America’s Best Kept Secret, Not a Secret Anymore!

Chattanooga has proved to be colorful and healing bird, phoenix, known to born from its own ashes.

It was never a holiday destination in America but not the door of tourism has opened for this city. Once known as the US’s industrial and dirtiest city, now Chattanooga has transformed itself into one of the eco-friendly and cleanest cities. Chattanooga is the forth-largest city in United States. It is situated on the bank of Tennessee River, surrounded by the mountains. Drive from Georgia is just a half hour.

There have been many changes in Chattanooga city regarding clean and fresh environment that is pollution free. As matter of fact, it was this city that made the concept of electric bus and sold to San Francisco which was reason for their green credentials.

But better illustration of such credential is the transformation of the Bluff View Art District and Gardens. It’s a historic neighborhood which stretches one point five miles and consists of restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels, garden, and some sculptures. The place was left to fall into disrepair after restoring it in eighteenth century. The gardens turned into city’s dump. In 1990, the whole place underwent restorations of gardens which have maintained its southern style mansion with stucco terrace, the sculptures and the European style architecture have added the flavor to this place. That’s why it’s known as art district because there are many historic architecture, gardens and sculptures to see.

Thus, the place is the pride of the people and very good spot to stop and have a lazy walk with panoramic view of Tennessee River. At the end of the art district, you will come across Hunter Museum of America Art. The art museum is not only twentieth century structure but is mansion of the George Hunter who is owner of the Coco- Cola bottling empire. The museum has many weird stories which you will enjoy listening like this one; soft drink’s bottles were made according to Hunter’s right hand grip.

The attractions of the place are just stunning! The Lookout Mountain with Sand Mountain makes around two thousand three hundred and ninety two feet. As it is situated to the northwest of the Georgia, the mountain has some stunning and beautiful views of the city. The only way to reach there is by road and railway. But it is advisable to the people who suffer from vertigo to take roadway to reach on top of the mountain. The way by railway is very steep and steepest in the world which inclines to almost seventy-two degree. The ride in the train is exciting as, the moment train is pulling itself in front the view outside the train window is terrifying. You feel like there is no ground down you train.

Not too far from there, you can visit the caves and ruby waterfalls with your family and children. Though the caves have fresh air and serene look, some people might feel claustrophobic. The rube waterfall is one of the most amazing water which is situated thousand feet under ground. The waterfall with perfect timed music and lights effect leaves the visitors mesmerized by its beauty. Ruby waterfall is also among natural wonders! The cave adds the beauty for the waterways by hardened calcium formation happening from many years commonly known as Stalactites and Stalagmites.

The last stop would be Rock city, situated over the border of Georgia. It’s a miniature golf course which was created by the Garnet Carter. The reason behind its name as Rock city is the rock formation garden which is Carter’s wife concept but basically thought for private use. But it’s open for visitors and travelers. The giant rock garden is one of the main attractions you can explore and the fairies images trail is a way shown to Lovers leap. The images were imported specially from Germany. Another nearby site you shouldn’t miss out is the High Falls. High Falls point is on a height from where you can see seven states of America; Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. The view is just mind blowing!

Just for a day activity for the children, to get excited and go wild, you can take them to Aquarium. The children will spend fun time exploring and learning about colorful birds, fish, reptiles and penguins. To see red pandas visit Warner Park near Tennessee River Gorge. For adventurous kids and adults the there are number of rock climbing routes for beginners as well as for the advance. The crags and the climbing options are famous among UR rock climbers. Then you can go on kayaking trips on the Tennessee River and even biking and hand glide is available here.

The only problem about this city is that there are no direct routes to reach here. There are no direct flights and railway service stopped in 1970. The only way to reach here is by taking flight to Atlanta and from there two-hour road trip to Chattanooga.

The best time to visit is early spring or autumn. To see Head of the Hooch Chattanooga and rowing regatta visit in late October. The other distraction about this place is the Forest of Fear, which has live actors to scare tourists.

The Chattanooga ahs so much to explore and the beauty it is still unknown to many. Here the tourism is still growing and most tourists who visit are US citizens, Japanese and Chinese. This city has so much to offer that it won’t be exhausted by you but you will surely get exhausted! This is an outdoorsy kind of city where people get out into the mountains or on the river at any time they get the opportunity. It’s hard to picture that this city was once believed too dirty to live in – it seems too clean and emerald for that.

Chattanooga city really is one of America’s best-kept secrets.