The Chattanooga Choo Choo Today
In 1973, a few years after Chattanooga had been dubbed the dirtiest city in the America by Walter Cronkite, a group of businessmen invested $4,000,000 to reinvigorate the old Terminal Station and create what is now known worldwide as the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Perhaps, it was the slap in the face to Chattanoogans having our town named the dirtiest city in the country that spurred us to prove what a wonderful town we live in. The transformation of the Terminal Station, headed for destruction and rescued by our native sons, was one of the first steps in making Chattanooga one of the best towns in America. (#44 best place to live, #19 best place to retire according to U.S. News and World Report)
Certainly, the Choo Choo — we call it the Choo Choo, not the Chattanooga Choo Choo, but we know where we are — has become a travel destination for world travelers. And, that’s great! We love tourists here.
But, as a local who enjoys walking, the Choo Choo holds many interesting spots for us to enjoy. The Frothy Monkey, a restaurant just off the lobby of the hotel, is a good place to stop for a cup of coffee, a bagel sandwich, and cinnamon buns to die for. And, they have Bloody Marys, too. (As you read along, if you so choose, you will find that quite often we mention Bloody Marys and Mimosas, the brunch beverages of choice for the old ladies on the loose. Just a heads up!)
Back to the Choo Choo!
In early January, Kate and I were on a morning walk around downtown. We had parked on East Main Street just around the corner from the Choo Choo (1400 Market St.) and decided to take a look. I had not been in the building in several years. So, it was time to pay the Choo Choo a visit and get in a few extra steps. We hoped the lobby would be warm because the outside was freezing.
What a beautiful surprise! The Christmas tree was still up and it was magnificent. I asked Kate to stand next to the tree to give some perspective to the size of the tree and the massive lobby.
In the background you can see the entrance to the Frothy Monkey.
We walked through the lobby into the Glenn Miller Garden area. (Wonder why they named the garden after Glenn Miller.)
The first thing we noticed to our right as we entered the garden area was the Choo Choo train engine. (shown left)
From the back of the gardens we were tempted to play a game of bocce ball on one of the two bocce ball courts. Maybe in the spring!
Oh, I almost forgot. In the winter there is an ice skating rink installed where locals (and guests) get to try their latest moves on the blades. It was still installed the day we were there, but I forgot to take a picture of it. Maybe next year.
HEADS UP: You can sleep in a train car! (I haven’t been in one yet, but as soon as we get a peek, it will be shared!)
