Where can you find world-class ballet, rock æn roll and a theme park? Where can you find rolling hills, lush farmlands and metropolitan cities? Where can you find tranquil fishing streams, an underwater world and white water rafting?

Tennessee, of course!

The Volunteer State, so nicknamed because it was the first to fill its quota of soldier volunteers during the War of 1812, is filled with these and many more wonders. Whether you want to immerse yourself in culture, scenic beauty or white water rivers, Tennessee is a vacation destination that will please everyone in your family.

We all know Memphis’ best-known resident, and hundreds of thousands of devoted fans gravitate to this lively city each year. Elvis’ Graceland Mansion is a must-see on any visitor’s stop. While Elvis is definitely King in Memphis, be sure to stop by a local club to hear what today’s musicians are playing, whether it be funk, rock, soul or the blues.

As the King himself once said, ôSomebody asked me what I missed about Memphis, and I said, æEverything.’ö After a visit to this jewel of a city, you’ll understand just what he meant.

On the opposite side of the state, to the east, and at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find Pigeon Forge. More than 11 million travelers visit Pigeon Forge annually to enjoy the inspiring beauty that surrounds this small town. More than 800 miles of hiking trails, 10 developed campgrounds and countless fishing streams are popular outdoor destinations.

The most well-known attraction is, of course, Dollywood. Dolly Parton opened Tennessee’s only theme park in 1986, and it’s been a success ever since! Themed around Dolly’s upbringing in the Appalachian mountains, guests enjoy America’s largest treehouse, thrilling rides, stage productions, crafts and special events. Whatever age and interest, everyone enjoys Pigeon Forge!

Also located in Eastern Tennessee and just west of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville is a small town with big time culture. The scenic city, on the edge of the Tennessee River, is surrounded by three national parks with white water rivers, numerous lakes and 25 golf courses. While the natural beauty is awe inspiring, so is all of the beauty that Knoxville has to offer.

With more than 20 art and cultural museums, historical sites, shopping, year-round festivals, East Tennessee’s only fully professional ballet, and a world-renowned zoo, the city is a natural draw for tourists.

Follow the Tennessee River south and you’ll happen upon unassuming Chattanooga. Known as the ôGateway to the Deep Southö more than a century ago and more recently as America’s dirtiest city, Chattanooga has remade itself in the past decade to become the belle of the ball. The apple of this revitalized city’s eye is the expansive Tennessee Aquarium, scheduled to become even grander, thanks to the 21st Century Waterfront Plan. The project will take the city even closer to its goal of reconnecting Chattanooga with the Tennessee River by redeveloping the north and south shores of the river, creating more inviting landscapes for residents and visitors to enjoy.

With so much happening in Tennessee, there’s every reason to visit this diverse state

The grunge and grime that once darkened Chattanooga’s skyline has been washed away, revealing a fresh, clean city that’s ready to welcome visitors from around the world.

Over the last 20 years, extreme efforts have been made to bring life back into the city that was known as the “Gateway to the Deep South” more than a century ago, and more recently America’s dirtiest city. But no more. Due to an $850 million riverfront downtown revitalization plan, Chattanooga is now a city that attracts residents and visitors alike to its eclectic museums, art districts and first-class restaurants, all the while maintaining its southern charm.

If you’re staying in one of the many downtown hotels, be sure to hop on an electric shuttle-free of charge-to one of the many area museums. Chattanooga boasts the largest fleet of electronic buses in the nation and gives everyone visiting the downtown area a terrific option for getting around.

The privately funded Tennessee Aquarium opened in 1992 and became a cornerstone of the downtown area. The world’s largest freshwater aquarium welcomes more than one million visitors each year to view the more than 9,000 animals that swim in 400,000 flowing gallons of water and fly and crawl in natural habitats.

Tennessee has more varieties of plants and animals than any inland, temperate zone in the world. As such, the aquarium focuses primarily on regional animal and plant life, educating visitors of the variety of freshwater fish that call Tennessee home, more species than any other state in the U.S.

A favorite among visitors are the river otters who frolic in the water, much to the visitors’ delight. They “float around like ballet dancers,” noted one guest. Another favorite is the temporary exhibit, “Seahorses: Beyond Imagination.” These amazing animals float effortlessly through the crystal clear water, enrapturing all who come upon them. The sea horses we all recognize are juxtaposed with the weedy and leafy sea dragons. Did you know that the difference between a sea horse and a sea dragon is where the eggs are carried? The male sea horses – yes, males – carry the eggs in a pouch found on their stomachs, whereas the male sea dragons carry the fertilized eggs in a pouch found on their tail.

Whether young or old, all will delight in the wondrous creatures at the Tennessee Aquarium.

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum is just a few blocks from the museum, but a world apart. Truck enthusiasts, car buffs and the like will feel right at home in this museum that opened in 1995.

When new-fangled automobiles were introduced, Ernest Holmes quickly realized the need for a device to rescue stranded cars from deep mud holes and embankments. When he created the first twin-boom wrecker-a Cadillac-in 1916, he was a visionary. Since his invention, the towing industry has taken off. In the early 1920s, the first car-carrier was developed and the first hydraulic twin-boom wrecker followed in 1953.

The museum houses 17 tow trucks/wreckers and two cars dated from 1913 through the 1980s, more than 1500 photos and the Hall of Fame, representing 16 countries and 198 inductees.

Down the street you’ll find the Chattanooga Regional History Museum. This community resource tells the story of the tri-state area’s daily life from prehistoric times through today with its permanent exhibit, “Chattanooga Country: It’s Land, River and People.” A great deal of focus is on the growth and influence of 19th and early 20th century business and industry in the region. Interactive, hands-on exhibits entice adults and children of all ages to learn about “Chattanooga Country.”

Train enthusiasts will want to be sure to visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), first opened in 1961. Today, the largest operating historic railroad in the South, created from an impressive collection of classic pieces from railroading history, proudly resides at the museum.

Steam locomotive 4501, built in 1911, is the pride of the TVRM. Equally impressive are Dining car 3158, built in 1924 that is still capable of serving full meals, and “Clover Colony,” a 1924 heavyweight Pullman car that was once used by Marilyn Monroe.

TVRM owns 40 acres that include four railroad bridges; the museum follows some of the first rail lines in Chattanooga and the entire railroad has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors have the opportunity to ride the rails daily April through October and weekends in November.

The Tivoli Theatre, an elegant historic showplace since 1921 and known as the “Jewel of the South,” has been revived and is now home to the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association and welcomes a variety of road shows each year. From blues to opera to the best of Broadway, be sure to get tickets to see a performance while you’re in town; you’ll be glad you did.

The Bluff View Art District, just outside downtown and overlooking the powerful Tennessee River, has been transformed into a beautiful showcase for local and international artists. Nestled side by side are fabulous restaurants such as the Back Inn Café, voted Chattanooga’s most romantic restaurant; a European-style coffee house, Rembrandt’s; and art galleries and museums.

Stroll along the streets to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. Here you will find one of the city’s most fascinating attractions displaying collections of 18th, 19th and early 20th century glass, ceramics, textiles and American furniture. The rare collection of glass, a personal collection of Anna Safley Houston, whom the museum was named for, is a special treat. It is reported that Ms. Houston once had a collection of glass pictures totaling 15,000, the largest collection in the world.

Across the street is the not-to-be-missed Hunter Museum of American Art, which boasts the finest collection of American art in the Southeast. Over 1,500 pieces make up the collection, including works by Mary Cassatt, Ansel Adams, George Segal and Helen Franhenthaler. Contemporary glass sculptures, collected in recent years, also make an impressive display. Because of the limited size of the museum, only 20% of the collection is on view at a time, with pieces rotated every two to four years. More popular pieces are on permanent display.

The serene River Gallery Sculpture Garden is a perfect place to go to reflect. Works for local and international artists adorn the grounds overlooking the Tennessee River. It is such an impressive garden; in fact, that the International Sculpture Center has selected it as one of 195 gardens worldwide listed in the center’s “Sculpture Parks and Gardens Directory.”

If it’s a nice day, take a walk from the Bluff View Art District over the Tennessee River on the Walnut Street Bridge. The 2,370-foot bridge, originally constructed in 1891, was renovated and reopened in May 1993. Now the longest pedestrian walkway bridge in the world, it was once the only way to cross the river.

At the other end of the bridge you’ll find Coolidge Park, the Chattanooga Theatre Center and unique shops and boutiques. Be sure to take some time to explore Coolidge Park, with its interactive and inspired fountain and antique carousel. When an old building was cleared out of the area, Chattanoogans insisted a park be put in its place instead of more development. The fountain features carousel animals spouting water, much to the delight of children playing in its refreshing streams.

The fully restored carousel features 52 hand-carved animals reminiscent of those found on the original machines. Bud Ellis and his students at Horsin’ Around, America’s only carousel carving school painstakingly carved the animals, including a leaping tiger, a well-dressed frog, an iridescent fish and Ziggy the Zebra. Before completing the animal, each carver wrote something about him/herself and sealed it inside. Over one million children of all ages have taken a ride since the carousel’s opening in 1999. Bud says that riding a carousel is “something magical,” and talked about two of his favorite riders, a 90-year-old lady with tears in her eyes and the blissful grin of a one-year-old.

In addition to all of these unique attractions, festivals and open-air events are held year-round throughout the downtown area. There’s always something happening in Chattanooga. Make plans to meet this glowing debutante.

In addition to hotel mainstays such as Marriott and Clarion, Chattanooga offers unique accommodations and dining options for those looking for something a little different. Something off the main track.

For something way off line, you may want to book a room…or car…at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn. This unique hotel features four dozen renovated Victorian train cars that have been converted into guestrooms; all are uniquely decorated and await your arrival. There are more than 300 standard rooms to choose from as well.

The original train terminal, dedicated on December 1, 1909, has been renovated and now serves as the grand lobby of the Choo Choo Holiday Inn. During your stay, take time to walk around the complex. You will find an engine similar to the famous wood-burning Chattanooga Choo Choo, taken down in song by Glenn Miller’s Orchestra.

Not to be missed are the formal gardens, featuring 500 blooming roses. The water garden, herb garden, hanging baskets and arbors complete the ambiance, making it a delightful area in which to stroll. The Choo Choo, as it’s known locally, is located downtown, convenient to area attractions and is next door to the free electric shuttle station. While there, guests just can’t help humming “Pardon me, boy. Is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?”

In an unprecedented move, the city built its own hotel; the Chattanoogan opened in 2001. The 210,000 square-foot, 202 deluxe room hotel now welcomes guests from all over the world.

One of the main attractions at the Chattanoogan is the Urban Forest that has been planted in the 70,000-foot courtyard. With nearly 10,000 different plantings, including nine varieties of trees and 36 varieties of shrubs, flowers and grasses, the courtyard has been transformed into a virtual forest, a perfect place to relax after a long day of touring or meetings.

Speaking of relaxing, what better way to do so than in the Chattanoogan Spa. With a wide array of treatments to choose from, you’re sure to find something to ease away the anxieties of every-day living. Try a “Riverport” Stone Massage or the Papaya Enzyme Facial for something extraordinarily soothing.

When it’s time to eat, you’ve got several options in store for you at the Chattanoogan, from fine dining to casual sandwiches. The most elegant, The Broad Street Grille, is an upscale, cosmopolitan restaurant featuring eclectic cuisine. The open exhibition kitchen provides diners the opportunity to watch as their meals are prepared by some of the finest chefs in the area. I started off with the fresh salad bar, making sure to at least eat some vegetables before indulging in the rest of my meal. The sautéed jumbo shrimp I ordered were cooked to perfection, complimented by the accompanying tomatoes, shitake mushrooms and curry buttermilk sauce. My fellow diners thoroughly enjoyed the Cowboy steaks, cedar plank salmon, and coffee and black pepper New York strip steaks that they ordered. We were all anxious for dessert, however. An impressive display of freshly prepared delectables was ours for the choosing. Set up buffet-style, diners are invited to indulge in as many desserts as they’d like, much to the dismay of our waistlines.

After such an incredible meal, head to the Chattanoogan’s fitness center on the second floor. State-of-the-art machines await, as do the astounding views of Chattanooga just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. An inviting indoor pool beckons with its warm waters.

At the end of a long day of enjoying all that the area has to offer, there’s nothing better than returning to your room. You’ll find the rooms to be luxuriously modern, decorated in neutral tones that exude calm and warmth. Sink into the feather-soft bed, pull the covers up, grab the remote and enjoy a good night’s sleep at the Chattanoogan. It’d be hard not to.

For a different perspective, plan to stay in one of the area’s magnificent bed and breakfasts. In addition to staying in what is sure to be a slice of history, you’ll get a real taste of Chattanooga.

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn, located in the Ft. Wood Historic District, is a charmer. Three floors encompass 13,000 square-feet of the beautifully decorated mansion, built in 1889 by former Chattanooga mayor Edmond Watkins. Carmen and Gene Drake recently acquired the mansion and have worked hard to restore it to its original grandeur.

Seven rooms and four suites, all with private baths, invite guests to stay a night or two, or longer. Choose from the Chinese-themed suite, the Americana room or the Presidential Suite – you won’t be disappointed in whichever room you lay your head.

You won’t even have to leave the mansion for dinner. Opt to dine in the Tiffany Dining Room and feast on succulent dishes, including shrimp bisque, filet of beef with wild mushroom salsa and grilled salmon with mustard cream sauce. And who could forget dessert? A slice of classic pecan pie finishes off the meal with perfection.

When you wake in the morning, you’ll find a scrumptious three-course breakfast tempting you off of your diet. Dive into French vanilla French toast, cocoa pancakes or eggs Florentine, all prepared by the in-house chef. The selections vary day to day, but you’ll never be disappointed…or start your day hungry.

Found in the Historic Bluff View Art District, the Bluff View Inn is the perfect choice for those who want to be in the heart of it all yet feel a world away. Three historic homes built in the early 1900s comprise the Inn, offering 18 rooms and suites to choose from. For an astounding and unobstructed view of the Tennessee River and art district below, choose the Morgan Llewellyn Suite on the third floor of the Maclellan House. With its king-size sleighbed, gas fireplace and private balcony, this room is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

In evening’s light, take on the locals in a game of bocce ball. The court next to the Maclellan House hosts locals practicing for an upcoming tournament and looking for new players.

The Back Inn Café, found in the colonial-revival Martin House mansion, is a delightful find for self-declared “foodies.” A culinary team of chefs from around the country develop ever-changing menus to reflect the best of the season. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood are infused with local flavor to create an unforgettable meal. When I dined at the Café in September I started my elegant meal with a flavorful lobster bisque, followed by the signature entrée, the Martin House Steak. The steak, grilled to perfection, was stuffed with fresh crabmeat and served with sour cream mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus. Others in my party raved about their entrees, including black pepper linguini tossed with tiger shrimp, artichoke hearts and asparagus in a gorgonzola cheese sauce; a very tender and moist piece of pan-seared Chilean sea bass; and the honey-soy glazed Muscovy duck with soba noodles. The piece de resistance for me, however, was the overindulgent Red and Black Chocolate Mousse, while others inhaled the Italian Cream Cake.

If you’ve always wanted to live in a fairytale, consider a stay at the Chanticleer Inn atop Lookout Mountain. The inn, with 17 rooms in the main building and five standalone cottages, is in the Fairyland community, developed by Garnet Carter in the early 1900s. And you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale when you step into your beautifully decorated room. While the exterior charm of the 1927 inn remains, the interior has been renovated and uniquely decorated with antiques and other welcoming touches. In addition to private baths and cable TV, some rooms offer a refrigerator, private patio or whirlpool tub. Guests can also enjoy the pool and living room with fireplace. Across the street is Rock City, and downtown Chattanooga is just ten minutes down the mountain, making Chanticleer Inn an ideal getaway that is close to everything.

Venture downtown for lunch or dinner and you’ll find plenty of options. From seafood to a grill and brewery, Chattanooga has it all. One restaurant not to miss is 212 Market Restaurant. As the name implies, the restaurant is located right on Market Street in downtown Chattanooga.

Opened in 1992 by the Moses family, 212 Market catapulted Chattanooga’s culinary experience into a whole new world. The belief of the elegant and comfortable, yet family friendly, restaurant is that dining should be a unique and pleasurable experience. The service and food live up to that belief.

Surrounded by local artists’ works adorning the walls, my companions and I dined on an eclectic selection of entrees. My entrée of jumbo shrimp scampi over penne pasta was impeccably prepared. Others at the table enjoyed the glazed rack of lamb with Madeira peppercorn sauce and Thai chile duck breast seared with cilantro mint chutney. With a vast wine selection and on-site bakery – I chose the flourless chocolate truffle cake – our meals ended deliciously.

Wherever you choose to stay and eat during your time in Chattanooga, you won’t be disappointed. Just be sure to get out there and enjoy it!

However you arrive, by air or car, you’ll be astounded by the beauty of Chattanooga. This jewel of a city is enfolded in the mountains and rivers that surround it-an outdoor enthusiast’s ideal destination. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, white water rafting adventures, over-the-top fun or natural attractions, Chattanooga and its surrounding areas have it all.

About a half an hour’s drive southwest of Chattanooga you’ll find the Ocoee River and the Ocoee Olympic Center, surrounded on all sides by the Cherokee National Forest. The center was designed to fit into the surrounding area without disturbing or imposing upon the natural beauty.

Construction of the $14 million center began in 1994 in preparation for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics’ kayaking events. The only competitive slalom course built on a natural river, the quarter-mile course on the Ocoee quickly became a favorite among athletes from around the world. The Ocoee attracted 15,000 spectators a day during the Olympic events, all lined along the river sitting in temporary bleachers or standing along a viewing area.

The Ocoee’s water flow, used to generate energy, is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority and is available in the summer months for commercial rafting, though kayakers can be found enjoying the water year-round. A sterile river, meaning no fish or plant life grow, the venue is available for special events upon approval. Blue holes can be found throughout the river. These holes are natural pools of water and are over 750 million years old and are enjoyed by swimmers in the summer months.

If hiking is more your style, the Olympic Center has something to offer you, too. Cross over the Legacy Bridge, a suspension bridge that sways with each step, into 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. These trails, ranging in length from just under one mile to over six, wind up the mountainside towards the Little Frog and Big Frog wilderness centers that surround the compound. And your four-legged hiking buddies are welcome, too; just be sure to use a leash!

Park rangers are nearly always on-hand, and though the center’s hours vary season to season, restroom facilities are always available.

After you’ve had all the adventure you can handle on land and water, it’s time to hit another type of currents – air currents.

Take the winding, scenic drive up Lookout Mountain to the Lookout Mountain Flight Park and Training School, America’s number-one hang gliding school that graduates more pilots annually than any other school in the world. Founded in 1978, the school has delighted in teaching people how to soar like an eagle. If you’re a novice, don’t worry-your certified instructor will give you a full lesson on the ground before taking you into the air.

When you’re ready, you’ll go flying – in tandem, of course. You and your instructor will be towed behind an ultralite plane to 2,000 feet, much like a water skier is towed behind a speedboat. The tow cord will then be unhooked and you’ll play in the currents with other birds, the wind rustling your hair and the views incredible. After about 15 minutes or so, you’ll be back on the ground, anxious to go back up. Packages range from an hour to a long weekend – the choice is yours. For those wanting to spend some time at the flight school, make plans to stay in the 44-acre mountain retreat with camping and lodging readily available. Whether you opt to camp in a tent, sleep in a bunkhouse or rent a cabin, it’ll be sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Once you’re back on the ground, take the short drive to Rock City and Rock City Gardens. Rock City, an attraction for sightseers since 1823, is as beautiful today as it must have been when it was first discovered.

Garnet Carter, a Tennessee native and entrepreneur, went about developing a residential community known as Fairyland on Lookout Mountain, and was the creator of the first miniature golf course. While he was busy developing, Garnet’s wife, Frieda, started forging paths through the naturally formed gardens, squeezing through narrow passageways such as Needle’s Eye and Fat Man’s Squeeze, and up to the sweeping views from Lover’s Leap. A year after it’s opening in 1932, the 15-acre Rock City Gardens won an award for conservation, and it’s no wonder. Frieda’s trail is lined with more than 400 different species of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees. The Chattanooga area in general boasts 300 kind of trees and 900 varieties of wildflowers, more than anyplace on earth except central China. These trees and flowers are abundant today at Rock City. Now run by Garnet and Frieda’s great nephew, Bill Chapin, Rock City attracts is a unique geological and environmental attraction that the young, elderly and infirmed can enjoy, and “lightens the heart, soothes the soul and makes you feel good,” according to Mr. Chapin. With more than half a million international visitors a year, Rock City is sure to attract people for generations to come.

If you want your stay to last a little longer, why not consider staying in Garnet’s Fairyland community. The Chanticleer Inn, an inviting bed and breakfast, welcomes guests year-round. With 17 beautifully furnished rooms in the main house and five additional standalone cottages, there is plenty of room to spread out. Rates, including breakfast, range from $99 to $179 a night.

With all that Chattanooga has to offer, it’s evident as to why the city’s motto is “The attraction’s only natural.”

For more information, contact:
Ocoee Whitewater Center, (423) 496-5197 or www.r8web.com/ocoee
Lookout Mountain Flight Park and Training School, (800) 688-5637 or www.hanglide.com
Rock City Gardens, (706) 820-2531 or www.seerockcity.com
Chanticleer Inn, (706) 820-2002 or toll-free (866-999-1015) or www.stayatchanticleer.com