The "West" in the Civil War: Chattanooga and Chickamauga

On our second family trip to Chattanooga, we reserved the equivalent of a day to explore the civil war battlefields and memorial monuments at Chattanooga and Chickamauga.  Both are characterized as far "western" battlefields for the time, and Justin, our Mr. History, recommends visiting both to help understand the course of the war.  Both sites help us understand what happened in our past--and the ways in which we have reflected on these events over the years.

On Lookout Mountain, Point Park, a commemoration of Chattanooga's "Battle Above the Clouds," is one of the first National Park Service sites.  It includes gorgeous views, including some even a casual student of history will recognize in civil war photographs.  Ochs Memorial Observatory includes a small gallery-style museum of civil war photography.  It's not part of the National Park Service, but the Battles for Chattanooga dioramas nearby add interesting information--and provide a way for you to support independent history attractions in addition to the National Park Service.  In fact, some of the best parking for this area is right behind their building.

Justin describes Chickamauga as a very well-preserved battlefield that can occupy several hours of driving/walking/hiking.  Like Gettysburg, there are many, many monuments and markers.  With a sense of adventure in mind, you can climb Wilder's Brigade Tower, an 85-foot stone monument with an interesting story itself.  There's a spiral staircase inside and outstanding views at the top.  Hang on to little ones, as the windows are open air--G tried to make an escape out of a high window, and she could have if we hadn't been paying attention.

If you go, Chattanooga's Point Park can easily be enjoyed as part of a trip to Lookout Mountain--and especially to the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.  If you are feeling thrifty, Point Park can serve as a lower-priced and kitsch-free alternative to Rock City--although we'd still suggest visiting both. Chickamauga is easy to reach on a travel day--we stopped as we drove back "up" to Roanoke--and is, again, a spacious place.  Both are best enjoyed on pleasant-weather days when you feel comfortable outside.

See Rock City: You Really Should

One of the Southern Highlands Attractions, Rock City is just plain can't miss.  Part nature walk and part adventure in American tourism, Rock City is an outside adventure that will bring you more thrills than most gentle hikes as you amble along a well-constructed path between large boulders and up rock staircases.  Rock City treats you to nature, including breathtaking views from Lookout Mountain, and to little roadside attraction surprises, like cute gnomes in the fields.  Yes, it's a garden--but it is qualitatively different from most botanical gardens.

Along the walk, you'll see the iconic "See Seven States" lookout, view a beautiful (if human-made) waterfall at Lover's Leap, and cross two very narrow passages between large boulders--an experience hard to come by outside of a non-commercialized cave. Your walk will lead to Fairyland Caverns, a constructed cave full of sculpted, black lit scenes from childhood tales--unique and very cool.  Don't expect to navigate the park easily with a stroller, but there is an ADA-compliant pathway option.  Keep an eye on the kids--and a close hand on your most adventurous small ones--but we've found that this is a great place to let young ones, curious about the walkways themselves, enjoy a well-supervised adventure.

If you go, dress for the weather (including a few degrees more cool because of the mountain breeze) and check the special events schedule, which now includes springtime Fairytale Nights, the Christmas Enchanted Garden of Lights,and more.  Allow enough time to enjoy your surroundings,walking slowly, sitting and taking in views, stopping to take pictures.  This isn't designed to be a rushed experience--although we saw plenty of people just tearing through. There's no reason not to bring along a picnic in a backpack, too, and slow down even more. Gift shops sell great See Rock City souvenirs--and we recommend you check out their own history book See Rock City: The History of Rock City Gardens by Tim Hollis, one of our favorite authors. It's easy to combine your Rock City adventure with other Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga attractions--look for discount combo tickets as you plan.

Chattanooga with the Family: Tennessee Aquarium and Area

About 10 years ago, Kim made a trip to Chattanooga, TN, for a professional conference.  She immediately recognized the city as particularly family trip friendly destination, and we resolved to bring the then-hypothetical children back, probably at about age 2-3, to begin enjoying it--see the story of our first trip with E here and here (Lookout Mountain).  Now, we’ve made our second family trip to Chattanooga with both E and G, and we have been delighted each time.

The Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see for visitors of any age and just about any interest.  Divided into two buildings, one focused on saltwater and one focused on freshwater, the aquarium is thoughtfully designed and includes clearly more than “just fish.”  A butterfly garden is among the treats, as are several touch tanks and a spectacular gallery of jellyfish, colorfully illuminated, alongside aquatic-inspired art.  Several areas showcase full habitats you can experience, including a bayou with alligators.  And did we tell you there are penguins?!?!

In terms of tourist comforts, the aquarium is beautifully clean, and there are two well-stocked, reasonably-priced gift shops.  In seasonable weather, there are areas for shallow water play in simulated rivers outside the aquarium complex—dress the kiddos appropriately.  There is a nearby IMAX theater, and you can purchase combination aquarium visit, IMAX film tickets.  Check online for relevant gift shop coupons, but discount admissions are hard to find.  We recommend investing and making a day of it.  If you are staying downtown, you can certainly walk in decent weather—or you can take the electric shuttle.  We’ve now had two solid stays at the Read House Hotel, and its prices are often lower than closer hotels for just a bit more walking. There are several nearby family-friendly “fun vacation” restaurants (Mellow Mushroom and Sticky Fingers, for example) and ice cream places, and there’s a nearby Coolidge Park across the Walnut Street Bridge.  The park has a seasonal “splash pad” and lovingly-restored carousel (ride for a nominal $1 cost).

Speaking of that park and bridge, the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the United States, crosses the Tennessee River and makes for a delightful walk or bike ride.  If you are fascinated by the river, you can explore it aboard Chattanooga Ducks and aboard the aquarium’s own boat rides.  Even if you are just out for a walk, crossing the bridge is a delightful way to see the city…and on the other side of the river at what is known as the North Shore, you’ll find a few intriguing shops in easy walking distance.  Near the river itself, there are walking paths, and we’d recommend you check out the outdoor sculptures at the Hunter Museum of American Art also nearby—just cross the glass (yes, glass) bridge to the site.  Roanokers, you’ll recognize the architecture—it was designed by the same architecture firm as the Taubman.

Other attractions in this area include the children's museum called the Creative Discovery Museum, and we Haltermans wouldn't leave without visiting two interesting bookstores, AllBooks and Winder Binder Gallery and Bookstore, and grabbing a snack at the area's Moonpie General Store.

Part Zoo, Part Nature Walk, Part Museum: Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, VA

Virginia Living Museum is a little gem of a day trip, especially for kids with any interest in animals or nature.  Easy to find from the interstate system (but not in sight from there), the museum includes live animals in spaces inside and outside along a pleasant boardwalk.  Lots of rescued animals native to Virginia can be seen along the walk, and we found the docents knowledgeable of the animals and their habits.  Stop and ask them to explain the behavior of the animals--they'll tell you interesting stories that often include stories of the rescue of the animals, injured, from the wild.  Also outside are a small play area perfect for preschool and young elementary kids. For us, visiting on a quick stop, the boardwalk on a pleasant day was the highlight of the trip.

Inside, you'll find regionally-based exhibits about Virginia wildlife--a dream for teachers of Virginia Studies and science!  There's a taste of aquarium-style exhibits as well as smaller enclosures with smaller animals.  The facility is well-maintained and has a spacious travelling exhibit space--recently, it was featuring large robotic models of bugs.  Check the website for updates--a temporary dinosaur exhibit opens in May 2016.  Attention shoppers: There's also a reasonably-priced gift shop.

If visiting with kids say, 10ish and younger, we recommend considering going on a clearly "good weather" day, dressing for inside and outside temps, and packing a picnic or bringing carryout--you can eat right outside the museum.  ASTC Passport science museum members, this is a participating site!  It's also Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited, so check any related memberships you have for possible reciprocity. The museum is a very easy drive from Williamsburg and a reasonably easy one from Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Right now, it would be fun to combine with a stop at Lantern Asia.  We made a quick trip of about 45-60 minutes, but we'd actually recommend 2-3 hours or more.