Choo-Choo All the Way (discount tourism and tourism data) to Chattanooga
Choo-Choo All the Way to Chattanooga
Pardon me boys is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? The immortal words may ring in your head when you hear the name. Yes, there is a train in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Plus, there are enough other attractions that will keep your family happy in this Southern town.
Of course, no one can go to Chattanooga without seeing the trains. Consider the Incline Railway, which travels nearly vertically up and down Lookout Mountain. It offers spectacular views of the landscape.
While at Lookout Mountain, you could try taking up a new hobby. For those who are into extreme sports, Lookout Mountain Flight Park and Resort is the largest and most successful school for hang gliding in the United States. In operation since 1978, it takes students of all experience and desires. You can be a one time thrill seeker or a seasoned pro, and the step-by-step instruction can get you to the where you want to be. Learn to solo glide or take a tandem flight with an instructor.
For a bigger train event, take a trip on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. The Railroad offers 6-hour tours that include a stop with a turntable turn-around as well as a tour of the train yard. If youd prefer, shorter hour-long tours or longer daylong tours are also available. If you are traveling with a large group or planning a special event, you can even rent a private train for the day.
If you are not quite into the big things, consider visiting the Model Railroad Museum. These tiny trains are perfect for kids young and old. Built by members of the local railroad club, it is a working display of Chattanoogas train stations. It is also one of the largest HO gauge models. It is 174 feet long and at its widest point 33 feet wide. There are over 3000 feet of track and 120 locomotives complete with all the types of cars you need to make trains. Over 33,000 man-hours went into putting the layout together, and the current value is considered to be over $500,000. Certainly worth a stop in to see.
Not into trains? There is still plenty to do in Chattanooga. Consider the world-class Tennessee Aquarium. Plan to spend several hours if you want to see all the sights. Discovery Hall inside the aquarium even offers hands-on petting of sturgeon. Plenty of fish, sharks, and other aquatic creatures will keep any sea lover entertained for hours. If you are more into movies, you can also choose to see sea-related movies on the huge IMAX screen next door for an additional fee.
Another option is to check out the natural beauty of Tennessee. If you have done any driving in Tennessee, you might have seen the See Rock City signs posted along the highway. Rock City is a winding stone path with a variety of different rock formations. It offers spectacular glimpses of the natural beauty of Tennessee. Follow the path to the top of Lookout Mountain, where, if you are lucky enough to have a clear day, you can actually see seven states. Even on a cloudy day, the view is still pretty spectacular.
If caves are more your style, do not forget to take a tour of Ruby Falls. Taking a short elevator ride into Lookout Mountain, you will have a short walk through stalactites, stalagmites and other underground rock formations. A guide will point out all the areas of interest. At the center you will find Ruby Falls a 145-foot underground waterfall.
If shopping is more your thing, Chattanooga offers many boutiques and specialty stores. There are also two shopping malls nearby offering all your favorite places like Sears, JCPenneys and the Gap. You can certainly choose to shop until you drop if you wish to.
If you plan to stay the night in Chattanooga, there are several destinations to choose from. Consider a family friendly bed and breakfast for your own taste of southern charm, or try visiting one of the many hotels in the area.
No matter how long you choose to stay or what you choose to do, Chattanooga has something for everyone in you family. You can certainly plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy and remember for years to come.
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