Belinda

We are driving through Chattanooga this summer and wonder if the Tennessee Aquarium is worth a stop. Any recommendations on hotels and restaurants in the area would also be appreciated.

debi

The Aquarium is definitely worth a stop. A great place! We lived in Atlanta for 4 years and took several of our visitors to the aquarium. Everyone enjoyed it.

Shelley

Can anyone tell me how much time we should allot to a trip to this Aquarium? I saw an article on it in a AAA publication recently and it looks quite interesting. Would you recommend a whole day, or will a few hours do it justice?

debi

The amount of time you spend in the Aquarium depends on you, but I wouldn't think you'd need a whole day. I found about 4 hours sufficient. There's a nice restaurant very close to the Aquarium. I can't remember the name, but I think it was a microbrewey-type place. They make their own cream soda and root beer . . . my fiance really liked it!

debi

One thing I forgot to mention about the Aquarium: If it is crowded (weekends) you may not be able to just walk right in. If I remember correctly, they will issue you a pass, and you cannot enter until a certain time - which will be designated on the pass.

SHEREE

THE AQUARIUM IS A MUST SEE. THE KIDS WILL LOVE IT. WE HAVEN'T VISITED SINCE IT WAS 2 YRS. OLD THEY HAVE ADDED MORE AND ALSO ADDED I-MAX WHEN YOU WALK IN YOU LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND AND FEEL AS THOUGH YOU ARE IN AN UNDERWATER WORLD. THE SALTWATER AND FRESHWATER AQUARIUMS ARE AWESOME. ENJOY YOUR GETAWAY.
P.S. WE HAVE A CLASS THAT VISITS EACH YEAR AND THEY SAY THEY WOULD NOT MISS IT! BE SURE AND CHECK OUT "THE STATION" RESTAURANT FOR A GOOD MEAL AND LOTS OF FUN FOR ALL AGES. YOUR WAITERS AND WAITRESSES PUT ON QUITE A SHOW!

Scott Neat

I have been to the aquarium about three times with my family. A few hours is all you need at the aquarium to take it all in. It's worth the trip. Also, definately go see whatever is showing at the I-max theatre which is very near the aquarium. In fact, if I remember correctly, you can buy a combination ticket for both the aquarium and the I-max. I'm not sure which movie they are showing in Chattanooga, but I saw a new one last week in New Orleans about Mt. Everest. It was great.

If your interested in staying over a night in Chattanooga, I would recommend the Holiday Inn Chattanooga Choo-Choo. It's just down the street fro the aquarium (you can get to the aquarium via a shuttle). My kids loved the hotel. They've got an indoor pool, lots of small shops, a huge model train display, many real trains that you can explore, etc. If you're interested, they have packages that include the aquarium and the I-max. The package may save you a dollar or two.

If you want to spend a long day in Chattanooga(and if your into trains) there is an old train museum across town that offers short train rides (i.e. about an hour roundtrip) on an old passenger train with a steam engine. They also have a whole rail yard that is filled with all types of old trains that you can walk through. I sorry, but I can't remember the name of the Museum. I'm sure someone at the hotel would know.

Ann

I live in Chattanooga, please stop by the aquarium! It would be a great way to break up your trip. Hotels are more plentiful on I-75 at Hamilton Place Mall, there you will find all the old regulars and tons of restaurants too. Make reservations first!

Olaino

Can anyone compare & contrast the Catanooga Aquarium to the ones in Baltimore & Monterrey?

Atlantans whatever happened to B. Campbell's idea of building an aquarium in ATL?

thanks

wes fowler

Olaino, Having lived in suburban Baltimore for a number of years and now in suburban Atlanta, we've visited both aquariums (aquaria?). Both were designed by the same architect and are quite similar in their design. Chattanooga's aquarium differs somewhat from Baltimore's in that it is strongly thematic tracing marine life from the mountain springs that form the Tennessee River to its culmination in the Gulf of Mexico. A very well thought out concept. Where Baltimore has a tropical "rain forest", Chattanooga has a Tennessee mountain "forest". Both facilities are well worth the admission fees; we've been members of the Baltimore aquarium and are members of the Chattanoogan one. Can't comment on Monterey. Chattanooga, for the benefit of other readers is well worth a stop. Once designated America's dirtiest city, it is now, like Baltimore, a model of effective urban renewal. Its river walk is delightful. Its proximity to Lookout Mountain and the spectacular views from its top(when the weather is right)and its proximity to the Oconee River, where Olypic white water kayaking was held in '96 make a trip worthwhile.

Cindy Philpot

I use to live in Chattanooga for a number of years, and now live in Atlanta. The part of downtown where the aquarium is has been renovated and lots to see. The aquarium is a great place to visit for all families. My husband and I went there when it first opened. It was very busy, and standing room only. It was difficult at times so see everything because of the number of people. I would like to try and go again, but during school months so that I can take my time and enjoy everything. It is my understanding that it is still that way especially during the summer months.

There are a lot of nice restaurants in that area and in waling distance. There is also a bridge that they made into a park where you can walk across the river - the kids will enjoy that. The Imax theater is also nearby.

Another place to stay is the Read House-downtown. The last time I was at the Choo-Choo was to have dinner in one of the cars. The food was not that great, and appeared to need some TLC. However, there are a couple of restaurants there that has better food. It is a great place to see if you enjoy a bit of history. Some celebrities have been spotted.