hunter Museum of Art houses American art from the Colonial period to present in a beautiful building with mountain and river views. Some of the artists represented are Winslow Homer and Andy Warhol. A family friendly gallery that everyone will enjoy. And, don’t forget that on the first Thursday of every month, admission is free.

Bluff View Art District-Tony’s

To finish off your day, the Bluff View Art District is right next to the museum. There you can stroll through the gardens of this 1.5 block bluff-top, art district that overlooks the river. After browsing the vast array of visual and horticultural art, have dinner at Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria. Old world Italian food is sure to please the entire family. Bread from the nearby Bluff View Bakery is served, and the Lobster Ravioli is to die for.

Puckett’s

Don’t head home just yet without stopping into Puckett’s for dessert. This restaurant that started as a grocery store back in the 50’s gives you a taste of true southern hospitality and great entertainment. You can enjoy live music every Saturday night. So sit back, listen and have a piece of Moon Pie Banana Pudding or Homemade Cobbler of the day.

Ashleigh Gallop is a blogger from Chattanooga. Follow her on Instagram, @as_drake