Things to do in Chattanooga

We couldn’t be more proud to make our spirits in our hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and believe a visit to Chattanooga should be on everyone’s bucket list! The first National Park City in North America – and the third in the entire world – Chattanooga has the perfect mix of metropolitan amenities and outdoor adventure. To help plan your visit to the Scenic City, here are a few of our favorite Chattanooga activities:

Tour and Tasting at Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

We may be biased, but no visit to Chattanooga is complete without seeing our Experimental Distillery. Located in downtown Chattanooga, the Experimental Distillery is our research and development center, where our distillers utilize different grains, barrels, and techniques to craft our limited edition Experimental Batches and Experimental Single Barrels. Stop in for a tour and tasting or to pick up a bottle you won’t find anywhere else. Open daily from 11am – 8pm.

For more information and to book a tour, visit our website.

*Tasting room at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery*

Explore Chattanooga’s Southside

We’ve called Southside home since we opened our Experimental Distillery on Market Street in 2015, and we definitely think it’s one of the best areas in Chattanooga for eating, drinking, and shopping. Check out Hot Chocolatier for a sweet treat (and receive 10% off your order with your Chattanooga Whiskey tour wristband), Station Street for Chattanooga’s nightlife, or any of the many restaurants, small businesses, and bars on Main Street. Located directly across from our Experimental Distillery is the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo, which still features the original architecture, including the stunning Beaux Arts dome in the main lobby.

If you’re visiting the first weekend in December, be sure to check out Mainx24, a 24-hour festival celebrating Chattanooga’s Southside!

Explore the Tennessee River Gorge

Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Tennessee, the Tennessee River Gorge encompasses 27,000 acres and 46 miles of the Tennessee River, which runs right through downtown Chattanooga. The Tennessee River Gorge region features miles of hiking trails, opportunities to explore the gorge by water, and scenic overlooks. In other words, there is plenty to explore for adventurers of all skill levels! Visit the Tennessee River Gorge Trust website to find your perfect activity and remember to practice Leave No Trace!

Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art

Located on the downtown riverfront and within walking distance of one another is the Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art! The Tennessee Aquarium features both freshwater and saltwater animals and is engaged in conservation efforts in the Southeastern region. Stop by to see the penguin exhibit, experience the butterfly room, or to learn about the rich biodiversity of the Southeastern United States.
The Hunter Museum of American Art hosts both permanent and traveling exhibits and installations from a variety of artists and in a variety of mediums. The museum itself is a work of architectural art, perched on the bluff 80 feet above the Tennessee River. Be sure to explore the surrounding Bluff View Art District and don’t miss the free sculpture garden!

Lookout Mountain

Is it even a visit to Chattanooga without exploring Chattanooga’s iconic mountain? Lookout Mountain has miles of trails beloved by locals and tourists alike. And whether you’re a fan of Civil War history or just enjoy scenic views, Point Park – part of Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park – has plenty of both!

Tennessee Valley Railroad

Looking to see the Chattanooga region other than by car? Check out the train rides offered by the Tennessee Valley Railroad! With multiple distances and destinations offered, including scenic tours of the Hiwassee region, this is a great option for sightseeing. Check out their full offerings here.