Chattanooga

Aptly nicknamed "Scenic City," Chattanooga is a haven for outdoor adventurers with its ideal perch along the Tennessee River, in the lap of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Sprawling parks and miles of riverfront trails beckon with their verdant charms, while Lookout Mountain appeals with its striking rock formations, roaring waterfalls and panoramic views. A base for activities like rock-climbing, mountain biking, hang-gliding and bass fishing, Chattanooga's repute as a city that loves the outdoors is a well-earned one. There's much to see besides, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Walnut Street Bridge, and the Hunter Museum of American Art, as well as Ruby Falls and Raccoon Mountain Caverns. A bustling downtown with its gourmet eateries, craft distilleries and striking historic architecture complements Chattanooga's vast recreational offer; a vibrant city that celebrates the Riverbend Festival, the Bessie Smith Strut, the Southern Brewers Festival and other annual fetes with gusto. This is Chattanooga 2.0 - exuberant, outdoorsy and spectacularly picturesque.