A Chattanooga Mini-moon

We all know the current situation has affected weddings, but it has also affected honeymoons! It is now pretty difficult to travel out of the country. In addition to this, planning a honeymoon while planning a wedding right now can be tough as well. We wanted to help by planning a Chattanooga mini-moon for you!

Many couples are taking mini moons as a solution! Right after you get married, go on a smaller mini-moon not too far from where your wedding venue. This will be far less stressful than trying to plan a large out-of-the-country honeymoon. It will also most likely be cheaper as well.

Plus, having a long drive / plane ride after wedding festivities can be exhausting. It is refreshing to only have to drive an hour or two to a mini-moon location!

If you get married at The Estate At Cherokee Dock, the cool city of Chattanooga is only 2 hours away. Because it’s not that far, it makes for the PERFECT mini-moon destination!

Here is an itinerary already planned out:

Day 1

Book the cutest little Airbnb in North Chattanooga! It is in walking distance to so many great restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It is the perfect start to your Chattanooga mini-moon right! Check in at 2:00pm and get settled! Maybe run to go grocery shopping for some romantic snacks & sips for the weekend.

After this, you’ll probably be pretty tired because of all the wedding festivities. Go grab drinks and a meal at the bar right behind your Airbnb, Mike’s Hole In The Wall! After this, just walk back and watch a movie. The perfect day 1!

Day 2

Start off day 2 of your Chattanooga mini-moon by heading downtown to the delicious Maple Street Biscuit Company. Grab a biscuit and some coffee and enjoy each other’s company. My recommendation would be to get the Extra Risky Biscuit and The Sticky Maple.

After brunch, walk around downtown and wander in some cool shops while you wait to go to the Tennessee Aquarium at 2:00pm.

At the Tennessee Aquarium, enjoy seeing fish species from both the river and ocean buildings. Allow about 2-3 hours.

Once you walk through the Aquarium, head down to the Bluff View Arts District to grab some coffee and see some beautiful works of art.

That evening, have an early dinner at El Primo. If you go around 5 you will be there in time for happy hour! Enjoy some Rosé sangria or limoncello, either choice is a fresh and delicious drink for the summertime and the perfect way to end day 2 of your Chatanooga mini-moon.

On the menu we recommend the arancini telefono (upper left photo) and their Rigatoni al’Arrabbiata & Sausage (pictured upper left).

Day 3

Sleep in a little bit, because you deserve it! And head over to Taqueria Jalisco for some delicious amazing mexican food. If it’s a nice day, head out to their outdoor seating area!

After lunch, take a scenic drive to lookout mountain and arrive at Ruby Falls. Is this touristy? Yes. But it’s something fun to do if you haven’t been before! Plus the drive up is seriously beautiful.

After this, explore Lookout Mountain and don’t forget to take pictures!

For dinner tonight, head back to your Airbnb and order takeout from Taichi Bubble Tea! Is it just me or does a warm ramen soup after a long day of fun just hit the spot? We recommend getting the spicy tonkatsu ramen with pork with a thai tea boba tea! If you aren’t a ramen person, don’t worry! They also have sushi and poke bowls.

Day 4

Today, go on a distillery tour of Chattanooga Whiskey! Don’t forget to buy some shirts and whiskey to bring back home (perfect to remember your trip by!!!).

For dinner, head to flying Squirrel for some unique cocktails and a really cool dining experience! Don’t forget to try the okonomiyaki (pictured below). It is SO good.

Day 5

Today you’re going to take a little break from the city and go enjoy some of the amazing hiking Chattanooga has to offer. There are quite a few trails to choose from! Just ask the locals for recommendations.

Here are a few of our favorite hikes:

Mullens Cove Loop
Raccoon Mountian Reserviour Loop
Middle Creek Falls
Suck Creek Road to Mushroom Rock

For the last dinner on your mini-moon, go to The Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar! Enjoy gorgeous riverfront views from their outdoor seating area and reflect on what a great time you had in Chattanooga.