Chattanooga, Tennessee has been named by Lonely Planet as the “Best in the U.S.” and “10 U.S. destinations you need to see in 2018”. We spent a week exploring this charming town and all the fun things to do in Chattanooga…..

When I started researching Chattanooga and exploring our Spring Break Safari itinerary, I was surprised to find that this popular destination was so full of awesome attractions for families. Our guide outlined a week filled with adventures, from exploring caves and climbing rocks to riding the railroad. Traveling with a child is always better when you plan ahead and map out all the fun things to see and do, and our Safari guide was filled with exciting ideas to fill our days and nights. And away we go…..

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Chattanooga Spring Break Safari #SpringBreakSafariCHA

Did you know? — The New York Times named Chattanooga one of the “Top 45 Places to go” in the World.

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Chattanooga Spring Break Safari #SpringBreakSafariCHA

Chattanooga TN – America’s Best

We landed in Tennessee excited for our adventure, but first things first…lunch! Candace, our wonderful travel guide for the week recommended Taco Mamacita, a taco place on the way to the hotel. Walking in you can’t help but love the vibe of this place. It reminded me of the laid back west coast dives you find in little California beach towns. I ordered a shrimp taco and a Korean beef taco, B ordered the mac and cheese. We nibbled on chips and salsa while we waited for the food and they were so good. My tacos were delicious and the side of Mexican street corn they came with was unbelievable!

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Taco Mamacita Restaurant

Hotels Chattanooga TN

After lunch we made our way to our hotel. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown/Cameron Harbor was our home for our four day adventure. We checked-in and headed to our room to drop off luggage and freshen up. Our room was bright and modern, spacious enough to accommodate a family comfortably. Two beds, a sofa area with tables and a tv and a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave. The bathrooms are large and have great counter top space, a big shower and tub so you don’t feel crowded while getting ready. I loved the mirror, would love to have one of those at home!

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chattanooga hotel

Bluff View Art District

After unpacking and checking out our room we met the rest of our travel team downstairs in the lobby. Our first stop on the Chattanooga Spring Break tour– the Bluff View Art District.

What if you could be a Shutterbug Adventurer in the Bluff View Art District?

The first stop on our list was at Rembrandt’s Coffee Shop, thankfully! Because coffee is life if you’re a mom, right? Rembrandt’s not only whips up delicious coffee drinks they make their own chocolate too. My wide eyed child stared in wonder at the case full of chocolate treats and couldn’t wait to sample the goods.

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District Rembrandts Coffee House and Chocolate

Coffee in hand we strolled the Bluff View Art District and explored all that it has to offer. It was fun to see all the beautiful artwork and sculpture on display inside the River Gallery. The blown glass hanging in the window was a favorite of mine and the kids got to try their hand at making music. Wandering down cobblestone streets we ventured through all the nooks and crannies to find hidden works of art.

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District River Valley Gallery Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District River Valley Gallery

Bluff View offers so many scenic spots to snap pictures so be sure to bring your camera along. And the panoramic views of the Tennessee River are breathtaking!

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District

We walked through one of the three restored turn-of-the-century homes by Bluff View Inn, offering elegant rooms where you can stay overnight. The charming estate features antique furnishings and original artwork as well as incredible river and mountain views.

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Tony's Pasta Shop in Bluff View Art District

The sculpture garden in the Bluff View Art District

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District Sculpture Garden

Just down the path from Bluff View Inn you’ll find the Sculpture Garden. While the kids played in the courtyard my nose kept pulling my attention away to something deliciously distracting. The smell of fresh bread baking at the Bluff View Bakery made me hungry, it smelled so amazing! We snuck a peek at the beautiful racks of loaves inside.

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Bakery Bread ShopChattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Bluff View Art District

Chattanooga Restaurants – Tony’s Pasta Shop

Thankfully, it was dinner time and Tony’s Pasta Shop was right around the corner. Located in the carriage house of a Victorian mansion, this Italian restaurant is well known for it’s tasty cuisine and casual atmosphere. Our busy first day exploring Chattanooga had worked up an appetite for sure! I ordered the chicken parmesan and it was absolutely delicious! Baked cheese, perfect pasta and alfredo sauce….. heaven!

Chattanooga Tennessee Things to Do - Family Travel, Vacation and Spring Break Fun via Misty Nelson Travel Blogger - Tony's Pasta Shop in Bluff View Art District

And that’s Day One of our Spring Break Safari adventure! Posting Day Two soon so be sure to follow along. You can always catch more pics and video of all the fun on our Instagram page and stories.

Later alligators! 

 

 

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