Accessible Chattanooga Itinerary
Three days full of the best ways to explore Chattanooga via wheelchair or scooter!
We've planned out three days of experiencing the best of Chattanooga.
Day One - Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, Art District, + More
Day One Morning
Grab breakfast at Puckett's, where they serve up classic morning favorites like pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and omelets. One of their breakfast skillets will definitely fuel your morning adventure. The skillet cinnamon roll (a massive cinnamon roll slathered in a cream cheese glaze) and the Smoked Brisket Hash are some favorites.
On your way to the aquarium, stop by the Chattanooga Information Center! Our friendly concierges are full of Chattanooga information and love to help visitors find exactly what they need.
Spread out across two buildings—the River Journey and Ocean Journey—you're about to embark on a remarkable journey from the mountains to the sea at the Tennessee Aquarium. Highlights include river otters, touchable lake sturgeon and stingrays, penguins, a walk-through butterfly garden, a turtle nursery, and a spectacular immersive coral reef with sharks and more.
Day One Afternoon
Your next location is the Bluff View Art District. Located in the carriage house of a Victorian mansion, Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria features classic Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant has gorgeous views of the Walnut Street Bridge, the Tennessee River, Maclellan Island, the surrounding mountains, and Coolidge Park.
Spend your afternoon exploring the Hunter Museum of American Art. The museum showcases 100 years of architecture and houses the finest collection of American art in the Southeast. Their collection spans the history of American art from the colonial period to the present day and covers a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, contemporary studio glass, and crafts. It also boasts diverse temporary exhibits and events!
Day One Evening
You have a couple of options for dinner. Want an elevated dining experience? Hennen's Steakhouse has an extensive wine list and top-notch service. Want something causal? Grab a slice (or salad, or calzone, or more!) at Lupi's Pizza Pies where they have a passion for pizza! Trust that your lunch will be made with only the freshest local ingredients (some even sourced from their very own Flying Turtle Farm) and served up with friendly service, colorful surroundings, and a hand-picked beer selection.
Not ready to turn in just yet? Head to the Whiskey Thief rooftop bar at the Edwin to enjoy a cocktail with a view. Stop at JMac's Wine Bar, Chattanooga's wine destination with over 75 wines by the glass. Or snag a sweet treat from the Ice Cream Show.
Day Two - Southside, Lookout Mountain, & Choo Choo Bites!
Day Two Morning
Start your day by grabbing breakfast in the Southside! Niedlov's Bakery is a family-owned and operated wholesale bakery and retail cafe known for its delicious artisan breads. All bread and pastries are made by hand, from scratch, using centuries-old techniques and pure ingredients. Bluegrass Grill is another delicious location. Breakfast plates and hash skillets are a few staff faves.
Head to the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway's lower station for a ride up the mountain on the world's steepest passenger railway (with a 72.7% grade) and "America's Most Amazing Mile." You'll get to see spectacular panoramic views of the valley from the train, which can accommodate manual and electric wheelchairs/scooters. Your ticket is roundtrip, so when you're ready you can ride the Incline back down into St Elmo.
Day Two Afternoon
Whimsy abounds at Rock City. An entrance at Gardens Gateway leads to an ADA ramp and pathway, Legacy Lane, that takes you to breathtaking vistas at Lover’s Leap.
“It’s a paved trail, but has a few areas with some steep hills. If you need help locating the accessible trails don’t hesitate to ask! The staff was very accommodating and even pointed out all the accessible restrooms.” - Emma Bailey.
Enjoy lunch at Rock City's Cafe 7, a seasonal restaurant with a one-of-a-kind view of Lover's Leap. the menu has a variety of flavors, featuring chicken salad sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, BBQ nachos, and more.
Day Three+
Moving away from downtown, start the day off with Brother's Bagel Brainerd or Mean Mug Coffeehouse Hamilton Place. Brother's features all-natural artisan bagels. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch, or a great cup of coffee in a family-centered, fast, and friendly atmosphere.
Mean Mug offers an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, featuring comfort food, diverse dietary options from vegan to paleo, and made-in-house baked items including cinnamon rolls, biscuits, muffins, and more.
Catch the 65-minute train ride along the Missionary Ridge at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. This local trip begins at the Grand Junction Station and takes you over four bridges and through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel. After a 15-minute layover at the restoration shop in East Chattanooga (de-training is optional) you'll return to the station. The TVRM is near the Chattanooga Airport (CHA), so if your journey ends here, it's just a short drive away. Spending more time in the Scenic City? Check out our Top 10 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Chattanooga blog.
See some of this itinerary in action and more with Chelsea Bear's visit to Chattanooga!
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Accessible Things To Do
by Corey Lee
Published by Curb Free with Cory Lee. Check out his favorite ways to explore the Scenic City.
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