While the current economy is keeping many families in their hometowns this summer, many cities’ tourism departments are making a special effort to provide free family-friendly events for visitors and locals alike. Chattanooga is no exception. With something for everyone and a beautiful, scenic landscape as a backdrop, Chattanooga makes it easy for families to enjoy their visit while on a budget.
For the music lover in the family, Chattanooga is a paradise. Several music series are offered by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership. Every Friday from May through August, Rhythm and Noon is held at Miller Plaza during lunch hour featuring community and regional artists from a wide range of genres from jazz to pop to choral groups. As the sun begins to set and the weekends begins, Friday evenings fall on Miller Plaza with the Night Fall music series. Night Fall is another free concert with both a local and a headlining artist. Some of this year’s acts are Milele Roots, Acts of Congress, Stratoblasters, and John Nemeth. Continuing the free summer music series is the Ross’s Landing Plaza at the Tennessee Aquarium. Usually on a Saturday schedule with some Sunday performances, artists perform at the Plaza with the awe-inspiring Tennessee River as a backdrop.
Local products, free family entertainment, and a chance to see local culture are offered at several open air markets in the area. The most widely acclaimed is the Chattanooga Market held every Sunday afternoon at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Admission is free and every Sunday has a different theme and activities. Themes range from Chattanooga’s Strawberry Festival, The Latin Fair, Coca-Cola Day, to the Southside Tractor Show. Vendors sell fresh produce, homegoods, jewlery, art, and baked goods.
Weekends in Chattanooga are full of events, but the area also offers countless places for families to plan their own events. Parks throughout the area offer various venues and backdrops for any family occasion from cookouts, picnics, or sack lunches. In the East Brainerd neighborhood of Chattanooga is Heritage Park. With picnic tables, grills, a playground, walking track and bocce ball court featuring a lush green meadow landscape and two creeks, Heritage Park is the perfect in-town setting for a day out. Another popular park located in Downtown Chattanooga is Coolidge Park. At the North Shore end of the Walnut Street Pedestrian bridge, Coolidge Park features a fountain with larger than life stone horses, lions and elephants and a century old hand carved carousel along the Tennessee River. The fountain is open to all who need to cool off on a hot summer day, making the park perfect for families with young children.
Chattanooga is the perfect stay-cation destination for those on a budget while still providing an enjoyable and memorable experience. There are more experiences, events, and festivals than could be listed here, but it easy to find more information and plan a trip to the “Scenic City”. Information can be found at www.DowntownChattanooga.com and www.Chattanoogahasfun.com. The locals will be glad you came.
The Chattanooga Market www.ChattanoogaMarket.com
The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership www.DowntownChattanooga.com
www.Chattanoogahasfun.com
Chattanooga’s Visitors Bureau www.Chattanoogafun.com
