January - April 2012 EdVentures

Chattanooga – The Scenic City

Sunday - Monday
April 22 - April 23, 2012

** CANCELED **

Praised by The New York Times as the “undiscovered gem of Tennessee” and lauded by Southern Living as “a great little city that gets better and better,” the charming southern city of Chattanooga awaits you. A stop in Knoxville’s Market Square will provide an opportunity to enjoy brunch/lunch at one of the numerous eateries before heading to Chattanooga.

Visit Raccoon Mountain Caverns, an exceptionally well preserved cave that contains more formations than any other cave in the South. Take a ¼-mile guided walking tour of the Crystal Palace Room designed for those who want to view the unparalleled beauty of the cave in its natural state. The Crystal Palace Room is the largest cave formation chamber in the southeast. Well lit paths, minimal steps.

That evening enjoy a regional and seasonally inspired Field-to-Table Three Course Tasting Menu at the Broad Street Grille. See note below if you wish to include two wine selections with dinner.

Spend a relaxing night at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Chattanoogan, an upscale urban hotel located in the city’s historic south side. Indulge in an amazing full breakfast buffet before heading off to the Tennessee Aquarium. 

The aquarium hosts one of the largest freshwater exhibits in the country in two buildings that are home to 10,000 creatures from land, sea, and air – including a stunning butterfly garden and the famous Penguin’s Rock!  Dive into the inner workings of a world-class aquarium on a fascinating guided journey that takes you behind the scenes, below the surface, and beyond the edge. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to fix meals for 12,000 animals every day? Have you ever thought about what it takes to clean fish “bowls” containing 1.1 million gallons of water? Explore a hidden maze of pipes and pumps; discover how to make seawater from scratch; see (and smell) what’s on the menu for aquarium creatures; and maybe feed some of the fish as you go behind the scenes of the Tennessee Aquarium. Spend the remainder of your day exploring the two aquarium buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. River Journey fascinates visitors with river otters, turtles, alligators, giant catfish and thousands of freshwater wonders. Ocean Journey delights guests with penguins, sharks, butterflies, and often scuba divers who interact with guests. Lunch on your own at any of several nearby restaurants.

If time permits, you may wish to stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge, spanning a half-mile across the Tennessee River. Built in 1890, it is one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges.

Enjoy dinner at the Great American Steak & Buffet en route home.

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Included: Accommodations at The Chattanoogan; motor coach transportation; admission to Tennessee Aquarium and Raccoon Mountain Cavern; Aquarium backstage pass; 2 dinners and 1 breakfast, including tax and tip; drivers gratuity, tax and insurance.

Cost: Double $260 per person, Single $325

Depart:  Depart 9:00 am Sunday from lower Patton parking lot BRCC

Return: approximately 8:30 pm Monday;  lower Patton Parking lot, BRCC

Reservation Deadline:  March 5