Stay at Clarion Inn Hotel in Chattanooga, TN

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel in Chattanooga near Lookout Mountain

You can drive to the top of Tennessee's Lookout Mountain, but it might be more relaxing to hop on the Incline Railway, billed as the world's steepest passenger railway. The locomotive chugs up the track multiple times a day, gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation along the way to the summit. Just 5 miles away, off Interstate 24, Clarion Inn Chattanooga is conveniently placed for visitors looking to explore the charming city of Chattanooga.

• In-room amenities: Flat-screen TV and free high-speed WiFi.
• Complimentary hot breakfast is served daily.
• Work up a sweat in the fitness room.
• Nearby attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, Southern Belle Riverboat, and downtown Chattanooga.
• Explore the Great Outdoors at two state parks, Prentice-Cooper State Forest and Harrison Bay State Park. Each is within a half-hour drive.

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Museums and Parks Along the Riverfront

Set along the Tennessee-Georgia border, Chattanooga became a boomtown with the arrival of a major railroad in the late 19th century. The surrounding mountains and ridges made for a scenic backdrop for train passengers coming into the city. Today, the city is known for greener practices than the ones in its railway days: public parks, riverfront walkways, and a downtown electric shuttle are just a few of the improvements. Waterfront Coolidge Park is a popular downtown hangout where kids can hop on a century-old carousel and enjoy acres of open green space. During the summer, you can come here for concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings.

Picked by the New York Times as 1 of 45 Places to Go in 2012, Chattanooga has seen a resurgence of arts and culture in recent years. It now hosts a number of annual art and music festivals and features several up-and-coming art districts filled with independent boutiques and galleries. Head to the Bluff View Art District for some spectacular views—the historic neighborhood is set high atop stone cliffs overlooking the Tennessee River. In addition to galleries filled with works by nationally recognized artists, the district recognizes the culinary arts, with several restaurants and the city’s oldest artisan bakery.