Rock City Gardens
Chattanooga is located on the Tennessee River up against Lookout Mountain and just across from the Georgia State Line. The town was founded by the Cherokee Indians in 1815. It served as a ferry to cross the river in its early days. In 1838 the Cherokees were forced out of the area along the "Trail of Tears". The original ferry site is at the modern day Ross Landing in town. The city of population 150,000 was the home base of the 1940s band "Cattanooga Choo Choo" and hosts an impressive selection of greenways, parks and tourist attractions. Chattanooga is a success story on the dog-friendly front as well. Most downtown areas, including bridge walkways, the greenway along the river and dining were, as recently as five years ago off-limits to our four legged friends. The city worked to improve this situation, and Chattanooga now is one of the most dog-friendly cities of its size in the nation.
Dog-friendly hotels in Chattanooga from each of the chains offers you a chance to stay with your favorite chain. The Sheraton Read House Hotel Chattanooga is dog-friendly and has Sheraton's pet amenity package. There are a few pet-friendly La Quinta hotels, Motel 6 motels and various Choice brand hotels to choose from. Another pet-friendly hotel is the Best Western Royal Inn. However, the most interesting pet-friendly hotel is probably the "Chattanooga Choo Choo". Built into an old railway station, this building serves as a hotel and offers a fenced dog park, patio restaurants, a model railroad exhibit and Victorian Train Car Rooms. This is as unique a hotel as you will find. There are a few extended stay suite hotels that are pet-friendly if you are planning a longer visit or need larger accommodations. There are also some pet-friendly vacation rentals. For a pet-firendly campground the Raccoon Mountain Caverns & RV Park. Dogs are not allowed in the Caves but are allowed in the rest of the park.
There are a lot of things to do with your dog while visiting Chattanooga. Another unique experience is the Rock City Gardens, on Lookout Mountain. This attraction is an approximately one mile walk through unique rock formations, gardens, views and man made interesting settings. The "Enchanted Trail" has little gnomes peeking at you from around corners among other exhibits. You should also visit the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park which was the site of the last major Confederate victory of the Civil War. This 5,200 acre park has a 7 mile auto tour, monuments and historic markers and the view from Point Park. Dogs on leash are allowed in all outdoor areas of the park. In downtown Chattanooga is the 113 year old historic Walnut Street Walking Bridge and you can walk your dog across it. You can also walk your dog on the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway which totals over 8 miles in length. There is an off-leash dog park in town - The Chattanooga Chew Chew Canine Park at 1801 Carter Street.
Dog-friendly restaurants are now quite popular in Chattanooga since it's dog-friendly revival. Don't miss The Ice Cream Show which, in addition to ice cream for you, offers lucky canines for a doggy treat made from frozen vanille, peanut butter and banana. It is located just off of the Walnut Street Bridge. There are many downtown and area restaurant patios open to dogs including Marco's Italian Bistro, Blue Orleans and Sluggo's North Vegetarian Cafe. There is also the Moccasin Bend Brewing Company, The Terminal Brew House and the Hair of the Dog Pub for people looking for a dog-friendly bar or winery. A good breakfast restaurant is Aretha Frankensteins at 518 Tremont Street. See DogFriendly.com's directory for a list of additional dog-friendly restaurants and for more details.
Nearby dog-friendly destinations to Chattanooga include Atlanta Georgia, The Smoky Mountain Region of Tennessee and Nashville.
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