Surrounding Areas
Brainerd
Brainerd is one of the many suburban neighborhoods in Chattanooga but is unique in its convenience to downtown Chattanooga. With bustling businesses on both sides of Brainerd Road and located only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga Brainerd is a great place to eat, shop, and live. Brainerd Road was established in 1817, so as you can imagine, the town is full of character and history from the homes to the businesses and the parks. Check out Eastgate Town Center for some shopping, Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine for some tasty Thai food, and Sir Goony's for mini golf and more!
Ooltewah/Collegedale
If you’re looking for a town that’s family-focused and charming, the Ooltewah and Collegedale area should be your pick. With outdoor spaces like Imagination Station (a kids dream come true), Wolftever Creek Greenway, Veterans Memorial Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Red Clay State Park – to name a few – it’s easy to keep the kids busy. The best way to spend a weekend in Ooltewah/Collegedale is by walking around Cambridge Square to experience fine dining, chic boutiques, and plenty of fun for a guy or girls’ night out. Just down the road is The Commons where local artisans offer fresh produce and homemade goodies on the weekends.
Red Bank
A 10-minute drive finds you in the heart of one of Chattanooga’s growing communities. Along Dayton Boulevard, you’ll find plenty of local flavor, artisan shops and one of the city’s most underrated parks. Must-see shops include Jalic Blades (with their replica Game of Thrones swords), BUD floral and home and the Northside Neighborhood House thrift shop (one of the best in the city). No need for hunger pains as Red Bank has plenty of local restaurants to try like the infamous Dub’s Place (hamburgers and ice cream), Bread & Butter (adorable artisan bakery, don't even get us started on those flourless brownies), Pie R Square and Pizzeria Cortile for a “fancy pants” pie (sweet and savory) and some good local brews. Speaking of brews, check out Clever Ale House!
East Ridge
At the intersection of our two major highway systems — I-24 and I-75 — it’s no surprise that East Ridge has seen tremendous growth in just a few years. Exit 1 is home to multiple hotels and shopping centers. Locals and visitors enjoy the sprawling Camp Jordan complex for sports and leisure activities. Test your skills at Top Golf driving range with big TVs and beer or Craft Axe Throwing. Soccer fans are thrilled that East Ridge is now home to the Chattanooga Red Wolves team and their amazing new soccer stadium. In the spring through late fall, Boyd’s Speedway is slingin’ dirt. Oh, and antiques. There’s a ton of places to shop for old stuff in East Ridge.
Lookout Valley
Want to be close to all of the fun on Lookout Mountain? Look no further than Lookout Valley. Tucked away in the valley between Lookout and Raccoon Mountains, you’ll find no shortage of hotels and places to kick back and relax after you’re done exploring Reflection Riding Arboretums & Nature Center and Raccoon Mountain. Hungry? Check out LemonGrass Thai or reserve a 7-course, private French dining experience at La Cabriole (reservation only). Snag a campsite at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground and DO go spelunking on one of their cave tours.
Soddy-Daisy
If you’re searching for an outdoor oasis right outside of the city, hop on Highway 27 and head north to Soddy-Daisy. While this neighborhood is considered suburban, it’s home to some of the best hiking, swimming holes, and waterfalls in the area. Check out the Big Soddy Gulf Creek area for family-friendly outdoor adventures or take a dip in the North Chick Blue Hole, where the water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming during the spring and summer months. After a day of outdoor fun, refuel with waterfront views at Steve’s Landing or grab yourself a sweet treat from Kay’s Kastles before heading back downtown.
