Photo by Matt Hamilton / Photo illustration by Matt Mclane / The Chattanooga AirportChattanooga now has direct flights to eight American cities, making jet-setting easier than ever. Hop a nonstop, morning flight and arrive at your destination with daylight left to explore interesting architecture, historical landmarks, top-ranked restaurants or more.
From cultural to culinary, a bounty of experiences awaits just beyond Chattanooga's Lovell Field. So pack your bags, and check out these cities, which now feel closer than ever.
Atlanta
Getty Images / The skyline in Atlanta, Georgia(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $158 and up
(2) Claim to fame: Home of the world's busiest airport
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: The Wylie Hotel is a new, reasonably priced boutique hotel that has many of the amenities of a luxury hotel, such as robes and valet parking, along with perks you won't find at luxury hotels, like continental breakfast. There's lots to do within walking distance - including the Atlanta Beltway and the restaurants of Ponce City Market - a rarity in a city that's generally car-dependent, and definitely a plus if you're flying in and don't want to spend a bunch of money on Uber.
(4) 5-star dining: Located on the Chattahoochee River, with a canoe-like ceiling, Canoe gets high marks for atmosphere as well as its food. The restaurant is known for its house-smoked salmon, and it's probably the only place you'll find peppercorn-crusted kangaroo on the menu.
(5) Interesting trivia: Atlanta originally was called Terminus, a reference to the southern terminus of the Western & Atlantic Railroad.The railroad's northern terminus was Chattanooga. In 1845, Terminus became known as Atlanta, inspired by the word "Atlantic" in the "Western & Atlantic Railroad" name.
Charlotte
Getty Images / Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $156 and up
(2) Claim to fame: The country's second largest banking center (after New York City) and home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: Stay in one of 20 rooms at the historic Duke Mansion, built in 1915. Your stay includes a cooked-to-order breakfast, and the inn boasts nearly five acres of manicured gardens and several screened-in porches equipped with rocking chairs (as you may notice at the airport, Charlotte has a thing for rocking chairs).
(4) 5-star dining: For a fine-dining experience, head to Fig Tree, which features dishes from elk to escargot in a restored 1913 bungalow.
(5) Interesting trivia: Charlotte is the largest metro area in the U.S. that doesn't have a zoo.
Chicago
Getty Images / The Chicago skyline(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $186 and up
(2) Claim to fame: Chicago is known for its interesting architecture, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation's riverboat cruise down the Chicago River is an absolute must-do.
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: Conveniently located across from Millennium Park, The Chicago Athletic Association is a restored former men's club that boasts a retro game room and seven on-site restaurants, including a Shake Shack.
(4) 5-star dining: Actually, Alinea has just three Michelin stars, but that's as many of those as you can get. Described by the Michelin Guide as a "temple of culinary ingenuity" that's "part theater and part pure pleasure," a meal at Alinea is a feast for all five senses complete with scented vapors and tableside preparations.
(5) Interesting trivia: The name "Chicago" is derived from "Chigagou," an Algonquian word that means "onion field."
Dallas
Getty Images / Downtown Dallas, Texas(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $257 and up
(2) Claim to fame: Two important inventions happened in Dallas - the microchip and the frozen margarita machine.
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: While perhaps not unknown, The Joule is certainly uncommon. It is a destination for visitors and locals alike, with beautifully designed rooms, a glass-fronted rooftop pool and plenty of on-site spots for dining, cocktails and shopping.
(4) 5-star dining: You're in Dallas, so barbecue is a must. Head to Pine Lodge for some of the best brisket and ribs around. Be prepared to wait in line (or skip it, and grab a seat at the bar).
(5) Interesting trivia: The first convenience store, 7-Eleven, was started in Dallas.
Detroit
Getty Images / The Detroit skyline is seen from across the Detroit River.(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $247 and up
(2) Claim to fame: Automobile manufacturing and Motown Records
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: Previously open only to members and their guests since 1891, the recently refurbished Detroit Club now allows nonmembers to stay in its 21 rooms for a $25 fee per reservation. You'll also have access to the club's restaurant, cocktail bar and spa (reservations required).
(4) 5-star dining: Centrally located Wright & Company features small plates in a fun atmosphere with great views of the city.
(5) Interesting trivia: The city consumes more potato chips per capita than anywhere else in the nation.
Orlando
Photo courtesy Disney / Orlando is home to the famous Walt Disney World(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $98 and up
(2) Claim to fame: Walt Disney World, of course
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: Four Seasons Orlando is the only non-Disney hotel on Disney property, and it boasts a private 5-acre waterpark, golf, tennis, the biggest rooms at the park, the best character breakfast around and complimentary luxury shuttles to the park.
(4) 5-star dining: You'll be hard-pressed to find another restaurant similar to The Mexican Camel, which offers a blend of Mexican and Mediterranean.
(5) Interesting trivia: The city has more than 100 lakes.
Tampa
Getty Images / A skyline in Tampa, Florida(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $88 and up
(2) Claim to fame: Tampa boasts the world's longest continuous sidewalk.
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: Emerald Greens Condo Resort features two-bedroom, two-bath condo suites with private balconies and room service, plus access to Carrollwood Country Club's amenities, including a golf course, tennis courts and an Olympic-size pool.
(4) 5-star dining: Go to Wright's Gourmet House for a Reuben or Cuban sandwich (named Tampa's official sandwich by the city council), and don't leave without a sweet treat.
(5) Interesting trivia: Tampa was once known as the cigar capital of the world, as well as the strip club capital of the world (although this has been disputed).
Washington D.C.
Getty Images / Colorful reflections of Washington landmarks in the Tidal Basin.(1) Roundtrip ticket cost: $188 and up
(2) Claim to fame: The nation's capitol
(3) Best hotel people don't know about: The recently renovated Hotel Madera has a great Dupont Circle location close to lots of dining options as well as the National Mall and Georgetown.
(4) 5-star dining: Keren is a Michelin-rated Eritriean gem. Try the Keren special (feeds three to four). This popular spot is small and first-come, first-served, so you may be in for a wait.
(5) Interesting trivia: Residents consume more wine in this city than anywhere else in the U.S.
Visit "The Magic City"
Getty Images / The Miami SkylineIn May, a ninth city will be added to direct-flight destinations from Chattanooga Airport. American Airlines will begin offering Saturday-only direct flights to Miami International Airport, departing Chattanooga at 6:17 a.m., and arriving at Miami's airport at 8:20 a.m. A return flight each Saturday will leave Miami at 9:50 p.m. and arrive in Chattanooga at 11:58 p.m.
