Over fall break of my senior year of college, my friend Mary and I spent a day in Chattanooga, and I absolutely fell in love. As a Greenville, South Carolina, native, Chattanooga felt like a bigger version of a familiar place. We didn't have a ton of money to spend so we did our best to enjoy what Chattanooga has to offer while keeping spending to a minimum.
The Chattanooga Market has special events almost every week. Oktoberfest was going on the weekend that we were in town.
"Inside the Chattanooga Market's Oktoberfest" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
There was so much great food and neat local artists selling their products: locally grown vegetables, lots of sauces, various honeys, bakeries, jewelry of all kinds, hanging terrariums, artists of all kinds, furniture makers, etc.
"Some terrariums at a booth in the market" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
The Walnut Street Bridge offers great views of the river and the city. This bridge is only foot traffic and bikes, while the bridges on either side of it are mainly for cars.
"View of the Market St. Bridge from the Walnut St. Bridge" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
It might seem odd, considering it's just a bridge, but walking on this bridge was the moment I really fell in love in Chattanooga. Many of the people on the bridge were locals on a jog or walking their dogs. Between the view and seeing all the locals, being on the Walnut Street Bridge felt like the best taste of Chattanooga I got all day.
Community Pie is located in a central location in downtown Chattanooga. The restaurant specializes in pizza, sandwiches, and salads, but it also has a "sister" restaurant, Milk & Honey, that sells gelato.
Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
Clumpies is an adorable little ice cream shop right across the Walnut Street Bridge. The ice cream is sold by weight and is reasonably priced. They also have a lot of original flavors to try for the adventurous eater, but there are also more traditional flavors for anyone that is wanting a classic flavor.
"Inside Clumpies featuring art by local artist Kate Roebuck" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
Coolidge Park is on the north side of the bridge and super beautiful. When we were in the parking, there was a flag football league playing a game and families having reunions. It was good way to see what life is likely in Chattanooga and get away from the streets for a bit to relax.
"Percussion area of the park" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
"Mural near the park" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
The park has a great view of the Tennessee River and is right next to the docks as well. This park is a good place to just sit, relax, and watch the people who are paddle boarding, kayaking, or in boats.
"Mary taking on Chattanooga" — Photo Credit: Emily Grace Gill
The Passage is next to the Tennessee Aquarium. It is both a staircase and a water attraction that people can play in. There is art across from The Passage that references cultural aspects of America. Dogs are allowed to play in the lower section of the waterfall.
Chattanooga is truly the best city I've ever visited. It has great parks, beautiful scenery, an aquarium downtown, lots of restaurants, boutiques, etc. There are a lot of attractions nearby if travelers are looking for extra ways to spend their time.
