Sometimes the best trips are the quick, spontaneous ones. Recently, we spent 24 hours in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and even though it was a short visit, we packed in so much fun. From tacos and bluegrass to ghost stories and late-night pizza, it was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and delicious eats.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with just one day in Chattanooga, here’s a peek at how we spent ours!
Arriving in Chattanooga & Checking In
We kicked off our mini getaway by checking into the Courtyard by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown. It’s a fantastic location, close to plenty of restaurants, attractions, and nightlife, which made it super easy to maximize our short time in the city.
First Stop: Tacos & Unexpected Plans
Our original plan was to grab a bite at a food festival happening downtown. While it was fun to check out, the real win of the night was stumbling upon Agave & Rye, a funky taco spot with incredible food and an even better vibe.
The tacos were next-level creative, with bold flavors and unique combinations that totally hit the spot. It was one of those spontaneous detours that turned into a highlight of the trip.
Sharks, Coffee & Bluegrass Vibes
After dinner, we decided to keep exploring. We caught a Shark Kingdom IMAX movie, which was both thrilling and surprisingly relaxing, perfect for digesting all those tacos. Admittedly, I almost fell asleep. So then, it was time for a little caffeine boost at a local coffee house before heading to a bluegrass festival we stumbled upon downtown. The live music, the energy, and the friendly Chattanooga crowd made it feel like a hidden gem moment.
Evening Adventures: Ghost Stories
After a quick trip back to the hotel to shower and change, we headed back out for a night on the town.
- Coffee Round Two: Because one coffee stop is never enough on a busy travel day.
- Appetizers at Unknown Caller: This speakeasy-style bar is tucked away and feels like you’ve discovered a secret. The drinks were fun and creative, and the small plates were perfect for sharing. The whipped feta was absoulte fire.
- Murder & Mayhem Ghost Tour: This tour was such a blast! We walked through the historic streets of Chattanooga while hearing creepy (and sometimes hilarious) stories of the city’s spooky past. Highly recommend if you love a mix of history and theatrics. I love hitting up ghost tours because you get to see some of the coolest architecture and learn so much history about the city. Always highly recommend!
To wrap up the night, we grabbed a late-night dinner at Mellow Mushroom. Nothing beats hot, cheesy pizza after a night of exploring. Plus, our IMAX tickets got us some free cheese bread!
Morning in Chattanooga: Breakfast, Coffee & Nature
We woke up ready to fuel up before hitting the road. Adelle’s Crêperie was our breakfast spot of choice, and it was heavenly. Sweet or savory, you really can’t go wrong here, and it was the perfect way to start our day. A little art, music and food all wrapped into one cute and funky little spot.
Of course, we made one more coffee stop, this time at Chattz Coffee, because good coffee is basically a travel essential.
Before officially heading home, we decided to squeeze in one last adventure by stopping at Little River Canyon National Preserve. The scenic drive and breathtaking views were 100% worth the detour and made for a peaceful end to a jam-packed 24 hours.
Final Thoughts: Why Chattanooga is Perfect for a Quick Getaway
Even with just one day, Chattanooga completely won us over. The city is walkable, vibrant, and full of surprises, from incredible food like Agave & Rye and Adelle’s, to unique experiences like the Murder & Mayhem ghost tour.
Whether you’re there for a weekend or just a whirlwind 24-hour trip, there’s plenty to keep you busy and well-fed. We left feeling tired (in the best way), caffeinated, and already planning our next visit.
Stay Magical, Friends!
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