Essentials for the Perfect Romantic Escape 30 Jan 6:38 AM (3 months ago)
When it comes to meaningful gifts, few gestures can beat the magic of a shared experience. And what better way to share time with a loved one than a mountain escape where the stresses of everyday life slip away. Above the clouds, and away from it all you’re free to embrace the moment, reflect intentionally, and celebrate each other. Cozying up together is the ultimate romantic gesture for Valentine’s Day.
So, what makes the perfect romantic experience?
It begins with location. Choose a destination that feels worlds away from your everyday life yet remains effortlessly accessible. While distant getaways have their appeal, the stress of a complicated journey can take away from the experience. Instead, opt for a place where the journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself so you arrive relaxed.
Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast is located at 1,800 feet atop Lookout Mountain. It is a beautiful and brief 15-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. where pretty mountain roads open to expansive views leading you to Fairyland, an idyllic community with fairytale-themed streets and lovely homes. There are a few different routes to arrive at the Chanticleer Inn, all beautiful in their own way. The location, nestled in the heart of Fairyland, is easy to reach yet feels like its own little world in a storybook setting.
Next is atmosphere, an essential part of any romantic getaway. Find a place that offers beauty and comfort, both inside and out with inviting interiors and breathtaking outdoors spaces. Thoughtfully designed lodgings with luxurious amenities make for the best atmospheres. Places with distinctive architecture and a unique setting can transport you far from the ordinary, immersing you in a place where every detail feels special.
Situated on two acres of manicured gardens, The Chanticleer Inn is a historic property reflective of the French countryside with small cottages crafted of hand-laid stones surrounding a beautiful courtyard. Originally built in 1927, its historic charm has been updated throughout the years with fine amenities like Whirlpool tubs and steam showers. Each of its seventeen rooms and special cottages is uniquely decorated, and most come with a delightful patio area to enjoy the outdoors. Hidden among the trees, the Chanticleer Inn offers privacy in a tranquil setting. The bocce court, pool, and pristine grounds set the scene at this well-rounded property.
Dining is an essential part of any vacation, and a delicious meal is its own special experience. Quality culinary experiences enhance any getaway no matter the meal, and finding a place to stay with the added benefits of food and beverage service is key.
All guests at Chanticleer Inn are treated to a freshly cooked breakfast each morning. With a rotating menu offering pancakes, eggs benedict, Belgian waffles and more guests are sure to never have the same breakfast twice, even on a multi-night stay. As an additional benefit, the Chanticleer Inn offers a gorgeous spread of grazing food each afternoon. A selection of cheeses, finger sandwiches, breads, and baked goods all freshly prepared offer something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, just down the mountain from the Inn’s location is historic St. Elmo. Here you can find two great date night spots, 1885 Grill and Little Coyote, as well as a coffee shop and Clumpies Ice Cream Co.
While everyone loves to relax during vacation, activities and things to do are still important. No matter how beautiful the property, you’ll want to leave at least once. Luckily, Chanticleer Inn is just steps from Rock City which is a perfect activity to do with your loved one. Beautiful views, inspiring natural beauty, and creative installations will have you making fun discoveries around every corner. If you’re more of a history lover, you can check out Battles for Chattanooga and Point Park a short drive away. It is also close to great hiking like the Guild Trail and Glen Falls.
Finally, for a proper Valentine’s Day celebration a special treat is in order. Big gestures or small touches, that extra something to set the vacation apart from the rest is essential. Because what’s Valentine’s Day without a little indulgence?
How about a rose petal turn down service? A bottle of champagne with fresh house-made chocolate covered strawberries? Two tickets to beautiful Rock City? Chanticleer Inn is offering all of this, and a keepsake throw blanket to help you remember it, throughout the month of February. Choose from any of the unique rooms or cottages and supplement your stay with the Cozy Romance Package to take your experience to the next level.
The Chanticleer Inn evokes a sense of quaint taste and quiet luxury – the perfect destination to unplug, unwind and connect with your better half. Perched atop Lookout Mountain, the idyllic setting feels worlds away while being only 15 minutes to downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. The gorgeous grounds, unique rooms, and historic charm set it apart from other destinations. With the freshly prepared gourmet breakfast and afternoon nosh hour Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast is hard to beat. A February stay can be taken to the next level with the supplemental Cozy Romance Package truly making this property the best place to celebrate love.
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Spot the Incline from these Lookout spots 17 Sep 2024 5:44 AM (7 months ago)
Midway up Lookout Mountain is a narrow bridge with a peculiar view. Winding through dense greenery, the bridge’s coin-operated binoculars look out of place, or at least useless – unless you know where to look.
Under the bridge are the small tracks of the famous Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. And if you drive by at the right time, you’ll be greeted with a view of the bright yellow train as it passes by.
A fun way to explore Lookout Mountain is to journey down the roads and trails that intersect the Incline. The aforementioned bridge is along Scenic Highway next to a rustic souvenir store called Mountain Memories. Look for the faded Coca-Cola sign that reads “SEE INCLINE HERE.”
Other spots of interest are found at the Incline’s top and bottom stations. Let’s start at the bottom.
A cool feature of the bottom station is that it’s located in a neighborhood, meaning the train passes directly next to homes. Adjacent to the parking lot, head up West 40th Street, where an eight-foot-tall bridge carries the Incline overhead. Further up Old Mountain Road the train travels only seven feet above your car!
But perhaps the coolest feature at the bottom station is that there’s a Clumpies ice cream shop within the station!
It’s a similar experience along the various hiking and biking trails toward the top of the mountain, albeit bridges with taller clearance.
The top station is also a great place to see the Incline – for free! Yes, no entry ticket is needed to visit the station and its two-tiered observation deck. In addition to offering panoramic views of Chattanooga, look straight down to see the seemingly vertical railway carved into the mountainside.
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5 Outdoor Activities You Can Do on Lookout Mountain 11 Sep 2024 1:55 PM (7 months ago)
Lookout Mountain, a hard-to-miss landmark that beckons over Chattanooga, offers breathtaking views of the valley and is home to iconic attractions such as Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.
In addition, Lookout Mountain boasts a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here are five must-try outdoor activities on Lookout Mountain that you don’t want to miss:
1. Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the variety of scenic trails atop Lookout Mountain. Spanning for miles, Lookout Mountain offers countless trail options that showcase the area’s natural beauty, including stunning rock formations, waterfalls, forests, and overlooks.
To name a few of the more popular places to hike on the mountain:
Lula Lake
The Lula Lake Land Trust is a pristine area featuring a breathtaking waterfall, crystal-clear waters, and miles of scenic hiking trails. Open to the public on select weekends, it’s a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and soaking in the surroundings. Please note that it is important that you make a reservation ahead of time before visiting the area.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park sits on the western side of Lookout Mountain with 1,000-foot deep canyons, waterfalls and creeks. Offering approximately 64 miles of trails, Cloudland Canyon is great for hikers of all abilities.
One of the easiest trails with arguably the best views is the Overlook Trail. With two main overlooks, this is a great spot to catch the beautiful fall foliage in autumn.
Craven’s House
Looking for a little history on your hike? Craven’s House is a historic site that played a significant role in the Civil War’s “Battle Above the Clouds.” Built in 1855 by Robert Cravens, this house served as a strategic location during the battle. Today, it’s part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where you can hike the surrounding trails and also get a glimpse into the past.
2. Mountain Biking
For those who prefer two wheels over two feet, Lookout Mountain has a range of biking trails to explore. The mountain’s terrain offers various difficulty levels, from easy scenic paths to more challenging routes with steep inclines and technical sections. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Guild-Hardy Trail
The Guild-Hardy Trail is a favorite among both hikers and bikers and known for its relatively gentle terrain and scenic views. Mostly made of gravel, the route runs on an old Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain Broad Gauge Railroad bed that moves along the east side of the mountain. Start this trail from Ochs Highway and pass under the Incline Railway, by Ruby Falls, and other historical markers for the Civil War.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
If you’re looking for a good mix of mountain biking trails, check out the 30+ miles of single-track located within Cloudland Canyon State Park. The trails consist of easy, intermediate, and advanced sections with plenty of climbs and descents. Hop onto the trails from any of the multiple parking areas throughout the park. A popular place to begin is from the Five Points Trailhead.
Durham Mine Trails
The Durham Mine Trails, located within the Lula Lake Land Trust’s Durham Property on Lookout Mountain, offer an exciting mountain biking experience steeped in history and natural beauty. This area, once a thriving coal-mining community active from the 1860s to the 1950s, has since been transformed into a 15-mile trail system that caters to bikers of all skill levels. The trails weave through a landscape that has healed from its industrial past, now flourishing with diverse wildlife, including Pink Lady Slippers and Pileated Woodpeckers.
Key trails include the beginner-friendly DC&C trail, which follows an old railroad line, the Steam Shovel trail for advanced riders, with its challenging jumps and berms, and the Fuggett Branch trail, offering a thrilling descent into Fuggett Gulch. With accessible parking and even backcountry camping available, the Durham Mine Trails are a must-visit for mountain biking enthusiasts looking to explore both the rugged history and natural beauty of Lookout Mountain.
These are just some of the many places to go for a ride amidst the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain.
3. Rock Climbing
Chattanooga is a premier destination for rock climbing and Lookout Mountain has access to world-class climbing areas like Sunset Rock, with its breathtaking views and expansive cliffs. Whether you’re into sport or trad climbing or bouldering, Lookout Mountain’s provides endless opportunities for adventure. Here are a few popular crags:
Sunset Rock
Not only is Sunset Rock a great spot for relaxing while watching the sunset, it is also a very sought-after rock climbing area. With route development that began in the 1960s, climbing has become a popular activity at Sunset Rock, due to its world-class rock quality and range in route difficulty. Consisting of primarily trad and top rope routes, the area’s rock caters to climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers. After a climb, enjoy the panoramic sunset views that make this spot a favorite among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Boulders on Old Wauhatchie Pike
The Boulders on Old Wauhatchie Pike, managed by the Lookout Mountain Conservancy (LMC), is located at the base of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood. This area offers quality bouldering for all skill levels, with easy access and proximity to town, making it an ideal spot for a quick after-work climb, a family outing, or a full session with friends. Its convenient location and diverse climbing routes make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Zahnd Wilderness Management Area
Zahnd is a hidden gem for boulders on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia. Spanning 163 acres, this quieter alternative to the more popular Rocktown offers climbers a peaceful retreat with plenty of quality southern sandstone to explore. A hunting or fishing license is required to access this area, with options for daily or annual passes that include camping.
Hang Gliding
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, then Lookout Mountain Flight Park (LMFP) is the place for you. Known as a premier destination for hang gliding and paragliding, LMFP offers instruction for beginner and experienced fliers from some of the world’s top USHPA-certified instructors. With more than 40 years of experience under the ownership of Matthew Taber, this family-run flight park has helped countless visitors achieve their flying dreams.
5. Sightseeing
Don’t feel like going on a big adventure, but want to spend time outdoors? We have just the solution. Lookout Mountain is famous for its attractions, namely the three you see on billboards all over town and the state. If you’re wanting to see a waterfall in cave, ride up Lookout on a historic railroad, or explore beautiful gardens and See the Seven States, check out the places below.
Rock City Gardens
Rock City is a popular tourist attraction located on top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. It is famous for its unique rock formations, breathtaking views, and enchanting gardens. Visitors can walk along the scenic trails and explore different attractions, including Lover’s Leap, Fat Man’s Squeeze, and the Swing-A-Long Bridge.
The highlight of Rock City is the panoramic view of seven states from the top of Lookout Mountain. With its stunning natural beauty and captivating attractions, Rock City offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, making it a must-see destination in Chattanooga.
Visiting in the winter? The start of the holiday season always brings exciting change to the top of Lookout Mountain at Rock City. Every year, Rock City installs more than a million Christmas lights throughout its magical fairyland gardens. You can purchase tickets every year to the Enchanted Garden of Lights through their website.
Incline Railway
The Incline Railway is a historic funicular railway that climbs up Lookout Mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Cumberland Plateau and Chattanooga cityscape. It is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, with a maximum gradient of 72.7%. The Incline Railway offers a unique experience for visitors as they ascend one mile above sea level to the top of Lookout Mountain.
Ruby Falls
Enjoy a walking tour at Ruby Falls. Follow your guide through the cave to the breathtaking Ruby Falls. Take the glass elevator underground by 260 feet into the mountain, where you will find the tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States.
Lookout Mountain is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you’re hiking, biking, climbing, or simply enjoying the views, this beautiful location is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your gear and get ready to explore all that Lookout Mountain has to offer!
Stay Overnight at Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast
Are you planning a trip to Chattanooga and looking for the perfect place to stay? Look no further than the beautiful Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast! Our inn offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to all the best attractions in the area. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or for business, our friendly staff is ready to make your stay unforgettable. Book your stay today and discover the outdoors from the comfort of our charming inn.
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The Guide to a Perfect Fall Weekend in Chattanooga 10 Sep 2024 8:05 AM (7 months ago)
It’s time to take out your sweaters and head out for a weekend full of vibrant colors, tasty treats and lots of memories. Chattanooga is surrounded by an abundance of activities that make it the go-to destination during the cooler months. We’ve scouted out the area and created a list of all the best places to see and go during your visit. From pumpkin patches to breweries, your fall senses will be in overdrive when you head out for the perfect fall weekend.
Fall Foliage
One of the best parts of this season is the breathtaking scenery as the leaves change. Head to Snooper Rock Trail, a 5.9-mile out and back trail with gorgeous views of the Tennessee River Gorge. When you reach the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with brightly colored trees as far as the eye can see. Edward’s Point Trail is a 3.8-mile out and back trail, and is amazing during the months of October through middle of November. The trail offers great variety with a walking bridge over a small lake, a waterfall, and the outstanding views of the Tennessee River surrounded by striking autumn foliage. A bit further from Chattanooga, but worth every mile is Fall Creek Falls. The trail is a 2.4-mile loop featuring some of the best views in all of Tennessee. This Instagram-worthy hike has two large cascading waterfalls with lush trees all around them. The combination of waterfalls and colorful trees is breathtaking, making this an absolute must.
Pumpkin Patch
Fall isn’t complete until you’ve visited a pumpkin patch. It’s the place to take cute photos, grab a pumpkin, and kick off all things fall. Just a short drive from Chattanooga is Guthrie Pumpkin Farm, where you can participate in a corn maze, hay ride and so much more. You’ll have no problem spending the day here with friends and family while you pick out the perfect pumpkin.
Breweries
While pumpkin spiced lattes may be the first thing that comes to mind in the fall, seasonal beer shouldn’t be overlooked. Local breweries create amazing flavors to enjoy each season, and autumn is no exception. Oddstory Brewing Company is a hip taproom that is a great place to hang out during the evening, where you can try even more deliciously flavored brews. Another great pub is Five Wits Brewing Company, a fun taproom to enjoy with friends. Be on the look out for both of their fall brews!
Coffee Spots
Make autumn feel even more cozy by picking up a locally-brewed pumpkin spice latte. Mean Mug Coffee House is a locally owned coffee shop, and they don’t hesitate to celebrate the season. They have tasty treats, like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and a pumpkin spiced latte that will leave you craving for more. At Sleepyhead Coffee, there’s no shortage of pumpkin flavors. Come cooler weather, you’ll be hankering for their delicious pumpkin donuts, lattes and more! They even have plants for you to buy. Sleepyhead Coffee is a true gem in the middle of Chattanooga.
After all of your adventures, head back to Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast. Here you will find a mountain oasis located on Lookout Mountain. Enjoy the fireplace in your room, or head outside to cuddle around the fire pit. Each room has all the modern amenities you desire. Chanticleer Inn is the perfect place to call home in any season.
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Explore Cloudland Canyon: Lookout Mountain’s wild side 9 Aug 2024 12:22 PM (8 months ago)
Carved into Lookout Mountain’s western face, Cloudland Canyon State Park has everything you’d want in a mountain adventure: towering cliffs and waterfalls, panoramic views, caves and more.
This rugged gorge, less than a thirty-minute drive south of the Chanticleer Inn, is Lookout Mountain at its wildest. But don’t be intimidated – Cloudland Canyon is wildly accessible.
Cloudland Canyon is a top-down hiking experience, with trails along the rim of the canyon and a more strenuous one leading deep into the gorge.
Visitors are rewarded with a spectacular view upon arriving at the Main Overlook. From here, the trail splits into radically different hikes.
If you’re up for the challenge, the Waterfalls Trail is the main attraction. It descends steeply – very steeply – and includes a series of staircases at its most vertical sections.
At different tiers, the trail leads to Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls, both popular swimming spots in the summer. Though only a 2-mile round trip hike, keep in mind that the 436 foot descent requires a 436 foot ascent back to the top, which can be more laborious than expected.
For those wanting a moderate hike, it’s best to stick to the top. The Overlook Trail offers a one-mile round trip hike along the canyon’s rim. If you have more time, the five-mile round trip West Rim Loop Trail features greater vantage points of the canyon and beyond.
What’s more, the mountaintop offers many things to do without barely breaking a sweat. There’s places to camp, fish, mountain bike, horseback ride, have a picnic and even play an entire round of disc golf!
Cloudland Canyon is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.
Explore Lookout Mountain’s wild side during your next stay with us!
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Within walking distance to Rock City and Starbucks 5 Jul 2024 12:37 PM (10 months ago)
It’s common knowledge that the Chanticleer Inn is atop Lookout Mountain, and many know that we’re close to Rock City Gardens.
But did you know we’re right next door?
The Chanticleer Inn has been Rock City’s neighbor since its inception, and has been back under the same ownership since 2022.
We hope you enjoy the privilege of being within walking distance of one of America’s most beloved natural attractions, where gardens, caverns, mountaintop views and fairytales intertwine.
Settle into your mountaintop cottage, tucked away from the crowds, and then head on over at your convenience. Starbucks is also in the neighborhood, located across the street from Rock City and right next door to our B&B. Grab your favorite morning coffee or an evening treat, only steps away!
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You’ll need permission to see Lookout Mountain’s best natural waterfall 21 Jun 2024 10:15 AM (10 months ago)
Atop Lookout Mountain is a waterfall that tourists and many Chattanoogans rarely get to see. Just a short drive from the Chanticleer Inn, Lula Lake Land Trust is Lookout Mountain’s hidden gem.
Down a ravine flows a 110-foot waterfall that’s only accessible a handful of days each year. It’s a sight to behold, that is if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation.
Plan your stay around Lula Lake’s “Open Gate Days,” the first and last weekends of every month.
Exclusivity adds to the allure of this haven for hikers, mountain bikers and the curious alike, but there is a philanthropic reason for its limited access.
Lula Lake Land Trust was established in 1994 to preserve 8,000 acres of the Rock Creek and Bear Creek watersheds atop Lookout Mountain, which span private, conservation and state-owned property.
The 13 trails that makeup Lula Lake’s Core Preserve, which totals over 8 miles in length and a 700-foot decline in elevation, roughly follows Rock Creek as it curves down a rugged ravine on the eastern mountain’s side. A typical roundtrip hike takes three to four hours.
While the Core Preserve – including Lula Falls – is open only during Open Gate Days, Lula Lake does boast a few trail systems that are open daily, and some even connect to nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Reservations are needed to visit Lula Lake – a $16 Conservation Use Fee per vehicle – that can be purchased up to two months in advance. You must arrive within your designated time slot to enter Lula Lake. Entry is permitted until 1:00 p.m., while visitors have until 5 p.m. to exit. There is also a waitlist that visitors can join for the chance to snag a reservation in the event that someone cancels.
It’s well worth the hike to cherish an afternoon at Lula Falls, Chattanooga’s best secret, not-so-secret, but very much exclusive, waterfall.
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Poolside at Chanticleer 7 Jun 2024 10:51 AM (11 months ago)
The South is known for its hospitality and, infamously, its humidity. Thankfully, we’re experts in both.
A summer afternoon spent at the Chanticleer pool is an afternoon well spent. For over 70 years our pool has kept our guests cool in the Georgia heat. Whether it’s to swim or just to sit poolside, Chanticleer welcomes you to relax in your own way.
Feeling sporty? Try your hand at bocce. We have a court right next to the pool. The goal is to throw your ball (bocce) as close to the smaller ball (the Pallino or Jack). The player whose bocce lands closest to the Pallino gains a point.
Shaded by towering trees, pure refreshment is found at the poolside in a peaceful setting – out of sight and out of mind, far removed from distractions. So bring a book or two for the lounge chair – you’ll want to stay here a while.
Don’t forget your swim trunks for your next stay with us! We’ll provide the towel.
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We appreciate your kind words 24 May 2024 6:53 AM (11 months ago)
There’s nothing better than a handwritten letter from family and friends – and our guests! We’ve received countless postcards and thank you letters over the years from our delightful patrons and are always grateful for the kind words. Whether it’s your honeymoon, anniversary or simply a weekend getaway, we hope to hear that your stay at the Chanticleer Inn was just as you imagined it and more.
Our beautiful watercolor postcards, available in our lobby, are a charming way to message loved ones, save as a memento or keep in touch with your beloved inn on the mountain.
We look forward to hearing from you! Send us a postcard, and we’d love to share it on our blog.
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That’s right, we’re in Georgia 14 May 2024 10:43 AM (11 months ago)
Despite what this decades-old postcard reads, the Chanticleer Inn is in fact in Georgia, not Tennessee!
First-time visitors to Chattanooga are often surprised to learn that many of its most beloved attractions and natural wonders are actually in the Peach State. Places like Rock City Gardens, and popular hiking spots Lula Lake Land Trust and Cloudland Canyon State Park all lie south of the state line. The same is true for the Chickamauga Battlefield and Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park.
We don’t blame you for the confusion, however; Chattanooga straddles the Georgia line, and locals in both states have no problem with claiming each other’s wonders. We’re all neighbors at the end of the day and happily share the same mountain.
The Chanticleer Inn is proud to call Chattanooga home but our roots are firmly in Georgia. It’s the best of both worlds – southern hospitality at its finest.
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