Photo: The pet-friendly Ruth S. and A. William Holmberg footbridge connects the charming Bluff View Arts District with the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge and other scenic riverfront areas.
By Heather Davis
I’ve lived here and there all my life: growing up an Army brat, we called everywhere from Berlin, Germany to Fort Bragg, North Carolina “home”. As an adult I lived in Chicago for almost eight years before settling here in Nashville in 2005. But as a Chattanooga native, I have always carried with me the wonder of mist-covered mountains and a wide, winding river. Chattanooga will always be my true home, where I return again and again to spend time with family, and where I now love to bring my canine pals for a little adventure.
The Scenic City has seen many changes since I left in 1998. The Tennessee River still flows at its heart, and awe-inspiring Lookout Mountain still towers above, but the city has been reborn in my absence. North Chattanooga now bustles with eclectic galleries, shops and cafes; the riverfront stretches endlessly in a series of parks and greenways; and dog-friendly boutiques, outdoor areas and activities are suddenly everywhere, making Chattanooga not only home to me, but also one of my favorite places to simply unwind and explore.
When you think of Chattanooga, you may be hard pressed not to imagine the “See Rock City” slogans on the sides of old barns along I-24. A personal favorite childhood getaway, Rock City still pleases with 14 acres of natural beauty and fun attractions for the whole family. Leash up your pooch pal and hit the trails for an hour hike along the Enchanted Trail, discovering rock formations from 200 million years ago as well as a 100-foot waterfall, a swinging bridge, curious caverns and more. An endless variety of trees and foliage can be enjoyed by day, but winter nights bring festive fun during the Enchanted Garden of Lights, which runs through Dec. 31. During the holidays, an evening visit offers live music, Santa sightings, hot cocoa by the fire and more than thirty light displays.
Meanwhile, the City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with DOGood for a Dog-Friendly Chattanooga to open many of the city’s walkways and green spaces to dog lovers and our canine companions.
The long-awaited opening of the popular pedestrian bridge has proven to be a great success. “As of August 2010, the Walnut Street Bridge permits pets to walk from one side of the Tennessee River to the other,” says Brian Smith of parks and recreation. “Dogs are welcome on the bridge as long as they are kept on-leash and owners make sure they clean up any waste.”
The bridge, which stretches across the Tennessee River, connects the shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces along Frazier Avenue (home to must-visit Bone Appetit dog bakery) on the North Chattanooga bank with the historic and beautiful Bluff View Arts District and more. Nearby is the architecturally stunning and pet-friendly Ruth S. and A. William Holmberg footbridge (pictured), which offers passage to the Hunter Art Museum and other attractions.
The city boasts three beautiful off-leash dog parks: the popular Chew Chew park downtown as well as Heritage Park in East Brainerd and Greenway Farm in the suburb of Hixson. Leashed dogs are also welcome at Miller Plaza, Renaissance Park to the north, Ross’ Landing to the south, the Chickamauga Greenway system and many more.
Holiday fun includes MainX24, a massive Christmas parade and celebration on the city’s southside which features nearly 100 individual events and activities. DOGood even hosts a Mutt Strut where canines prance in the parade decked out in haute holiday fashion.
So, whether you’re looking for some holiday cheer or a tail-wagging getaway anytime of year, head to our friendly neighbor to the east. Chattanooga fun awaits Fido!
