Long before the hip Southside district, long before the galleries and boutiques came to North Shore with the Walnut Street bridge reopening, and ten years before the Tennessee Aquarium was built, the Riverbend Festival was one of the first signs of life in a blighted, polluted town.
The city was down on its luck. It was dirty and dangerous and no one came to downtown after dark. Locals had moved to the suburbs, and none of the vibrant riverfront nightlife we now associate with Chattanooga existed. That changed when several powerhouse local businesses and foundations came together and brought The Commodores, Beach Boys, and Rick Springfield as part of a Five Nights Festival that later evolved into the Riverbend Festival we know today.
Those early concerts were held all over downtown, from Engel Stadium to Ross’s Landing. It wasn’t until later that the festival settled on the riverfront. And from there it grew, along with the rest of downtown and the riverfront, into a thing of local pride and Chattanoogan culture. The Riverbend Festival has become a part of this city, one of the most popular (if not THE most popular) events on the yearly calendar.
Riverbend has seen major acts over the years, including Huey Lewis & the News, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Willie Nelson, Train, Three Dog Night, The B-52's, Little Richard, ZZ Top, The Black Crowes, America, The Alan Parsons Project, Daughtry, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jars of Clay, moe., Ricky Skaggs, Steve Miller Band, The Allman Brothers Band, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams, Jr., Kid Rock, Boyz II Men, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, LL Cool J, Keith Urban, Michelle Branch, Styx, Blues Traveler, Nickel Creek, Rascal Flatts, Collective Soul, and Lynard Skynard.
The festival has grown from 5 nights to 9, and expanded to include a beloved Faith and Family night that represents the multi-generation tradition Riverbend has become. Each year families eagerly pick up their Riverbend pins from the local businesses that sell them and visitors pour into Chattanooga hotels for the event. Some locals even take off work during Riverbend week to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of fun that takes over the city. Whether you’ve been to Riverbend each year or never before, don’t miss this year’s celebration of music and urban revitalization!
The mountains surrounding Chattanooga burst with spring blossoms and with near-perfect temperatures, sunny and warm with bright blue skies. This area is one of the most diverse in the world when it comes to spring flowers, and the scenery bursting with green is unparalleled. We've put together a few ways you can explore the best views the city and surrounding area has to offer.
Explore By Foot:
1. StoneFort Inn is conveniently located in between Chattanooga's famous Riverfront area and the newly revitalized Southside District. The best way to experience both is by walking. To the north, the Riverfront, Bluff View Arts District, and NorthShore Arts District feature such great attractions as the Aquarium Plaza, The Passage, Bluff View Sculpture Gardens, Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, and Frazier Avenue galleries. The Southside District is a new hub of galleries, shops, restaurants, and other attractions that has grown in the past five years into one of the hippest destinations in town. After spending all winter cooped up, spring in Chattanooga offers the perfect weather for getting out and stretching your legs.
2. Chattanooga is surrounded by dozens of nearby trails for hiking, biking, riding, and ATVs totaling over 416 miles. Five of the best are included in Nooga.com's Field Excursions article , including the North Chickamauga Pocket Wilderness Area. The Pocket is lauded by both visitors and researchers for its biodiversity, and overflows in spring with phlox, trillium, chickweed, larkspur, Dutchman's breeches and Jack-in-the-pulpit.
3. Chattanooga has earned quite the reputation as an outdoor enthusiast's mecca. Outdoor Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and National Geographic Adventurer have all declared Chattanooga "the regional climbing capital" and "best outdoor city." Whether it's your first time bouldering, an intermediate crag, or part of an ongoing passion, the areas offers plenty of opportunities for all skill levels . The South Eastern Climber's Coalition recommends some great climbs near Chattanooga. Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain remains a local favorite with beautiful views!
Explore By Car:
4. It's hard to beat the Pie In the Sky driving trail mapped by Tennessee Trails and Byways. It offers drivers plenty of options, whether they want to stick close to Chattanooga wander as far as Crossville. The trail map includes interesting attractions along the way and takes you through some of the prettiest countryside and natural wonders in the area. It even includes a selection of songs that will pair perfectly with your day on the road.
5. Tennessee Trails and Byways has also mapped a beautiful drive that wanders along the Georgia boarder and on up the plateau just north of Chattanooga. It takes you through some beautiful mountain country into the edges of the Smokey Mountains, and past plenty of scenic lakes and rivers. With attractions along the way, and a built in playlist for your drive, the Tanasi Trail is both entertain and educational—it's designed to follow early Native American footpaths, railroads, and settler's routes.
Explore By Bike (not necessarily free):
6. Chattanooga grows more and more bike friendly each year! There is no shortage of both street and mountain routes to take you all over town. You can check out some of the cycling options at Trimble Outdoor's site. Bike Chattanooga has also made a huge splash this year with a downtown bike share program. Bike Chattanooga's now-famous blue bicycles are a great way to get around downtown or to cruise the scenic Riverwalk that winds alongside the Tennessee River from Ross's Landing by the Tennessee Aquarium through beautiful wetlands and parks to the Chickamauga Dam.
The mountains surrounding Chattanooga burst with color during autumn and with near-perfect temperatures, fall is the ideal time to visit Chattanooga. We’ve put together a few ways you can explore the best views the city and surrounding area has to offer.
Explore By Foot:
1. Chattanooga recenly went through a multi-million dollar waterfront renovation, and the best way to see it is by walking. This walking tour meanders by the Aquarium Plaza, Bluff View Sculpture Gardens, Two Bridges, North Shore and Coolidge Park and The Passage. October is a mild month in our scenic city with temperatures averging in the 60s - perfect walking weather. Here is a great description of this tour: http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i4832-Walking_Tour_of_Riverfront_Chattanooga.html
2. For those interested in exploring some nearby hiking trails, we recommend hikingchattanooga.com to get started. It’s an index of most of the notable hiking trails surrounding downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here you will find links to trail websites, trail descriptions, Lat and Long coordinates to trailheads, pictures of trail highlights, ratings, driving directions and more. There are dozens of trails listed here totaling over 416 miles of trails.
3. Or you can experience why the National Geographic Adventurer calls Chattanooga, "the regional climbing capital" with a rock climbing adventure. Novice to advanced climbers alike will find challenge and excitement on Chattanooga’s amazing crags. You never know what you will discover on your hiking adventure.
Explore By Car:
4. One of the most popular drives is Lookout Mountain which is home to Rock City, Ruby Falls and Point Park, a civil war battlefield. At Rock City or the Incline, you will have breath-taking views of Chattanooga and the surrounding mountains.
5. A drive through the Tennessee River Gorge is a site to behold, and there are great views of Chattanooga and the River Gorge from several of the scenic overlooks. If you decide to detour to TVA’s Pumped Storage Facility at Raccoon Mountain, you could easily leave an hour or two to drive around this impressive compound and get a number of pictures of the Gorge. Here are details of a recommended drive: http://www.trgt.org/page/driving-through-the-gorge-directions
Explore By Water (not free):
6. Speaking of the Tennessee River Gorge, you can travel through the gorge on the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer or on the Chattanooga Riverboat, The Southern Belle to see the gorgeous fall colors of the Gorge. See all of Chattanooga’s boating options.
Room 25 is often requested because it was and still is “The Dog Room,” – but the Inn's owner and I wanted to change it bit and create a more subtle canine reference. A light-colored upholstered headboard, stately chairs and lighter wall color (Benjamin Moore's Standish White, HC-32), were all intended to lighten the room and create a serene, relaxing environment. To continue the understated, uncluttered feeling in this room, simple shades were chosen instead of drapery. Contrast is provided through wood textures and various intensities of brass – from the large nailhead trim on the headboard to the heavy brass bedside lamps.
Innkeeper James Greathouse mentioned this is the most-requested room at present – both repeat visits from guests and others who saw the room and book it for their next visit.
We put Cris Angsten, our Interior Decorator, to work on Room 20 and she did not disappoint once again. Room 20 received a few touch-ups including new paint, new bedding and decorations, and new chairs.
For a city of its size, Chattanooga has a lot happening in the live music scene. Our largest music event is the 9-day Riverbend Music Festival which takes place along the riverfront in June and draws as many as 100,000 people on the more popular nights. Chattanooga also offers weekly events and smaller music venues that shouldn't be missed if you enjoy live music. Below are some of the most notable live music happening in Chattanooga.
Weekly Music Events (Seasonal)
Nightfall Concert Series is a FREE sumertime concert series that takes place each Friday night in Miller Plaza - just a few blocks from Stonefort Inn (May 11 - Sept 7 in the 2012 season). Headlining acts begin at 8pm with local opening acts starting at 7pm. Enjoy great live music, food and an ice cold beer at the corner of Market Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard starting at 7pm and going until 10pm. View Lineup.
"Riverfront Nights" are FREE Saturday night shows (August - mid-Sept) that bring an eclectic lineup of electrifying performers to the region's softest and coolest "dance floor", just a step upstream from the public pier on our famous 21st Century Waterfront in downtown Chattanooga. The event focuses on local people and institutions who promote healthy lifestyles, sustainable development/business practices and, of course, an intense love of outdoor, adrenaline producing recreation...widely considered to be the three legged stool that's given our town a step-up and over our neighboring municipalities around the southeast. Doors open and beer sales begin at 6:30pm. Local opening bands start around 7pm and headliners kick into high gear promptly at 8pm and play till 10-ish. View Lineup.
The Chattanooga Market features live music each Sunday at the First Tennessee Pavillion (May - Dec). This was voted one of "America's Best Public Markets) according to Frommer's. Browse the local artisans' and farmers' exhibits, and enjoy local food and drink - all the while listening to live music. The market hours are typicallyy 11a - 4p, with live music playing from 12:30 - 3pm. View schedule.
Upcoming Music Festivals
Southern Brewers Festival - August 25th, 2pm - midnight, Riverfront downtown Chattanooga - featuring Chuck Leavell, Perpetual Groove and Drive-by Truckers (to name a few...) in addition to beers from over 30 breweries. More info.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival - October 5, 6pm - 10pm - celebrates world class bluegrass in Chattanooga for FREE! This year's Friday lineup includes Dismembered Tennesseans, Blue Highway, Daily & Vincent and close your evening with the mighty sounds of Yonder Mountain String Band, oneof Bluegrass' hottest bands and a first time performance in our area. More info.
Local Music Venues
Track 29 - located in the Southside, this mid-sized music venue can accomodate up to 2000 people and has hosted the best of our local musicians and nationally-known artists such as Lucinda Williams and The Avett Brothers. View Lineup.
Rythym & Brews is a smaller venue (up to 450 capacity) that features up & coming bands. View Lineup.
J.J. Bohemia also features live music on a regular basis. View Lineup.
Barking Legs Theater - one of our favorites with a capacity of approx. 150 people - is one of the best intimate live music settings for miles. View Lineup.
Chattanooga Onstage works to bring great music and entertainment to Memorial Auditorium and the Tivoli Theater. View Lineup.
Chattanooga Symphony and Opera
Chattanooga Symphony and Opera is a combined symphony orchestra and opera company in Chattanooga. Opening night is September 22nd, and throughout the season the events feature world-class musicians. They CSO occassionaly has special performances such as July 28th when they play with the Indigo Girls. Most events are held at the historic Tivoli Theater. View Schedule.
It's been so much fun designing these rooms as we go along. The starting point for Room Twenty-Six was the rug, it has great colors like deep rich red and navy in it, and before too long I came across a fabric with much the same feeling and same colors both to edge the draperies with and to contrast with the new white bedding as a luxe pillow.
Rearranging the room allowed for the two natural focal points - the head of the bed, and those marvelous windows - to work together. The linen draperies catch the light and let the room just glow in the late afternoon sun. The antique chair found new life wearing two fabrics – a woven plaid and a great floral with the same colors in them as the rug.
The finished room captures everything we want for the Inn: timeless, gentlemanly, stately, with a few feminine touches. - written by Cris Angsten, Interior Decorator
Inspiration for Room 24, now officially called "The Colonial Room", came from some of the key elements of the room such as the fabulous fireplace mantel, the four-poster style bed, the round, black mirror and pair of pewter candleholders which point to Colonial Williamsburg. Cris Angsten, our Interior Decorator took these classic elements from that period's design style and aimed to make the room decor more comfortable and approachable. Cris said "The idea isn’t to feel like you just stepped back in time. It’s the look, but updated and more comfortable." The classic bedside lamps are an unexpected surprise. Guests will also notice the richer color of the fireplace mantel.
Facebook & Pinterest
We'll be sharing pictures of more redecorated rooms on Facebook and our new Pinterest page.
Last weekend, seven of my closest friends from Colorado, Florida, and Maryland met me here in Chattanooga and we all stayed at the Stonefort Inn. My friends loved the charm and personality of the Inn and the Inn's wonderful staff. Each room is so unique and comfortable, and the limestone dining room is spectacular. The highlights at the Inn included the wine & cheese hour, chocolate covered strawberries, and, of course, the fabulous breakfast that is included with the room fees.
Normally, I take our visitors to some of Chattanooga's big attractions such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Southern Belle and the Hunter Museum of Art. But this group of ladies preferred more low-key activities.
Here are some of the fun things we did in Chattanooga.
SHOPPING:
Warehouse Row is just 2 blocks from the Inn, Some of the shops my friends really enjoyed included Revival - "uncommon goods" for the home, Shadowbox Paperie and Kayce Hughes.
North Shore, on the other side of the river, offers some unique shops, restaurants, the world's longest pedestrian bridge and Coolidge Park. I brought them by one of my favorite shops - Plum Nelly which features the work of artisans around the country. We also visited Frankie & Julians, and a few of my Colorado friends purchased mood rings at All Things Groovy for kicks and grins.
Chattanooga has a large artisan community and we celebrate public visual art throughout various neighborhoods in the city - including the Southside, Riverfront area and the North Shore.. We also enjoyed many of the galleries in the city.
DINING & DRINKS
Public House Restaurant, one of my favorite locally owned restaurants, is a few blocks from the Inn and was the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet southern style meal on the patio. The Pimento Cheese Appetizer w/Fried Pickles is "to die for" according to one of my friends. The Petit Filet Wedge Salad and Picket Farm's Trout Entree seemed to be a big hit with everyone, as well. The Social (tavern connected to Public House) had live music on Friday's after 8pm, and drink & appetizer specials for happy hour.
St. John's Restaurant | The Meeting Place is owned and operated by Daniel LIndley who was recently nominated for the James Beard Southeast: Best Chef award. The Meeting Place shares the kitchen with St. John's restaurant, but is more casual and affordable. And, recently redecorated, made a favorable impression on the girls. The Meeting Place also has a bar upstairs that is a fun place to grab drinks.
Tony's Pasta Restaurant was also enjoyed by the group, as one of my friends requires a gluten-free menu and Tony's offers gluten-free pasta selections. We stopped at the Back End Cafe to have a drink before dinner, and Renaissance Commons for a little dessert afterwards.
ADVENTURE
Many of my friends are on the adventurous side, so I had a few outdoorsy things planned for out trip.
Hiking: Chattanooga is surrounded by some great hiking trails within 20 minutes of the downtown area. We took the trail from the bottom of Lookout Mountain to Sunset Point with great views of Lookout Valley. It was about 1.8 miles to the top of the Lookout Mountain and pretty vertical. It was a great workout for us all.
Boating: My husband agreed to rent a boat from Lake Shore Marina and captain the double decker pontoon boat for a few hours. This was a definate highlight. It was a realxing, more intimate way to introduce people to the Tennessee River, and we made sure the boat was well stocked with refreshments and snacks.
Long before the hip Southside district, long before the galleries and boutiques came to North Shore with the Walnut Street bridge reopening, and ten years before the Tennessee Aquarium was built, the Riverbend Festival was one of the first signs of life in a blighted, polluted town.
Explore By Car:
Spring Events:
Explore By Water (not free):
of its size, Chattanooga has a lot happening in the live music scene. Our largest music event is the 9-day Riverbend Music Festival which takes place along the riverfront in June and draws as many as 100,000 people on the more popular nights. Chattanooga also offers weekly events and smaller music venues that shouldn't be missed if you enjoy live music. Below are some of the most notable live music happening in Chattanooga.
Nightfall Concert Series is a FREE sumertime concert series that takes place each Friday night in Miller Plaza - just a few blocks from Stonefort Inn (May 11 - Sept 7 in the 2012 season). Headlining acts begin at 8pm with local opening acts starting at 7pm. Enjoy great live music, food and an ice cold beer at the corner of Market Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard starting at 7pm and going until 10pm. 
"Riverfront Nights" are FREE Saturday night shows (August - mid-Sept) that bring an eclectic lineup of electrifying performers to the region's softest and coolest "dance floor", just a step upstream from the public pier on our famous 21st Century Waterfront in downtown Chattanooga. The event focuses on local people and institutions who promote healthy lifestyles, sustainable development/business practices and, of course, an intense love of outdoor, adrenaline producing recreation...widely considered to be the three legged stool that's given our town a step-up and over our neighboring municipalities around the southeast. Doors open and beer sales begin at 6:30pm. Local opening bands start around 7pm and headliners kick into high gear promptly at 8pm and play till 10-ish. 
Southern Brewers Festival - August 25th, 2pm - midnight, Riverfront downtown Chattanooga - featuring Chuck Leavell, Perpetual Groove and Drive-by Truckers (to name a few...) in addition to beers from over 30 breweries. 
Track 29 - located in the Southside, this mid-sized music venue can accomodate up to 2000 people and has hosted the best of our local musicians and nationally-known artists such as Lucinda Williams and The Avett Brothers. 
Opening night is September 22nd, and throughout the season the events feature world-class musicians. They CSO occassionaly has special performances such as July 28th when they play with the Indigo Girls. Most events are held at the historic Tivoli Theater. 
Public House Restaurant, one of my favorite locally owned restaurants, is a few blocks from the Inn and was the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet southern style meal on the patio. The Pimento Cheese Appetizer w/Fried Pickles is "to die for" according to one of my friends. The Petit Filet Wedge Salad and Picket Farm's Trout Entree seemed to be a big hit with everyone, as well. The Social (tavern connected to Public House) had live music on Friday's after 8pm, and drink & appetizer specials for happy hour. 
