5 Daycation Destinations for Chattanoogans
One of the best things about Chattanooga is its location. Downtown Chattanooga is just a stone’s throw from incredible hiking, climbing and mountain biking—plus it’s a central hub between major cities like Nashville, Birmingham and Atlanta. Because our city has such a convenient locale, there are plenty of easy day trips within just a few hours of us. Take a day or a weekend and check out some of our favorite daycations!
Sweetwater/Athens, Tennessee
Distance from Chattanooga: 1 hour, 18 minutes
More Information: www.thelostsea.com, www.mayfielddairy.com/tour
The Lost Sea Adventure, tucked away in the town of Sweetwater, Tennesee, is a guided tour of America’s largest underground lake.The tour begins with a ¾ mile round-trip walk while touring the caverns, and then at the bottom of the cave you will board a glass-bottom boat for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea. The lake, covering more than 4 acres, is recognized as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Round out your day with a trip to the Mayfield Dairy Farms just a few minutes drive from The Lost Sea Adventure. Learn the history of Mayfield Dairy and see the see the bottling of milk and the production of ice cream and novelty items. Be sure to stop by for a taste test of the ice cream made fresh daily!
Scottsboro, Alabama
Distance from Chattanooga: 1 hour, 5 minutes
More Information: www.unclaimedbaggage.com, www.facebook.com/First-Monday-Trade-Day
Ever wonder where all of the lost luggage from airports ends up? Enter Unclaimed Baggage Center, a 40,000-square-foot treasure trove of lost items tucked away in North Alabama. When people lose their luggage and the airline can’t reunite it with the owner for 90 days, their stuff ends up at the center, which stocks between 4,000 and 5,000 new items every day. With everything from sports gear, electronics, clothing and accessories, jewelry and home goods, this tourist destination is a rite of passage to visit at least once. You never know what you’ll find! If you’re still in the mood for shopping and visit on a first Monday, check out Scottsboro’s First Monday Trade Day which began in 1902, making it one of the oldest trade days in the country. At trade day you can find anything from old coins to antiques to farm animals—yet another reason why Scottsboro is a great stop for treasure hunters.
Nashville, Tennessee
Distance from Chattanooga: 2 hours, 3 minutes
More Information: www.countrymusichalloffame.org, www.nashville.gov/Parthenon
Nashville is packed full of great sightseeing opportunities, plus incredible restaurants, shops and night life. Start your day at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the world's largest popular music museum with exhibits featuring the legends of country music past and today's hottest stars. Be sure to visit Music Row for lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants and see RCA Studio B where Elvis recorded more than 200 hits. One last stop for your trip is the Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park, the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
Adairsville, Georgia
Distance from Chattanooga: 1 hour, 10 minutes
More Information: www.barnsleyresort.com, www.1902stockexchange.wordpress.com
The entire town of Adairsville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which gives testament to how picturesque this historic town really is. Visitors can see the original 1847 Railroad Depot that was part of the pursuit of the steam locomotive General of the famous Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. But the real crown jewel of this town is Barnsley Resort, an 1840's estate where guests can stay, enjoy the spa or tour the gardens. The gardens are a must-see, particularly this time of year now that everything is in bloom. Adairsville also is home to a host of antique stores, including 1902 Stock Exchange, a restored mercantile with individual booths and a yummy lunch spot, Maggie Mae’s Tea Room. There is also a dinner theatre upstairs if you can stay late enough to catch a show!
Lynchburg, Tennessee
Distance from Chattanooga: 1 hour, 34 minutes
More Information: www.jackdaniels.com/visit
When most people think of Lynchburg, the first thing that comes to mind is whiskey—and for good reason. The Jack Daniel’s Distillery is a must-see and allows guests to get up close and personal with the processes, more so than other distillery tours. The regular tour is free and is open to all ages, while for a reasonable fee, those of drinking age can do a tasting tour. Expect to spend about an hour and a half total with a lot of walking. After the tour, enjoy a lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Restaurant, a 100-year-old eatery featuring traditional down-home cooking. Just be sure to call and make reservations in advance! On your way out of town, don’t miss Lynchburg Hardware & General Store. This is the spot to purchase Jack Daniel’s memorabilia, which isn’t available at the distillery.
