Schmap Chattanooga Art & Entertainment

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Chattanooga - Art & Entertainment
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Chattanooga Home
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The Glen Miller Orchestra immortalized Chattanooga in the 1940s with their swinging tune "Chattanooga Choo Choo." The Choo Choo isn't making any more trips these days, but the old railroad terminal has become a popular tourist attraction. Specialty stores and gift shops, museums, gourmet restaurants, deluxe accommodations and horse-drawn carriages make up the city's entertainment complex. However, Chattanooga has a lot more to offer than just antique trains. Finding something to do is easy, but finding enough time to do it all is another story.

A City of Appreciation and Remembrances

For a medium-size town, Chattanooga has more than its share of museums. The Hunter and Houston Museums display fine art by local, national and international artists. The International Towing and Recovery Museum proudly commemorates the fact that Chattanooga was the first city to operate a tow truck. The Regional History Museum chronicles the history of the Scenic City and its people over the last one-and-a-half centuries, while the African American Museum provides a look at the contribution black Americans have made to this city. Civil War history buffs will enjoy a visit to the Battles for Chattanooga Museum, where miniature soldiers on an electric map reenact historic battles.

Sports for Every Season and Personality

There is no substitute for the excitement of live sporting events, and Chattanooga is home to a number of college and professional sports teams. College football fans cheer on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at Max Finley Stadium each fall as the Mocs take on their Southern Conference rivals. The new stadium, along with the team's winning record, has spurred renewed interest in the UTC program. Come winter, the basketball Mocs to take the Court in McKenzie arena. In 1997, the Mocs advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament, a first for UTC.

Baseball fans can take in a game at BellSouth Park, where the Chattanooga Lookouts take the field. The Lookouts are the AA affiliate of the major league Cincinnati Reds. Though a minor league team, the Lookouts play to packed houses, and nearly everyone agrees this is the way baseball ought to be: intimate, exciting and done for the love of the game.

Sports enthusiasts who yearn to get into the action rather than watch from the stands have several outlets available. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing and boating are popular pastimes in Chattanooga. In fact, this city is becoming well known for its high-quality rafting facilities along local waterways. The 1996 Olympic kayak event was held a short distance from here on the Ocoee River, and since then Chattanooga has developed quite a reputation among the wet set.

A Festival of Music

Nashville may be known as the Music City, but Chattanooga is no lightweight when it comes to audio entertainment. Each year, people turn out in the hundreds of thousands to attend the Riverbend Festival. Now in its 20th year, Riverbend is a nine-day festival that showcases top musical acts, both young and old. Alabama, Chicago, George Clinton, Gloria Estefan, Soul Asylum, Chuck Berry, LeAnn Rimes, Al Green and many others have all taken the main stage at the festival. More than 100 acts appear on seven stages, while vendors sell food, souvenirs and handmade crafts. Billed as "Chattanooga's Family Reunion," Riverbend is the city's biggest and best music festival.

Nightfall and Southside Saturday Nights provide a summer of free music on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively. Lesser-known acts and local bands perform at these events, which are held at the Miller Plaza and Cricket Pavilion. The crowds don't seem to mind the lack of big-name talent, as tens of thousands of music lovers attend each summer.

Rolling on the River

Chattanooga is often referred to as the River City due to its location on the banks of the Tennessee River. The river and the nearby lakes play a big part as far as local recreation goes. River excursions aboard the Southern Belle and Chattanooga Star Riverboats transport passengers back to what feels like a distant era when times were simpler. The Chickamauga Dam and Reservoir provides a large swimming area and beach for summertime fun, while the many nearby creeks and streams are perfect for canoe trips and kayaking.

Let the Kid in You Come Out and Play

The Creative Discovery Museum is a learning adventure with exhibits and activities designed for kids of all ages. The Tennessee Aquarium provides an up-close look at life beneath the river, while the IMAX 3D Theatre gives an even closer look at life in the state-of-the-art cinema. A six-story screen and a larger-than-life sound system put you in the center of the action.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Anna Houston Museum

Nationally renowned collection

201 High Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403
United States
+1 423 267 7176
http://www.thehoustonmuseum.com/

A lovely jewel tastefully displayed in the heart of the Bluff View Arts District, this destination is well worth discovering. Considered to be quite a significant collection of antique collectible glass works, furniture, music boxes, coverlets, china and other items of the 1700s and 1800s, this beautiful collection has been hailed by national authorities as one of the greatest in the world. Featuring such universally known names as Steuben and Tiffany, the collection is amazing. Yet only so amazing when compared to the collector who amassed the artwork throughout her colorful life, Anna Safley Houston (a.k.a. "Antique Annie").

Admission: $3.50-$7

Anna Safley Houston

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: wcities

Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map and Museum

Relive the Civil War battles in Chattanooga 1110 E Brow Road
Chattanooga, TN 37409
United States
+1 423 821 2812
http://www.battlesforchattanoo... Visitors to the Scenic City are often surprised by the rich history of Civil War battles fought in Chattanooga. This museum allows you to "watch" the battles unfold on an enormous electric map. All the battlefields are drawn and the armies arranged for battle. Their movements are portrayed with a brilliant collection of sound and lighting effects. Elsewhere in the museum is a collection of artifacts from the period including uniforms and personal effects of the soldiers. Admission charges are: $6.95 for adults; $4.95 for children; Free for children under 2 years of age. The museum is closed on Christmas.

See website for hours of operation.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mark Wojtania
Photo: Mark Wojtania
Photo: Walter Castleberry
Photo: Robert L.E. Forbes, Jr.

Chattanooga African-American Museum

African artefacts and more 200 East Martin Luther King Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37403
United States
+1 423 266 8658
http://www.caamhistory.com/ Discover the contributions made to the Chattanooga area and the nation by African-Americans through pottery, sculpture and other artistic expression. Located inside the Bessie Smith Hall, this museum offers a look into the diverse African-American history through artifacts, letters, and photographs. From the music of Bessie Smith to the civil rights work of Martin Luther King Jr., you will find the rich and proud heritage of the African-American community in Chattanooga.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Chattanooga Lookouts

Baseball the way it ought to be 201 Power Alley
BellSouth Park
Chattanooga, TN 37402
United States
+1 423 267 4849
http://www.lookouts.com/ The Chattanooga Lookouts are the AA affiliate of the Major League Baseball Cincinnati Reds. Though they are a minor league team, their fans are just as loyal as those of major league ball clubs. A popular attraction at the Lookouts games is the Lookout Cookout. Companies and private groups rent the picnic facility behind right field and enjoy all the hamburgers and foot hotdogs they can eat for one low price. Game times vary during the April to September season.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mickey Pullen
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Chattanooga Regional History Museum

Chattanooga-from Dinosaurs to Civil Wars 400 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
United States
+1 423 265 3247
http://www.chattanoogahistory.... From the prehistoric creatures that roamed the hills to the success of the Tennessee Aquarium, it is all chronicled here. The museum is a part of history itself, housed in a school building circa 1910. The stories of the people and the land in and around the Chattanooga Valley is told through many exhibits including the award winning interactive exhibit, "Chattanooga Country: It's Land, Rivers and People." Business and tourism have earned a spot in the museum with numerous exhibits concerning the rise and fall of local business leaders and their visions. Trace the history of popular tourist attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Chattanooga Regional History Museum photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Creative Discovery Museum

Explore the world of science 321 Chestnut Street
(at 4th Street)
Chattanooga, TN 37402-4902
United States
+1 423 756 2738
http://www.cdmfun.org/ This interactive museum of science and technology provides a hands-on learning environment for children of all ages. The Artist's Studio challenges kids to become more artistic, the Musician's Workshop builds a love for music. Throughout the year, ever-changing displays and exhibits help develop interest and skill in scientific invention and exploration. Admission is $8.95.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Hunter Museum of American Art

American masters abound 10 Bluff View
Chattanooga, TN 37403
United States
+1 423 267 0968
http://www.huntermuseum.org A perfect blend of the old and new; housed in a renovated antebellum mansion and surrounded by modern abstract sculpture; is a study in comparison and contrast. An American museum devoted to the American masters ranging from the Colonial era to the modern day. The museum has hosted exhibits that vary from Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol, from American Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism. With such programs as Toddler Tuesdays, Kinder Adventures, ArtCamp, ArtScene, the lecture series Art After Work and the Docent Program, this museum strives to make art accessible to all ages and walks of life.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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IMAX 3D Theatre

Big screen for big fun 1 Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37401
United States
+1 423 265 0698
http://www.bigmoviezone.com/tx... This is one of the most popular attractions in town, and with good reason. As the IMAX folks say, "It's so real...it's unreal!" The enormous six-story building houses the largest IMAX theater screen in the country. Sony's visual and audio technology was incorporated to bring viewers crystal clear images and lifelike sound. The effect? You no longer feel like you are watching a movie. You feel like your name should be in the closing credits.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Larry Miller

International Towing and Recovery Museum

Explore the world of tow trucks 3315 Broad St
Chattanooga, TN 37408
United States
+1 423 267 3132
http://www.internationaltowing... No, it's not a joke. This really is a museum of tow trucks and a whole lot more. In 1916, Chattanoogan, Ernest Holmes, sold the first tow truck for commercial use. In fact, the entire towing industry began in the Scenic City. A very interesting array of tow trucks from the 20th century fill this museum. Exhibits that chronicle the history of the industry are part of the tour. See website for further information.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mike McBride
Photo: David Martindale

Nightfall Concert Series

Free music every Friday night during summer 850 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
United States
+1 423 265 0771
http://www.downtownchattanooga... One of Chattanooga's favorite summertime events is this free concert series featuring up-and-coming artists from all musical genres. Held at Miller Plaza, concerts are held each Friday evening from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. Concerts begin at 7p with local artists warming up the crowd. Headliners take the stage around 8p. There is plenty of seating and room to dance. Vendors are stationed at the ready with a quick bite or a cold beer or soft drink. See website for yearly schedule.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Riverbend Festival

Chattanooga's Family Reunion 201 Riverfront Parkway
Chattanooga, TN 37402
United States
http://www.riverbendfestival.com For more than twenty years, the Riverbend Festival has been showcasing top musical acts. Each June crowds converge to be entertained by talent like Alabama, Little River Band, George Clinton, Gloria Estefan, Chuck Berry, Nickel Creek, Al Green and other stars. More than 100 acts appear on seven stages and dozens of street vendors sell food, souvenirs and crafts throughout the nine day event. Billed as "Chattanooga's Family Reunion," Riverbend is the city's biggest and best music festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: David Shellabarger
Photo: Amy Plemons
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Southern Belle Riverboat

Riverboat journey along the Tennessee River 201 Riverfront Parkway
Chattanooga, TN 37402
United States
+1 423 266 4488
http://www.chattanoogariverboa... In the 1800s, when Chattanooga was little more than a river landing, luxury riverboats chugged up and down the Tennessee River. Preserving some of the area's history, this 500-passenger riverboat carries hundreds of passengers on daily excursions including breakfast and dinner cruises. This large vessel three decks with the upper deck providing scenic views. Tickets range from $10-40, depending on the length and type of cruise. Charters available. Contact Riverboat office for details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Tennessee Aquarium

Creatures that swim, slither and fly 1 Broad St
Chattanooga, TN 37401
United States
+1 423 265 0698 / +1 800 262 0695
http://www.tnaqua.org Start at the top of a raging river and then delve beneath the surface to discover all the life that teems within. It is all a part of the experience of the world's largest freshwater aquarium. Within the 12-story structure, you will see birds, snakes, river otters and turtles in their natural habitats, and fish indigenous to the Tennessee River. Special exhibits include the Gulf of Mexico showcase of fierce sharks and jellyfish exhibit: "Jellies: Phantoms of the Deep." Admission charges are: $17.95 adult; $9.50 children. Discounts and package rates are also available. Call or visit web site for details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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