Conveniently located along I-75, East Brainerd has something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for a great meal, some family-friendly fun, or a little retail therapy. From bustling shopping centers to inviting parks and attractions, this part of town blends convenience with Chattanooga’s local charm. If you’re looking to spend a perfect day on this side of town, here’s some things to do in East Brainerd.
Morning: Fuel Your Day
Welcome to East Brainerd! Start your morning off on the right foot with a cup of Joe by heading to Oaks Coffee House. This local coffee shop offers a wide variety of coffee drinks and food items, including breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and their ever-popular avocado toast. Opened in 2020 with the mission “We exist for more than great coffee,” you can sip your drink knowing that a portion of the shop’s profits support local nonprofits, like Love’s Arm Outreach and the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.
Nearby, while away a few hours in McKay’s, a used bookstore and record store. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade, this shop offers an eclectic collection of previously loved books, music, video games, movies, and more. Or, if you prefer shopping for clothes, home goods, or beauty products, head to Hamilton Place Mall and surrounding shops for some much-needed retail therapy.
Afternoon: Get Your Steps In
After spending the morning indoors, you’ll want to head outside for some sunshine, fresh air, and light physical activity. But first—lunch! Champy’s, a local favorite, has a location off of Lee Highway and serves up mouth-watering fried chicken alongside southern sides such as baked beans, potato salad, fries, and more. With recipes that have been in the owners’ family for over 40 years, each dish is made by hand and served with a fun, friendly attitude.
Now that you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal, it’s time to see the great outdoors. Head to Enterprise South Nature Park, a 2,800-acre park in East Brainerd offering 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails for hiking, trail running, biking, and more. Or, for those that prefer a more casual walk, take a 10-minute drive from East Brainerd to Collegedale, Tennessee, to peruse the unique Little Debbie Park, complete with snack-shaped statues, an inclusive playground, and plenty of walking trails.
Evening: Try Out East Brainerd Restaurants
After traversing the great outdoors all afternoon, lunch is probably starting to feel like a distant memory. Luckily, it’s dinner time, and Mexican food is on the menu. Head to Taco Mamacita’s newest location right by Hamilton Place. This Chattanooga restaurant is a favorite among locals, offering soups, salad, and funky-fusion tacos. Try their shrimp po’boy BLT, loaded gyro, or hot chicken tacos to get a taste of their unique menu. For those that wish to imbibe, pair your entree with a strawberry margarita or a refreshing mojito
Make sure to save room for dessert! After you’re finished at Taco Mamacita, head to Bruster’s Real Ice Cream to end your perfect day with a sweet treat. Made fresh daily, Bruster’s carries 24 ever-changing flavors, including Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Caramel Explosion, and Cotton Candy Explosion. The chain also offers sundaes and splits, shakes and freezes, and specialty items, so there’s bound to be a treat to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
We hope you enjoyed your perfect day in East Brainerd. Come again soon!
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Media & Marketing Group, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She also is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media accounts. In her free time, Ali enjoys exploring Chattanooga’s many hiking trails and searching for the best burger in the city.
