Only two hours away, Chattanooga, Tenn. offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and indoor attractions to entertain any personality.
The New York Times named Chattanooga one of the “Top 45 Places to go” in the world, one of only four U.S. cities included in the list, for its perfect combination of history, art, restaurants and exploration opportunities, according to the Chattanooga Visitor’s Bureau.
Belmont students can drive to Chattanooga for about $15 worth of gas, park beside Coolidge Park for $5, have a picnic in the park and walk along Chattanooga’s hip and historical Northshore.
Coolidge Park offers a large carousel, animal-shaped fountains, art sculptures and a rock wall. After riding the carousel, visit the locally owned shops of Northshore and walk across the Walnut Street Bridge, a bridge across the Tennessee River open only to pedestrians.
For a look at the history Chattanooga possesses, ride the Incline Railway, a train that travels up the side of Lookout Mountain, for only $15 a person and get a bird’s eye view of the changing season while looking at the site of some of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles.
The Chattanooga Aquarium has been voted one of the best in America and is the perfect indoor attraction for visitors wishing to avoid the fall heat. The aquarium offers bird and butterfly sanctuaries and a new penguin exhibit, in addition to the freshwater and saltwater exhibits. Tickets are $26.95 a person and are available online or in person.
Chattanooga is just a short distance away, making it the destination for a one-day road trip or a more in-depth vacation. Students can take a picnic lunch and visit for the day for less than $30, including gas.
Students wishing to experience more of the city can find hotels starting at $40 and spend their days visiting the Chattanooga Railway Museum, Chattanooga Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum or take a ride down the Tennessee River with the Chattanooga Ducks.
Details about what Northshore has to offer can be found at: http://www.northshorechattanooga.com/
Visit http://www.chattanoogafun.com/ for more information on Chattanooga’s attractions
PHOTO: Hadley Sintic