DISCOVER CHATTANOOGA'S NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY
Chattanooga is a popular tourist destination due to its wide range of attractions and breathtaking topography full of mountains, lush greenery, and the Tennessee river. We’re not called the Scenic City for nothing.
Six districts make up downtown Chattanooga, including Bluff View, City Center, MLK, Innovation District, Riverfront, Southside, and Northshore. Each district has something unique to offer to visitors.
If you’re planning to visit Chattanooga or a local looking for something new to do, we have a few suggestions for things to do in Northshore Chattanooga, our favorite part of town. The vibe on the north shore can be summed up by its tagline: "Where Hip Meets Historical".
You'll find that the neighborhood represents both historical and modern elements. Situated on the north shore of the Tennessee river (hence the name) this neighborhood has it all. You'll find easy access to great food and drinks, shopping, outdoor activities, and more!
VISIT OUR FAVORITE BUSINESSES ON THE NORTH SHORE
GRAB BREAKFAST AND COFFEE AT MILK & HONEY
Located right off of Market St., Milk & Honey is a modern cafe with some retro charm. Recently expanded, it now offers more than just delicious food with the addition of a patio, additional indoor seating, a ‘grab and go’ coffee counter, and a bar. Get a craft coffee or fresh juice to start while you drool over the breakfast menu.
Emily, co-owner of Almanac Supply Co., recommends the Hodgepodge Hash, a rustic potato dish featuring sausage, sauteed veggies, chipotle cream, feta cheese, and a sunny side egg. She would “seriously, eat it every day” if she could.
COOLIDGE PARK & WALNUT STREET BRIDGE
After breakfast, head over to Coolidge Park to enjoy the outdoors. There you’ll find a splash fountain perfect for cooling off on hot days, a beautifully restored antique carousel, plenty of green space for playing games or kicking a ball around with family, and rock climbing.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs, take a stroll across one of the world’s longest pedestrian only bridges, the Walnut Street Bridge. Or cruise the Tennessee River Walk, a 13-mile long public greenway, on foot or by bike. If you're lucky enough, you might be able to catch the annual Moon River Music Festival!
FEEL THE MAGIC AT ALMANAC SUPPLY CO.
Almanac Supply Co started as an online store in 2017 by life and business partners, Emily Thompson and David Austin. Serious rock hounds and the crystal curious alike will tell you that Almanac is the place for local shopping for crystals, hand-poured candles, unique souvenirs, and magical tools.
And we agree, even if we are a little bit biased. Recently, we opened a new retail location at the corner of Frazier Avenue and North Market St. Our friendly staff members are happy to help you choose the perfect stone to add to or start your rock collection. Stop in and say hey to Wick The Gnome, our resident mascot.
SHOP THE RACKS AT COLLECTIVE CLOTHING
If you’re a fan of vintage and retro clothing, then Collective Clothing is a must-see. They know their stuff after 15+ years in the industry and source their finds from all over the United States.
They’ve provided pieces for the wardrobes for several productions including the hit streaming series Stranger Things. Chock full of rare finds from the 1920s to the early 2000s, you can live out your fantasy and create your own ‘main character’ outfit from their racks.
LUNCH AT RIVER STREET DELI
Underneath the the north shore street-level shops and restaurants on Frazier Ave. is a real gem, River Street Deli. What it lacks in fanciful decor, it more than makes up for with killer sandwiches.
Owner Bruce Weiss opened the New York style deli in 1998 after moving to Chattanooga and they’ve been focused on serving up an eclectic mix of inspired eats ever since. Try one of their classic menu items like their Reuben sandwich or if you’re feeling adventurous have the special sandwich of the day.
If you're in the mood for something different, head back up to Frazier for sushi rolls at Totto Sushi and Grill!
DESSERT FROM CLUMPIE’S ICE CREAM CO.
If you have a sweet tooth, look for the red and white Clumpie’s sign. Inside the Northshore location, you’ll find a large assortment of decadent frozen treats. Each batch of Clumpie’s ice cream is still made by hand using only the highest quality of ingredients to make sure every scoop is as good as the last.
During the summer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a time where there’s not a line out the back door. But trust us, it’s worth the wait.
BROWSE ART AT AVA (ASSOCIATION FOR VISUAL ARTS)
The Associate for Visual Arts, a.k.a. AVA, is a non-profit gallery space that strives to support the local arts community so artists can thrive in our city. They do so by hosting regularly occurring exhibition receptions, critique groups, workshops, and programs for emerging artists.
The main gallery space boasts a rotating exhibition of work by various local and visiting artists. Each year, they also have several member exhibitions that highlight the work of their diverse membership. If you’re lucky enough to be in Chattanooga at the right time, you can attend their 4 Bridges Arts Festival which showcases over 100 artists and ranks in the top 30 art festivals in the United States.
SUP ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER
If you didn’t get enough of the outdoors, do as the locals do and get out on the water! There’s no shortage of places to rent SUP boards or kayaks. If you’re unfamiliar with the Chattanooga waterways or a paddling newbie, book a self guided tour with Chattanooga Guided Adventures.
They’ll get you your gear, teach you how to use it, and even provide a shuttle upstream so you can enjoy the gentle downstream flow while you paddle past landmarks like Maclellan Island, the rocky bluffs of the Hunter Museum, and the Walnut Street Bridge. They also host guided kayaking tours, including one that takes you out to Nickajack Bat Cave to see thousands of our furry friends emerge for a night of hunting bugs!
GET GEARED UP AT FOUR BRIDGES OUTFITTERS
Chattanooga is an outdoorsman’s oasis and you'll find plenty of opportunities for paddling, hiking, climbing, and camping. If you need equipment for your next outdoor adventure, you’ve come to the right place.
Four Bridges Outfitters sells both new and lightly used activewear, shoes, and gear. Their goal is to make the outdoors a more accessible place for everyone while preventing waste by giving gear a second chance. Stop in and say hey to Maybellene, the resident shop dog.
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, consider taking a stroll along the riverfront in Renaissance Park, conveniently located just off Manufacturer's Road, where you can enjoy the beautiful views without jumping in.
FRAZIER FIVE & DIME FOR DINNER
Right next door to Almanac Supply Co., is the Frazier Five & Dime, a casual fine dining restaurant and bar. The owners aimed to keep the nostalgia of the location intact while reinventing the experience for their guests.
Go there for high-end eats and drinks and an environment that promises fun, not stuffy vibes. Ask your bartender or server about the meaning of their cougar “mascot” to get a giggle from a Chattanooga-style inside joke.
VISIT THE ROSECOMB FOR AFTER DINNER DRINKS
Afterwards head a little deeper into Northshore's eclectic neighborhood to get a drink at Rosecomb Bar. This charming spot is built in a 1920’s cottage *swoon* with indoor and outdoor seating in their garden *double swoon*. Their drink menu is simply to die for so skip the vodka soda and try one of their craft cocktails from their seasonal menu.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t also pay homage to the food at Rosecomb. Their kitchen might be small but the food they serve up leaves a big impression. You might just have to indulge in ‘second dinner’ or come back for Sunday brunch. Rosecomb is 21 and up at all times though so leave the kiddos at home, okay?
If you want an after-dinner activity that involves the whole family, consider attending a play at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre!
INDULGE YOUR BOOKWORM SIDE AT THE BOOK & COVER
Right next door to the Rosecomb Bar is an independent book store, The Book & Cover. This delightful store boasts beautiful murals and art by local artists as well as all the books your heart desires. From bestsellers to classic novels and biographies, if you’re looking for it, they probably have it.
They host both annual events like Ink Drink and monthly book clubs. Cozy up with a good book and a coffee from Goodman Coffee Roasters or a baked good from Bread & Butter while you’re there!
Love this article?
Now that you know where to get a great cocktail in Chattanooga, check out these other articles for more things to do in Chattanooga or for making your own seasonal drinks
BY MERI WRIGHT
Meri is a Chattanooga native, currently residing in Memphis, TN. She is always looking to check out the newest spots in Chattanooga when she comes to visit. She is a project manager by day and a stained glass artist by night.
Newsletter Sign-up
New articles, products, events, and more
right to your inbox.
