Day 16

 After a relaxing start at our campground we headed out of the mountains and north to Chattanooga which is only about 60 miles away. Our main activity was to experience some of our favorite places in Chattanooga.

Joni’s research paid off immediately with our breakfast at Milk and Honey which is located in the North Shore, best known as a trendy, walkable, urban-village lifestyle. Situated just north of the Tennessee River, it provides immediate access to boutique shops,The place was very crowded; it was Sunday for one, and there was an Ironman competition which was starting and finishing in this area.  The wait was not a problem, we had a very comfortable couch on which to sit and I worked on our blog since the campground is totally off the grid.

The menu at Milk and Honey was very creative with variations on Southern comfort food  that intrigued us.  Joni opted for a sausage-egg-biscuit combination with a side of fresh fruit.  I chose  their “Dirty Benny”  which used “red eye gravy” in lieu of Hollandaise sauce, a biscuit instead of an English muffin, and a sunny side up egg instead of a poached. I also had a side of fresh strawberries and blueberries.  This was probably our best breakfast of this trip.  

Leaving Milk and Honey we drove up to Lookout Mountain and the National Battlefield Park.  The views of Chattanooga and the serpentine Tennessee River from the top of the mountain are breathtaking and despite the 90° temp, there was no haze, so our views were crystal clear.

The battle of Chattanooga took place in November of 1863, five months after Gettysburg, and it was decisive since the area was the gateway to the South for both river and rail traffic.  By ultimately defeating the Confederates at Chattanooga, the Union army secured it supply routes for its troops as they moved deep into the South.  Many felt this victory for the Union was the death knell of the Confederacy.

The  New York Peace Memorial.  The two immense bronze figures on top of tall granite column represent a Union and a Confederate soldier shaking hands.

Descending Lookout Mountain we headed back into downtown Chattanooga and the Bluff View Art District.  This historic, European-inspired neighborhood is perched on the limestone cliffs above the Tennessee River and is known for its art galleries, restaurants, and gardens.  The views of the river are spectacular and the Museum is surrounded by a variety of modern sculptures that echo the vitality of the city.

Leaving the bluff area we drove to the old train station area, known as Southside,  which is filled with galleries, restaurants, and bars.  The original Chattanooga Choo Choo is located as if it had just pulled into the station and it is available for self-guided tours.

Our restaurant of choice for this night was “Stir”, a new stop on our culinary tour.  It’s clearly popular with the 20-40 crowd many of whom were Goth inspired and tattoo covered.  If it sounds like I’m getting old, I am.  Anyway, our dinner was excellent.  Joni ordered shrimp scampi on a bed of farro with a side of broiled asparagus, and I selected a tuna poke bowl.

Leaving “Stir” we returned to Fort Mountain State Park, and settled in for a quiet night.  The majority of the campers who were present on Saturday night had left, probably returning to work or school.  It was a quiet night.