Christmastime Fun in Chattanooga

We wanted to do something new and fun around Christmas this year, so on the way to Alabama we made an overnight pit stop in Chattanooga. We were only there 24 hours or so but what a great little town! There was no shortage of things for us to do.

After we checked in to the hotel, we grabbed some warm clothes and headed out. The first stop was the Chattanooga Choo-Choo. It was cold out there but we had a great time exploring around the big train. Reid couldn't understand to point of a train that doesn't go anywhere but he still loved it.

After grabbing a bite to eat downtown, we got in the car and went straight up to Lookout Mountain to see the famous Southern destination: Rock City. I went there as a child and have fond memories, but Ross and Reid have never been there. We went at night to see the special holiday lights that were set up. It was interesting to see it all lit up and try to remember it as it was in my mind. (Let's just say it seems much cooler when you're a kid!)

And... since Reid is still so young he thought it was pretty cool. But it was also REALLY cold up there on the mountain. Plus - in the darkness - it was hard to know how much farther you had to go. About halfway through Reid decided he was "done with Rock City" and ready to go back to the hotel. So we got to skip the gingerbread cookie decorating and other little "extra" costs. I think he'd love it in a few years but this year those things might have been a little overwhelming.

After a good night's rest and a yummy breakfast, we had one more thing to do before we continued our trip. So back up the mountain we went, except this time we went the old fashioned way - the Inclined Railway!

For those who aren't familiar, the Inclined Railway is a short train track that goes straight up the side of Lookout Mountain. The train car was windows all around and in the roof so as you go straight up you can see the gorgeous view of the city below. And you get the view going back down again.

Again, I'll say that this is one of those things that seems cooler when you're a kid. The view was indeed awesome but wow(!) - they really think it's worth some cha-ching. It's a brief ride up and there's not much up there once you get there. After a short stroll through the gift shop it's back down you go (unless you plan something a little more elaborate, which we did not).

But Reid loved it and that's the whole point. Here's a pic of our view - it was early and the fog had not burned off completely but it was still fun!