Chattanooga Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Chattanooga, Tennessee - TN, USA)



Famed for the well-known train, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, that name was later given to a song and then a hotel, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth-largest metropolis. Sporting beautiful downtown and riverfront districts, as well as several distinct and colorful neighborhoods and locations, Chattanooga is known largely as a sleepy Southern town.

Chattanooga's five main districts - Brainerd, downtown, Hamilton Place, Lookout Mountain and North Shore - ensure much character, giving tourists plenty of ground to explore.


Brainerd District

Home to Eastgate Town Center and Missionary Ridge, Brainerd is one of Chattanooga's oldest districts, named after Presbyterian minister David Brainerd. The Missionary Ridge lies in the west of Brainerd and is part of the famous Choo Choo Scenic Driving Tour, which incorporates historic homes, parks and gardens. Views of downtown Chattanooga from the Missionary Ridge are outstanding.

Downtown District

Downtown Chattanooga is the main tourist area of Chattanooga, with its many sights, shopping and dining. There are some quality hotels here and more than 100 shops and restaurants, lots of quality museums and a vibrant nightlife. Top attractions in Chattanooga's downtown district include the bustling riverfront, Lookout Mountain and the massive Tennessee Aquarium. The original Chattanooga Choo Choo engine is also here, displayed at Terminal Station. Transport in downtown Chattanooga is provided by free electric trolleys.

Hamilton Place District

Originally featureless farmland, Hamilton Place was transformed into Chattanooga's and Tennessee's largest shopping experience, with the founding of the Hamilton Place Shopping Center and a plethora of huge shopping malls in all directions. There are more than 100 stores within Chattanooga's Hamilton Place district alone, including such greats such as Dillard's, Parisian, The Gap and Eddie Bauer, while entertainment is provided by movie theaters and scores of restaurants.

North Shore District

A close second to downtown Chattanooga, the North Shore district features numerous specialty shops and restaurants, as well as quality attractions. Chattanooga's Coolidge Park is a must-see for its miles of riverfront walking paths and the ever popular Coolidge Park Carousel and Fountains, an ancient merry-go-round with hand-carved horses. Another aspect of North Shore is America's longest pedestrian walkway, the Walnut Street Bridge, which spans the Tennessee River and links downtown Chattanooga with the North Shore area.

Lookout Mountain District

Lookout Mountain is one of Chattanooga's main tourist attractions, best seen by taking the ancient Incline Railway, the world's steepest. Top attractions at Lookout Mountain include the beautiful gardens of Rock City and the fantastic Chattanooga views from the gardens; Ruby Falls, with their large caverns located halfway up the mountain; and Point Park, the one-time site of a fierce Civil War battle.