sarah

We are just starting plans for a trip that will include Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis. Most of our time will be in Chattanooga - any ideas??????

Don't need accommodations, but love food and outdoor activities and museums etc. thanks

lisa

When are you planning to visit? Weather might have a big impact on what you decide to see and do.

In Chattanooga, there is a wonderful acquarium and a hands-on science museum downtown. I think you can also visit the Chattanooga Choo-Choo (it's also a hotel). You might also make plans to see Rock City -- a kitschy rock attraction outside of town. In the summertime, Chattanooga has outdoor concerts and a downtown festival that you might enjoy.

In Memphis, there is lots to see and do. Be sure to visit Graceland, south of Memphis and tour the house and the plane. Near there is also the Krispy Kreme distribution center -- don't miss a few hot doughnuts! You will also want to see Sun Studios (where Elvis recorded), the Peabody Hotel (where the ducks play in the fountain) and spend some time on Beale Street (birthplace of the blues and home to lots of clubs and live music). Be sure to also eat barbecue while you're there -- it's some of the world's best. If you're there in May, don't miss Memphis in May -- an outdoor festival on the river with a huge BBQ cook-off. You might also want to tour the Pyramid-thing, although it's not my favorite.

If you get bored in Memphis, stroll around Rhodes College in midtown -- it's a beautiful campus of a liberal arts college (and my alma mater) or drive across the river into Arkansas and do a little gambling at the dog races in West Memphis.

HTH!

Pat

lisa: I have to ask you a question - we recently drove thru Memphis and saw a rather odd shaped building - diamond shaped on top(?) - in the downtown area - but we couldn't read the lettering on the top. What is that building? It is very cool!

lisa

That is the new pyramid-thing. I don't know what it's called, but it has a sports venue in it (basketball, etc), a Hard Rock Cafe, etc. I haven't been in it, but I hear they have tours.

Beachbum

Hi Sarah,
If you're in the aquarium area of Chattanooga, drop by Sticky Fingers for some wonderful BBQ ribs...yum..And depending on time of year, you can probably catch a riverboat cruise in any of those three cities.
And Pat, that is the Pyramid, and they host wonderful exhibits, we've seen the Titanic and Chinese clay warrior tours there. This summer, I belive they hosted one on Egyptian antiquities.

Pat

Beachbum: It's a museum??? I thought it was an office building! Love the way it looks from the highway - but we were just passing through - no time to stop.

sarah

thanks everyone. We are going in February. I know, summer would be better. Any ideas on Knoxville out there. Did the Graceland thing when were took the following the following flight out for a free tkt on NW Airlines. It was fun, but... once was plenty. THANKS AGAIN.!!

Beachbum

Hi again Sarah,
Feburary in Knoxville can be very tricky...dodging ice/sleet/snow. Not much outdoor activities...but...there is always Lady Vols basketball! Smoky Mountains are nearby, but many of the roads may be closed. There used to be a pretty decent zoo in Knoxville, but it's been 15 years since I've been. Good luck!

sarah

Good grief. Lady Vols Basketball. Maybe I should rethink the February idea. Thanks though.

RB

Check out Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Center link: www.chattanoogafun.com
for more information on Chattanooga. In addition to the aquarium, also visit the Hunter Museum of Art, a small facility with some interesting collections. Warehouse Row offers upscale shopping, if you enjoy it. It's also nice to visit Lookout Mountain’s Point Park, which commemorates the “Battle Above the Clouds.” You get a great view of the Tennessee Valley from this perspective. If minor league baseball is in session, the Lookouts' new facility is a fun family experience. Hope this is helpful.

sarah

Yes, thanks. Thanks all.

Bob

Memphis museumsink Palace,Dixon Gardens,Brooks Art Museum(located in Overton Park opposite Memphis Academy of Art)my favorite is the Ornamental Art Museum(located in Desoto Park-best view of the Mississippi River)sometimes artisans will be working in the blacksmith shop.
foodaulette's(French)Chez Phillipe(Peabody Hotel);Ronnie Grisanti's(Italian);Interstate,Germantown Commissary or Corky's for bar b q also see the weekly newspaper Memphis Flyer or the weekend edition of the Commercial Appeal on Friday.
outdoors:Feb. is normally cold but ducks & geese are usually at Wapanocca wild fowl refuge located in Arkansas approx.35min.from downtown Memphis.Shelby Forrest State Park is Approx.30 min north of downtown.Shelby Farms is 30 min east of downtown.
entertainment:live music every night-check the Memphis Flyer. Casino gambling & entertainment is approx.40 min south of downtown in Tunica County Ms.

Sal

Be careful what you say about the Lady Vols--they take that team very seriously! Other than a couple of old homes and some art museums on Kingston Pike, I really can't think of much in the way of it being a destination. It's a huge college crowd. They've tried to do a few things with the old World's Fair site that haven't really taken off. When I'm up there, it's usually for a college reunion or to see friends, so I'm not looking for things to entertain. You might forego Kville and look into Townsend, a nice little town in the mountains. As mentioned earlier, the weather can be brutal in Feb.

TnFan

Be sure to try Adrian's Cafe for lunch while you are in Knoxville - truly a wonderful and unique place! Great artwork all around the cafe, too!

Statia

I saw a lot of great things to see/do in Chattanooga, but no one mentioned Ruby Falls. Another one that would be good to put on the itenerary.

And, there's also that railway that goes up the side of the mountain....forgot the name of it, but it's neat ride.

t

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