While you are in Chattanooga, make sure to visit the Bluff View Arts District. Why? For starters, click on the link and check out the aerial shot, so you can get a feel for the location and views. There are some nice views from the bluff, so the district was aptly named. In the lower right corner of the photo in the link, there is a small park with sculptures. It was really nice strolling around the park, enjoying the sculptures and views. These are some of the things you may see while you are there:
For details on the galleries, museum, restaurants, and shops; the website describes it quite well, so have a poke around the site. I can tell you that when we were there, there was plenty of free parking, and it was a wonderful place to see on foot.
Hunter Museum of American Arts (also located in the modern building to the left)
This sculpture by Deborah Butterfield stands in front of the museum. It looks like driftwood, right? We thought so and actually had to touch it to believe that it was cast bronze, as was stated in the plaque. Amazing!
We were also pleased to see that just beyond the Hunter Museum of American Art, we were able to access the beautiful Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Built in 1891, it has such style and was quite photogenic! Accessible only to pedestrians (and their dogs!) as well as cyclists, it was a safe and enjoyable way to get in some exercise while taking in the views of downtown Chattanooga and the North Shore while crossing over the Tennessee River.
A view of Walnut Street Bridge from the Hunter Museum of American Art.
We took this bridge that crossed over the street to access the Walnut Street Bridge.
The view from the street bridge of both the modern building of the Hunter Museum and the Walnut Street Bridge.
After crossing the street bridge, we came across this handsome fella. High paw!
A view of the Hunter Museum from the Walnut Street Bridge. I loved this walkway they built to take pedestrians all the way down to the river!
Bruce, checking out the view form the Walnut Street Bridge.
A view of the North Shore from the bridge.
The city did a fantastic job developing the area where the bridge begins, as you can see in these photos. It is very pedestrian friendly!
Across the river on the other end of the bridge is the North Shore. You will get a nice view of Coolidge Park. Make sure you spend some time checking out the fountain and the Coolidge Park Antique Carousel before you head into town. I’m willing to bet you have never seen such an interesting variety of animal and reptile species represented on one carousel! Bring your cameras; it’s a hoot!
The North Shore has a very hip, cool, and artsy vibe, so allow some time to poke around the shops and grab some lunch at one of the restaurants. Although I am known in our household as the “Aqua Dog,” we passed on the hot dogs at Good Dog and opted instead for some unusual tacos at Taco Mamacita. The various taco combinations offered on the menu were so tempting, but we ordered just two different tacos a la carte for a light lunch. Delicious!
Want to dance off your lunch or learn a new dance step? If you don’t mind learning in the middle of the sidewalk as pedestrians pass by, there are instructions on five different dance steps located right in front of the shops and restaurants in the main part of town!
Our time spent in Chattanooga was so enjoyable that we are planning to return in May when “Nightfall” (described in my previous post) starts up again. It was a great getaway spot!
Elaine-iaK's Travels: A Traveler's Tales of People, Places, Photos, Pools... and CHOCOLATE! 