Must-See Things Around Town
The downtown and riverfront area is the natural starting point, with walkable streets, public art, and easy access to the Tennessee Riverwalk, a paved multi-mile path perfect for bikes, joggers, and casual strollers. Scenic overlooks on nearby ridges make it easy to grab the obligatory “yes, there are mountains here” photos without needing advanced mountaineering skills.
- Stroll the Riverwalk: A long, landscaped pathway that lets visitors follow the river past parks, bridges, and public art installations.
- Explore local neighborhoods: Spots like the Southside and Highland Park are dense with murals, small eateries, and historic homes that give the city its personality beyond the main attractions.
- Check out local markets: Weekend markets often feature regional produce, makers, and food vendors that showcase the wider Chattanooga area.
Oddstory Brewing: Hops, Hangouts, and Patio Vibes
Oddstory Brewing Company is one of Chattanooga’s best arguments that this is very much a beer town now. The brewery is known for a rotating lineup of craft styles ranging from hop-heavy IPAs to lighter, more approachable ales and lagers. Seasonal and experimental releases mean there is almost always something new on tap for the chronically indecisive.
The space itself leans into the social side of beer: a roomy taproom, an inviting outdoor area, and the kind of casual atmosphere where board games, friend groups, and dogs all seem equally at home. Food trucks and pop-ups are common companions to the taps, giving visitors a way to pair local brews with everything from elevated bar snacks to full-on dinners.
- What to order: A flight is the safest move for first-timers, especially if there are seasonal sours or small-batch IPAs on the board.
- When to go: Late afternoon into evening is prime time, when the patio fills up and events like trivia or live music may be on the calendar.
- Pro tip: Use Oddstory as a launchpad for a mini Southside crawl; other bars, restaurants, and galleries are a short walk away.
Mayan Kitchen: Latin Flavors in the Scenic City
Mayan Kitchen brings Central American and broader Latin-inspired flavors into downtown Chattanooga, offering a menu that leans into bold spices, grilled meats, and vibrant sauces. The restaurant pairs traditional influences with modern plating, making it equally suited for a relaxed dinner or a slightly more dressed-up night out.
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Guests can expect dishes that feature staples like corn, beans, peppers, and marinated meats, often showcased in tacos, entrées, and sharable plates. The bar program adds to the appeal, with cocktails that often highlight tequila, mezcal, and fresh citrus—ideal companions to the menu’s richer, spicier options.
- What to try: A mix of tacos or a signature entrée paired with a house cocktail offers a good survey of the kitchen’s style.
- Atmosphere: Warm lighting, bold decor, and downtown energy make it a solid pre- or post-riverfront stop.
- Good to know: It is centrally located, so it pairs well with a walk along the river or a show nearby.
Highland Park Porchfest: When Porches Become Stages
Highland Park Porchfest is a free, community-centered music festival where neighborhood porches transform into stages and front yards become informal seating. The event is part of a wider Chattanooga porch-festival movement, but Highland Park’s version has quickly become a local favorite for its grassroots feel and diverse lineup.
The festival typically features multiple bands performing across numerous porches in the Highland Park neighborhood, with genres bouncing from folk and bluegrass to rock, funk, and more experimental sounds. Recent editions have added street closures along Greenwood Avenue to host vendors, food stalls, and a final main stage for closing acts, stretching the event from afternoon into the night.
- When it happens: The Highland Park Porchfest is typically in the early Spring, with a pre-party the night before.
- What to bring: Festival tips include bringing chairs or blankets, walking or biking if possible, and having some cash or digital payments ready for tipping musicians and trying local vendors.
- Vibe check: Think block party meets micro music festival, with neighbors, families, and visitors mingling along shaded streets lined with historic homes.
Quick Hit List: Eat, Sip, and Stroll
Chattanooga works best as a choose-your-own-adventure city, but a loose game plan never hurts. Mixing river views, neighborhood exploring, and well-timed food and drink breaks hits the sweet spot between over-scheduled and pleasantly spontaneous.
- Start the day: Walk the Tennessee Riverwalk, then wander downtown for coffee and people-watching.
- Afternoon: Head toward the Southside for galleries and a stop at Oddstory Brewing for a flight or a pint.
- Evening: Book dinner at Mayan Kitchen for bold flavors and cocktails, then linger downtown or along the riverfront lights.
- Festival day bonus: If visiting during Highland Park Porchfest, commit to the neighborhood for the afternoon and evening—porch-hopping, snacking from food vendors, and catching the final acts on Greenwood Avenue.
Plan Like a Pro
With its mix of outdoor access, inventive dining, and local events, Chattanooga rewards visitors who slow down enough to linger in a few neighborhoods rather than racing through a checklist. Aligning a visit with events like Highland Park Porchfest turns an already charming city break into something genuinely memorable.
Between the patio pints at Oddstory Brewing, richly flavored plates at Mayan Kitchen, and live music echoing from Highland Park porches, the city offers an easy formula: walk, eat, listen, repeat. It is the kind of place that proves a mid-sized Southern city can punch well above its weight in culture, cuisine, and community spirit.
