Tennessee – a state I never thought I would love. I am a New Englander born and raised and will never be a fully functioning part of the south. However, I do love Chattanooga, Tennessee. I have been there probably now a total of eight to 10 times since my father and my step family live in a little town called Soddy-Daisy. My father moved there about eight years ago, which was when Chattanooga came and made an impression on my life. So, here are 12 reasons why I love the Scenic City.

1. How Chattanooga lives up to its name as the Scenic City.

Also, known for its many beautiful night lights, Chattown is a sight to be seen.

2. The beautiful Walnut Street walking bridge.

This is where you can walk over the Tennessee River to the other side of the city or where you can sit and enjoy a good book. It is one of the most relaxing places in the city.

3. Downtown is right off of the walking bridge and is another sight to be held at the beginning of nightfall.

An aerial view of downtown Nooga

4. Riverbend, which is a summer country music festival, happens in the downtown area and is definitely a place you want to be.

Whether by boat or land, the Riverbend concert is an event filled with good times and fireworks. Usually takes place in early June.

5. A major part of the downtown area is the Tennessee Aquarium. The aquarium is an aquatic wonderland, but they also have a butterfly garden which is a treat within itself.

6. Near the aquarium is Ross's landing.

Here is where the Trail of Tears or the embarkament of the Cherokee tribes of the Southeastern states. In the summer, you can find many children playing in the cascading water.

7. Right off the edge of Ross's landing and across the river is the dock for the Delta Queen, or where it used to be.

The Delta Queen is a beautiful, quintessential example of an old time river boat.

8. Slightly outside of the downtown area and also happens in the summer, every Sunday is the Chattanooga Farmer's Market.

Here, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, and there is a different theme every week!

9. Also part of the Chattanooga life is the Chattanooga Lookouts, the local baseball team.

Fun activity to take part in while in the River City. However, Looie, the mascot, is just a rip off of Wally, the Green Monster, of the Boston Red Sox.

10. Nearby is the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo. This was once the terminal station for the Southern Railway line.

Today, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a hotel where a tenant can sleep in the old railway cabins.

11. Also near the outskirts of Chattanooga is the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

The tram operates backward up the mountain and then forward going down. Actually, pretty scary at points, but thrilling, in general.

12. Finally, one of the most scenic parts of the city is actually outside of the city on Lookout Mountain. This place is known as Rock City.

Here is the place known as Lover's Leap where a Native American version of Romeo and Juliet took place.

All and all Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a beautiful place to be and is worth a visit if one loves the South or is just passing by!