There’s something about Chattanooga that feels both laid-back and full of surprises. This year, we picked it for our annual long weekend tradition — a little getaway to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary all in one. We checked into The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo and spent a few slow days wandering between good meals, local markets, and mountain views tucked right into downtown. Coffee at Rembrandts and Sleepyhead, antique browsing, a stroll through the Makers Market next door, dinner at Tony’s Pasta, and a cozy table at Elsie’s Daughter —a Chattanooga weekend stitched together in the best way.
Where I Stayed: The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
I came across The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo while researching places to stay in Chattanooga, and it instantly felt like the right fit for our trip. It’s tucked inside the historic Choo Choo property but with a fresh, boutique feel that makes it feel both nostalgic and new. The rooms were simple yet stylish, with just enough character to remind you of the building’s story. What made it unforgettable, though, was getting to stay in one of the converted train cars. That experience alone made it one of the most unique places we’ve ever stayed, and Forbes even recognized The Hotel Chalet as one of the 15 Most Unique Hotels in the World.
Food & Beverage:
It’s hard not to revisit favorite spots every time, but with Charleston’s ever-growing food and beverage scene, I always try to add a few new places to the list. From early morning coffee runs to late-night bites, we made it a point to try a little bit of everything.
Below you’ll find a mix of new stops we loved this trip, along with a few tried-and-true favorites I keep going back to.
Chattanooga Highlights
A few days in Chattanooga and I’m convinced this city knows how to do weekends right — easy, warm, and worth returning to.
