Walnut Street Bridge

Lookout Mountain and downtown Chattanooga

Delta Queen

Tennessee Aquarium

Coolidge Park

Market Street

Views from the Walnut Street Bridge.

Walnut Street Bridge

Lookout Mountain and downtown Chattanooga

Delta Queen

Tennessee Aquarium

Coolidge Park

Market Street

Views from the Walnut Street Bridge.

Neighborhood Hike

We are blessed to live in an awesome neighborhood. A walk here is like taking a hike and that's what we call it.
I'm not giving the location of this hike but if you know me you have the info : )

Willow woke up this morning saying we should pray for snow on Mondays. I knew what she was getting at. The snow fell on Friday and she doesn't have school on Saturday anyway. What fun is that . . .

. . .Apparently it's fun : )

Signal Point at the Cumberland Trail Head (Signal Mountain)

From Signal Point

Fun and easy little park to find. The Cumberland Trail that is located in the park is very difficult for small children (especially when there is snow and ice under foot) but the park leading up to the trail head is a nice place to spend a few hours and burn energy. We will save the trail for warmer days : )

"Go West" he said.

Boo in the Zoo

This year we did our trick-or-treating at the Chattanooga Zoo!

We saw animals . . .

. . . of all kinds and they gave out candy!

It was fun.

Willow got her face painted.

Hayden did too ; )

Isn't he cute?

We hugged a few dogs.

And we sat on a few frogs too.

We all filled our buckets, played games and explored the zoo.

I think we just may do Halloween again at the zoo : )

The Walnut Street Bridge

This is one of my favorite walks and it is very kid friendly and bikes are welcome. The kids and I pack up their little trikes and bikes and we head to the bridge usually in the early morning. We love the early morning light and cool breezes that come off the water in the summer.

This is a historic 100+ year old bridge that spans the TN River (Lake Nickajack). It was once a two lane highway but it's now a walking bridge. You can get to it from Walnut Street on the South Shore or from Frazier Avenue on the North Shore. I highly recommend parking on the North Shore side of the river. There are lots of local shops and places to grab a bite to eat or a drink. Coolidge Park is also there and is another family favorite. If you have a buck you can ride the old carousel - AFFORDABLE FUN!!! You can also play in the fountain outside in the summer. The kids never go for walks across the bridge or to Coolidge Park without towels and swimsuits.

This is an easy area to walk, especially the bridge. My Kids can make it across and back with no problems or whining for rides. We enjoy it because it's a nice switch from the crowded downtown streets on the weekends and the views are beautiful - morning is best in my opinion. Night time walks are fun too when I'm alone or it's just me and the old man. So, all you family and friends next time you visit put this one on your to do list.

p.s. didn't take my camera for this one

A Stroll Up Broad Street

The kids and I frequently venture downtown. Brandy works on Broad St. and we like to go and have lunch with him when we can. He is a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings and it is nice to hang out with him for bit before he gets busy and then walk around. Today the kids and I decided to eat and then walk up the street to the aquarium.

It's an easy walk from BWW to the aquarium and flip flops are all I need to make it there in comfort. I like to push Hayden (the 2 year old) in a stroller still and Willow (the 4 year old) is navigating the streets now like a pro.

We enjoy our little walks in the city - it's a nice way to get out of the house and get a little exercise. Sometimes we even stop at the little ice cream shops along the way. Pino Gelato is really good if you like gelato - mmmmmm. Just before you get to the aquarium is Ben and Jerry's, also a favorite. Not today though, we are on a mission to the aquarium!

The kids and I make it to the aquarium in no time. I wrestle them away from the wading stream outside and we make our way to the members reception to get our tickets. We love the aquarium so much that to save money we buy or get from family a membership. It is worth every penny and it pays for itself in the first month we have it. The aquarium in Chattanooga is our favorite place to go as a family and we go so often that we are now being recognized by the volunteers or employees there. I highly recommend a visit if you haven't already.

We say hi to the sting rays and the jellyfish. The butterfly garden is Willow's personal favorite. Hayden loves the penguins. I love the underwater cavern. The kids, as usual practically run through the exhibits, and we make it out of the Ocean Journey building in less than a half hour. If it was just Brandy and I it would take us all day. Ah well, it was for them anyway. I enjoyed myself despite the rush.

The little wading stream outside is calling our name. There is no way we are leaving without dipping our toes in the water. I always hope that just their feet get wet but it is all in vain someone always falls in or decides to just have a sit.
They did pretty well today. Willow stayed dry and Hayden only got wet from the waist down. Happiness for mom all around.

We make our way back to the car after a good toe dipping. To the left and across the street from Ben and Jerry's is Big River Brewery, a good spot for good brew and good food when the husband and I venture out alone. To my right now is Mellow Mushroom, a nice place for pizza and beer. Just between you and me Lupi's has the best pizza in Chattanooga but we'll save that one for another journey downtown.

We've made it back to the car and just in time for nap time! Just enough walking and fun to wear the kids out. I will also get the opportunity to get a little free time at home! The nap time has continued into the house and is lasting long enough to really make my day. I love days like today.