Need a way to keep out-of-town guests occupied for a few hours? You're in luck; our city is rife with unique experiences to help your guests make cherished holiday memories while you take a little time for yourself.
Kids can also play St. Nick through a visit to Creative Discovery Museum, which opens a "Kids Only Holiday Shoppe" from 1-3 p.m. on weekends Nov. 18 through Dec. 17 as well as the week before Christmas. The reasonably priced items allow children to experience the concept of a budget, along with the joy of giving.Your Inner Kid: Nov. 24-Dec.17
The Creative Discovery Museum's Gingerbread Workshops are a great way to get guests young and old out of the house for a deliciously good time that doesn't leave your kitchen a wreck. The museum provides all the gingerbread, icing and candy guests will need, and museum admission is included in the $45 charge for nonmembers ($25 for members). Due to space restrictions, there is a limit of three people per house. The workshops are held Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 at various times and last around two hours.
If you need a bit more time, the museum's current exhibit, "Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action," on display through Jan. 15, promises hours of engaging fun with interactive demos of activities such as kung fu, surfing, snowboarding and yoga. Guests can even take home a 3-Day Mission Action Tracker activity log for a diversion that keeps on giving.
The Tennessee River Gorge, through which the Southern Belle takes its tours, is known as "the Grand Canyon of the South." Forested with trees, it makes for the perfect autumn backdrop.Winter on the Water: Nov. 24-Dec.17
The Tennessee River is among Chattanooga's greatest assets, and a boat ride is probably the most impressive way to show guests the Scenic City's natural beauty. The Southern Belle offers a three-hour fall foliage cruise through the Tennessee River Gorge daily through Nov. 18. In addition to the colorful displays outside, guests can enjoy live music, a buffet lunch and free bingo. The boat's hour-and-a-half-long November Sightseeing Cruise, offered Nov. 24 at noon and Nov. 25 at noon and 2 p.m., is another great way for Thanksgiving guests to while away the time.
For those who are ready to let their Christmas revelry begin, the 2.5-hour Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise gives guests the opportunity to visit with Santa and enjoy a buffet-style dinner featuring prime rib and Creole shrimp. Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises are held Nov. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. As the Christmas season draws closer, the Southern Belle provides a welcome respite from holiday shopping with its two-hour 'Tis the Season Luncheon Cruises Dec. 1-3, 7-10 and 15-17 at 1 p.m. each day.
The Tennessee Aquarium's River Gorge Explorer does two-hour cruises as well, and while I'm a huge fan, they don't include a meal yet are roughly the same cost.
High Point is one of the largest climbing gyms in the nation. Kids as young as 3 can enjoy the kids zone.
One of the largest and most scenic parks in the state, Cloudland Canyon boasts a full calendar of activities to help guests enjoy all the park has to offer. Visit explore.gastateparks.org/events?p=38 to see what's coming up.Outdoor Adventure: All season
A great activity to put in that log is also an opportunity unique to Chattanooga: climbing the exterior of a building in the city's center. High Point Climbing and Fitness boasts 30,000 square feet of climbable surface indoors and out. There's something for all skill levels, including a Kids Zone, auto-belay walls, a top-roping room, bouldering area, and a training area for expert-level climbers. For those who'd prefer to stay grounded, a day pass also includes yoga and spin classes. High Point is even open on Christmas Eve, though it closes early, at 4 p.m.
Chattanooga also boasts loads of great outdoor spots for a picnic or afternoon hike. Cloudland Canyon is a favorite for its stellar views from Lookout Mountain, though be warned - the hike involves extensive stair-climbing. Another great option is a visit to Lula Lake Land Trust,also on Lookout. The property opens the first and last Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first and last Sunday of the month from noon to 5 p.m. May-November.
The only regularly scheduled, full-sized train ride in Tennessee offers a trip back in time amid seasonal celebrations.Christmas Express: Nov. 24-Dec.15
The Tennessee Valley Railroad's North Pole Limited, offered Nov. 24 through Dec. 17, is a 75-minute ride that kids adore featuring refreshments, sing-alongs, storytelling and lighted displays along the way, plus a visit from a special someone at the North Pole.
For the first time, the railroad is offering "Nightcaps with St. Nick" for adults as well. These 75-minute rides for guests age 21-plus also include a North Pole trip and visit from Santa, as well as dessert and two drinks. Options include peppermint schnapps hot chocolate, Bailey's Irish Cream coffee and eggnog brandy Alexander, plus nonalcoholic eggnog, hot chocolate, hot tea and coffee. Nightcaps with St. Nick trains depart Fridays and Saturdays in December at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.