Chattanooga, TN in a Day

Thoughts on how to spend the perfect day in the Scenic City.

Nestled in a curve of the Tennessee River and sheltered by mountains and ridges all around, Chattanooga deserves its Scenic City nickname. There are views for days here. Chattanooga is a charming town in a beautiful setting which many people travel to for its myriad outdoor activities, but you know I’m always here with the city day recommendations. Though it’s small, Chattanooga’s city scene is mighty: even if you’re headed there for outdoor adventure, you should carve out some time to spend in the city itself.

Start your day at 8 or 9 with breakfast at Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery. It’s the kind of place that always has a line out the door, the kind of place that when you step inside and smell fresh-baked bread you know you’ve made the right choice.

Niedlov’s is a family-owned artisanal bakery that only uses natural leavening and quality ingredients. Think rustic sourdough loaves, scones packed full of flavorful ingredients, comforting breakfast dishes. The food here is outstanding. Whether you’re looking for bread or pastries or egg dishes, I cannot recommend Niedlov’s as your go-to Chattanooga breakfast stop enough. Plus, the decor inside is rustic and cute, and the patio is a cozy garden oasis in the middle of Main Street.

Though I’m sure you had coffee at breakfast, you need another cup. Walk down Main Street to Velo Coffee Roasters: they’re the best in town. Velo roasts beautiful single origin coffees in their little roasting facility, always turning out interesting coffees from farmers all over the world.