Drive (or walk) to the north side of the river from downtown Chattanooga, and you’ve entered a hip and historical neighborhood lovingly known as Northshore. Home to locally owned boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants, popular parks, and so much more, Northshore has a fun and funky vibe that’s been drawing visitors for decades. It’s the perfect place for families, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and pet owners to explore, and we’re telling you how. Our ideal day in Northshore looks a little something like this:
MORNING
Ready to get your heart pumping? Start the morning early with a hike at Stringers Ridge. Made up of 92 forested acres, Stringers Ridge is a go-to spot for hikers, bikers, and dog walkers, and it’s right in the middle of the city! Plus, you’ll find one of the best overlooks of downtown Chattanooga right along the trail. To access the overlook, begin your trek at the Spears Avenue Trailhead. The overlook is on the Cherokee Trail, roughly one mile from the trailhead.
After hiking, reward yourself with an indulgent breakfast – you deserve it! Locally owned Julie Darling Donuts makes fresh donuts daily in a variety of flavors: think apple pie, cookies and cream, and red velvet, to name a few. Located in the heart of Northshore, it’s a convenient place to begin exploring the neighborhood.
Spend the rest of the morning window-shopping along Frazier and Cherokee Avenues. In Northshore, you can find just about anything: books, vinyl, vintage clothes, art, gifts, and so much more! Winder Binder, blue skies, Collective Clothing, and Plum Nelly Shop & Gallery are a few local favorites, but there are plenty more shops to discover, all within walking distance of one another.
AFTERNOON
A picnic lunch is in order, and we have just the recommendation: sandwiches from River Street Deli, Northshore’s authentic New York-style delicatessen. Whether you prefer pastrami or a Rueben, Muffaletta or even a lox bagel, River Street has a sammie with your name on it. Lunch in hand, walk across the street to Coolidge Park – situated right on the Tennessee River! Featuring beautiful river views in addition to an interactive fountain, restored century-old carousel, and lots of open space, there is plenty to see and do at this popular park.
Let your food digest before heading on your next adventure. Just steps away from Coolidge Park is Adventure Sports Innovation, a one-stop shop for some of the best outdoor experiences Chattanooga has to offer. With land, water, and virtual reality experiences to choose from – including e-bikes, electric skateboards, hovershoes, eFoil surfboards, and more – ASI will help you find the perfect activity for a fun and one-of-a-kind afternoon.
EVENING
Restaurant options abound on the Northshore, so narrowing down a dinner spot can be a challenge. That said, one of the neighborhood’s newest offerings, Frazier Five & Dime, has been making waves among locals and visitors alike. Labeling itself as “casual fine dining,” the establishment has a mouthwatering dinner menu that boasts lamb meatballs, grilled octopus, and a to-die-for wedge salad as small plates and grilled hangar steak and braised pork shoulder as mains. Come with friends to sample across the menu, but do not sleep on the dino nuggets with smoked mayo and hot honey – nostalgia at its best!
Ending the evening at nearby Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is a must. The ice cream shop has been a Scenic City hot spot since 1999, and once you step inside, you’ll see why. Classic flavors such as butter pecan, espresso chocolate chunk, and sweet cream are being scooped up year-round, while each new season brings an exciting lineup of seasonal flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Order your scoop in a handmade waffle cone and snap a pic in front of the pedestrian-friendly Walnut Street Bridge for a truly iconic Chattanooga experience!
