Chattanooga, TN

Specializing in traditional Southern hospitality and delicious fare, 212 Market is Tennessee's first certified green restaurant. The bright loft space envelopes diners with warmth and comfort from the minute they step inside, thanks to artsy pendant

Specializing in traditional Southern hospitality and delicious fare, 212 Market is Tennessee's first certified green restaurant. The bright loft space envelopes diners with warmth and comfort from the minute they step inside, thanks to artsy pendant lighting, funky wall art, and hues of yellow, green and orange throughout. Once seated, guests enjoy such entrees as gulf shrimp and stone-ground grits with black eyed pea salsa and fried green tomatoes; ginger miso braised bison short ribs with wasabi sweet potatoes and sesame greens; and housemade spinach and walnut ravioli with rosemary tomato sauce, mushrooms and gorgonzola.

212 Market serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Entrees range from $15 to $29.

Located in downtown Chattanooga, the Bluff View Art District sits atop the stone cliffs above the Tennessee River. Spanning more than 1.5 city blocks, the district resembles a small European village and houses several restaurants, an art gallery, a

Located in downtown Chattanooga, the Bluff View Art District sits atop the stone cliffs above the Tennessee River. Spanning more than 1.5 city blocks, the district resembles a small European village and houses several restaurants, an art gallery, a historic bed and breakfast and several gardens and courtyards. The entire district is dedicated to the visual, horticultural and culinary arts.

Guests can begin their time in the district by stopping at the popular River Gallery, which features nationally-recognized artists and weekly art demonstrations. Then, enjoy a casual lunch or elegant dinner at one of the district's restaurants, which specialize in artisanal baked goods, homemade pastas and fresh-grown herbs and produce. Guests can even stay at the historic Bluff View Inn, which has 16 guest rooms spread throughout an 1889 English Tudor, 1927 Colonial Revival and 1908 Victorian home.

Group tours of the Bluff View Art District are available by appointment. Many of the district's restaurants, attractions and grounds feature indoor and outdoor event spaces.

The River Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Hours for restaurants in the district vary.

One of Chattanooga's most popular attractions, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a large attractions complex focused on Tennessee's love of the railroad. The complex itself was built as a railway station in 1908, and then, serving its last train in 1970,

One of Chattanooga's most popular attractions, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a large attractions complex focused on Tennessee's love of the railroad. The complex itself was built as a railway station in 1908, and then, serving its last train in 1970, became a hotel in 1973. It was also the inspiration behind the song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by The Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Today, the complex is a hub of activity. In addition to a hotel featuring standard guest rooms and 48 Victorian train car rooms, Chattanooga Choo Choo boasts shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Railroad Museum features a miniature version of Chattanooga and the Cumberland Mountain country, built in HO scale. The model railroad that travels the scene spans 174 feet, encompassing 3,000 feet of track, 320 buildings, 1,000 freight cars, and 80 passenger cars. Meanwhile, the on-site formal gardens are bursting with over 500 rose bushes, making it the only rose garden in the state designated as an All American Rose Selection Garden.

Other attractions at the complex include the authentic 1924 New Orleans' Trolley that ferries guests around the grounds and the Chattanooga Horse Trams, which take guests on 30-minute carriage rides through the area. Over five restaurants and several unique stores also call Chattanooga Choo Choo home.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is also an extremely versatile for private events and meetings, offering space for nearly every group size and need. Spaces available include the 369-square-foot American Train Car overlooking the rose gardens; the 7,154-square-foot Centennial Theatre for 550 guests; the 16,000-square-foot Grand Central Station for 1,000 guests; and the 6,860-square-foot, crystal chandelier-lined Imperial Ballroom for 800 guests. Group tours can also be arranged.

The Model Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Trolley tours run Sunday through Thursday at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM and Friday and Saturday at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM and 4 PM. Schedules and hours for other attractions vary, as do prices.

The zoo offers rental facilities both during and after hours. Pavilions and event tents may be rented for daytime functions, while the entire zoo and its education center are available for nighttime events.

The Chattanooga Zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 3-15 and $6 for adults. Admission for children under 3 is free.

An interactive museum geared towards the arts and sciences, the Creative Discovery Museum stimulates children's creative spirits and natural curiosity. The 43,000-square-foot building is home to a variety of hands-on exhibits geared towards toddlers

An interactive museum geared towards the arts and sciences, the Creative Discovery Museum stimulates children's creative spirits and natural curiosity. The 43,000-square-foot building is home to a variety of hands-on exhibits geared towards toddlers to ten-year-olds. Exhibits include Riverplay, which shows how a river works through a series of currents, locks and dams, and Performing Arts Gallery, which features three music rooms and recording studio. The popular Excavation Station is a large-scale sand pit with buried dinosaur bones, rocks and a crawl-through soil wall.

The museum offers private rental space throughout its exhibit areas, atrium, auditorium and rooftop. The Creative Discovery Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. General admission is $10.95. Admission for children under 2 is free.

The only structure that was used during and survived the Battle of Chickamauga, the 1847-built Gordon-Lee Mansion is a sprawling historic mansion that now acts as a fantastic event and meeting space. The plantation house sits on seven manicured acres

The only structure that was used during and survived the Battle of Chickamauga, the 1847-built Gordon-Lee Mansion is a sprawling historic mansion that now acts as a fantastic event and meeting space. The plantation house sits on seven manicured acres filled with rows of elm and maple trees and formal English and Southern vegetable gardens. Inside, the mansion is furnished with period antiques of the Federal, Empire and early Victorian origin, including crystal and brass chandeliers. In addition to private events, the mansion regularly hosts special events for visitors and is open for tours for groups of at least 10 people by reservation.

The options for private events at the Gordon-Lee Mansion are numerous and varied. The group tour and lunch combo is an option for 40 or more people, while dinners buffet or plated can be arranged for 30 or more guests. Especially popular is the tour and Southern Barbecue dinner combo, which invites up to 180 people to enjoy a sizeable feast on the same grounds where veterans ate in 1889 at the Blue-Gray Barbecue.

Situated high on a bluff above the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art focuses on American art from the colonial period through present day. The museum's collection includes paintings, works on paper, sculpture, furniture and

Situated high on a bluff above the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art focuses on American art from the colonial period through present day. The museum's collection includes paintings, works on paper, sculpture, furniture and contemporary studio glass, all housed in a historical mansion and sleek contemporary building. Highlight artists in the collection include Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.

The museum offers both indoor and outdoor private rental spaces for group functions. Among the popular venues are the 2,400-square-foot Grand Foyer Lobby overlooking the Tennessee River, the 1,400-square-foot Auditorium, the 8,000-square-foot Riverview Terrace and the 1,400-square-foot Paley Terrace.

The Hunter Museum of American Art is open Monday through Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Wednesday and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is $4.95 for children ages 3-17 and $9.95 for adults. Admission is free for children under 3, as is admission for all guests on the first Sunday of each month.

Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world at a 72.7 percent grade. In operation since 1895, the railway climbs historic Lookout Mountain at 10 miles per hour. Along the

Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world at a 72.7 percent grade. In operation since 1895, the railway climbs historic Lookout Mountain at 10 miles per hour. Along the way, guests enjoy breathtaking views of Chattanooga and as far away as the Smoky Mountains, which are located more than 100 miles from the mountain.

The incline railway travels from the visitor center at the bottom of the mountain and the window-lined station at the top of the mountain. At the newly renovated station, guests can grab a snack or souvenir at the gift shop or caf, or stand at the observation deck and see points of Civil War interest from high above.

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway runs daily June and July from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM; April, May, September and October from 9 AM to 6 PM; and November to March from 10 AM to 6 PM. Railway trains run every 20 minutes, with each one-way ride lasting about 10 minutes. Round-trip tickets are $7 for children ages 3-12 and $14 for adults. Combination tickets for the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Rock City Gardens and Ruby Falls are $22.90 for children and $44.90 for adults. Children under age 3 ride free. Group rates are available.

A marvel of nature, Rock City Gardens is nestled atop of Lookout Mountain just six miles outside of downtown Chattanooga. Spanning 14 acres, Rock City encompasses ancient rock formations, lush gardens, hidden caves and scenic views, all at above

A marvel of nature, Rock City Gardens is nestled atop of Lookout Mountain just six miles outside of downtown Chattanooga. Spanning 14 acres, Rock City encompasses ancient rock formations, lush gardens, hidden caves and scenic views, all at above 1,700 feet above sea level.

Dotted with more than 400 species of native flowers, plants and shrubs, Rock City Gardens is situated around a 4,100-foot-long walking trail that leads guests to such wonders as a 90-foot-high waterfall, a 180-foot-long suspension bridge over the Chattanooga Valley, 200-million-year-old rock formations and an amazing 1,000-ton balanced rock. Also popular at the gardens is Lover's Leap, from which guests can get a view of seven states: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.

Tours for groups and catered meals can be arranged. Rock City Gardens is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Admission is $9.95 for children ages 3-17 and $17.95 for adults. Combination tickets to the Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and Ruby Falls are $22.90 for children ages 3-12 and $44.90 for adults. Children under 3 receive free admission.

Located on Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is one of the most popular underground waterfalls in the country, attracting over 400,000 visitors a year. Hidden more than 1,120 feet beneath the earth's surface, this stunning 145-foot-tall waterfall is the

Located on Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is one of the most popular underground waterfalls in the country, attracting over 400,000 visitors a year. Hidden more than 1,120 feet beneath the earth's surface, this stunning 145-foot-tall waterfall is the largest and deepest in the nation that's open to the public. Guided tours of Ruby Falls take guests along nearly a mile-long trail to observe this amazing natural spectacle, which pumps hundreds of gallons of water by the minute.

A true family favorite, Ruby Falls is located adjacent to a number of other exciting attractions. The 70-foot Lookout Mountain Tower boasts scenic views of the Tennessee River Valley, while the Fun Forest Playground has slides, monkey bars, games and other activities for young kids.

Tours for groups and catered meals can be arranged. Ruby Falls is open for tours daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, with tours running every 15 to 20 minutes on demand. Admission, which includes access to the Lookout Mountain Tower and Fun Forest Playground, is $8.95 for children ages 3-12 and $16.95 for adults. Combination tickets to Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway are $22.90 for children ages 3-12 and $44.90 for adults. Children under 3 receive free admission.

Specializing in true Southern hospitality, the Southern Belle Riverboat takes passengers on serene cruises along the Tennessee River. The 500-passenger, three-deck, climate-controlled riverboat offers sightseeing, lunch, dinner, moonlight and themed

Specializing in true Southern hospitality, the Southern Belle Riverboat takes passengers on serene cruises along the Tennessee River. The 500-passenger, three-deck, climate-controlled riverboat offers sightseeing, lunch, dinner, moonlight and themed cruises, such as Family Night and Classic Country experiences. Many cruises feature food and drinks, which vary by day from classic Southern specialties to Italian feasts.

The Southern Belle Riverboat's new docking facility, Pier 2 @ The Landing, is available for private events. A two-deck stationary boat, Pier 2's grand chandelier deck on the second level is perfect for reunions, corporate outings, receptions and more. The Southern Belle Riverboat can also be used in conjunction with Pier 2 for events.

Sightseeing, lunch and moonlight cruises are 1.5 hours in duration, while dinner cruises are two hours. Exact schedules vary based on day and time of year. Ticket prices range from $10 to $40 per passenger.

The highest rated aquarium in the United States, Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium encompasses two unique experiences at its River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings. Together, these facilities are home to over 10,000 fresh and saltwater animals and

The highest rated aquarium in the United States, Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium encompasses two unique experiences at its River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings. Together, these facilities are home to over 10,000 fresh and saltwater animals and marine life.

On the River Journey, guests experience the story of a river's development, showcasing aquatic animals such as snapping turtles, river otters and stingrays. Meanwhile, the Ocean Journey is home to animals large and small, beautiful and strange, including sharks, Pacific octopuses, jellyfish and more. Other attractions at the aquarium are the Butterfly Garden; the River Gorge Explorer, a high speed catamaran that explores the Tennessee River Gorge; and a six-story 3D IMAX theater.

The Tennessee Aquarium offers an unforgettable Chattanooga venue for private events. Both of the aquarium's buildings as well as its IMAX theater and River Gorge Explorer can be rented for events of 50 to 1,000 people.

The Tennessee Aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM. Aquarium-only admission is $14.95 for children ages 3-12 and $24.95 for adults. Rates for additional attractions vary, and special rates are available for combination packages.

Chattanooga's Bluewater Grille strives to bring the best and highest quality seafood to the heart of Chattanooga, handpicking its fare in St. Augustine, Florida, and delivering it fresh to the kitchen. Its casual American cuisine is complemented by

Chattanooga's Bluewater Grille strives to bring the best and highest quality seafood to the heart of Chattanooga, handpicking its fare in St. Augustine, Florida, and delivering it fresh to the kitchen. Its casual American cuisine is complemented by the sophisticated yet laidback dining room, complete with white linens and striking red columns. Standout entrees include the seafood paella full of lobster, ahi tuna, shrimp, sauteed mussels, crawfish and calamari; the pistachio-crusted mahi mahi with Frangelico cream sauce and ginger rice; and the chicken stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crabmeat and julienne vegetables, finished with a lobster sherry sauce.

The restaurant offers private dining space for groups of 15 to 80 people. Bluewater Grille is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to midnight and Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Entrees range from $11 to $27.

The award-winning Boathouse is one of the most popular spots in Chattanooga, lauded for its great menu and amazing riverside views. Inside, the restaurant features eccentric wall decorations, such as old area postcards and murals, and unique accents

The award-winning Boathouse is one of the most popular spots in Chattanooga, lauded for its great menu and amazing riverside views. Inside, the restaurant features eccentric wall decorations, such as old area postcards and murals, and unique accents such as an ice chute that shoots from the ceiling down to the ice bin. Outside, the 2,000-square-foot wooden patio is the prime place to enjoy up-close vistas of the Tennessee River.

House specialties include New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, the "Voodoo Chicken" with hot pepper dipping sauce, and wood-grilled tilapia with black beans and rice. Also popular is the sizeable raw bar, which features Gulf oysters on the half shell, Cajun shrimp, steamed clams and more.

The casually upbeat Boathouse is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. Entrees range from $10 to $27.

Located at Chattanooga's River Pier Landing across from the Tennessee Aquarium, Hennen's offers "steaks, seafood and spirits" from the comfort of its contemporary dining room, which is built around a glass-walled wine cellar. Hennen's modern fusion

Located at Chattanooga's River Pier Landing across from the Tennessee Aquarium, Hennen's offers "steaks, seafood and spirits" from the comfort of its contemporary dining room, which is built around a glass-walled wine cellar. Hennen's modern fusion fare includes bourbon mustard-marinated pork tenderloin with corn spoonbread, wilted greens and spicy apple jus; stone-seared salmon with asparagus, gnocchi and pomegranate reduction; and grilled ahi tuna with warm sushi rice, Asian cucumber salad and chili lime glaze. Patrons can cap off any dinner with one of Hennen's creative cocktails, such as the Sandy Situation of Malibu, Myers Dark, Apple Pucker, orange juice and orange simple syrup.

Hennen's is open daily for lunch and dinner. Entrees range from $9 to $27.

The structure housing St. John's Restaurant boasts a colorful history, having once been a bustling hotel and later a brothel. Today, this flat iron building houses a swanky restaurant, as well as fine retail shops and luxury apartments.

Promising

The structure housing St. John's Restaurant boasts a colorful history, having once been a bustling hotel and later a brothel. Today, this flat iron building houses a swanky restaurant, as well as fine retail shops and luxury apartments.

Promising diners "the best of everything available," the restaurant's menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, including fruit and vegetables picked at local farms and fresh seafood flown in immediately overnight. Popular entrees have included roasted beef filet with porcini-potato puree and sauteed Alaskan halibut with asparagus and Hollandaise sauce.

St. John's offers two private dining rooms. The intimate Johnson Room can accommodate up to 16 guests, while the larger Hunt Room can seat up to 56 guests. Full restaurant buy-outs are available under some circumstances.

St. John's Restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 PM. Entrees range from $24 to $33.

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Table 2 focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally. An ideal place to enjoy a quality meal and good conversation, the restaurant's cozy interior features exposed brick, bold lines and colors,

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Table 2 focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally. An ideal place to enjoy a quality meal and good conversation, the restaurant's cozy interior features exposed brick, bold lines and colors, stately columns and dark woods. Seasonal menu items have included the seared diver scallops with couscous, Belgian endive, house-cured bacon and blood orange vinaigrette and the sweet potato risotto made with housemade ricotta cheese, red curry and coconut cream.

The restaurant offers a cozy private dining room for 75 guests. Table 2 is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 11 PM and Saturday from 4 to 11 PM. Dinner entrees range from $19 to $32.