Wow this place was amazing! I am a past preschooler teacher a current nanny a mother and a…read moregrandmother and this place is what's happening! I have decided to buy my 2-year-old grandson in annual pass so his family can take him here as many times as he wants. There is an area in the section for every age group. There was not once where I felt like my two-year-old grandson was going to get ran over by a big kid because everybody had their own areas to excel in. Enjoy my pictures because I don't feel like I can find the words to explain all the awesomeness that is in one building. Have fun kids and caregivers!

This was my first visit with my 4 & 2 yr old. I have wanted to bring my kids here for so long so I…read morethink I had a lot of expectation seeing as it was specifically for kids. I was a little let down. First, admission is pretty hefty. This is an area for kids so I was surprised adult tickets were so expensive. Secondly, not a single hand sanitizer station had any hand sanitizer. We arrived right a 10am when they opened so I was very surprised they were all empty. Thirdly, many of the "buttons" for kids to push didn't work or maybe they weren't suppose to do anything. But I would think if there is a button to push, it should at least make a sound or turn on a light. Lastly, (nothing that the museum can control) but it's hard to fully enjoy the exhibits when parents don't "reset" the area after their child is done playing in it. Parents please be considerate and reset the area when your child is done playing. Better yet teach them to do it themselves along with "taking turns".

Tony and I happened across this lovely plantation style home on one of our drives in the back…read morecountry roads of Tennessee. We had to park and get out and check it out. I was so excited. I always get excited when I find old mansions like this. So when I got home I had to find out some additional history about the home and the site. The mansion property was bought by James Gordon after the removal of the Cherokee in 1836. Mr. James Gordon previously built the Gordon Mill, which served as the first general store in Walker County. With the success of the mill Mr. James Gordon wanted to build a permanent estate and construction began in 1840, but due to labor and financial problems it wasn't completed until 1847 The Gordon Lee Mansion was originally the Gordon residence built by Mr. James Gordon, who with his two brothers came from Gwinnett County, Georgia in 1836 to Crawfish Springs, now Chickamauga Georgia. Construction was started in 1840 and completed in 1847. The bricks used in construction were made on the residence grounds. The walls of the house range in thickness from sixteen inches at the base to twelve inches at the top. Later a piping system was installed to pipe water from Crawfish Spring up to the kitchen, then bath house, then the spring house, and on to the watering troughs for the animals. During the War Between the States, the main house was used by the Union Army for General Rosecrans Headquarters just before the Battle of Chickamauga. During the battle the house became a hospital and reports show that many soldiers died in the house, the floors were so blood-stained they were later covered with mats. Many soldiers scribbled a last message to loved ones on the walls, and the girls of the James Lee family made copies of them and tried to contact families of the soldiers after the battle. Mr. James Lee purchased the homestead from the heirs after Mrs. Gordon's death. He was married to Elizabeth Gordon and was the son of a Methodist minister, and was one of the principal organizers of the nearby Methodist Church later named in honor of his wife (Elizabeth Lee Memorial Methodist Church). Mr. Lee had a school in his front yard for his children and others in the community. The teacher was usually a male graduate of one of the well know institutions of learning of that day. In his will, Mr. Lee donated $250,000 and 15 acres to be made into a high school. Gordon Lee Memorial High School stands proudly today on the very land donated by Mr. Lee. After Mrs. James Lee's death, the house was purchased by one of her sons, Mr. Gordon Lee, who served the Seventh District of Georgia in the United States Congress for 20 years. He completely remodeled the house in the early 1900's changing the double front porch to the present large one with tall, white columns. In 1974, Dr. Frank Green acquired the property and extensively restored and remodeled the Mansion and grounds. Today, the Mansion stands on the hill overlooking the spring just as it did when it was first built over a century ago. The City has recently entered into an agreement to purchase the Mansion and grounds. Please visit the Gordon Lee Mansion website or phone them at (706) 375-4728 or outside the Chattanooga area phone (800) 487-4728 for operating hours.

The Gordon Lee Mansion is a beautifully restored old mansion steeped with Civil War history and…read morefull of interesting artifacts. The admission is just a few dollars and goes toward the historical society to help maintain the expansive property. There is the main mansion with two floors to explore, an outdoor kitchen in the back, a couple of smaller log cabins, a large garden, and a beautiful front yard with massive oak trees. Inside the mansion is about a dozen rooms to walk through. Most of the items in the house are not original, but they are period-specific reproductions or antiques that show off the house as it would have looked over a hundred years ago. It is very well maintained and presented, especially on sunny days when the light beams through the large windows. It only took about fifteen minutes to casually walk through the mansion, but if you come on a weekend and snag one of the interpreters you could be there for hours listening to stories about this place! It has been a Civil War hospital, headquarters, owned by a few families, and the current owner still lives on the property in a private log house! It is an interesting place I would highly recommend as one of those off the beaten path places to visit.

This is a great small town museum, located towards downtown Cleveland. I came here on a Saturday…read moremorning with a friend, neither of us ever having visited before. Once inside, we met Dale, who gave us the layout of the museum, with information about the current exhibits and what to look out for. She was very knowledge and all around just a fun person. In fact, everyone who works at the museum was very friendly and more than willing to help with anything visitors might need. I enjoyed seeing the exhibit that showed the old kitchen equipment of years past, as well as the stuffed and mounted animals as part of the taxidermy exhibit, many of which were wild species not found in the USA. I enjoyed my visit to the Cleveland Museum and would suggest it to visitors and life-long Cleveland residents alike.

The Five Points Museum is focused on Cleveland history, heritage, Cherokee and business…read more They have a large banquet room that is great for large events, receptions, etc. I have been to many events here and the class and location is great, right downtown.

THE HISTORICAL RINGGOLD DEPOT…read more The Ringgold Depot, built in 1850, is one of the oldest antebellum railroad depots in Georgia. The depot was once used in the Civil War as a supply point for Confederate troops. In 1862, the locomotive, "The General" passed through the depot after being stolen from the Kennesaw station in a failed attempt to disrupt Confederate operations. The chase came to an end just two miles north of the depot. After sustaining damage from Union artillery during the In 1863 battle of Ringgold, the building sustained heavy damage and evidence of the repair is apparent as it is a lighter shade than other parts of the building. I love that this building is now being used for community events such as musical performances (the Christmas show is tonight), weddings, and other programs. It is a beautiful building that has been lovingly restored, (2003). We were very fortunate today to discover a couple of employees in the building who were able to give us a bit of history about the building and how it was used. Looking at the front of the building, you will see two identical doors, the door on the left was used for "colored people" who purchased their tickets and then had to wait outside until the train arrived. The door on the right was for "whites" because it was closer to the train and of course they were allowed to wait inside of the station. The young lady providing this information mentioned that she did not like talking about this racial history and it obviously made her uncomfortable but I really appreciated her honesty and openness. It was priceless! The original doors that lead to the train have been replaced but they are covered by huge sliding structures. These structures were moved away from the door so that we were able to stand on the platform and see what it was like to wait for the train. I was surprised at how close it was. I could have leaned out and licked it! We were also given information on how items, (including the mail) were loaded on the train.

Pre and post civil war History. It was there and used during the battle of Chickamauga. If you are…read morea civil war era buff then this is a great place to start. It is next to the Chickamauga Battlefield which has a great museum and loads of tours and the cannons and placements were placed by veterans who fought in the actual battles. This whole area is packed full of history.

Tony and I happened across this lovely plantation style home on one of our drives in the back…read morecountry roads of Tennessee in Chickamauga, Ga and there was mention of this Mill...so we went looking for it. It is located a few towns over in Ringgold, GA, it was closed so we just walked around and took some pictures. Found some history about it so I thought I would share and review. I would definitely go back here again. Seems very interesting. Great for a day trip from Nashville only 2.5 hrs one way ...if you like taking a driving and seeing what's around the next turn..you must go!!! History: Lee and Gordon's Mills, one of the oldest mills in the state of Georgia, is located about 2 miles east of the center of town on the west bank of the Chickamauga Creek. The mill was built by James Gordon, who came from Gwinnett County, Georgia in 1836. The mill served as the first general store in the area. A blacksmith shop was located nearby and the stagecoach and mail passed twice each week. Some time after the War Between the States a covered bridge spanned the creek by the mill, eventually torn down in the early 1900's. Click on the painting above and you'll see all of the early structures plus many of the citizens of the day. During the War Between the States, on September 9-10, 1863, the mill served as the headquarters of the Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by General Braxton Bragg. On September 10, Gen Bragg moved his headquarters south to LaFayette Georgia and Union troops occupied the mill and surrounding area the next day. Skirmishes between the opposingPost War Mill photo armies occurred September 13-18 with the major Battle of Chickamauga drawing the troops to the north on September 19-20, 1863. The mill then served as a headquarters for Wheeler's cavalry corps, but was recaptured in the winter of 1863 by Union troops who used the second story as a Masonic Lodge. The wartime mill burned in 1867. Shortly thereafter, James Lee, a partner in the mill, rebuilt the mill on the same site, which still stands today. The mill was operated by different owners until 1967 and stood empty and neglected until 1993 when Mr. Frank Pierce purchased the mill and restored it to operating condition and rebuilt the dam. Corn meal, ground by the mill, can be purchased today at the mill and rental buildings on the property may be used for all types of gatherings. The following photos show the mill as it appears today, ready for your visit. The City has recently entered into a lease agreement to operate the Mill. For more information, please feel free to visit their website. Parking is plentiful and free and no admission is charged. Winter Hours: Tues-Sat 9 am to 5 pm, closed Sunday and Monday. Phone 706-375-6801 for more information on tours or rentals.

Love that I can walk past this lovely downtown spot daily if I like!…read more One of my favorite spaces downtown. Miller Plaza is owned and managed by the River City Co and hosts everything from the very popular concert series, Rhythm at Noon (Friday, lunchtimes) and the annual 17 week Nightfall series, to art exhibits, wedding receptions....spelling bees . . . and it is also a great spot for a lunchtime outdoor excursion on a pretty day! I think it's something just aesthetically pleasing to me that makes me like this spot so much - maybe the red brick, squared off grassed spots and simple patio tables . . . it just makes me smile. Chattanooga Now will update you regularly on events (in the print edition or online - http://www.chattanooganow.com/places/miller-plaza/). If you are in town and staying nearby, say down the street at the Read House or a few blocks away at the Choo Choo, or are semi-new to town like me and looking to explore downtown, swing by.

From May to August, Nightfall brings local, national, and international music downtown here every…read moreFriday for free! In its 32nd year, I just experienced The Daybreaks for the first time last week. https://youtu.be/0mzc7fZIo5k It's an awesome way to experience new music with your locals.

The museum was great. I enjoyed seeing all the displays and artifacts from different cultures. Will…read moredo a return visit

Visiting the Bessie Smith Cultural Center was a spectacular experience! As a native Chattanoogan, I…read morehad never had the pleasure of attending before, but my visit today blowed me away! This museum and performance hall features a beautiful array of Chattanooga Black history as well as showcasing the wealth of Black musical talent that has hailed from this wonderful city, including Bessie Smith herself! Each exhibit features tangible artifacts alongside highly informative digital displays with written information, as well as short documentaries playing in select areas. Mr. Elijah was our tour guide and he held a wealth of knowledge about the origination of the area, beginning with the Indigenous peoples that lived in the area, progressing through time. The galleries he led us through featured Chattanooga's greatest African-American movers and shakers, prominent entrepreneurs, important local historical events, and much more! I highly recommend anyone who loves Black history and loves Chattanooga to pay a visit to this powerful and inspiring establishment of historical and cultural celebration!

Me and my grandson went last Saturday. This was his first time going to a drive in movie theater…read more He absolutely loved it and so did I. Reminded me of my younger years. You can't beat the price for the tickets, relax in your car or outside on the ground which ever you choose.good food, clean bathroom's and your pets are welcome also. We plan on making this one of our get aways together. I just can't find out when they change the movie's.

Been There many times it's Great , never had problems with bugs…read more Good food and clean restrooms!!!!!