Guidebook for Chattanooga
St. Elmo Food/Drinks
Neighborhood restaurants and bars
Great food and drinks, right in the center of St. Elmo across from the Incline. Lovely patio seating during nice weather, usually with live music. Expect it to be busy most nights, especially weekends. It is an easy bike ride (5 min.) or walk from the house (20 minutes). Very quick drive, but parking/traffic can be challenging during peak hours. If you can’t find a spot in their lot or on the street, a great free option is to park up in the Food City lot behind Mr. Ts and Mojo, and take the stairs/walkway down into the center of St. Elmo. There is also a big lot by the Incline that costs $2. The businesses usually validate parking in the other paid lots.
117 locals raden deze aan
1885 Grill
3914 St Elmo AveGreat food and drinks, right in the center of St. Elmo across from the Incline. Lovely patio seating during nice weather, usually with live music. Expect it to be busy most nights, especially weekends. It is an easy bike ride (5 min.) or walk from the house (20 minutes). Very quick drive, but parking/traffic can be challenging during peak hours. If you can’t find a spot in their lot or on the street, a great free option is to park up in the Food City lot behind Mr. Ts and Mojo, and take the stairs/walkway down into the center of St. Elmo. There is also a big lot by the Incline that costs $2. The businesses usually validate parking in the other paid lots.
Very relaxed beer house in the center of St. Elmo that offers a great selection of beers and some light food options. A great option for bike and beers. Nice views of the mountain from their front deck. Also family-friendly, with a game corner.
27 locals raden deze aan
The Tap House
3800 St Elmo AveVery relaxed beer house in the center of St. Elmo that offers a great selection of beers and some light food options. A great option for bike and beers. Nice views of the mountain from their front deck. Also family-friendly, with a game corner.
Goodman Coffee Roasters - St. Elmo
3913 St Elmo AveLocal coffee shop near the Incline.
Yummy ice cream in the heart of St. Elmo. There are also sister locations downtown and on the North Shore.
Clumpies Ice Cream Co.
Yummy ice cream in the heart of St. Elmo. There are also sister locations downtown and on the North Shore.
The Hummus Bowl
A long-time establishment of the historic St. Elmo city center. Definitely a quick and affordable option for casual dinner.
49 locals raden deze aan
Mr. T's Pizza & Ice Cream
3924 Tennessee AveA long-time establishment of the historic St. Elmo city center. Definitely a quick and affordable option for casual dinner.
Little Coyote
Our neighborhood listening room/concert venue - just a couple of blocks over on 55th/St. Elmo Ave. They usually host music events Thurs-Sat with a reasonable cover charge, and they have happy hour from 5-7pm Tues-Sat (no cover charge until 7pm). Also serves a small selection of tasty food. Wednesday is wine night (1/2 off).
The Woodshop
5500 St Elmo AveOur neighborhood listening room/concert venue - just a couple of blocks over on 55th/St. Elmo Ave. They usually host music events Thurs-Sat with a reasonable cover charge, and they have happy hour from 5-7pm Tues-Sat (no cover charge until 7pm). Also serves a small selection of tasty food. Wednesday is wine night (1/2 off).
The Hot Chocolatier - St Elmo
A new location in our neighborhood, and just a couple of blocks away!
Food around town
Yummy southern breakfast food! This place is pretty busy on Saturday mornings, so get in line early. The line does move pretty quickly, and sometimes it is faster to grab a spot at the bar. They do have a pretty efficient system of getting people in, and it is worth the wait. We like to bike down there (about 20 minutes) to avoid dealing with parking in the Southside area and to earn our yummy breakfast.:-) NOT open on Sundays, unfortunately.
102 locals raden deze aan
Bluegrass Grill
55 E Main StYummy southern breakfast food! This place is pretty busy on Saturday mornings, so get in line early. The line does move pretty quickly, and sometimes it is faster to grab a spot at the bar. They do have a pretty efficient system of getting people in, and it is worth the wait. We like to bike down there (about 20 minutes) to avoid dealing with parking in the Southside area and to earn our yummy breakfast.:-) NOT open on Sundays, unfortunately.
Champy's
526 E M L King BlvdIf you like southern style fried chicken, this is a must visit.
Our favorite pizza place. Get the Drunk Pig.
Downtown near Miller Plaza/Miller Park.
74 locals raden deze aan
Community Pie
850 Market StOur favorite pizza place. Get the Drunk Pig.
Downtown near Miller Plaza/Miller Park.
Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria
212 High StMeeting Place
1274 Market StBela Lisboa Restaurant
417 Frazier AveSugar's Ribs
2450 15th AveGreat view from the deck, and they have goats!
Great spot on the river. Get a table on the patio in nice weather or near sunset.
113 locals raden deze aan
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
1459 Riverside DrGreat spot on the river. Get a table on the patio in nice weather or near sunset.
Tremont Tavern
1203 Hixson PikeBest burger in town!
Cashew
149 River StGreat option for vegans!
Sluggo's North
505 Cherokee Blvd.Another good vegan option.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of our favorite local breweries. Dogs are allowed inside.
46 locals raden deze aan
Hutton & Smith Brewing Co
431 E M L King BlvdOne of our favorite local breweries. Dogs are allowed inside.
Local brewery with outdoor seating and games and a decent food menu.
52 locals raden deze aan
OddStory Brewing Company
1604 E M L King BlvdLocal brewery with outdoor seating and games and a decent food menu.
Local brewery near Finley Stadium. Good beer and locally sourced food items. Outdoor seating area.
42 locals raden deze aan
Naked River Brewing Company
1791 Reggie White BlvdLocal brewery near Finley Stadium. Good beer and locally sourced food items. Outdoor seating area.
Best view in Chattanooga! Mostly a cocktail bar, but they do have a food menu. 21+
52 locals raden deze aan
Whiskey Thief
102 Walnut StBest view in Chattanooga! Mostly a cocktail bar, but they do have a food menu. 21+
The Rosecomb
Beautiful place to get drinks over in North Chattanooga.
Sightseeing
Ruby Falls
An iconic must-do tourist attraction.
An essential stop on a tour of Chattanooga that is an iconic part of river-front architecture. The fish are cool, too!
481 locals raden deze aan
Tennessee Aquarium
1 Broad StAn essential stop on a tour of Chattanooga that is an iconic part of river-front architecture. The fish are cool, too!
Chattanooga Choo Choo
92 Market StA Chattanooga icon!
An iconic part of Civil War history, with breathtaking views of the city!
155 locals raden deze aan
Point Park
110 Point Park RdAn iconic part of Civil War history, with breathtaking views of the city!
A fun way to get up and down the mountain. Point Park is easily walkable from the top.
249 locals raden deze aan
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway station
3917 St Elmo AveA fun way to get up and down the mountain. Point Park is easily walkable from the top.
Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut StAwesome place to visit with kids!
Entertainment & Activities
Ride the incline 1500 feet up the side of Lookout Mt. Get some Clumpies ice-cream at the bottom while you wait for your ride.
249 locals raden deze aan
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway station
3917 St Elmo AveRide the incline 1500 feet up the side of Lookout Mt. Get some Clumpies ice-cream at the bottom while you wait for your ride.
Another historical Chattanooga icon. This pedestrian bridge connects downtown Chattanooga & the Bluff View area to the North Shore/Coolidge Park area across the river.
116 locals raden deze aan
Brug van Walnut Street
Walnut Street BridgeAnother historical Chattanooga icon. This pedestrian bridge connects downtown Chattanooga & the Bluff View area to the North Shore/Coolidge Park area across the river.
A really cool and historical carousel located in Coolidge Park!
242 locals raden deze aan
Coolidge Park
150 River StA really cool and historical carousel located in Coolidge Park!
Recently renovated downtown park. Hosts outdoor events/concerts alongside its cousin, Miller Plaza, across the street. Check out the free Nightfall concert series here during the summer on Friday nights!
6 locals raden deze aan
Miller Plaza
850 Cherry StRecently renovated downtown park. Hosts outdoor events/concerts alongside its cousin, Miller Plaza, across the street. Check out the free Nightfall concert series here during the summer on Friday nights!
Free Friday night concert series during the summer at Miller Plaza/Miller park.
15 locals raden deze aan
Nightfall Concert Series
850 Market StFree Friday night concert series during the summer at Miller Plaza/Miller park.
Parks & Nature
See one of the best waterfalls and bluff views within 100 miles of Chattanooga. Be aware that the property is only open on the first and last weekends of the month. Always check the website to get a reservation. Also, Keith is a part-time ranger there so he can tell you all about it.
77 locals raden deze aan
Lula Lake Land Trust
5000 Lula Lake RdSee one of the best waterfalls and bluff views within 100 miles of Chattanooga. Be aware that the property is only open on the first and last weekends of the month. Always check the website to get a reservation. Also, Keith is a part-time ranger there so he can tell you all about it.
If you want tons of Mtb trails of various difficulty, this is your place. There are roughly 30+ miles and it is one of Keith's favorite places to ride in the region.
6 locals raden deze aan
Raccoon Mountain Mtb Trail
If you want tons of Mtb trails of various difficulty, this is your place. There are roughly 30+ miles and it is one of Keith's favorite places to ride in the region.
With the new Atlas trail, there are now about 15 miles of Mtb trails here. It is a much easier ride than Raccoon but offers a faster overall speed, less climbs, and almost all flow.
42 locals raden deze aan
Enterprise South Nature Park
190 Still Hollow LoopWith the new Atlas trail, there are now about 15 miles of Mtb trails here. It is a much easier ride than Raccoon but offers a faster overall speed, less climbs, and almost all flow.
Great Mtbing trail system located about 20 minutes from the house. It offers a lot of variety for trail distances and difficulty. Be aware that it does not drain as quickly as other places so avoid damaging the trails if there has been a recent rain - it can be very muddy in places.
8 locals raden deze aan
5 Points Mountain Biking
6742 Hinkle RdGreat Mtbing trail system located about 20 minutes from the house. It offers a lot of variety for trail distances and difficulty. Be aware that it does not drain as quickly as other places so avoid damaging the trails if there has been a recent rain - it can be very muddy in places.
Great paved trail that connects to the Virginia Ave. Greenway (walk/bike path) that runs through the center of our neighborhood. It provides miles of a paved walking/biking path along the river, all the way through downtown and beyond. They have bike share stations along the way, so you could grab a bike at the Incline and drop if off at another location. Ask us if you have more questions about accessing the trail from St. Elmo. We often ride our bikes from the house to downtown for work, various events, and to get out and about around town. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Southside destinations, and about 30 minutes to get to the center of downtown.
https://rootsrated.com/chattanooga-tn/road-running/chattanooga-riverwalk
https://parks.hamiltontn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/692/20180702_RiverparkBrochure
22 locals raden deze aan
Tennessee Riverwalk
Tennessee RiverwalkGreat paved trail that connects to the Virginia Ave. Greenway (walk/bike path) that runs through the center of our neighborhood. It provides miles of a paved walking/biking path along the river, all the way through downtown and beyond. They have bike share stations along the way, so you could grab a bike at the Incline and drop if off at another location. Ask us if you have more questions about accessing the trail from St. Elmo. We often ride our bikes from the house to downtown for work, various events, and to get out and about around town. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Southside destinations, and about 30 minutes to get to the center of downtown.
https://rootsrated.com/chattanooga-tn/road-running/chattanooga-riverwalk
https://parks.hamiltontn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/692/20180702_RiverparkBrochure
This state park is located roughly 25 minutes from our house. There are fantastic canyon views, an impressive waterfall, and some nice hikes if you don't mind some stairs/elevation. It can get very busy on nice weekend days so if you want to avoid crowds (for a state park), go as early as you can.
198 locals raden deze aan
Cloudland Canyon State Park
122 Cloudland Canyon Park RdThis state park is located roughly 25 minutes from our house. There are fantastic canyon views, an impressive waterfall, and some nice hikes if you don't mind some stairs/elevation. It can get very busy on nice weekend days so if you want to avoid crowds (for a state park), go as early as you can.
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
400 Garden RdFree public park by the river close to the Walnut Street Bridge and North Shore shops & restaurants.
242 locals raden deze aan
Coolidge Park
150 River StFree public park by the river close to the Walnut Street Bridge and North Shore shops & restaurants.
A great area nearby on Lookout Mtn. There are two options; the easy way and the hard way. For a short & easy hike, drive up to the trailhead off of Ochs Hwy.
For a longer hike with more elevation gain, start at the bottom of the mountain on the St. Elmo trail. We often do this hike starting from our house, and it takes about 1.5 hours round trip minimum (depending on your pace and how long you hang out at the top).
Glenn Falls
Glenn FallsA great area nearby on Lookout Mtn. There are two options; the easy way and the hard way. For a short & easy hike, drive up to the trailhead off of Ochs Hwy.
For a longer hike with more elevation gain, start at the bottom of the mountain on the St. Elmo trail. We often do this hike starting from our house, and it takes about 1.5 hours round trip minimum (depending on your pace and how long you hang out at the top).
A short hike with beautiful views!!
For a longer hike, you can connect to the Bluff Trail and take that all the way to Point Park.
The parking area is small, so it can be difficult to find a spot during peak tourist times.
129 locals raden deze aan
Sunset Rock
405 W Brow RdA short hike with beautiful views!!
For a longer hike, you can connect to the Bluff Trail and take that all the way to Point Park.
The parking area is small, so it can be difficult to find a spot during peak tourist times.
Arts & Culture
Great area for coffee at Rembrandts, dinner at Tony's, shopping at the local shops, and free viewing of the sculpture garden. It also happens to be right on the Riverwalk path.
93 locals raden deze aan
Bluff View Art District
411 E 2nd StGreat area for coffee at Rembrandts, dinner at Tony's, shopping at the local shops, and free viewing of the sculpture garden. It also happens to be right on the Riverwalk path.
A beautiful museum with wonderful views of the city and great selection of art. Also popular for special events.
268 locals raden deze aan
Hunter Museum of American Art
10 Bluff View AveA beautiful museum with wonderful views of the city and great selection of art. Also popular for special events.
Come support your hosts who frequently perform with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera! The CSO offers a wide variety of programming so check their website for the latest event schedule.
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
620 Georgia AveCome support your hosts who frequently perform with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera! The CSO offers a wide variety of programming so check their website for the latest event schedule.
Great place to walk around and see some art.
25 locals raden deze aan
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
1100 E 16th StGreat place to walk around and see some art.
A lovely place to walk around in the Bluff View Art District. This is where we got married!
9 locals raden deze aan
Sculpture Garden
411 E 2nd StA lovely place to walk around in the Bluff View Art District. This is where we got married!
Bessie Smith Hall
200 E M L King BlvdVisit the museum or attend an event.
Zangvogels
206 Station StMuseum and live music.