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Rediscover nearby Chattanooga this summer

June 16, 2012 | Filed under: Atlanta, GA,Lifestyle | Posted by: Eiskaffe

In about two hours you can rediscover the excitement of a city that has been beautifully reinvented.

About two hours north or Atlanta rests Chattanooga, TN. For many of us, we haven’t given Chattanooga a second thought since we went there for Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City and Ruby Falls field trips in middle school. I encourage you to revisit the city as an adult and discover just what it has to offer!

The North Shore community along the river’s edge have grown exponentially in recent years. You certainly won’t recognize it if you haven’t been there since the 90s. Plenty of excellent eateries, bars, comedy clubs, cafes and shop line the waterways and major thoroughfares, giving visitors plenty to do.

And what do I recommend? During my recent trip with my fiancé, we stopped into Riverside Food Works, a hip restaurant set in the historic Signal Knitting Mill. The exposed brick walls and industrial touches reflect the edgy approach to the eatery’s southern cuisine.

For drinks and atmosphere I recommend Rio Picante. The rooftop deck provides guests with excellent views and the comfortable warmth of a summer’s evening. The house margaritas are delicious and the beer list is pretty decent, too.

If you want to do something other than eat (understandably) check out the Chattanooga visitors’ page to plan your trip. Nightlife, engaging museums and galleries, and plenty of other entertainment options are well within reach. Enjoy the area’s natural beauty by visiting waterfalls and trails throughout the state parks.

One thing that I love about Chattanooga is that everything was easily accessible. I was there all weekend and didn’t pay for parking once! *ahem, Atlanta?* Travelers can get away without using our cars, actually. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian bridges are plentiful. And motorists actually stop when you start crossing the street. It’s refreshing, really.