My mom and I love to take a short weekend getaway around the holidays. Chattanooga is conveniently located two and a half hours from downtown Nashville and an hour and forty-five minutes from Atlanta. Chattanooga is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but we were more interested in the indoor activities (shopping and food)! Here’s a rundown from our girls’ weekend in the ‘noog!
Where to Stay
Chattanooga Marriott Downtown [Two Carter Place | 423-756-0002] – We stayed at the Marriott downtown which is conveniently attached to the Chattanooga Convention Center. The hotel staff was very welcome and accomodating, and the central location was perfect!
The Dwell [120 E. 10th Street | 423-267-7866] For a midcentury Palm Springs getaway without the price tag, stay at The Dwell! Tropical prints and bold colors abound in one of Chattanooga’s newest boutique hotels.
Holiday Inn – Hamilton Place [2232 Center Street | 425-485-1185] Conveniently located next to the shopping and dining of Hamilton Place and minutes from downtown, the Holiday Inn at Hamilton Place is also a great option for your weekend getaway.
What to Do
Tennessee Aquarium [ 1 Broad Street | 800-262-0695] – The Aquarium was BY FAR the highlight of our weekend! The Tennessee Aquarium is separated into two buildings, the River Journey (featuring freshwater species) and Ocean Journey (featuring saltwater species). An Aquarium tickets gets you access to both buildings where you could easily spend an entire day!
We spent around three hours in the River Journey building, including the Backstage Pass tour. The Backstage Pass tour is a $17 add-on to the price of a regular ticket, and I highly recommend! You get an up close and personal experience with the animals, including a tour of the quarantine facilities, where new animals are kept and studied, the food prep kitchen, and the opportunity to feed the animals in River Giants exhibit. We were lucky enough to be the only two people on the tour (limited to 15) so I asked a ton of questions, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable about all of the species in the exhibits in addition to the history and operation of the Tennessee Aquarium.
Warehouse Row [1110 Market Street | 423-967-1111] You could spend a whole afternoon at Warehouse Row, shopping, visiting the Woodhouse Day Spa, and grabbing a bite to eat! (See below for restaurant recommendations.) Plus, it’s all inside to keep you out of the chilly winter weather!
Goodwill [1966 Northpoint Boulevard | 423-877-3739] My mom and I can’t take a girls’ trip without at least one trip to Goodwill! We went to the Hixson/Northgate Goodwill and found a couple of gems! I love thrifting with my mom! She’s a Goodwill pro and finds the best pieces!
Encore Consignment [1301 Dorchester Rd #113 | 423-267-0130] We received a recommendation from our sweet tour guide at the Aquarium to visit Encore Consignment. I found the Clover Canyon statement pants above and a $12 J.Crew silk top!
Where to Eat
Sweater: Somedays Lovin via Rent the Runway; Jean: Kendall & Kylie: Sneakers: Superga; Bag: Banana Republic, old
State of Confusion [301 E. Main Street | 423-760-3473] – The potato chip nachos DO NOT DISAPPOINT. If you are visiting around the holidays, they set up igloos around their outdoor area.
The Public House [1110 Market Street | 423-266-3366] – Located in Warehouse Row, the Public House is a great place to grab dinner after a day of shopping. I loved the PH pimento cheese and five spice pork belly!
Koch’s Bakery [1900 Broad Street | 423-265-3331] A great bakery to grab donuts and snap a pic in front of the donut wall! Don’t forget to grab a coffee next door at The Mad Priest.
Two Ten Jack [1100 Market Street | 423-551- 8799] One of my Nashville favorites also has a location at Warehouse Row. The crispy brussels are a MUST HAVE!
Milk & Honey [135 N. Market Street | 423-521-3123] – The gelato at Milk & Honey is to die for, but the food isn’t to be missed either! I highly recommend the Superfood Salad!
Frothy Monkey [1400 Market Street | 423-680-63643] Another one of my Nashville favorites, Frothy Monkey, has a location in Chattanooga that is conveniently located near the Chattanooga Choo Choo. My menu favs are the Betsy sandwich, Gail salad, and the turtle latte!
Though Chattanooga attracts many outdoor enthusiasts, we had a a great girls’ weekend staying in the city! Have you been to Chattanooga? What are your must see, must dos, and must eats? Leave me a comment below!
Check out my other weekend travel guides for Jackson, MS and Toronto!
Looks like a great trip w/some fabulous shopping!
Author
It was! We had a wonderful time and will definitely go back!