Well, it’s very safe to say that I have not been as diligent in updating the blog as of late. My life has been consumed with everything life related and I haven’t been able to escape and explore as much as I had hoped. For that, I must ask forgiveness, mainly from myself. My creative brain cells are needing inspiration and I need to give them the proper fuel to be able to produce.
All that to say, I was very much looking forward to the weekend getaway I had planned with my oldest nephew(aka Aunt Paige’s Little Buddy) to make some special Christmas memories in one of my favorite cities: Chattanooga. As an aside, I must note that I nearly accepted my first teaching position in this city due to my infatuation with all things mountainous and outdoorsy. I even bought an SUV to be able to properly navigate the icy roadways when the situation would arise only to allow to Lord to keep me in the city I grew up in my first year after college. God has a sense of humor to say the least. Even though I didn’t call Chattanooga home, it has become one of my favorite places to spend quality time with friends, family, and an occasional significant other. Below you will find some of my most notable places to visit when in Chattanooga.
I LOVE this quaint part of the city that is elevated above downtown on the bluff (obviously as indicated by the name). There are delicious eateries, art museums, coffee shops and watering holes, and well appointed bed-and-breakfast style inns that overlook the beautiful Tennessee river below.
Places to stay:
The Bluff View Inn: The inn consists of 3 different historic and beautiful homes to choose from were built anywhere between 1889 and 1927. Each home has its own character and charm and offers well-appointed furnishings preserving the historic influences while not compromising modern conveniences. The walkability to downtown is convenient to all area attractions.
Eating Establishments
Tony’s Pasta Shop is in an old carriage house behind one of the Victorian homes in the courtyard. The authentic Italian food is to-die-for delicious and the ambiance is casually romantic. It’s a must-try with their house-made pastas and creative menu choices!
The Back-Inn-Cafe is my very favorite dining establishment in all of Chattanooga. The food is crafted uniquely with an artistic flare and the chef doesn’t compromise when it comes to flavor and texture. The upscale atmosphere isn’t stuffy and the dining rooms provide a beautiful view of the Tennessee River below. It’s my favorite date-spot during all times of the year, especially the fall as the beautiful foliage flanks the riverbanks.
Rembrandt’s Coffee House is the closest place to Central Perk(a la “Friends”) that I’ve experienced. The warm atmosphere, delicious pastries, and fabulous caffeinated (or decaf for those that prefer those) concoctions are scrumptiously serendipitous. Enjoy your selection in their quaint courtyard under the large trees overhead. The courtyard has a very Savannahesque feel with the cobblestone pavers and beautiful Southern homes surrounding.
Moving beyond the Bluff, the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge is a favorite of mine as you can walk from the downtown side of the Tennessee River to the Northshore area across the way. There are unique boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and the ever-beautiful Coolidge Park complete with family-friendly attractions all can enjoy. Colton loved riding the carousel and throwing rocks in the water.
There is much more to do in warmer weather with live music at Ross’ Landing on the Riverwalk, hiking on Lookout Mountain and the ever-iconic Rock City and Ruby Falls. Those are on my summer to-dos although I’m told Rock City’s Christmas light show is impressive to behold.
Though there are so many more places and spaces I enjoy(such as shopping and dining at Warehouse Row) but I’ll save those details for another time.
This brings me to the purpose of our trip this past week: taking Colton to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to ride the Polar Express. What a fun adventure and what special memories we made together. If you are looking for a legitimate Christmas train adventure with a special little one, look no further! They pulled out all the stops to make it a magical experience for all of us. Please enjoy some of our pictures below.
We had fun and made memories but we used this opportunity together to talk about what Christmas is all about . Merry Christmas and may the love, peace and joy from the TRUE REASON for the season fill your hearts, now and forevermore. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
A Paige From the South 