Top five attractions of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Those travelling to the Chattanooga area and staying in the "Scenic City" for a day or more should take time to explore some of its fascinating sites. The attractions highlight the natural surroundings, the thriving community, the region's rich history from Civil War times and before as well as the famous "Chattanooga Choo Choo."

Nestled into the foothills of the Smoky Mountain Range in south-eastern Tennessee, U.S.A., Chattanooga provides a variety attractions. Southern hospitality draws people with the home-style welcome offered. Here are five of the most popular sites to visit when staying in the "Scenic City": Chattanooga Choo Choo The Terminal Station on Market Street where the Southern Railway formerly operated has become a resort complex with an authentic train as part of the Chattanooga Choo Choo luxury hotel. Surrounding the complex are shops, railway exhibits, a dining restaurant in a traditional train dining car. The Chattanooga Railway Museum in eastern Chattanooga also has more exhibits regarding trains and train history in Chattanooga. Lookout Mountain A famous and dominating landmark of the city, Lookout Mountain was the hill upon which the Confederate Army had their stronghold during the Battle of Chattanooga, a major event of the Civil War in the mid-1900s. Today, the mountain constitutes a park, a museum, the Incline Railway, Ruby Falls, and Rock City. Tennessee Aquarium This attractive facility has two buildings, a river aquarium and an ocean aquarium. The river aquarium features freshwater creatures native to the Tennessee River flowing outside the building as well as freshwater life from all over the country and world. River otters housed inside entertain visitors. The other building is meant for ocean inhabitants from delicate jelly fish to tropical fish, sharks and more. One popular feature is the penguin habitat. Tennessee River Walk Thirteen miles of walkway follows the Tennessee River through the city from the Chickamauga Dam to the heart of Chattanooga's downtown. The paths are frequented by walkers, bikers, and more. The grounds along the way are beautifully landscaped with trees and flowers. The Passage Located on the bank below the Tennessee Aquarium, a dramatic celebration of Cherokee culture displaying many significant symbols, this sculptured monument is a memorial to the dreadful "Trail of Tears" where people of the Cherokee Nation were forcefully deported to the western states in the late 1830s. Water cascades downhill to a pool and a powerful fountain arching high over the Tennessee River.