Chattanooga weekend trip

[jdkk424]

Need help to plan a budget weekend trip to Chattanooga, TN. Please help budget board planners. Thanks.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

Check out the website chattanoogafun.com for loads of information and some discounts as well. Our last visit was to the Aquarium (just a day trip) but we enjoyed it. We usually try to see Rock City, Aquarium, I-Max, Ruby Falls. My DDs enjoyed staying in one of the "train cars" at the Chattanooga Choo Chooo Hotel - but that was quite a few years back so I can comment on the condition of the rooms now......

 

[mistymouse5001]

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is running a promotion We went a couple of years ago and got an all inclusive package for a family of 4 with an oasis view for $647 . That included tickets to the area attractions ! The food was so good.

http://www.choochoo.com/

 

[mistymouse5001]

oh and that was for 4 nights ! http://www.roadsideamerica.com/hote...577825747&visited=true&clickingLogId=68066911

 

[anna08]

Our Costco had a hotel/aquarium ticket package recently for sale. Maybe you can get one from their website? The aquarium is fantastic and if you have little ones, the Discovery Center is close by and also a lot of fun. There are some hotels that advertise packages for that too.

 

[dogodisney]

I agree with checking out the Chattanooga Choo Choo. A few years back we got a package and I thought it was pretty reasonable. They have packages for different activities. Kids under a certain age eat free at their garden restaurant (I think that's what it's called). We did the Aquarium, Discovery Museum, Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline. What is nice too is that there is free transporation around downtown.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I agree with checking out the Chattanooga Choo Choo. A few years back we got a package and I thought it was pretty reasonable. They have packages for different activities. Kids under a certain age eat free at their garden restaurant (I think that's what it's called). We did the Aquarium, Discovery Museum, Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline. What is nice too is that there is free transporation around downtown.

We haven't tried the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel yet but we have stayed at a Sleep Inn I think it was. They had a small indoor pool which was nice for our kids when they were little.

We've done the Aquarium, Discovery Museum, Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline as well. Plus at the top of the Incline is a park a block or two over that we've wandered thru.

I couldn't have done all of that in one trip though. We've done Aquarium, Rock City and the Incline and park on one trip.
On another trip we did the Aquarium again because we liked it, Ruby Falls and the Discovery Museum. Plus some shopping.

Near the Aquarium used to be a great restaurant. I think it was kitty corner from it and was called the something Brewery. It was totally worth going to.

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

Our Costco had a hotel/aquarium ticket package recently for sale. Maybe you can get one from their website? The aquarium is fantastic and if you have little ones, the Discovery Center is close by and also a lot of fun. There are some hotels that advertise packages for that too.

The Creative Discovery Museum is 3 blocks from the Riverfront, did not want OP to try and locate info on it and not be able to find it.

http://www.cdmfun.org/

The Brewery near the Aquarium is Big River Grille the same Big River Grille as on the Boardwalk at WDW.

http://www.bigrivergrille.com/index.php

They have a customer loyalty program that you buy into called Passport rewards. It cost you $25 but you get $20 to spend on your next visit. So go in and have an Drink and an appetizer and buy the membership then visit the Aquarium and come back for Dinner.

http://www.bigrivergrille.com/index.php?pg=rewards

Food is good, service is OK to poor and the Beer is great.

They also own the restaurant next door, Bluewater Grill, the passport rewards work there also.

http://www.bigrivergrille.com/index.php?pg=rewards

There are a lot of great restaurants in Chattanooga, let me know what you like and I will be happy to steer you to wards the good ones and away from the bad.

The Walnut Street Bridge is closed right now due to renovations but Coolidge Park is open. It has a really nice water feature for the children if you are planning on visiting during the warmer months, a carousal and a climbing wall.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelgui...ngs_to_do-i;_ylt=ApjJptxvBAm.tsK8ArrArs6yUGoL

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2867592-walnut_wall_chattanooga-i


The incline is really neat and Point Park (does now have an entrance fee) has wonderful views and civil war history museum.


http://www.lookoutmountain.com/

http://ngeorgia.com/tenn/pointpark.html

the link below has discount coupons.


http://www.chattanoogagetaway.com/




If you are planning on staying at the Choo Choo I would not venture out of the complex on foot at night and be aware of your surroundings during the day, it is not a really great area and I know of two muggings there of people we know in the last month so I am sure there has been more.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is very interesting and from Feb 6 to Dec 18, 2010 you can ride the missionary Ridge run.

http://www.tvrail.com/

 

[katina816]

Hey Blue.Fairy2! Are you from Chattanooga? I live very near Chattanooga. Your suggestions are spot on!

 

[cnlmom]

How ironic....we were just planning our "spring break trip" and decided finally on Chattanooga. We were researching the area yesterday and will be going to Ruby falls and Rock city for sure. Any discounts on Lake Winnepesaukah. I am a sucker for amusement parks and the chance to go there clinched it for me. I saw them on the PBS special Great old amusement parks a few years back. We saw their opening day was April 9th, so guess that is what we are doing that day. We actually will be camping in our travel trailer, do you know anything about Raccoon Mountain campground. Looked like there was a nice statepark across the border in Trenton GA (Chimneys Campground and Coudland Canyonn) that looked awesome. I prefer state parks to private campgrounds, but not sure the extra travel time will be worth it, unless the local campgrounds are not so nice.

 

[pamluvsdisney]

Another vote for Coolige Park. Free fountains for kids to play in bring swimsuits. Walk across the bridge to get there. Merry GO round. Right near the fountains is a neat little shopping district. Go to Clumpies Ice Cream shop. They sell the ice cream by the ounce, not cheap but very memorable experience for my 3 girls, my husband and I.
Chattanooga weekend was great in 2008!

 

[KNJWDW]

I am glad to see this thread. We plan on spending 2 nights in Chattanooga in April as well. We are driving to Florida, not to WDW, though and will stay one night on the way down and one back home. It is a very long story, but we will be travelling with our loveable, but large Golden Retriever. Does anyone know of any hotels in the area that allows big dogs? I see someone mentioned that the ChooChoo isn't very safe at night and we may need to walk the dog after dark, so would like some where that we would feel comfortable.

Thx!

 

[cnlmom]

Regarding resturants.....we would be interested in going to a "local dive". You know, the place that is inexpensive, has good food and all the locals know about it. Any suggestions?

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

Hey Blue.Fairy2! Are you from Chattanooga? I live very near Chattanooga. Your suggestions are spot on!

Yes.

How ironic....we were just planning our "spring break trip" and decided finally on Chattanooga. We were researching the area yesterday and will be going to Ruby falls and Rock city for sure. Any discounts on Lake Winnepesaukah. I am a sucker for amusement parks and the chance to go there clinched it for me. I saw them on the PBS special Great old amusement parks a few years back. We saw their opening day was April 9th, so guess that is what we are doing that day. We actually will be camping in our travel trailer, do you know anything about Raccoon Mountain campground. Looked like there was a nice statepark across the border in Trenton GA (Chimneys Campground and Coudland Canyonn) that looked awesome. I prefer state parks to private campgrounds, but not sure the extra travel time will be worth it, unless the local campgrounds are not so nice.

http://www.lakewinnie.com/

I can not believe I forgot Lake Winnie! They do offer several discount, usually a different discount for each day of the week. Check the website or a local McDonald's.

Another vote for Coolige Park. Free fountains for kids to play in bring swimsuits. Walk across the bridge to get there. Merry GO round. Right near the fountains is a neat little shopping district. Go to Clumpies Ice Cream shop. They sell the ice cream by the ounce, not cheap but very memorable experience for my 3 girls, my husband and I.
Chattanooga weekend was great in 2008!

The Walnut Street Bridge is CLOSED for renovation not sure when they will reopen it. Speaking of Clumpie's there is also another new ice cream shop on the museum end of the Walnut Street Bridge that is awesome, The Ice Cream Show.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/28/ice-cream-show-business-downtown-near-hunter-museu/

Regarding resturants.....we would be interested in going to a "local dive". You know, the place that is inexpensive, has good food and all the locals know about it. Any suggestions?

Nikki's Greasy Spoon Type Has the BEST shrimp and onion rings I have had anywhere, hands down!

http://www.chattanoogahasfun.com/dining/nikkis-drive-inn/

Bea's Restaurant
4500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37407-3326
(423) 867-3618‎

family style

Food Works - not a dive but great food at reasonable prices

http://www.riversidefoodworks.com/

Pisa Pizza

http://www.pisapizza.com/

 

[katina816]

Hey all,
I live just outside of Chattanooga. I will be glad to help if I can.
As for camping Cloudland Canyon is much nicer than Raccoon Mtn. You should visit Raccoon Mtn it is a nice place, the caverns are great.

Rock City and Ruby Falls are very nice. We have been many times. Go to there website you can buy combo tickets. Of course, you must ride the incline railway. You can tour Point Park at the top of the mountain. www.seerockcity.com Also, www.chattanoogapackages.com has a lot of info.

Coolidge Park is awesome. There is an antique hand carved merry go round/carousel. Fountains for the kids to play in the water. Picnic area. It is on the river which is beautiful. We go there very often. There are some great little shops near the park. You can get Hawaiian shave ice from a vendor at the park.

Tennessee Aquarium, Discovery Museum, and Imax theater are in downtown Chattanooga. Just opposite the river from Coolidge park.

Another awesome thing to do is go to the Drive in Movies in Trenton Ga. It is approx 20 or 30 min from downtown. They have 2 screens and show double features. tickets last year were $5 per person. Wilderness Theater.

As for restaurants there are many in Chattanooga. We love Cheeburger Cheeburger near the aquarium. 50's style diner. great malts and burgers. get a basket of frings. (mix of onion rings and fries)
The mellow mushroom has awesome pizza. Stinky Fingers in Jacks Alley has good BBQ. There are too many to name.

If you stay at the Choo Choo they have electric buses that run all day. You can get the bus and visit all the downtown attractions. The bus is free.

Lake Winnie, as the locals call it, is fun for the entire family. I have spent many days at Lake Winnie. That is in Rossville, GA.

You can tour the Chickamauga Chattanooga Battlefield if you are a civil war buff. You could spends days there. The town of Chickamauga is a historic town with antique shops and small restaurants.

I live in Ringgold, Ga. about 15 minutes south of Chattanooga. We are a small town. You can see the Ringgold Depot it was the location of the Great Locomotive Chase. We are also a very historic town. Lots of small shops antiques, gifts, a great coffee shop, etc. Come see me!

If I think of anything else I'll post it or you can ask me?

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

http://www.chattanoogafun.com/coupons/index.asp?coupons=dining

 

[TheRatPack]

:::waving:::: from Chickamauga

Don't forget if you have some time to check out the Chickamauga Battlefield....if you're in to that sort of thing. We enjoy it, just a nice relaxing place to take in some history as Katina already pointed out

 

[wovenwonder]

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is running a promotion We went a couple of years ago and got an all inclusive package for a family of 4 with an oasis view for $647 . That included tickets to the area attractions ! The food was so good.

http://www.choochoo.com/

WARNING - A friend of mine was just at this hotel and it was DISGUSTING! Service was wonderful but room was awful. I've asked her to chime in here so you should get a review from her soon.

 

[TheRatPack]

That ChooChoo is just in a bad part of town too....it used to be so nice there, we'd go ice skating every weekend....but it's went downhill over the years. There are so many other hotels closer to the aquarium and other attractions that also have the packages. I know the Marriott has a few chains closer to the river and they usually have package deals.

 

[tnmt]

I personally think Bea's Restaurant is in a bad part of town too, plus I don't like their food either. They put it on a carousel on your table and includes things like fried okra, fried chicken, veggies, corn bread and just homestyle cooking in general. They also keep refilling it when the carousel gets empty or close to empty. Nothing to get excited about unless you are into that kind of food when eating out.