Getting away on a vacation isn’t always doable. With work, kids, and every other thing we do in our day-to-day lives, sometimes a trip to the beach or across the country just won’t fit in our schedules. But we found a wonderful vacation place–and it’s only two hours from Atlanta!

Chattanooga! Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in Tennessee. It is filled with art, culture, family fun and FOOD! It is not the Chattanooga I remember from over a decade ago; this new and improved Chattanooga is a must do!

Here are are top reasons to visit Chattanooga:

1. THE CHATTANOOGAN HOTEL

The upscale downtown Chattanooga Hotel offers 199 newly renovated guestrooms and suites, three outstanding dining establishments, a full-service spa and is in the heart of the action. We absolutely loved this hotel. The staff embodies the true meaning of Southern hospitality! The rooms are large and the beds are some of the most comfortable we have had the pleasure of trying.

We loved the breakfast buffet at the Broad Street Grille, which is accessible from the hotel. All your favorite breakfast fixings, all cooked fresh and with local ingredients. This morning treat really put the cherry on top of an already amazing hotel experience.

After wandering around town, we went back to the hotel to discover that the Broad Street Grille had an even more amazing dinner! Locally grown and farm fresh! We tried the cheese platter for an appetizer, we had the filet mignon for an entrée and we finished with a chocolate flourless cake. The filet was without a doubt the most tender cut of meat. It was a little slice of heaven.

This hotel also offers some truly relaxing spa treatments. While the kids enjoyed a swim, I enjoyed an hour-long massage. The Chattanoogan Signature Massage is the best way to unwind and get the most out of your vacation. You select your perfect scent! This includes local passionflower extract and therapeutic essential oils to deeply restore your mind and spirit while a harmonizing massage balances your body. I think I floated out of the spa and into the beginning of another great day in Chattanooga.

Hands down, we will never stay anywhere but this hotel. It is definitely The Backstage Beat approved hotel.