If you follow me you’ve probably seen bits and pieces from my recent trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you’re wanting a full rundown of my little adventure, you’re in the right place! I’ll be highlighting things to do, places to eat, and where to stay, all while keeping wheelchair accessibility in mind.
One of my favorite memories growing up has been going to the mountains with my family. After my accident I wasn’t sure that I’d get to do that again. I was recently invited by Visit Chattanooga to visit the ‘Scenic City’ and was very impressed with how many accessible things there were to do! Keep reading to see what I did!
Things to Do
One of the first things I did in Chattanooga was ride the Incline at Lookout Mountain. The Incline is an enclosed rail car that takes riders up Lookout Mountain via a mile-long track. The ride up is about 10 minutes and offers amazing
views of the Tennessee Valley along the way. Once at the top, there’s an observation deck
looking out over the mountains. There’s also wheelchair accessible restrooms and a gift shop. There are stairs going up to the top part of the observation deck, but other than that, it’s completely accessible for both manual and electric wheelchairs. There’s an attendant at the station who helps strap your chair to the floor of the car. I suggest riding the incline in the morning because it gets really crowded as the day goes on.
This place was one of the highlights of my trip! Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Rock City is a park with trails leading to some of the best views in Chattanooga. Looking at the map, you’ll see that the accessible trail is highlighted in blue. This trail is marked with blue wheelchair signs taking you to Lover’s Leap and the “Seven States” observatory deck. It’s a paved trail, but has a few areas with some steep hills. If you need help locating the accessible trails don’t hesitate to ask! The staff was very accommodating and even pointed out all the accessible restrooms (shoutout to James).
Once you reach the “Seven States” observation deck, you should eat at their restaurant called Cafe 7. They’ve got classic southern food like BBQ sandwiches, fried chicken, crab cakes, and sweet potato fries. There’s indoor seating but I recommend eating outside so you can look at the beautiful view while you eat. There were a couple steps going down to the area we ate so just keep that in mind.
Museums and Attractions
I’m a big art museum girl so when I saw that Chattanooga had one, I had to check it out. Hunter Museum of American Art has pieces dating all the way back to the 1700s to present day. One of my favorite parts was the beautiful decor, sculptures, and paintings in The Hunter Mansion, which is connected to the main building. There’s even a balcony overlooking the Tennessee River, perfect for a photo op! There’s handicap parking outside. There are elevators leading to all floors of the museum and there are wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Take a stroll through Chattanooga’s music history at Songbirds! This is a must for anyone who loves music and its history. The museum has vintage guitars owned by music legends like Loretta Lynn, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, and The Beach Boys. There’s also lots of interactive parts of the museum that explain what exactly sound is, the history of the amp, and even let’s you test out an electric guitar! To top it all off, Songbirds is a nonprofit that strives to connect kids with music and guitars. There are steps going into the museum, but there’s also a lift for wheelchair users. Just be sure to have someone go in to get a staff member’s help operating the lift or call ahead if you’re alone.
Who doesn’t love an aquarium?! This place spans over two buildings, one with saltwater exhibits and the other freshwater. You’ll want to plan for at least two hours here to see everything. The Tennessee Aquarium is perfect for kids AND adults! There’s wheelchair accessible bathrooms and elevators here. There were a few hills here and there so keep that in mind.
The Walnut Street Bridge is the best way to get the perfect view of the Tennessee River! I suggest visiting the bridge right after the Hunter Museum because they’re right beside each other. There’s a long ramp outside the art museum that leads down to the start of the bridge.
Nightfall Concert Series - End your day with live music downtown at the Nightfall Concert Series! This free event takes place May 26 - September 1 at Miller Plaza. There's food trucks, art vendors, drinks, and live music for the whole family to enjoy!
Places to Eat
Breakfast & Brunch
Sleepyhead Coffee (City Center) — Cute coffee shop downtown with doughnuts, bagels, coffee and tea. Be sure to try their Oreo doughnut! There’s a parking lot across the street with handicap parking. The coffee shop is located in the James Building on Broad Street. There are wheelchair accessible restrooms in the building but not directly in the shop.
Milk & Honey (Northshore) — Spacious breakfast spot that serves breakfast, brunch, coffee, and gelato. Their Milk & Honey iced latte is amazing! If you come for lunch, get a scoop of gelato for dessert! The blueberry buttermilk was my favorite flavor. There are handicap parking spots right outside the restaurant and wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Mean Mug Coffeehouse (Southside) — This is a breakfast, brunch, and coffee spot. You should sit outside on their patio and get the blueberry scone. Tastes like a Bo-berry biscuit from Bojangles but better. There’s a small lot behind the building with a couple handicap parking spots. It’s a gravel lot with a ramp leading up to the back door. I did not use the restroom here so I’m not sure how accessible it is.
Lunch & Dinner
Old Gilman Grill (City Center) — If you’re looking for an upscale restaurant, this is the place to go. It’s located downtown and offers American cuisine including steak, seafood, sandwiches, wine and cocktails. My salmon was delicious and I loved being able to sit outside and watch the horse drawn carriages go by. There’s a parking garage with handicap parking just a short stroll down the street.
Taco Mamacita (Northshore) — If you’re craving Mexican food, Taco Mamacita is your restaurant. There are tons of tacos to choose from like Baja Fish, Loaded Gyro, Caribbean Jerk, and even a Sloppy Jose. Don’t leave without getting their quest and Mexican street corn! There’s handicap parking right outside the restaurant and wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Alleia (Southside) — This dark and moody atmosphere, candles dripping with wax, and artsy interior makes Alleia the perfect spot for date night. This restaurant offers Italian cuisine using fresh local ingredients. The chicken sausage gnocchi was incredible! There’s handicap parking right beside the building and wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Where to Stay
The Chattanoogan Hotel - I had a very comfortable stay at The Chattanoogan Hotel, which is conveniently located a couple blocks from downtown Chattanooga. The first thing I always make sure of when going on a trip is that the hotel has accessibility. The Chattanoogan ticked all of my boxes. It had a walk-in shower, hand-held shower head, grab bars, and plenty of space under the sink. TIP: Always call the hotel and make sure your room has everything you need before you leave. Just because it says “wheelchair accessible” doesn’t mean it meets all your needs.
The Chattanoogan has three amazing restaurants plus a cafe on sight.
High Rail — rooftop bar and restaurant
Forge — serves Southern Progressive Cuisine for breakfast, brunch, and dinner
Stills + Mash — bar and restaurant serving shareable sized, local inspired food
Noogan’s Coffee Market — cafe serves breakfast and lunch; locally brewed coffee and tea
If you want some time to relax, The Chattanoogan has its very own spa! Treat yourself to a range of body, nail, and skincare treatments! I didn’t go to the spa for a treatment but the lovely receptionist, Patrick, showed me around.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Chattanooga! I had the best time and hope you do too! If you have any questions let me know in the comments!
All photos