southern belle riverboat chattanooga tennessee

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southern belle riverboat

Embark on a memorable voyage along the scenic Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. Step aboard this charming paddlewheel vessel and prepare to be transported back in time to an era of elegant riverboat travel. Cruise along the river, taking in the picturesque views of Chattanooga’s skyline and surrounding natural beauty. Enjoy delicious dining options, live entertainment, and even themed cruises for a truly unique experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening under the stars or a family-friendly adventure on the water, the Southern Belle Riverboat offers a delightful excursion that combines history, relaxation, and captivating sights.

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Things to do for the Perfect Chattanooga Date Night

N estled along the banks of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is an enchanting blend of Southern charm and breathtaking landscapes, setting the stage for unforgettable date nights. Whether you’re savoring the beauty of a first date or celebrating years of love, the Scenic City offers a myriad of possibilities to make your evening extraordinary. From moonlit strolls across the Walnut Street Bridge to underground wonders in the caves of Ruby Falls, Chattanooga is a treasure trove of romantic escapes. Come with me on a journey through the heart of Tennessee, discovering the most charming and captivating spots for the perfect  Chattanooga date night . 

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Where can I go on a date in Chattanooga?

There are so many fun things to do for date night in Chattanooga , Tennessee. By the time you finish this article, you’ll find the perfect combination for a great time with your mate. Here are some of the best things to do for date night if you’re in the Chattanooga area: 

Romantic Strolls and Stunning Views: Downtown Chattanooga and Walnut Street Bridge

Kick off your date night with a leisurely stroll along the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the United States. As you walk hand in hand, enjoy the beautiful views of the Tennessee River and the downtown skyline. Downtown Chattanooga is a great spot for live music, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a local band playing in one of the charming bars or cafes.

Underground Wonders: Ruby Falls and Rock Formations

For a unique experience, venture underground to Ruby Falls. You’ll experience a breathtaking series of underground caves with stunning rock formations. It’s a great way to explore Chattanooga’s natural beauty together. Make sure to stop by the gift shop for a little memento to remember the adventure.

Riverboat Romance: Southern Belle Riverboat

Plan a date on a romantic boat ride aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. Cruise along the Tennessee River and enjoy the beautiful views. For an added bonus, try to play it so you can catch a sunset. It’s a perfect place for quality time and a chance to enjoy a delicious dinner as you float along.

Art and Culture: Bluff View Art District and Hunter Museum of American Art

Are you and your partner art enthusiasts? If so, the Bluff View Art District is a must-visit. With its charming streets, local artists, and boutique hotel, it sets the stage for a unique experience. Head to the Hunter Museum of American Art for a cultural date night surrounded by permanent collections and special events.

All Aboard: Tennessee Valley Railroad and Chattanooga Choo Choo

For a touch of nostalgia, embark on a journey with the Tennessee Valley Railroad or hop aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The train cars offer a cozy and intimate setting, making it a great spot for a date night adventure.

Laughter is the Best Medicine: Comedy Catch and Dance Tonight Chattanooga

If you’re looking for a good laugh, Comedy Catch is the place to be. Enjoy a night of comedy together, and if you’re feeling adventurous, why not sign up for a dance lesson at Dance Tonight Chattanooga? It’s a fun way to connect and learn something new.

Lookout Mountain Magic: Sunset Rock and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

For a short drive with a spectacular view, head to Lookout Mountain. Explore Sunset Rock for beautiful gardens and breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway – it’s a nice way to cap off your evening with a romantic ride.

Culinary Delights: Easy Bistro and Local Food Trucks

No date night is complete without great food. Head to Easy Bistro for fine dining or explore the local food trucks for a more casual experience. Whether you’re into Chinese food, hot chocolate, or fresh produce, Chattanooga has something to satisfy every craving.

High Adventure: High Point Climbing and Lookout Mountain Flight Park

For thrill-seekers, High Point Climbing and Lookout Mountain Flight Park offer exciting and active date options. It’s a great way to bond, have fun, and maybe even conquer a fear or two.

Chattanooga is a city that knows how to create a great date night. Whether you’re looking for a romantic experience, a fun adventure, or just a relaxing evening with beautiful views, this Tennessee gem has it all. So, grab your special someone, explore the most popular places, and create memories that will last a lifetime in the charming city of Chattanooga.

Does Chattanooga have a nightlife?

If a night on the town sounds like a fun date idea to you, Chattanooga is a great choice. Chattanooga has a growing and vibrant nightlife scene. The city offers a range of bars, restaurants, live music venues, and entertainment options that cater to different tastes. The downtown area, in particular, has been known for its lively atmosphere, especially along Market Street and in the Warehouse Row district.

Check local event listings, travel guides , and community websites to find out the latest events and activities in Chattanooga. You can also reach out to locals or visit online forums for recent recommendations and insights into the current nightlife scene in Chattanooga.

What is Chattanooga famous for?

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is known for several notable features and attractions:

Scenic Beauty:  Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and along the banks of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is known for its picturesque scenery. Lookout Mountain and the surrounding areas offer stunning views and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Lookout Mountain:  This iconic mountain provides panoramic views of the city and the Tennessee Valley. Attractions on Lookout Mountain include Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

Chattanooga Choo Choo:  The city is famous for its historic railroad heritage, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo train station is a notable landmark. The song “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by Glenn Miller further contributed to the city’s association with trains.

Tennessee Aquarium:  Chattanooga is home to the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. It showcases a diverse range of aquatic life from river habitats to ocean environments.

Outdoor Recreation:  The city has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and water sports. The Tennessee Riverwalk and Coolidge Park are popular outdoor destinations.

Riverfront:  Chattanooga’s revitalized riverfront area features parks, walking paths, and recreational spaces, making it a central hub for events and gatherings.

Creative Arts and Culture:  Chattanooga has a growing arts and culture scene. The city hosts various festivals, art galleries, and theaters, contributing to a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Economic Development:  Chattanooga has gained recognition for its efforts in economic revitalization, including the development of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the city’s commitment to sustainable practices, earning it the nickname “Gig City” for its early adoption of high-speed fiber-optic internet.

Experiences make excellent gifts! Grab an E-Gift Card here for an upcoming Cruise!

In 1985 a man that went by the name Captain Lump saw an opportunity in the City of Chattanooga. An opportunity for a riverboat on the TN River! That riverboat he had envisioned would become one of the top attractions in Chattanooga and one of the top things to do in Chattanooga! Thus in 1985 The Southern Belle was born and built not but 20 miles downriver from where she sits now by Serodino Shipyards, and the rest is history!

The Southern Belle Riverboat started out with a simple vision, give a great guest experience of Chattanooga, show everyone the beauty of the river, and give everyone a different perspective of the city of Chattanooga. That message is still the same, the boat crew at The Southern Belle Riverboat still strives to give our very valued guest a great cruise, great service, and a great experience.

The Southern Belle Riverboat was sold some years later to a gentleman named John Goldfine. He was a quirky man, but had a brilliant vision not only for the Southern Belle, but the entire city of Chattanooga! John Goldfine lived in Duluth, MN and heavily leaned on his key employees at the riverboat. Captain Vince Vita and Joy Reinert to name a few. Captain Vince became the General Manager a couple years later and ran the operation until he passed it on to Joy! Vince, among other things, was an ambassador not only of the riverboat but also of the city of Chattanooga. That sentiment has resonated with the crew ever since. The crew of the Southern Belle Riverboat has a bigger purpose than just your experience while you’re on board, but to make sure you have all the information you want and need to enjoy the beautiful city of Chattanooga.

This riverboat ride in Chattanooga used to only run a couple months out of the year and carry 20-30,000 passengers a year, we are proud to say we now cruise year-round and carry well over 100,000 passengers per year! This TN Riverboat has daily sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises as well as private charters! The Company has expanded into 2 vessels, a grand banquet hall on 2nd deck of our dockside vessel, and full-service restaurant above that!

Our goal is to not only serve the awesome locals and visitors of Chattanooga but to bring that joy to other cities across this nation!

The Southern Belle Riverboat is one of the top attractions in Chattanooga, has fantastic Chattanooga weddings, and is still the only way to have sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises while cruising down the TN River and enjoying picture-perfect views of Lookout Mountain and all the beautiful nature this great city has to offer!

Looking Forward to the future,

Jon Reinert General Manager Chattanooga Riverboat Co.

• Chevron down History of the Pier 2 @ the Landing

Pier 2 @ the Landing was purchased in June of 2006 and brought here from a scrap yard right outside of St. Louis, Missouri getting ready to be scrapped for metal. The casino boat was once known as the President and was docked in Louisiana and made it’s way to Davenport, Iowa after it was sold to continue operating as a casino boat. It was christened in 1992 and offered casino on all three levels.

It was reconditioned and renovated in New Hope, TN for 8 months undergoing new paint, wallpaper, carpet, the installation of a 2500 square foot kitchen and a banquet deck, gift shop and eventually 3rd Deck Burger Bar in 2010. The President had no engines but was pushed by a tug boat that fit into the circular facade and appeared as one unit, it had Captain quarters for the overnight crew and a crew kitchen.

The Chandelier Deck accommodates up to 400 guests and is the perfect setting for Proms, Weddings, Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Military Reunions, Family Reunion, Class Reunions, School Lunch Trips, Corporate events and much more! Situated on the Tennessee River and featuring an all enclosed climate-controlled deck with an outside patio that overlooks the City Pier, TN Aquarium, and the downtown skyline!

The Chandelier Deck is unique to where you can bring in your own food or we would be happy to cater your event, we offer, buffet dinners for a more social setting, plated dinners or hors d’oeuvres! The elegant room is lined with gold ceilings, small white lights running around the room and a 10 foot in diameter hanging from the center of the room!

What a great wedding venue in Chattanooga to have your Chattanooga wedding! The best place to have a wedding on a boat, and also the best place to have a wedding on the river! The Southern Belle Riverboat does it all from rehearsal dinner in Chattanooga to rehearsal dinners on the river! We have a full wedding rental and can supply everything down to the cake!

• Chevron down History of the 3rd Deck Burger Bar

The 3rd Deck Burger located at Ross’s Landing in downtown Chattanooga was a brainstorm idea where a space was created right next to the Southern Belle Riverboat and the 3rd deck directly above the Southern Belle’s gift shop and Chandelier Deck on Pier 2 that is a setting for banquets, class reunions, weddings, rehearsal dinners, proms, receptions, and corporate parties. The owners wanted to create an environment where folks felt like they were at home, with cozy couches, tv’s, darts, ping pong, foosball, and welcoming relaxed atmosphere.

Great burgers & fries with a cold beer was first on the list to offer to our guests! We use black Angus handcrafted 1/2 lb. burgers with skin-on fries for a filling and delicious bite. Not to mention, a great view of the riverfront with views of our historic bridges, Walnut, Veterans, Market, and Oligiati Bridges, with the Tennessee Aquarium as the backdrop. On any given day you’ll see kayaker’s, paddle boarding, folks rolling blading, biking from our Chattanooga rent a bike program to just flying a kite at Coolidge Park.

The 3rd Deck Burger Bar offers poker on Monday nights, Game Night on Tuesday nights, Ping Pong Tournaments in the works and Dart Leagues on a regular basis! There’s always things to do in Chattanooga, enjoy Ruby Falls, Rock City, Incline Railway for a scenic journey on Lookout Mountain, then join us downtown for a cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat and then hop off and join us in the 3rd Deck Burger Bar for a cold spirit, friendly conversation and incredible views!

The 3rd Deck Burger Bar offers you stunning overlooks of the TN River from it’ s outdoor patio, see things like the TN Aquarium, The Riverbend Festival, The Chattanooga Ducks, and the Chattanooga Cycle boats. You might even catch Chattanooga ducks scarfing down some food kids are throwing to it on the banks of the TN River. You can down see boat rides in Chattanooga and dinner boat rides from the 3rd Deck Burger Bar patio by watching The Southern Belle Riverboat pull off the dock of the Chattanooga Riverboat Co.

Dakota Case now manages the 3rd Deck Burger Bar and has done a fantastic job in customizing the experience around the customers’ needs and wants. Whether it be a couple from overseas wanting to have a bite to eat and a good conversation with a local, to a burger bar party where we can fit 300 ppl for an enormous amount of fun. The 3rd Deck Burger is great activity for families in Chattanooga and The 3rd Deck Burger Bar is also a fun activity for a couple in Chattanooga.

Come say hey to Mark, Shelley, Jen and the rest of the crew at the top attraction in Chattanooga!

• Chevron down History of Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city in the U.S. state of Tennessee, with a population of 176,588 in 2015. The fourth-largest Tennessee city, it is the seat of Hamilton County. Located in southeastern Tennessee in East Tennessee, on the Tennessee River, served by multiple railroads and Interstate highways, Chattanooga is a transit hub. Chattanooga lies 120 miles (190 km) northwest of Atlanta, Georgia, 120 miles (190 km) southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, 135 miles (217 km) southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, 120 miles (190 km) northeast of Huntsville, Alabama, and 148 miles (238 km) northeast of Birmingham, Alabama.

The city, with a downtown elevation of approximately 680 feet (210 m), lies at the transition between the ridge-and-valley portion of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Surrounded by mountains and ridges, the official nickname for Chattanooga is the Scenic City, reinforced by the city’s reputation for outdoor activities. Unofficial nicknames include River City, Chatt, Nooga, Chattown, and Gig City, referencing Chattanooga’s claims that it has the fastest internet service in the Western Hemisphere.

Read more about Chattanooga

(Source:  Wikipedia )