Knoxville or Chattanooga?
 

Hi - I'll be doing a short excursion (2 days) in TN coming from Asheville NC. Which city would you recommend? I will be traveling mid-April with an 11yr old - we both enjoy sightseeing, history, experiencing local culture. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

I would think Chattanooga. You could go to Rock City, Ruby Falls, the aquarium, Lookout Mountain, walk along the River Park. It's really pretty in mid-April.

Chattanooga has a major Civil War battlefield (history), as well as several touristy sites ("See seven states!"). Knoxville has the University of Tennessee. I'd choose the former.

I grew up in Knoxville and love it as a place to live. But for a place to visit, I'd pick Chattanooga. I think they've done a lot with the downtown and North Chatt areas, plus as the others mentioned there's a lot surrounding the city. Knoxville's Market Square is neat, but as a tourist destination I think Chattanooga has more to offer.

I'm not sure you'll find the "local culture" <i>that</i> much different, though!

Thank you all! I've already requested & received travel guides from each and thought Chatt. had more to offer for us, even though the Knox Dogwood festival caught my eye. I think I'll spend my "research time" concentrating there and think of visiting Knox another time. If you have any other specific 'must sees' I'd love to hear.

The Dogwood Arts Festival really is great - I should have looked more carefully at when you were traveling. It's mainly centered around Market Square (unless they've changed it in the last few years), but they have "dogwood trails" marked around town where you can drive by and see the trees. It's a fun time to be in town. For overall tourist attractions, though, Chattanooga would still be my pick.

Jent and I have the same idea. As soon as I had read your travel dates, I thought of my many drives through Sequoyah Hills on Cherokee Drive. Lovely, but I agree, the Scenic City has more to offer the tourist. The aquarium, especially, is unique.

In addition to Ruby Falls, we did some whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. It's totally safe going with the tour guides, fun if you like the outdoors and being in the water. Not sure if they are up and running in mid-April though.

We thought Ruby Falls was a waste of time and money.

We liked Rock City, Battles for Chattanooga Museum, Point Park, Incline RR, Chattanooga Choo Choo (and some things that might not appeal to a child). Didn't go to the Aquarium, Tennessee Valley RR, or Raccoon Mountain Crystal Caverns, but your child might enjoy them.

So many excellent suggestions ~ you folks are great. Thank you!!!

Since you've decided on Chattanooga, I'd like to suggest a different place to stay - the Chanticleer Inn on Lookout Mountain - near Rock City

Pictures -
http://stayatchanticleer.com/welcome...um=1&gallery=3

Article -
http://www.southernliving.com/travel...561/page2.html

Info -
http://stayatchanticleer.com/welcome/about-the-inn/

As the article says, new owners bought the old rock motor court and have made a VERY nice place to stay. Completely renovated rooms, outside patios to sit on, beautiful grounds with gardens and flowers. There are a couple of room options with two beds. It's just a delightful place to stay. You're on Lookout Mountain, close to some places you are going to want to see. It's a delightful inn in a very safe, neighborhood that is very walkable. The streets are named from fairy tales - Red Riding Hood Trail, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Wendy etc. - and the school on the mountain is actually called Fairyland School.

My dearest friend grew up "on the mountain" and a family member lived in a house across the street. Roscoe Tanner (if you know that name) grew up playing tennis on the country club tennis courts. It's just a delightful place to be and stay overlooking Chattanooga. It's a perfect place for a woman traveling with an 11 year old to stay. It's a completely different feel than downtown Chattanoooga - although that would be fine too.

SO beautiful!!! If not this trip then definitely the next. I wish I could live there :) thank you