TENNESSEE REVIEWS
Heading Photograph taken in Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN by Third Rock Explorations
1 Star * - We would never go again or recommend it
2 Stars ** - It wasn't for us, but someone else may like it
3 Stars *** - It was good and we would recommend it
4 Stars **** - It was great and we would recommend trying it
5 Stars ***** - Definitely try it when you are visiting the area
Chattanooga - 3.5 Stars *** "A blue collar town rich in Choo-Choo history"
La Quinta Inn Chattanooga/Hamilton Place - 3 Stars ***
The staff here are very friendly and helpful. The hotel is clean, though it could use a few updates. This hotel had a free basic breakfast, which included waffles, free WiFi, free parking, and a pool. We felt that the value we received was fair at this hotel.
AFC Urgent Care (Gunbarrel) - 5 Stars *****
We visited this Urgent Care to attend to a tick that needed to be removed. They were fast, efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. I cannot say enough how impressed we were with the urgent care location. It was late in the evening and they were getting ready to close yet they didn't seem rushed and treated all patients with care and concern. We would highly recommend them to anyone in the Chattanooga/Hamilton Area.
Walgreens Pharmacy (Gunbarrel) - 5 Stars *****
The staff at the pharmacy went over and beyond, not just to help us, but to help others that came into their pharmacy. They were knowledgeable and friendly. They went so far as to help me with an app to find the best price possible for my prescription. I would highly recommend this Pharmacy to anyone living in or visiting the area!
Rock City - 4.5 Stars ****
At first we thought this was a nice walk in a pretty garden with some cool rock formations. As the walk went on, we realized it was so much more. The rock formations are very cool, but the falls and the vistas are beautiful. There are restaurants and gift shops on site as well. The staff in the gift shop was extremely friendly. You can't come to Chattanooga and not do Rock City. It's a must do!
Ruby Falls - 5 Stars *****
Just up the street from Rock City, Ruby Falls is another must do in Chattanooga. There are gift shops and restaurants available here as well. The caverns are about a mile walk and there are many cool formations along the way that lead you to this beautiful cave waterfall. You won't be disappointed.
Purple Daisy Cafe - 3.5 Stars ***
At the base of Outlook Mountain, we came here for the Banana Pudding at the recommendation of a follower. She didn't steer us wrong. The award winning banana pudding was very good! If you come to Outlook Mountain and need a little sugar pick-me-up, give them a shot!
Clumpie's Ice Cream - 4.5 Stars ****
A Chattanooga favorite, and for a good reason! Clumpie's serves handmade ice cream. We visited the location near Ruby Falls and they had several flavors available. It was hard to choose so it was great that they offer half-scoops so we could try a few different flavors. Every flavor we tried was excellent. The ice cream had great creaminess and smoothness to it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We would recommend Clumpies for a wonderful treat!
Rocket Fizz - 4 Stars ****
We felt like kids in a candy shop...well, we were in an actual candy shop. Rocket Fizz is a chain that has hundreds of varieties of soda and candy. There are some crazy flavors of each here, and some crazy good flavors! Logan was very helpful and a great ambassador for his company. We spent a lot of time here and a lot of money because we found things we haven't had since we were kids! If you ever find yourself in downtown Chattanooga, swing by Rocket Fizz and visit your youth!
Chattanooga Choo-Choo - 3 Stars ***
A cool piece of history lies within the city. The train station is beautiful, but is looking a little worn. There are train cars outside, and some of them have even been converted to a hotel, which is cool, but again, the area is looking like it could use a little more attention. If you are here, you almost have to check it out, but just don't expect a major attraction. We spent about 30 minutes looking at the old trains and the architecture of the terminal.
Knoxville - 5 Stars ***** "A trendy city where everyone just seems happy"
The moment we entered this city we were amazed by the people. Every single person we encountered was happy and friendly. We arrived during Pride and we were very impressed by their festival and that the Mayor even attended. The city is clean and feels safe. There are trendy restaurants and shops throughout, but we especially liked the Market Square and Gay St areas downtown. You can easily enjoy a weekend or even long weekend here.
Holiday Inn - 5 Stars *****
Wendy and Ally were AWESOME! Very friendly and had awesome suggestions. They even bought us breakfast for the days we were there! The hotel was beautiful and the location was perfect.
Cookout - 5 Stars ****
We generally don't rate chains on here, but this restaurant deserves recognition. We had seen several of these regional chain restaurants and finally decided to stop at one in Knoxville. The staff there was very friendly and seemed to really love their jobs. They worked hard too. Tony and Susanna really went above and beyond. The service was fast, FRIENDLY, and efficient. The meals are very good and a great value and the milkshakes were excellent!
Windows Restaurant - 4 Stars ****
This restaurant is in the Holiday Inn. We ate breakfast here each morning and the buffet was excellent. Our server each day was very friendly and was genuinely happy, which seems to be the norm here in Knoxville.
Ijams Park - 2.5 Stars **
A park that is within the city that offers hiking trails with a couple of views along the river. A great place for locals to get closer to nature, but as a visitor, unless you are looking for a walk along nature, you won't be missing out if you skip it.
Downtown Brewery - 4 Stars ****
A fun atmosphere and a "hopping" business. Our server was friendly and very helpful when we were debating on our order. The food was excellent as were the beverages. We would definitely come back here again.
Pigeon Forge - 3.5 Stars *** "A fun family-friendly city with some unique activities to fill your days"
Being from Florida, the best description of Pigeon Forge is a large version of International Drive in Orlando. There are go-kart tracks, mountain coasters, and mini golf courses every 1000 feet. No kitschy tourist trap is complete without wax museums and a Ripley's Believe it or Not. This is a fun place to visit for the day, especially if you have children.
The Goat House - 4 Stars ****
You can't go to Pigeon Forge without going down a mountain coaster, and what better place than one that has goats that you can feed? A mountain coaster just uses a tow to pull you up to the top, and then uses gravity and a hand brake that you control to get you back down. We couldn't get over how fast they went. It is so exhilarating that we decided to do it twice!
Christmas Place - 4 Stars ****
If you love Christmas, this is a must do! This is the largest Christmas store we have ever seen. There is just room after room of decorations, trees, lights, and anything else you can imagine. Definitely worth a stop in, but be prepared to spend at least an hour here to really see it all!
Pigeon Forge Deli - 4 Stars ****
Not only are the sandwiches excellent here, the pretzels are outstanding. Be prepared to wait in line though, they do get busy!
Seiverville - 3 Stars ***
The small town that Dolly Parton was born and raised in is very quaint and good for a short stroll around. Make sure you stop by the Town Hall building and see the statue of Dolly out front!
Mountain Valley Winery - 3.5 Stars ***
After meeting an employee from here in Knoxville, we decided to stop by for a tasting. There is a store and 2 bars that offer tastings. We found a few wines that we really enjoyed and after the tasting we sat on their outside patio and enjoyed a wonderful wine slushy.
Gatlinburg - 4 Stars **** "A weekend getaway with beautiful views and fun-filled activities"
Just up the street from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg is similar to Pigeon Forge, but a little more "high-end" feeling. The town is about 3 blocks wide and 6 blocks long with shops, restaurants, and entertainment throughout. There is also a ski slope there with a nice little shopping plaza at the bottom. A weekend could be split between these two cities, and then make it a long weekend for a day to spend in the National Park.
River Terrace Resort and Convention - 2.5 Stars **
The staff was not very friendly at check in and the hotel was very dated and in need of updates. The room was a little musty. They also advertised free breakfast, which was not an option.
Crockett's Breakfast Camp - 5 Stars *****
With the ambiance of the old west, Crockett's is a must see. Known for their Giant Skillet and incredible and huge cinnamon rolls, breakfast here was awesome. The food and service were excellent. Definitely a must eat!
Great Smoky National Park - 5 Stars **** "Beautiful mountains and wildlife galore, a perfect day"
Cades Cove - 4.5 Stars ****
A beautiful drive through the Great Smoky mountains that all but guarantees you amazing wildlife encounters. Turkey, deer, bears and cubs were abundant during this loop drive through the park. Definitely drive this slow scenic route if you are visiting the National Park.
