What began as a simmering riverfront renaissance when the freshwater Tennessee Aquarium opened in Chattanooga in 1992 has boiled southward, with a revamped Main Street, an infusion of trendy eateries, and an Innovation District where millennial entrepreneurs live and launch tech businesses by the dozen. The 1970s smog that once blackened the sky (and the white shirts of businessmen who often carried a change of clothes to work) has long cleared. It's since revealed mountains, tributaries, and lakes that draw cyclists, paddlers, and climbers. Victorian-era warehouses are quickly morphing from abandoned eyesores into apartments, shops, and restaurants that pay homage to the city’s industrial heritage. To start the day, head to Maple Street Biscuit Company for a signature chicken biscuit, or a vegetarian alternative with goat cheese and sautéed spinach. For a sweeter morning, stop by Adelle’s Creperie and order a sweet crepe drizzled with honey or caramel and oozing with Nutella. At The Daily Ration, people-watchers can relax on a sprawling street-side patio where gas pumps once anchored the neighborhood gas station. Stroll through the Merchants on Main collective for local pottery, recycled light fixtures and furniture, and Chattanooga-made olive oils.
plan your trip to chattanooga 
On the Road
Where to Chow Down in Chattanooga
Dine around Chattanooga to see why the city continues to be hailed as "Best Town Ever."
On the Road
Road Trip: Tennessee
From west to east, this Tennessee road trip takes you from the banks of the Mississippi River to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
the latest in chattanooga
At the Table
6 Batched Holiday Cocktails
Whip up one of these batched holiday cocktails while you wait for your turkey to roast, and enjoy your holiday long into the evening.
In the Field
Where to Find Artisanal Cheese in the Upper South
The Upper South is quickly becoming a cheese lover's utopia with several types of artisanal cheese coming into the spotlight.
In the Field
New Tennessee Restaurants in 2023
These 12 new Tennessee restaurants are serving up inventive dishes that push the fold or reimagine classics to spark nostalgia.
explore nearby
On the Road
Nashville
Nashville is a city fueled by music, steered by history, and revved up with a dynamic food and drink scene.
On the Road
Atlanta
In today’s Atlanta, someone could give you a great recommendation for delicious global food just as easily as for your next boozy brunch.
On the Road
Memphis
Call it grit. Call it soul. No matter how you slice it, there’s something about Memphis' food and music scene.
