Weekend in Chattanooga

Stay

A “Bed ‘n Breakfast” package at the downtown Hilton Garden Inn is ideal for families. Included with an overnight stay is a hearty cooked-to-order breakfast for up to four adults and two children ages 12 and under sharing the same room. Rates with breakfast start at $149; rates for room only start at $125; www.hiltongardeninn.com, 311 Chestnut St., 423-308-9000.

Eat

Sticky Fingers, a local favorite, serves up award-winning Memphis-style barbecue. Ribs are $15.99 for a half slab; lunch items, sandwiches and starters begin at $6.49; www.stickyfingers.com, 420 Broad St. (in Jack’s Alley), 423-265-7427.

Experience

The nationally recognized 4 Bridges Art Festival will be held April 17 and 18 with unique fine arts, crafts, fine foods, live music, and art activities for children; $5 adults; free under age 18; www.4bridgesartsfestival.org. For family time outdoors, head to the Bocce Ball Terrace overlooking the Tennessee River. This Italian game of lawn bowling is challenging, fun and free, with first-come availability through March 31 and April 3-11; www.bluffviewart district.com, 411 E. Second St., 423-265-5033.

MODERATE

Getting there

Hertz features hybrid rental vehicles in its Green Collection, with weekend rates starting at $29 per day; www.hertz.com.

Stay

The Doubletree Hotel in the heart of downtown Chattanooga is within blocks of top attractions, restaurants and the free downtown electric bus system (www.carta-bus.org). The hotel has an outdoor salt water pool, fitness center and an American bistro. Accommodations (for up to two adults and two children, age 12 and under, per room), start at $190 on stays through May 15; www.chattanooga.doubletree.com; 407 Chestnut St., 423-756-5150.

Eat

A wide range of Asian cuisine, sushi, curry and sake is served in a traditional atmosphere at Rain Thai Bistro. Entrees range from $12 to $21 ($7 children’s menu); www.rainthaibistro.com, 6933 Lee Highway, 423-386-5586.

Experience

Take a ride on the River Gorge Explorer and experience “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” The 70-passenger high-speed catamaran winds along 26 miles of the Tennessee River with over 27,000 acres of beautiful protected land. Tickets for the two-hour excursion are $29 adults; $21.50 children 3-12; $18 children under 3; www.tnaqua.org, 1 Broad St., 800-262-0695.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Budget’s Street Fleet car category includes the sporty Ford Mustang, with two-day weekend rentals starting at $178; www.budget.com.

Stay

The Deluxe Courtyard Suite at the posh Chattanoogan Hotel features a king bedroom, an adjoining living area with sleeper sofa an oversized jetted spa tub and rain shower. A “Getaway” package, starting at $335, includes suite accommodations, a full breakfast buffet and access to a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center; www.chattanooganhotel. com, 1201 Broad St., 423-756-3400.

Eat

Originally built as a hotel at the beginning of the 20th century and later serving as a brothel, today the St. John’s Restaurant is considered one of the state’s finest places to dine. Worthy for any special occasion. Entrees from $24 to $33; www.stjohns restaurant.com, 1278 Market St., 423-266-4400.

Experience

Kids and their parents love the Creative Discovery Museum, a hands-on museum where kids can dig for dinosaur bones, sculpt, pilot a riverboat, climb a crow’s nest and much more. A “Triple Value” package includes museum admission along with entry to the Tennessee Aquarium and one IMAX movie; $38.95 adults; $27.95 children 2-12; www.cdmfun.org, 321 Chestnut St., 423-756-2738.