See Chattanooga your way - from budget to splurge

BUDGET

Getting there

Enlarge this image

David Andrews / Special

The Chattanooga Aquarium on the riverfront is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

DAILY DEALS

Clara Bosonetto Maerz's column is published weekdays on ajc.com.

---

Most recent deals

• Biloxi's back in play at $69 O/W 
• Puerto Vallarta resorts from $40/night 
• Go West for less than $100 
• Chill in Switzerland for $293 one way 
• Winter airfare deals to Colorado 

NOTE: Good deals disappear quickly, so search immediately. Sale fares are subject to change and do not include taxes and fees.

MORE

AJC Deals To Go: Amazing vacation packages

Web Fares: Last-minute fares published every Wednesday

Your Money Page

AJC Deals To Go: Amazing vacation packages

Web Fares: Last-minute fares published every Wednesday

• Have a tale to share? Become AJC Traveler of the Week.

Tennessee travel stories

• Plenty to see on drive in Tennessee 
• History, nature at caverns 
• Smoky Mountains Park marks 75th anniversary 
• Critters to see, a river to ride 
• 4-day jam an eclectic mix 

• Photos: Travel / Southeast Galleries
• Latest deals!
• Back to: Travel | Southeast destinations

Hop in your car. It’ll take you only 90 minutes or so to reach Chattanooga from downtown Atlanta.

Stay

Everyone should have plenty of space in a two-bedroom/two-bath suite for up to eight at Staybridge Suites in downtown Chattanooga. The location is ideal and within walking distance of major attractions. Rates from $246. 1300 Carter St. 423-267-0900, www.staybridge.com.

Eat

Take afternoon tea at the English Tea Room and enjoy an assortment of sandwiches, scones with cream or jam and biscuits (from $10). The dining area is set with fine English porcelain, and roses adorn lace-topped tables. A little shop in the front parlor sells imported candies, teapots and grocery items. 1401 Market St., downtown. 423-265-5900.

Experience

Take an old-fashioned riverboat cruise along the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle. Options on this 500-passenger riverboat include a narrated sightseeing trip, lunch cruise or Dixieland dinner cruise. Adult rates from $12.50. 201 Riverfront Parkway at Pier 2. 423-266-4488, www.chattanoogariverboat.com.

MODERATE

Getting there

Leave your clunker at home and take advantage of a special promotion from Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Through May of next year, you can rent Fridays to Mondays for a 50 percent discount on most economy to full-size cars. www.enterprise.com.

Stay

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn is in the historic Fort Wood area near downtown. Guests begin each day with a three-course gourmet breakfast. Weekday rates start from $130; last-minute weekend stays from $136. 801 Vine St. 423-265-5000, www.mayorsmansioninn.com.

Eat

The name says it all. Sticky Fingers serves some of the best slow-smoked ribs in town along with rotisserie chicken dishes, salads, wings, peach cobbler, pecan pie and tea and lemonade by the gallon. Dinners from $12; kids’ meals from $4. Downtown in Jack’s Alley and just blocks from the aquarium. Open from 11 a.m. daily. 420 Broad St. 423-265-7427, www.stickyfingersonline.com.

Experience

If white-water rafting is your thing, you’ll want to visit the Ocoee River in Cherokee National Forest. Ocoee Rafting offers guided white-water adventures through October. Rates from $40 for a half-day trip. 1-800-251-4800, www.ocoeerafting.com.

SPLURGE

Getting there

How about a helicopter? For only $1,295 an hour (for up to five passengers), you can zip between the helipad at the Hilton Garden Inn at Centennial Olympic Park and Chattanooga courtesy of North Atlanta Executive Air Service of Cumming. 5175 Performance Drive, Cumming. 404-580-6798, www.atlantaheli.com.

Stay

The Chattanoogan offers a Discover the City package (from $589 a night), featuring breakfast in the hotel’s grill room, tickets for two adults and two children (ages 3 to 12) to the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, the Imax 3-D Theater, use of an electric shuttle to downtown attractions and service charges. 1-800-619-0018, www.chattanooganhotel.com.

Eat

St. John’s Restaurant is one of the city’s finest dining spots. It’s in the Flatiron Building downtown. Entrees $23-$33. For more casual bistro fare, try the nearby St. John’s Meeting Place. 1278 Market St. 423-266-4400.

Experience

The historic Tivoli Theatre (709 Broad St.) is home to the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association and the venue for touring Broadway shows, concerts and dance presentations. The theater will celebrate the CSO’s 75th anniversary this fall. For additional information about this black-tie-optional event and upcoming concerts, check the Web site (www.chattanoogasymphony.org) or call 423-757-5050.