Chattanooga TN is a really cool place

We began our Montana bound trip in Chattanooga, TN.  This is a spectacular mid-size city full of nature and culture.  Remember to click on photos to enlarge.  It's worth it.

The Tennessee River runs through the city.  These two bridges are a concrete driving bridge that replaced the steel bridge which is now the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.  Why don't they all do this?  


About 25 years ago they decided to make the most of their waterways.  

They began a river walk that now winds 10 miles around the Tennessee River, and they are in process of extending it 4 miles more.  

Nature is so much larger and greener in the East.

The river walk even extends out into the river.  Very cool!

And, has sculptures.

The San Antonio River Walk was charming and amazing in its own right; this walk is more natural and caters to outdoor activity.  Of course, we walked many miles of it.  

Always lined by greenery.

And, bridges from one side of the river to the other.

Carolina is 12 and full of vim and vigor and Riley is 1 ...  they are bestest friends as they wait for mom to get her dog at the best Hot Dog place ever ... 

THEN ... Following my bible, 1000 Things to do Before you Die, we went to Over the top incredible, amazing, unique Rock City.   

It is challenging to capture this unusual mountain top city, but I tried, of course!

   

You drive through the lush hills of Tennessee, then down St. Elmo's Avenue where you start up Overlook Mountain that zig zags as it rises 1700 feet ending at a rock city with views of no less than seven states.   Incredible!

No Rock City would be complete without Fairyland ... which is a large underground cavern with all the popular fairytales staged ... in rock, of course. 

Carolina's incredible ... not a week after major surgery (6 teeth extracted) she walks miles with us everyday.  Here are the kids on one of the Rock City overpasses.

This is called Lovers Leap ... down 1700 feet!

 ...

Rock City from a distance 

Do you recognize anyone here?

And, of course, no rock city would be complete without a 100 foot waterfall 
......But then again, no trip to Chatanooga would be complete without the ...

Chattanooga Chu Chu

... At the Chu Chu station .... unlike any other ...

 And, of course, anyone who boards such a chu chu must stay at the incredible chu chu station which is now a world class hotel!


We are en route tomorrow to take in the Nashville Music Scene!  All aboard!