Visiting Chattanooga and Staying at the Iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
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If you're looking for a getaway that mixes adventure, good food, unique places to stay, and plenty of things to explore, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is worth adding to your travel list! Known as the Scenic City, Chattanooga has a little bit of everything, from mountaintop views and quirky attractions to local ice cream shops and historic hotels. It's the kind of destination that can easily turn into one of your favorite stops on a road trip!
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring Rock City. DO NOT SKIP THIS! Seriously, it's one of those places that feels magical (because it IS magical!). You can wander along winding paths, squeeze through narrow rock formations, cross swinging bridges, and take in those famous panoramic views. There are so many little nooks and crannies to explore, making it feel like an adventure around every corner. Whether you're visiting with kids or just looking for something unique to do, this one deserves a spot on your itinerary.
And after all that exploring? A stop at Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is a must. Because what's a vacation without ice cream?! They have multiple locations around town, and we managed to stop THREE times in just two days. No regrets! It's a fun way to take a break, cool off, and enjoy a local favorite while you're out exploring the city.
We stayed at the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic train station turned hotel campus that's full of character. Honestly, this hotel is the reason we chose Chattanooga as a stop on our road trip! If you've ever wanted to sleep somewhere with a little more personality than your typical hotel, this place delivers. The property blends its railroad history with restaurants, bars, gardens, and unique accommodations.
We stayed in one of the converted train car hotel rooms, which made the experience extra special. My kids declared it the “coolest” hotel room they've ever stayed in! And I have to agree that there's something pretty fun about spending the night in an actual train car. It's the kind of experience that makes a trip memorable, especially when you're traveling with kids. If you're planning a visit, I'd absolutely recommend looking into the train car accommodations rather than booking a standard hotel room.
During our stay at The Hotel Chalet, we also checked out Elsie's Daughter, the hotel's cozy restaurant and bar featuring a French-Appalachian-inspired menu. It's the kind of place where you can slow down, order a cocktail, and enjoy a good meal after a full day of sightseeing. It's a nice change of pace from running around to all the attractions, and a fun option if you're looking for a place to unwind in the evening.
We also spent an afternoon at the pool, which ended up being an experience of its own! There happened to be a DJ playing the day we went swimming, and the pool was THE spot to be at that time. The atmosphere was lively, the music made it fun for everyone, and it was a great way to spend some downtime together. Sometimes the unplanned parts of a trip end up being just as memorable as the things you put on the itinerary!
Overall, I was genuinely blown away by our experience in Chattanooga. This was just one stop on an eight-stop, 11-day road trip, but it's the destination I keep telling everyone about. Between the incredible scenery, fun attractions, unique hotel experience, and delicious ice cream, Chattanooga checked so many boxes for our family.
It's absolutely beautiful, full of character, and has so much more to offer than I expected. Chattanooga, you won us over! We'll definitely be back.
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