History Buffs: Here's Your Chattanooga Itinerary

The Bluff View Inn is a romantic B&B located in three turn-of-the-century homes, once owned by Chattanooga’s elite. Historical beauty and modern amenities blend for a memorable experience. Three homes make up the property: the main mansion of Bluff View Inn called the Maclellan House circa 1889 with English Tudor-style architecture and the exclusive honeymoon suite; the T.C. Thompson House circa 1908 with four guestrooms and two apartment-suites; and the 1927 Martin House with three guest rooms decorated with antiques and more.

• More information can be found on the Bluff View Inn website.
• Accommodation Highlights: Individually decorated rooms with antique furnishings; many suites offer whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and sweeping views of the Tennessee River.
• Parking Information: Free self-parking is provided for guests in a private lot within the Art District.
• Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the homes, there are no elevators. While some first-floor rooms are available, many rooms require navigating stairs.
• Experiences Nearby: Hunter Museum of American Art and the River Gallery Sculpture Garden are a few steps away; the center of downtown Chattanooga is about a 20 minute walk or quick 5-minute drive.
• Specials & Perks: Complimentary gourmet breakfast at Rembrandt’s Coffee House; fresh flowers and handmade chocolates are often provided in-room.
• Pricing Average: $180 – $325 per night (varies by season and house).
• Restaurants/Food Nearby: Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria, Bluff View Bakery, and Rembrandt’s Coffee House (all within the district).

The Read House opened in 1926 and offers rich architectural details, historic charm and plenty of local lore. It remains a staple of the city and one of Chattanooga's most famous historical sites. Located in the heart of historic downtown, this hotel has two buildings - the Historic Tower with rooms offering city and mountain views with Keurig coffeemakers, complimentary Wi-Fi and large rooms; and the Manor has rooms with king or queen beds, 50" flat screen TVs, luxurious bath products and other in-room amenities.

• Find more information and book your stay on The Read House website.
• Accommodation Highlights: High-end linens, 1920s-inspired decor, and the famous (reportedly haunted) Room 311.
• Parking Information: Valet parking is available (approx. $30/night) with in-and-out privileges.
• Accessibility Options: Fully ADA compliant with elevators, accessible public spaces, and designated accessible guest rooms.
• Experiences Nearby: the Tivoli Theatre, Tennessee Aquarium, and Creative Discovery Museum are within walking distance.
• Specials & Perks: Luxury "Romance Packages" and seasonal discounts (often up to 26% off for 2026 bookings). Includes a stunning indoor pool and a historic library.
• Pricing Average: $175 – $350+ per night.
• Restaurants/Food Nearby: Bridgeman’s Chophouse (upscale steakhouse onsite), Bar & Billiards Room, and an onsite Starbucks. Community Pie and Hennen’s are a short walk away.

The first Medal of Honor recipient was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott in 1863 for his role in the "Great Locomotive Chase" that ended near Chattanooga. The Chattanooga area would soon become the place where 33 Medals of Honor were awarded. Hear the stories of those who made heroic acts by putting service over self at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Inside, you'll see interactive exhibits, hear oral histories and learn about Medal of Honor recipients' patriotism, courage, citizenship, integrity, sacrifice and commitment.

• Features interactive exhibits that tell the stories of valor and the six character traits of Medal of Honor recipients.
• Located on the historic site where the first Medals of Honor were earned during the Civil War.
• Houses a collection of authentic medals, artifacts, and immersive multimedia displays.

A tour of Chattanooga's history would not be complete without a visit to Ross's Landing. Carve out time to walk around this area, named after John Ross who was the leader of the Cherokee Nation. The renovated park includes a river pier, marina, natural ampitheatre and great views of the Tennessee River. Along Ross's Landing you can walk the Riverwalk which includes several significant Civil War sites. The Passage is an artistic tribute to the tribes of Chattanooga and the Walnut Street Walking Bridge, which was built in 1890, gives breathtaking views of the river and city.

• Ross's Landing is the historic founding site of Chattanooga
• Offers a natural amphitheater, a river pier, and a public plaza with a unique system of wading streams.
• Directly adjacent to the Tennessee Aquarium, making it a perfect spot for a riverside stroll.

Southside was once the financial hub of the city, and the abandoned warehouses and old buildings are now occupied by restaurants, shops and art galleries. The Terminal Brewhouse is located in what was once known as the Strong Building, built as a hotel for train travelers. It's said the building was also home to a number of speakeasies during Prohibition. Gourmet burger bar Urban Stack is housed in the former Southern Railway Baggage Building, one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was originally built in 1870 as a baggage room by the Alabama & Chattanooga Railroad.

• Southside is a revitalized, walkable urban district known for its industrial-chic vibe and vibrant street art.
• Home to Station Street, a dedicated entertainment alley with bars and live music.
• Features the Chattanooga Market (seasonally) and some of the city's most acclaimed "farm-to-table" dining

Continue learning about Chattanooga's railroad history by stopping at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the gorgeous Terminal Station (parts were built before the Civil War). The station had a significant role in the train era as most trains bound for the South made their way through Chattanooga. The Choo Choo was made world famous thanks to the 1941 song of the same name by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The song was featured in the movie "Sun Valley Serenade."

• A world-famous historic terminal that allows you to sleep in authentic 1920s Pullman train cars.
• Features The Gardens, a beautifully landscaped area for walking, and the onsite "Escape Experience" runaway train game.
• Serves as an entertainment hub with the Comedy Catch and The Signal concert venue.

Crowned the "Empress of the Blues," Bessie Smith is known as the greatest classic blues singer of the 1920s. At the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, learn about her life growing up in Chattanooga and how she became internationally-renowned. Hear the stories behind her songs "Nobody Knows you When You’re Down and Out,” “Empty Bed Blues,” and “Backwater Blues,” accompanied by musician greats like Louis Armstrong, Lonnie Johnson and Benny Goodman through exhibits, artifacts and music.

• This center features personal artifacts and fashion from Bessie Smith's legendary career.
• Includes extensive exhibits on the Chattanooga African American experience and local civil rights history.
• Hosts community events, live music performances, and educational workshops.

After a full day, head to the Bluff View Art District for a dinner made for the history books. Chattanooga history states that at the turn of the 20th century, the city was booming with wealth and industry. Some of the wealthiest citizens of the day built their homes in the Bluff View neighborhood, often referred to as “cliff dwellers” given their lofty location above the Tennessee River. Today, it's a European-style oasis of art galleries, shops and restaurants with must-have dishes like homemade pasta at Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria or the light-as-air desserts at Rembrandt’s Coffee House. Cap off the evening with an offbeat history lesson from Chattanooga Ghost Tours (the Hunter Museum of American Art is said to be one of the most haunted sites in town) or a ride around town on Chattanooga Horse Trams.

• Bluff View Arts District is a quiet, European-style neighborhood perched on stone cliffs with stunning views of the Tennessee River.
• Home to the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, which features a rotating outdoor collection of contemporary art.
• Famous for its artisan food, including Tony’s Pasta Shop and the smell of fresh bread from the Bluff View Bakery.

Spend your second day immersed in the historic Civil War battle that took place on Lookout Mountain, another historic place near Chattanooga, called the “Battle Above the Clouds.” Ride up the mountain on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and take the short walk to Point Park, where Union soldiers surprised Confederates by sneaking up the mountain during an unusually thick fog. Be sure to check out the Battles for Chattanooga Museum, which houses a visitor center with a 33x13-ft. mural by James Walker, who was an eyewitness to the battle, and several short audio presentations.

• Lookout Mountain features the Incline Railway, which is one of the world's steepest passenger railways.
• Home to Point Park, part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park with historic battle sites.
• Provides a massive network of hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and overlooks.

A handful of lunch options exist on the mountain but if you want to incorporate a historic site, dine at Rock City Gardens Café 7 (open April to October). The upscale Southern menu is accompanied by an unbeatable view from Lover’s Leap. You have to purchase a general admission ticket to Rock City Gardens which has interesting Chattanooga history of its own, being a top tourist destination since the Great Depression.

• Rock City is known for its "See Seven States" panorama and massive, ancient rock formations.
• Features a 180-foot suspension bridge with sweeping valley views.
• Includes the whimsical Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, a favorite for families.

Tour Ruby Falls, the nation's tallest underground waterfall at 145 feet. It was originally discovered in 1928 by local cave explorer, Leo Lambert who named the waterfall after his wife, Ruby and opened it as a tourist attraction in 1929. Descend 260 feet to see giant cave formations and experience the thunderous roar of Ruby Falls.

• Home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.
• Includes a guided cave walk through geological formations like stalagmites and stalactites.
• Features the High Point ZIP Adventure, where you can soar through the treetops on the side of the mountain.

Take a sightseeing cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat, in operation since 1985. You'll see beautiful views of Chattanooga, hear the history of the Tennessee River and city and have the chance to see wildlife. The tour is one and a half-hours on the open-air deck. You'll also get the opportunity to tour the pilot house.

• Offers scenic sightseeing cruises on the Tennessee River with live narration of the city's history.
• Features specialty dinner cruises and "Moonlight Cruises" with live music and dancing.
• Provides an open-top deck for the best 360-degree views of the Chattanooga skyline and bridges.

Continue your journey through transportation history by making a visit to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum where you can see exhibits and hear stories about train travel in Tennessee. Hop aboard on the Missionary Ridge Local for a six-mile, 55-minute train ride. Along the way, you'll hear local history and railroad operations from a tour guide, cross the Chickamauga Creek bridge, pass through an 1858 tunnel, see a turntable demonstration and see the restoration facility.

• The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum operates vintage steam and diesel trains for a "moving museum" experience through historic tunnels.
• Offers the Missionary Ridge Local, a 60-minute trip that includes a turntable demonstration.
• Features special themed rides, such as Dinner Trains and seasonal holiday excursions.

Walk through the fascinating history of America's towing and recovery industry at the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. You'll learn a lot about its contributions to society, see memorabilia and antique tow trucks, including the "world's fastest wrecker" that set the world closed course speed record in 1979.

• Showcases the evolution of the tow truck, which was invented in Chattanooga in 1916 by Ernest Holmes, Sr.
• Features a massive collection of fully restored antique wreckers and recovery vehicles.
• Home to the Wall of the Fallen, a moving memorial honoring towing professionals worldwide.

After a day full of touring, make the trip back downtown (about 30 minutes) to relax and dine at Public House Chattanooga located in Warehouse Row that was built in the 1900s on the site of a Civil War fort. High-quality meats and fish, an impeccable wine list and a relaxed atmosphere blend for an elevated meat-and-three. "Hot chicken" bites, five spice pork belly and the sauteed sea scallops small plates are a great start to you meal. Follow with the pimento cheese and bacon burger, salmon club and fried chicken salad. Save room for dessert so you can indulge in vanilla bean creme brulee, peanut butter pie and chocolate chip cookie banana pudding among others. 

• Located in the historic Warehouse Row, offering a refined, modern take on Southern comfort food.
• Highly rated for its fried chicken, pimento cheese with grilled sourdough, and pot roast.
• Features a popular social hour with craft cocktails and a rotating selection of local beers.

Chattanooga is bursting with history but discover all Tennessee's fascinating history on a statewide roadtrip.