Just 30 miles from Chattanooga, Cleveland, Tennessee, offers beautiful mountain views and exciting water sports, along with myriad options for shopping and dining. Here, we offer some ideas for activities, attractions, and good eats to enjoy during a day trip to Cleveland, Tennessee.
MORNING: Breakfast and an Outdoor Adventure
Kick off your day trip to Cleveland with an area breakfast favorite, Golden Yolk. Enjoy a cup of coffee alongside a plate of French toast, or go savory with their biscuits and gravy. Once you’ve fueled up, you’ll be ready for an exciting water adventure.
The Ocoee River region is home to one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in the country. Used for the water slalom in the 1996 Olympics, the waterway provides nonstop excitement for thrill-seekers and those who want to enjoy the scenery. The Middle Ocoee region is the most popular option, as it’s beginner friendly with less intense rapids, while the Upper Ocoee has up to Class IV rapids. Many rafting companies in the area offer guided half-day trips to the Middle or Upper regions, or a full-day tour of both.
If white water rafting isn’t your speed, consider a hike in Cherokee National Forest. Benton Falls, a popular hike among locals and tourists alike, is a family-friendly hike that offers stunning 65-foot waterfall views. The trail is a 1.5 mile hike both to and from the waterfall and typically takes around an hour and a half to complete.
AFTERNOON: Enjoy Local History and Sample Local Wine
After an adventurous morning on the water, take in some history at local monuments, play a round of golf, or enjoy a wine tasting. For the history buffs, there’s no shortage of historical sites in Cleveland. Several spots focus on the area’s Civil War history, such as the Grand Army of the Republic Monument at the entrance of Fort Hill Cemetery. To learn about the history of the region, the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points houses exhibits, art, and artifacts about the Ocoee Region, in addition to local arts and crafts in the Gift Gallery. For those interested in Native American history, Red Clay State Park was the last seat of Cherokee national government before the 1838 enforcement of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, marking the beginning of the Trail of Tears. Learn about the history at the visitor center, or attend one of their annual events that honor Cherokee heritage.
For those hoping to get in a round of golf, Cleveland Country Club is a full-service, year-round country club offering many amenities. Located north of the city, facilities include an 18-hole course, two-way driving range, extra large putting green, and a chipping and pitching green. After a round, enjoy a meal on the patio or peruse the pro shop for attire, golf balls, accessories, and more.
Cleveland is also home to Ocoee Winery, an award-winning winery producing both sweet and dry wines. All of the wine is made in house, and many are made with local grapes, such as the semi-sweet Ocoee Red. Try a glass of wine and enjoy the cozy tasting room, or browse the gift shop for a keepsake.
EVENING: Wind Down With Shopping and Dinner
Before dinner, head downtown to explore the shops. Downtown Cleveland has a variety of shopping options such as boutiques, antiques, home décor, bridal shops, and more.
No matter what you’re craving for dinner, Cleveland has the perfect dining option. Popular spots include Café Roma for homemade Italian in a cozy setting, Farmhouse for a classic Southern meat-and-three plate, and Inman Social for fresh oysters, brick-oven pizza, and more. After dinner, head to Perkitz Yogurt for a variety of frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet options, or Santorini Spoon, a Greek yogurt bar with authentic European flavors, to wrap up a perfect day in Cleveland.
