Urban Oasis of Chattanooga

Check out the archways constructed near the highway interchange at Rome that resemble ancient Roman aqueducts. These are known as Porto Futurus, or "Doorway to the Future." Unfortunately, there is no place to park, but you can drive-by a few times.

Nearby, you can visit an amphitheater that was transformed into a meditative labyrinth using 5,490 bricks. Take a walk around and feel the relaxation. The labyrinth is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is no fee to enter.

Park here to explore the Riverwalk area.

The iconic Walnut Street Bridge is one of the central gathering places in this urban town. Here, you can walk or bike directly on the bridge and along the waterfront trails. Rent a kayak for an active adventure on the Tennessee river and check out the scene from the water. On weekends and evenings, you will see families with strollers and dogs, street artists, live musicians, and food trucks.

Continue your walk from Chattanooga’s impressive Riverwalk area across the Walnut Street Walking Bridge to the historic Northshore district. (You can drive here too, but you will need to find a parking spot.) This is where you will take a break for lunch at STIR restaurant which uses ingredients predominantly from vendors and farms around Chattanooga.
The neighborhood around the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel (with railway-themed rooms), comes alive on weeknights and weekends, with live music, outdoor restaurants, and strolling visitors.
There are several shops and galleries worth popping into, such as In-Town Art Gallery and Blue Skies.

After lunch, a visit to Clumpies ice cream is a must! The hand-crafted ice cream is made in small batches using quality ingredients, and it shows in the rich, creamy, delicious ice cream flavors. There's plenty of space to sit inside the diner-themed ice cream parlor or along one of the benches outside.

Spend the afternoon at Tennessee Aquarium, one of Chattanooga’s must-see attractions. The exhibits span the River Journey and the Ocean Journey buildings, where you can see penguins, sea otters, giant sturgeon, and a butterfly garden. Depending on your time of visit, you can see the food preparation area and help feed the fish.
Purchase a Backstage Pass if you want a quieter, more exclusive view of how the world’s largest freshwater aquarium operates.

Next, learn about the Tennessee River's history, legends, and standout locations on a relaxing cruise. The Southern Belle boasts panoramic views of the riverfront and Lookout Mountain aboard a vintage steamboat. The 1.5 hour-long cruise includes live music and Moon Pies! You will also see one of the best sunset views in all of Chattanooga.

Pick up the car and continue to your hotel.

Check in to your hotel for the night overlooking the beautiful city. The RiverView Inn has all the amenities of a boutique hotel (breakfast, swimming pool, suites), as well as a wrap around deck offering the best views of Chattanooga. It is located on Lookout Mountain (the area is partly in Georgia, and partly in Tennessee), which will be your first stop tomorrow.