By Andy Diffenderfer
Correspondent
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. — The owner of a business that rents golf carts to visitors or locals seeking a fun, open-air ride around town is looking to expand his enterprise to Chattanooga.
Dennis deVaux started Chickamauga Golf Cart Rentals and Sales about a year ago and has golf carts, scooters and bikes available for rent to those looking for a different way to enjoy the city’s historical sites or even a spin through the nearby battlefield park.
“It’s a great way to get around and see things and not be in a big hurry,” he said. “We’ve got the rules laid out pretty well and, as long as they follow the rules, we have no problem.
“Renters get a map of Chickamauga and of the battlefield, because there are some roads in the battlefield that can’t be traveled,” he said.
Chickamauga resident Amber Madaris has rented carts several times from the business and likens riding in them to “having a convertible or a Jeep.”
“It’s nice to be able to go around and see everything going on” at a leisurely pace from something other than a car, she said.
“I’ve used them for different reasons, and I’ve enjoyed it each time,” she said. “It’s great because you can jump in and out, you can look at homes, you can go to the park, you can look around the monuments. … You get your money’s worth.”
The carts can be rented by the hour, the day, overnight and even taken on vacation, Mr. deVaux said.
Among the rides available are the colorful funny cars, electric vehicles that seat four and have seat belts, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, windshield wipers and horns. The golf carts, which also have headlights, can seat two, four or six, he said.
THE BOTTOM LINEName: Chickamauga Golf Cart Rentals and SalesSpecialty: Golf carts, scooters and bikesAddress: 234 Cove RoadContact: 706-375-7368
“Everybody loves it, and the kids absolutely love it,” Mr. deVaux said. “I have never had anyone unhappy with their time on these carts. It’s fun when you’re seeing people having fun, then you know you’re doing something you like.”
Mr. deVaux, a Chickamauga resident who operates a used car dealership in the city, said he has licensing to rent the funny cars in downtown Chattanooga, but he needs to find a location that will be visible to tourists. He has high hopes for the Chattanooga expansion because “tourism is constant there and the potential is going to get stronger.”
A cart renter must be 18 and have a valid driver’s license. College football fans can rent carts decorated with the colors and logos of the University of Tennessee, University of Georgia or the University of Alabama.
Mr. deVaux said his best business so far has been local, especially during Chickamauga’s Down Home Days festival in May when “we had people waiting in line for rentals.”
Andy Diffenderfer is based in LaFayette, Ga. Contact him at andydiff97@comcast.net.
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