Couple on Patio at Niedlov's Bakery

3-Day Romantic Getaway to Chattanooga

Day One

 

Day One Morning

Grab your honey and head to the heart of Chattanooga for some adventure. If you’re up for a new experience, hit one of Chattanooga’s top attractions, High Point Climbing and Fitness in downtown Chattanooga. High Point is one of the nation's largest climbing facilities. They can accommodate the experienced or novice climber with their wide variety of walls and rooms. Want to slow things down a bit? The Southern Belle Riverboat boasts panoramic views of the riverfront and Lookout Mountain aboard a vintage steamboat. Take a romantic cruise and learn about the Tennessee River's history, legends, and landmarks. If water and climbing aren't your thing, head to the top of Lookout Mountain for a peaceful stroll through the gardens at Rock City. You'll find over 400 native plants and species, as well as the infamous Lover's Leap overlook.

Day One Afternoon

Stroll through Chattanooga’s impressive Riverwalk area near Ross’ Landing, then across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge to the historic Northshore district. There are several shops and galleries worth exploring, such as Collective Clothing, Verre Noir, and I Go Tokyo. Be sure to grab sushi at Totto Sushi & Grill or tacos & a side at Taco Mamacita, followed by a scoop of handcrafted ice cream from Clumpies Ice Cream Co. 

If you're feeling up for an adventure, rent a paddleboard or kayak from L2 Outside. They're conveniently located beside Coolidge Park, which offers put-ins to the Tennessee River. Don't want to go it alone? Check out Chattanooga Guided Adventures and go on a guided tour while learning more about history and ecology.

Day One Evening

Dedicate your evening to a self-guided downtown food tour. Enjoy drinks and appetizers at Easy Bistro, known for its fresh, local food and custom cocktails. For dinner, walk to Bridgeman's Chop House for one of the best steaks in town. Top off the evening with a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown.


Day Two

 

Day Two Morning

Start your day with coffee and breakfast at Rembrandt’s Coffee House, a quaint, French stucco cottage featuring pastries and other baked goods from the in-house pastry chef. See what gave the Bluff View Art District its name with a stroll through The Hunter Museum of American Art. As one of Chattanooga’s longest-lived nonprofits, the Hunter began in the 1950s in a 1905 classic revival mansion. Today, it boasts three buildings perched on 80-foot cliffs above the Tennessee River, the view only rivaled by the works inside, featuring American art from the likes of Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Cole. Continue this picture-perfect tour with a walk through the nationally acclaimed River Gallery Sculpture Garden, recognized by the Smithsonian in its Archive of American Gardens. Maintained by Master Gardeners, perfectly manicured shrubs frame the 20-plus sculptures and breathtaking views of the Tennessee River.

Should you feel inspired to add some art to your personal collection, mosey over to the River Gallery, the Bluff View’s first business to open in the early ‘90s. The small stucco cottage is overflowing with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and pottery by regionally and nationally celebrated artists.

Day Two Afternoon

Continue the urbane tone of the day with a trip to Warehouse Row, one of the city’s finest shopping destinations. Housed in two warehouses dating back to the Civil War, the exposed brick interior is both hip and high-end, offering independently owned upscale boutiques. Make them swoon with Egyptian cotton sheets at the Yves Delorme Outlet or get her the gift of her dreams at Kendra Scott. If clothing is a way to her heart, stop by Embellish, Lululemon, or Anthropologie.

Top off the experience with lunch at Public House, an upscale Southern bistro that takes fried chicken to new heights. 

Day Two Evening

Top off your busy day with dinner at Alleia, the third restaurant concept by James Beard nominee Chef Daniel Lindley. The décor is straight out of Manhattan, the menu is inspired by Tuscany, but the ingredients are all Chattanooga (whenever possible).

The night is still young! Walk on over to Station Street in Chattanooga's Southside for loads of entertainment. Choose from stand-up at the Comedy Catch or nearby live music at Barrelhouse Ballroom or Songbirds, and dancing options abound along Station Street.


Day Three

 

DAY THREE MORNING 

Start your final day by sleeping in, then treat your mind and body to a morning of pure bliss. First, grab coffee and a bite at Frothy Monkey. Then, head to Dandle Spa on Broad St for a rejuvenating, tranquil treatment designed to nourish your skin without exposing you to harmful chemicals. Alternatively, check out Head SPA’ce in St. Elmo for a luxurious head spa experience. Their treatments are designed to improve scalp and hair health while delivering an indulgent sensory experience.  

Day Three Afternoon

Step out from your spa session renewed and ready to embrace a perfect, unhurried afternoon in the historic Southside District. Begin with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully restored indoor gardens and sunlit courtyard of the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, then indulge in a bit of retail therapy at Sophie's or the blooming oasis of Joli Jardin. For lunch, treat yourselves to an exceptional meal at STIR and their famous artisanal ice cocktails. Cap off your afternoon on a sweet note with a decadent handcrafted treat or a signature drink from The Hot Chocolatier. 

Day Three Evening

Conclude your romantic three-day escape with an intimate dinner at one of Chattanooga's premier dining destinations. Savor the exceptional, Levantine cuisine at Calliope, recognized as one of The New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S. Alternatively, hide away at The Rosecomb, an enchanting 21+ neighborhood gem nestled inside a 1920s cottage in the historic Riverview neighborhood. Afterward, top off your weekend at Whiskey Thief or IRIS, downtown’s premier rooftop lounges. Here, you can toast an unforgettable getaway over craft cocktails and panoramic, moonlit views of Chattanooga.

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