If you’ve only got three days off and you’re wondering where to go, let me make this real easy for you: Chattanooga.

I’m not saying that just because we live here (okay, maybe a little), but hear me out. I’ve lived in 11 towns at 23 different addresses—yeah, you read that right—and traveled to 14 countries. After a 20-year career in commercial real estate and a 6.5-month trip around the world with my family, we chose to come back to Chattanooga. Not because we had to. Because it’s just that good.

Why Chattanooga?

It’s simple: Chattanooga blends the best of both worlds—outdoor adventure and urban charm—with just the right dose of Southern hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you can grab coffee by the river, hit a mountain biking trail before lunch, paddle in the afternoon, then finish with craft cocktails and live music downtown. Try doing all that in one weekend somewhere else.

Oh, and Outside Magazine named us the Best Town Ever—not once but twice (2011 and 2015). No other city has pulled that off. Boulder? Asheville? Bend? Sure, they’ve won—but only once. Chattanooga’s a two-time champ.

And we’re not done collecting accolades—we recently became the First National Park City in North America. That’s kind of a big deal.

What’s a Weekend Look Like Here?

Let’s break it down like a perfectly fried piece of Champy’s chicken (more on that later):

🏞️ Day One: Get Your Bearings (and a Biscuit)

Start in North Chattanooga, where you can ride a 100-year old restored antique carousel at Coolidge Park or see conservation in action in the 23 acre wetlands restoration of a former manufacturing area at Renaissance Park. Sip a latte from Stone Cup Café, grab a funky breakfast at Aretha Frankensteins, or honey butter biscuits from Milk and Honey.

Craving something sweet? Stop by Julie Darling Donuts or Clumpies Ice Cream.

Feeling extra motivated (or just caffeinated)? Bike over to Stringer’s Ridge for mountain views and a great ride, or rent a paddle board from L2 Outside and get out on the Tennessee River.

Pro tip: Wrap up the day with dinner at Frazier Five & Dime, Basecamp Bar & Restaurant, or Tremont Tavern. Burgers and beers just hit different after a day outdoors.

🐠 Day Two: Explore, Play Tourist—Local Style

Cross the (currently closed for renovations but still iconic) Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge or the Veterans Memorial Bridge into downtown. Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Tour the Tennessee Aquarium
• Climb the walls at High Point Climbing
• Let the kids go wild at the Creative Discovery Museum
• Stroll through the Bluff View Art District and visit the Hunter Museum of American Art
• Grab a coffee and baked goods at Rembrandt’s Coffee House
• Take a Southern Belle Riverboat dinner cruise
  

If you’re feeling a little rebellious, hit The Bitter Alibi for an offbeat bar vibe. Want fried chicken that’ll change your life? Champy’s is the move.

And don’t forget to schedule a tasting at Chattanooga Whiskey. You’ll thank me later.

🎶 Day Three: Art, Animals, and Adventures

Spend your last day exploring the Southside. Stop at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, brunch at STIR or Bluegrass Grill, savor dinner at Alleia, and enjoy live music at Songbirds.

If the weather’s good, don’t miss a stroll through the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park or a visit to the Chattanooga Zoo.

Still got some gas in the tank? Head to St. Elmo for:

• A ride up the Incline Railway
• A tour through Ruby Falls
• An afternoon exploring Rock City
• Finish strong with dinner at 1885 Grill or pizza and an ice cream cone at Mr. T’s Pizza and Ice Cream.

Still Not Done?

Told you three days might not cut it. Stay a few extra and:

• Hang glide at Lookout Mountain Flight Park
• Paddle or rent a boat to go out on Chickamauga Lake
• Hike Signal Mountain or Cloudland Canyon State Park
• Watch 100,000 bats fly out of Nickajack Cave with Outdoor Chattanooga
• Visit the Chickamauga Battlefield
• Or… just sit on a porch with a view and a beer. You do you.

How to Get Here (and Never Want to Leave)

Here’s the kicker: we’re super easy to get to. More than 11 million people live within a two-hour drive (hey Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, Huntsville, Birmingham—we see you).

So when we say Chattanooga’s perfect for a 3-day weekend, we mean it. It’s close, it’s packed with things to do, and it just might charm you into staying longer than planned.

Final Thought

They call it the Scenic City for a reason. But don’t take our word for it—come see for yourself. Just… maybe go ahead and book that extra night. You’ll thank us later.

What would you add to the list? Best biscuit? Hidden trail? Secret taco spot? Share it in the comments!