 | |
 |
|
|
Pardon Me Boys, but Is This Chattanooga?by Denise BomsteinJust what book tells the story of Chattanooga, Tennessee? Is it Cinderella, A Tale of Two Cities, or My Fair Lady? Answer: all of the above. Like all well written stories, the plot is a tale of a startling transformation--with the added bonus of a happy ending. In 1969 the federal government declared Chattanooga the dirtiest city in the nation. How polluted was Chattanooga to be awarded that dubious distinction? Headlights were used at midday to drive through the dense smog, workers needed extra shirts because of clinging soot, and you could forget about seeing the mountains that ring the city. The air, a dangerous cocktail of pollutants, enveloped the city and separated Chattanooga from growth and progress. Concerned Chattanooga citizens, from all income levels, developed a vision that is today a reality. A spectacular downtown revitalization plan blew fresh air and fresh life into Chattanooga. Spanning decades and still steam-rolling ahead, the transformation is a testament to the progress and reality of sustainable urban renewal. A series of successful public and private endeavors created national attractions, riverfront parks, new retail establishments, restaurants and an art district linked by trails, and downtown is a sparkling myriad of family destinations. Chattanooga is Pygmalion. Coolidge Park links the city in a continuous circuit of parks, trails, attractions and landmarks along the Tennessee River and creates an organized comprehensive urban cultural park system. The park's interactive fountain with water-spouting sculptured animals is a favorite with little ones. The restored 19th century, Walnut Street Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world and home to festivals and events. Once destined for destruction, it now connects the north and south shores. While downtown, you can cruise on a riverboat, launch a kayak, or wall-climb, among other activities. The Tennessee Aquarium is credited with beginning the 'Renaissance on the River,' and the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga. Built by private contributions, the non-profit educational organization is dedicated to the conservation and celebration of aquatic habitats. With over eight million visitors since its opening in 1992, the aquarium reveals in stunning details the fascinating web of life supported by freshwater. It is home to over 9,000 animals that fly, crawl, swim, and slither in natural habitats. There, you can view mountain streams, raging currents, deep reservoirs, seas, a spectacular 60-foot canyon and two living forests. The tour runs from the Appalachian high country to the Mississippi Delta, and on to the great rivers of the world in Africa, South America and Asia. The Carousel is the jewel in the crown of this Cinderella City, complete with rollicking organ music and sparkling mirrors. Housed in a glass pavilion, the carousel's menagerie includes leaping tigers, well-dressed frogs, iridescent fishes, friendly dinosaurs plus magnificent horses. The new animals were sculpted at Horsing' Around, a carousel animal carving school now housed in the pavilion. The Creative Discovery Museum uses interactive, hands-on activities to foster creative and critical thinking skills through exhibits and programs in art, music, math, science and technology. Education=fun at this museum! The Bluff View Art District perched on the cliffs of the Tennessee River, combines Old World elegance with a spectacular view in an exciting blend of restaurants, gardens, museums, galleries and terrace cafes, including an oh-so-civilized bocce ball court. This historic area is elegance personified. It's hard to believe you are in Tennessee while you sip fine wine and dine on gourmet food after touring galleries and museums. Forget what you thought you knew about the South. Bluff View Art District is a true cultural experience. The River Gallery Sculpture Garden, selected by the International Sculpture Center, is one of 195 gardens worldwide listed in the "Sculpture Parks and Gardens Directory." Set on a cliff overlooking the Tennessee River the garden enchants you with the works of local, national and international artists. Experience art and nature working together. The Houston Museum located in a restored Victorian house, displays one of the world's greatest collections of antique glass and china from 18th and 19th centuries. The 30,000 piece collection was amassed by Anna Houston (called "Antique Annie" behind her back). Her life story, revealed during the guided tours, is as fascinating as the museum. A true eccentric, Anna married nine times and ended her life in a ramshackle barn, built by her own hands, in virtual poverty, refusing to sell any of her museum-quality pieces. "The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is a fabulous collection of priceless antiques", according to Robert W. Miller, nationally recognized authority on antiques and collectibles. Its collection includes rare and one-of-a-kind pieces of Tiffany, Steven, Burmese, Staffordshire, Quezal and more. See Rock City and meander on a self-guided walking tour through massive, 200 million year-old rock formations and gardens featuring 400 species of wildflowers. Other points of interest include viewing seven states atop legendary Lover's Leap, swinging along Swing-A-Long Bridge, and gazing at a 100-foot waterfall. (Hosting over half a million visitors yearly, Rock City is open everyday but Christmas.) Then take an entertaining guided tour through caverns filled with glistening stalagmite and glowing stalactites to the spectacular 145-foot under ground waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain. The caverns were a natural home to generations of Indians, soldiers, and explorers. And Ruby Falls has fascinated tourists since 1929 and is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. "The appeal of Ruby Falls is as strong as ever. Thousands come every week to see the breathtaking waterfall and unique underground formations," said Jane Derthick, Marketing Vice President.
If you can't stay there, the historic Read House Hotel and Suites has been providing elegant service and stately accommodations since 1847. A masterpiece of Civil War architecture and Victorian splendor, Read House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Have a meal in the Green Room, a landmark in Chattanooga for gourmet dining. Gawk at the Silver Ballroom with its hand-carved silver molding and sterling silver chandeliers adorned with Waterford crystal. You won't need a car for all this, either. Hop aboard free electric shuttles that run every five minutes to over 20 attractions and hotels. Chattanooga is a world leader in the manufacture and use of this innovative form of transportation. "Nothing could be finer--Woo, woo Chattanooga there you are!"
Visitor Information:Denise Bomstein is a member of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association and the North American Travel Journalists Association. She is the associate editor of a South Florida magazine and her "Destinations With Denise" travel column is in its third year. She can be contacted at NotinOH@aol.com. |
Next it's clickety-clack into another era with The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Journey back in time, traveling in passenger cars powered by
authentic steam locomotives. Experience the thrill of these trains that once traversed the country when railroading was a way of life. Venture out on deck, watch
the track and hear the whistle blow while viewing the countryside. Peek inside the cab and see how the engineer and fireman operate and fire up the train. Specialty rides available seasonally include: 'Thomas the Tank Engine', an Autumn Leaf excursion and the popular 'Polar Express.' Trains run daily from April to October and weekends through Thanksgiving. Specialty trains have limited availability. The TVRM is a non-profit educational corporation and is the largest historic railroad in the South.
Plan to stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The hotel, a former railroad station, boasts 48 restored Victorian passenger cars. Featuring 30 acres of entertainment,
including a New Orleans trolley, the engine on Track 29, formal gardens, and an automated Model Railroad museum, the hotel is a great family destination.