5. Chattanooga, Tennessee
By land, by water, but especially on foot, Chattanooga exudes an energetic vibe. Along with the renowned Tennessee Aquarium, the Scenic City’s sprawling art museum, chic hotels, and hip eateries invigorate this mountain burg long beloved by outdoor enthusiasts.
Recently, the Tennessee Riverwalk opened the final leg of its mostly paved path for pedestrians and bicyclists, connecting the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway to the 13-mile stretch along the Tennessee River. The riverside trail includes the aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art and its sculpture garden, and the Bluff View Art District.
Gifts stores like Plum Nelly dot the trendy North Shore neighborhood, where food trucks and an antique carousel animate Coolidge Park. Drop by Warehouse Row for upscale shopping at Embellish and posh home furnishings at Revival. Easy Bistro & Bar serves delicious French classics with Southern flair, while Italian fare awaits you at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria. Don’t miss the glitzy Jazz Age splendor of the Read House hotel, which first opened 150 years ago; treat yourself to a meal at its swanky Bridgeman’s Chophouse.
