Chattanooga

For a growing city it had the warm feel in the old district as a warm, quaint, collective artistic souls type of town. The pedestrian bridge I spent hours on watching the river, kayaking, reading, and writing. I would go back again for a get away.

I grew up 30 minutes south of here and always envied the people who lived even a few minutes closer.

Chattanooga has it all, yet it feels like a small hometown.

This city has my heart. I’ve got so many memories living in this town. Childhood field trips and visits to my favorite aunt, teenage trips to the mall and dollar movies, walking and driving around with my college best friend, my first date with the man who is now my husband… I could go on and on and on. Chattanooga is magic, pure magic.

I fully plan to retire early here and live in the center of downtown so my kids won’t have to envy the people who live closer.

I’m glad Chattanooga is so close to Atlanta: it’s one of our favorite places to go to get away. I love the flavor, because it’s small enough to feel like a relaxing escape, but it’s large enough to have lots of fun stuff!

There’s the aquarium, of course, which is worth visiting even if you’ve been to the Georgia Aquarium; they’re very different. (Lupi’s Pizza is just two or three blocks away, and well worth the walk—it’s WAY better than Mellow Mushroom!)

And there’s the Bluff View Art District, with its wonderful galleries, outdoor art park, the Hunter Museum, and lots of charming shops and eateries. (Check out Rembrandt Coffee House.) Lots of nice walking trails with fun hidden spots, too!

Across the river, near the park, there’s more interesting shops and restaurants, plus great older neighborhoods. AND a really awesome fountain, with animal sculptures that shoot water. (You can climb on them, too.)

All in all, I love Chattanooga! Can’t wait to go back…

I work here so I’m here every day but there are plenty of things for out of towners or weekend visitors to do! The aquarium, the restaurants, the art district, bars, Muesums, kid stuff, parks.

I stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and it was awesome.

I love Chattanooga! I used to go every summer as a kid to visit my aunt and uncle. They owned Trip’s Seafood restaurant, so I would help them out there sometimes. Mostly, I remember my trips to Rock City, the aquarium (which was my fave), Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain. I also remember the Brach’s candy store downtown. As a kid, that place really fascinated me. :)

Chattanooga is an amazing city. Set right at the feet of quiet mountains, the weather is great and the people are friendly. My girlfriend grew up here and we visit often.

I recommend that you turn it all off. Phone. iPod. TV. Computer. Blackberry. Pager. Not forever. For 20 minutes. When all that stuff is turned off, who are you? What is your life about without constant distraction, constant entertainment, constant connection? Stand still.

What do you need to make your art happen? Go ahead. Ask. Nothing will break. Is it space? Is it a scanner? A computer? Images of your artwork? A Web site? Get busy.

My medium is fine art photography. What do you create?