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The Volunteer State

Tennessee is one of my favorite states for a quick, long-weekend getaway. For me, a Chicago-area native, Tennessee is far enough away that I feel like I’m on vacation, but close enough that I can be back to work by Monday. And let me tell you about the drive! From the time I leave Chicago until I cross over the Tennessee border, my eyes feast on the spacious, wide-open fields of Indiana, the green, rolling hills of Kentucky, and the rocky, craggy Smoky Mountains; in other words, the road trip itself is truly beautiful. Once in Tennessee, I have a few cities that I typically like to visit. Of course there’s Nashville, and I definitely recommend Memphis. However, there is also a little gem of a city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty: Chattanooga!

Like I mentioned in one of my first few posts, Chattanooga was the first place I ever traveled to on my own. As such, it has a special place in my heart with lots of great memories that I would like to share with you! In this post-series, I’ll be listing some of my favorite places in this great city, as well as some tips that I learned along the way.

Where I Stay:

Chattanooga has so many great hotels and inns to choose from. Typically, I like to stay at small hotels or inns that are family owned and operated, but in Chattanooga, I always stay at a chain hotel, Embassy Suites. Embassy Suites Chattanooga is my hands-down favorite place to stay in Tennessee, and it was rated #1 in Chattanooga by TripAdvisor for good reason. The hotel staff are polite, professional, and helpful of course, but they also go the extra mile for their customers. Once I forgot my wallet on a table in the lobby, and one of the receptionists actually tracked me down in the parking lot to find me and give it to me! I have never had trouble getting anyone to assist me with anything, and it was always done with a genuine smile. The rooms are very clean, the beds are super comfortable, and the complimentary hot breakfast in the morning and manager’s reception in the evening are so nice and convenient. The only downside to this hotel is that it can be hard to find a parking space during peak hours!

It is important to point out that Embassy Suites Chattanooga is actually located outside downtown Chattanooga, so if you wanted to stay in the heart of the city, this may not be the choice for you. However, if you jump on Highway 75, you’ll be there in no time. Personally, I like to stay outside of downtown because it is quieter and a little less hectic, and this gem of a hotel is well worth a little extra driving to get into the heart of the city.