11 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is blessed with things to do that fit all interests. From food and drink events to parties down by the River and sports, we’ve got it all. I especially love the spring and summer in Chattanooga, because there is always something going on around town. Pair that up with beautiful weather and nothing can beat it.

But we live in the South, and we all know what happens when humidity joins the fun. Thunderstorms usually hang around for an hour or less, but what happens when they hang around? What about when rainy days strike?

What do you do on a rainy day in Chattanooga?

Sometimes I like to stay in on a rainy day and catch up on work, work on the blog or just relax and watch a few movies. But cabin fever is my nemesis and after a couple of days, I want to get out and do something, regardless of the weather.

Here are 11 things you can do on a rainy day in Chattanooga!

Don’t let the rain keep you inside all day, though. Umbrellas and rain coats exist for a reason, right?

Hunter Museum of American Art // This is still on my Chattanooga to-do list. I’ve covered events at the Hunter (see Hand Crafted Wishes from last fall), but I haven’t actually been to the Hunter and explored its artwork. I may have to do this on the next rainy day.

Chattanooga Whiskey tour & tasting // I’ve done this at least 10 times since living in Chattanooga. The whiskey is top-notch and the people who lead tours and make the whiskey are obviously passionate about what they do. Take a tour and learn the history of Chattanooga Whiskey, how they make their products and enjoying a flight at the end.

P.S. they’re launching their “Experimental” series of whiskies that have been aging for the last 2-3 years. Batch 001 was released just last week and batches 002 and 003 are due out later this fall. I tasted batch 001 and it was phenomenal. Don’t miss batches 002 and 003.

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Laugh at the Comedy Catch // Whether stand-up or improv is your taste, the Comedy Catch has both that will meet your humor needs. Tickets for weekly shows are generally under $20 (varies depending on who’s performing), so it’s an affordable way to pass time on a rainy day in Chattanooga.

Catch a show at Track 29 or Revelry Room // Shows at Track 29 and Revelry Room–two of Chattanooga’s most well-known music venues–are usually really well done and enjoyable. I saw Jimmy Eat World at Track 29 back in March (they’re awesome live, by the way) and the vibe there was really cool. Revelry Room is a bit smaller but also gets some really great acts.

Tennessee Aquarium // If the weather isn’t quite nice enough to check out the Chattanooga Zoo, head over to the aquarium! It’s one of the best aquariums in the country and has wildlife from as far as Asia and as close as the Tennessee River, right out the backdoor. Start at River Journey for freshwater creatures and work your way over to Ocean Journey for the saltwater side… and some really adorable lemurs.

Songbirds Guitar Museum // For the music geek in your family or group of friends, check out Songbirds Guitar Museum, located at the Choo Choo hotel. It houses rotating collections of some of the finest and most famous guitars in the industry. Its current exhibit is Les Paul instruments. Read more about the museum here.

Climb at High Point climbing gym // I’m not the rock climbing type (I am not built for it), but if that’s your thing, check out High Point on Broad Street near the Aquarium. They’ve got climbing courses and areas for almost any skill level. There’s even a special area for kids who want to climb. If you’re a beginner, take an intro to climbing class and get yourself up to speed. Maybe I should give it a try?

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Eat & shop at Warehouse Row // You can easily spend a few hours dining and shopping at Warehouse Row, located on Market Street across from TVA. From coffee at Goodman Coffee Roasters to dining at Two Ten Jack or Tupelo Honey Cafe, you can eat at least two of your daily meals at Warehouse Row, and pick up some gifts at the shops (for friends, family or yourself).

Creative Discovery Museum // This is a great place to entertain any kids in your family on a rainy day in Chattanooga. The non-profit Creative Discovery Museum aims to inspire children’s passions for creativity and learning through interactive, hands-on exhibits and experiences. Check out their website for more information on their exhibits, programs they offer and special events.

Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment // Did you know that downtown Chattanooga is blessed with spas and salons? Whether you’re looking for a new hairdo, a relaxing massage, a mani/pedi or anything in between, there’s somewhere in Chattanooga that can get you exactly what you need. I specifically recommend The Blowout Co. and EV1 Barbershop and Salon for hair needs!

Take a class at Sweet & Savory cooking school // These usually have to be booked in advance, but if you can time it with a rainy forecast, a cooking or baking class at Sweet & Savory would be a great way to spend a rainy day.

And as a bonus… wait until the rain and/or storm has passed and then take a walk around downtown and Northshore. It’s beautifully different.

If you’re planning a longer visit to Chattanooga, check out my Chattanooga travel guide for even more recommendations!

What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day in your city?