riverboat in chattanooga tn

Check out all our 5 Star reviews on TripAdvisor and FaceBook and see why so many of our Guest tell us that this was their favorite thing to do in Chattanooga!

Click the Blue Book Your River Tour Button for all Prices and Tour Times!

Our Private Tour prices are based on per tour, not per person!

                            S wim, Fish, Float, Eat, Drink, Relax and Explore!

Our Private Tours were created as an affordable way to enjoy all the beauty of the Downtown Riverfront, Bluffview Art District, Adventurous rides through the Lock and to explore the gorgeous scenery of what many call the Little Grand Canyon. 

        Why Rent a Boat when you can Charter a Beautiful Cabin Yacht for Less 

No gas or insurance to buy, no crowds, no hassels!

All with the convenince of being located at the Beautiful Downtown Riverfront!  

Seating is limited to 6 passangers or less for a romantic tour for a couple or an adventurous and fun filled day for  family and friends! When you book your Private Tour you pay one price and it covers up to 6 Guest.

       We can be your one stop connection to your Ultimate Lake and River adventure! Check out all our 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor and FaceBook to see all the wonderful pictures that show how much fun your day on the water can   be!

Located on the Downtown at 201 Riverfront Pkwy offering tours of Downtown Chattanooga, Lake Chicamaugua, Nickajack Lake and the Tennessee River Gorge!

 Call Capt. Wyn  423-320-3008   

T ake a tour to Downtown and check out all the  Beautiful Architecture of the  Bluffview Art District and the Aquarium!

 The party is on with BlueheavenrivertoursChattanooga.com and I am your designated Captain!

  Wonderful tour of under the three bridges downtown! Learn about the History of Chattanooga!

We love Aniversaries, Birthday Parties, Bridal Showers, Company Outings

and all your  Special Events!

Why Rent a Boat when you can Charter a Beautiful Cabin Yacht for Less!

No Gas or insurance to buy, no crowds, no hassles! 

 (Cabin Yacht Private Tours are perfect for couples

that want that intimate day on  the water or can   seat

up to Six Guest to accomidate your family and Friends.)

            Ask us how to accomidate Larger parties and Groups!

 Ask about adding a Paddle Board to any tour for just $50.00

Check out my Beautiful Cabin by clicking the Links at the bottom of the page! To Learn about Snorkel with the Manatee Tours visit our Florida Loacation by clicking the Link to Homosassa!

Tubing is subject to an extra charge and ranges from $25.00 per person per turn. This is due to wear and tear on the boat, gas and insurance requirements.    

 Tubing is also subject to a 200 lb maximum weight limit!

In the some cases we alow 2 children for $25.00 if they ride together and don't exceed a 200 lb weight limit. 

 Semi Private Tours may be available. Minimum Fee may apply for less then 4 guest

Everyone that visits our boat says that the pictures simply don't do it justice! 

Some of the most common comments are how nice it is to be able to enjoy a climate controlled Cabin Yacht. Other comments are that are location is simply beautiful! We are close to Chattanooga and the Downtown attrations as well as conviently located to all the wonderful restaurants and quiet coves of Lake Chickamauga as well!  When you arrive we will do everything we can to make your River and Lake Adventure the best you have ever had. We can take you from the Rolling Hills and beautiful scenery of the Lake all the way through the Lock to Downtown  & the Tennessee River Gorge!

 Our tour boat is not your average crowded  pontoon boat. It is a beautiful Cabin Yacht with Airconditioned indoor seating that is climate controlled for your comfort and is equipped with a restroom and comfortable seating for your convenience. It not only has wonderful indoor seating with so many glass windows so you can experience a panoramic view of the River and the Lake. It also has wonderful outdoor seating and a second story Flybridge and sundeck that enables you to see all the sights even better!  We look forward to having you aboard to what so many say can be an awesome experience.  We also offer Sunset tours, Fishing tours. Ask about adding a couple of Kayaks and let your family and friends take turns enjoying the full experience of being on the river. Our location and service will have you wanting to keep coming back!

Also check ot the Links below to see my Beautiful Log Cabins! Breathtaking Views!

  My Beautiful 1 Bedroom Log Cabin in the Clouds   https://www.vrbo.com/141929

Also check out the Link to find some of our favorite

Places to Eat / Places to Stay / Things to Do in Chattanooga  

VacationChattanooga.Com

Chattanooga River Cruises

See downtown chattanooga from a riverboat.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• User All Ages

Sightseeing Cruise

The southern belle riverboat.

See Chattanooga from the beautiful Tennessee River. The best sightseeing tour in all of Chattanooga. All the way to Lookout Mountain, under the bridges.

Sunset Cruise

The best sunset cruise in all of Chattanooga. Since 1985 the Southern Belle Riverboat has had a simple mission: to provide a unique and spectacular experience of the beautiful city of Chattanooga.

See the Sights of the Tennessee River

Chattanooga’s location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Tennessee River makes it the perfect setting for a beautiful river cruise .

As one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country, the Tennessee River Gorge is a must-visit destination for out of town guests and locals who want to play tourist for a day. The best way to see the sights of the Tennessee River is on a Chattanooga riverboat cruise !

Cruise on a Luxury Riverboat

Chattanooga riverboats date all the way back to the 1800s when they played a key role in transporting freight and passengers to riverside towns. Today, taking a sunset dinner cruise on a Chattanooga riverboat is like stepping back in time. You’re sure to enjoy the romance and spectacle of these impressive, multi-story riverboats. Sightseeing cruises offer a unique look at downtown Chattanooga, with many opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbank. Be on the lookout for bird species (over 200 of them!), especially bald eagles.

Reminisce on simpler times as you relax aboard a dinner cruise and take in the amazing views along the river. Multi-course dinners are a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or just share a memorable moment with family and loved ones. Book a Chattanooga sunset cruise to watch the sun sink over the water as you admire the scenery. Whether you cruise by day or night, floating along the Tennessee River is an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.

Book your Chattanooga river cruise online today.

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The Tennessee Rivers Cruise – American Serenade

On this cruise through the Tennessee Valley, admire the stunning natural backdrop as we pass through the Appalachian Mountains and the Land Between the Lakes. Experience the rich history and culture of the region on board our spectacular American riverboat. Renowned musicians will serenade you with a variety of music that was born of the river, as its banks were once home to a booming recording industry and the area was considered, “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.”

In Chattanooga, guests can explore local attractions such as the famous Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and Coolidge Park, accompanied by our expert local guides. You will also visit Savannah, the largest town on the Tennessee River and home to the nation’s most well-preserved battlefield, Shiloh National Military Park.

Along with Civil War history, music-inspired cities, and incredible southern cuisine, you will cruise the Cumberland River through the Tennessee River Gorge and be amazed by the sights and sounds this region of the Mississippi has to offer.

Ports of call: Chattanooga | Decatur | Florence | Savannah | Paducah | Nashville

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Chattanooga, TN Nestled between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America's most splendid cities. Enjoy a Welcome Reception on board as you begin your journey cruising along this breathtaking river with the majestic Appalachian Mountains serving as a beautiful backdrop.

2 Cruising the Tennessee River Board you ship and enjoy a leisurely day through the Appalachian Mountains as we follow the river through stunning landscapes.

3 Decatur, AL Southern charm abounds in the Old Decatur Historic District. Admire houses built from the 1800's to the present, ranging in style from the French-influenced Empire period to Edwardian Cottage and beyond. On your way, peruse the many unique shops found along Bank Street and 2nd Ave. Visit the fascinating area museums, including the Cook Museum of Natural Science, the Carnegie Visual Art Center, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

4 Florence, AL Florence is one of four cities that make up "The Shoals," an area spanning two counties and separated by the Tennessee River. Explore the charming downtown, with locally owned stores featuring everything from handmade jewelry and bohemian chic fashion to antique collectables. Stop at the Wine Seller for a tasting or sip java at the popular Bookmarks Coffee Shop in the public library. There are a variety of venues in which to enjoy live entertainment including the Shoals Theatre and FloBama Music Hall.

5 Savannah, TN Part of Hardin County, Savannah is the largest town on the Tennessee River, with a celebrated southern heritage. Home to the nation's most well-preserved battlefield, Shiloh National Park, the town also has a rich Civil War history. Admire the city's historic district featuring 42 unique, now privately-homes, including the Cherry Mansion which served as the headquarters of General Ulysses S. Grant at the time of the Battle of Shiloh. Other points of interest include the Savannah Theatre, Savannah Cemetery, and recently revitalized Main Street.

6 Paducah, KY Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. Founded by William Clark (of Lewis & Clark), Paducah is known as a National Heritage Destination with many talented culinary artists, painters, potters, and jewelers creating and displaying their works there. Be sure to visit the Railroad Museum, featuring equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.

7 Cruising Lake Barkley & the Cumberland River Admire the picturesque scenery of America's Heartland, including the Kentucky Lakes and rolling landscape of 170,000 acres of protected forest. Experience a relaxing day cruising Lake Barkley and admire panoramic views of the Cumberland River from the comfort of your private balcony.

8 Nashville, TN From the legendary Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is the official headquarters of country music. The lively streets are lined with art galleries and unique shops that welcome you at every turn. Take time to explore historic downtown, including the famous Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and Honky Tonk Row. Consider touring the Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson. In the evening, be treated to a show a the Grand Ole Opry.

9 Nashville, TN Enjoy a breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon you adventures and the new friends made along the way.

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Delta Queen Hotel

Best Riverboat In The States!

Delta Queen Riverboat Hotel

The Legendary Delta Queen now moored in Chattanooga, the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country, is the newest landmark Chattanooga hotel . This grand lady had logged over two million miles, carried over half a million passengers and is the only boat to be inducted into the National Marine Hall of Fame while still in service. She has entertained Presidents, foreign dignitaries and a multitude of celebrities.

Chattanooga accommodations are right in the middle of the vibrant North Shore scene at Coolidge Park Landing. Plenty of self parking is located near our dock and available to the guests. The Delta Queen is a quick drive or an enjoyable walk (across the Pedestrian Bridge) to the Southside of the Tennessee River and the heart of downtown Chattanooga where many area attractions reside such as the Tennesee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of Art.

The Delta Queen offers an ideal base of operations for your exploration of Chattanooga attractions .  All aboard for a unique Chattanooga hotel experience…

So, if you’re looking for something extraordinary among the offerings of Chattanooga hotels, right in the middle of the action, with a bed rocking to the rhythm of the Tennessee River, the Delta Queen is your choice for an unforgettable stay in the Scenic City.

Highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Chattanooga by diners

Fine dining in the U.S. isn't what it used to be. Many customers are no longer interested in classic white tablecloths and 16-ounce New York strips; instead, it's about cutting-edge culinary experiences.

Although steakhouses have defined fine dining in America since the 19th century, that started to change in the mid-1990s. Elite chefs like Thomas Keller at the French Laundry unearthed a whole different kind of tasting experience (with 40 courses), and a new age of fine dining was born. Soon, prix fixe meals—a French style of serving with a set menu—became the norm for fine dining in the U.S.

Between the rise of chef's tasting menus and consumers' continued desire to have diverse culinary experiences , the restaurants that grace the pages of top-tier restaurant reviewers like Zagat or the Michelin Guide look very different today than they did 30 years ago. Restaurant goers aren't just looking for high-quality food. They want the type of menu that will tell a story. They want creative ingredients they've never tried before. They want to be transported into a whole new world.

With so many innovative menus and restaurant experiences popping up across America to choose from, it can be challenging to choose where to go for a special evening. Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Chattanooga using data from Yelp. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself.

Only businesses with at least five reviews and at least level 2 pricing (i.e., $$ to $$$$) were considered. Also, in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, those with five or more locations nationally (based on Yelp data) were not included. Restaurants in certain lower-cost categories (like "diners," "buffets," and "food trucks") were excluded. Data is as of Aug. 19, 2024.

Read on to find a potential restaurant for your next special meal out!

#26. Scottie's On The River

- Rating: 3.6/5 (535 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 491 Riverfront Pkwy Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Seafood, Steakhouses, Cocktail Bars - Read more on Yelp

#25. Nic & Norman's

- Rating: 3.7/5 (157 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1386 Market St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: American - Read more on Yelp

#24. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant

- Rating: 3.9/5 (66 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 4008 St. Elmo Ave. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Thai - Read more on Yelp

#23. Hennen's

- Rating: 4.0/5 (400 reviews) - Price level: $$$ - Address: 193 Chestnut St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Steakhouses, Bars, Seafood - Read more on Yelp

#22. Alimentari

- Rating: 4.0/5 (155 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 801 Pine St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Italian, Bars - Read more on Yelp

#21. Taconooga

- Rating: 4.1/5 (203 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 207 A Frazier Ave. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Mexican - Read more on Yelp

#20. Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria

- Rating: 4.0/5 (735 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 212 High St. Bluff View Art District Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Italian - Read more on Yelp

#19. Rodizio Grill Chattanooga Hamilton Place

- Rating: 4.1/5 (149 reviews) - Price level: $$$ - Address: 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Ste 201 Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Brazilian, Steakhouses - Read more on Yelp

#18. Boccaccia

- Rating: 4.1/5 (159 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 3077 Broad St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Italian - Read more on Yelp

#17. Bela Lisboa

- Rating: 4.1/5 (215 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 417 Frazier Ave. Ste 104 Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Portuguese, Mediterranean - Read more on Yelp

#16. The Acropolis Grill

- Rating: 4.1/5 (399 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 2213 Hamilton Place Blvd. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Mediterranean, Greek, American - Read more on Yelp

#15. Lakeshore Grille

- Rating: 4.2/5 (118 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 5600 Lake Resort Ter Ste 300 Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: New American - Read more on Yelp

#14. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar

- Rating: 4.2/5 (807 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1459 Riverside Drive Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: American, Seafood, Bars - Read more on Yelp

- Rating: 4.2/5 (797 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1444 Market St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Cocktail Bars, New American - Read more on Yelp

#12. Opa Greek Restaurant

- Rating: 4.3/5 (323 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 249 River St. Ste 0 Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Greek - Read more on Yelp

#11. The FEED Co Table & Tavern

- Rating: 4.3/5 (929 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 201 West Main St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Bars, American, Music Venues - Read more on Yelp

#10. Mayan Kitchen

- Rating: 4.3/5 (461 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 507 Broad St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Latin American - Read more on Yelp

#9. Community Pie - Downtown

- Rating: 4.4/5 (727 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 850 Market St. Ste 100 Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Pizza, Salad, Bars - Read more on Yelp

#8. SideTrack

- Rating: 4.4/5 (211 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 3514 Hixson Pike Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: American, Cocktail Bars - Read more on Yelp

#7. Public House

- Rating: 4.5/5 (924 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1110 Market St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: New American, Southern - Read more on Yelp

- Rating: 4.5/5 (767 reviews) - Price level: $$$ - Address: 25 East Main St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Italian - Read more on Yelp

#5. St John's Restaurant

- Rating: 4.5/5 (251 reviews) - Price level: $$$ - Address: 1278 Market St. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: New American, Seafood - Read more on Yelp

#4. Giardino

- Rating: 4.5/5 (159 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 2503 Westside Drive Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Italian - Read more on Yelp

#3. Taqueria Jalisco - ANIA

- Rating: 4.6/5 (418 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1639 Rossville Ave. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Mexican, Cocktail Bars - Read more on Yelp

#2. Calliope

- Rating: 4.8/5 (80 reviews) - Price level: $$$ - Address: 422 East M L King Blvd. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Cocktail Bars, Seafood, Caterers - Read more on Yelp

#1. Uncle Larry's

- Rating: 4.8/5 (226 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 736 Mlk Blvd. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Seafood, Fish & Chips - Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 299 metros.

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• Chickamauga Lake

You'll love the convenience of this home located near the $399,900

5615 river glade dr, chattanooga, tn 37416, lake home for sale, property details.

• Sq Feet: 2353
• Year Built: 1978
• Location: Chickamauga Lake
• Acres: 0.430
• County: Hamilton County
• Community: Lakeshore Hgts
• Heat/AC: Central Furnace, Fireplace
• Garage: Garage
• Siding: Brick, Vinyl Siding
• Roof: Asphalt, Shingle
• Fireplaces: Has Fireplace
• Property Taxes: $1,148
• MLS #: 1398804

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Breaking News

Emily mack enjoying once in a lifetime job in chattanooga.

• Friday, September 20, 2024
• John Shearer

Emily Mack, center, with Weston Wamp, left, and Bob Corker at riverfront event.

photo by John Shearer

Emily Mack at Hawk Hill redevelopment announcement

Emily Mack during interview at office conference room

To say that Emily Mack has become fully connected to the pulse of Chattanooga since arriving in town as president and CEO of the non-profit River City Company only four years ago might be an understatement.

As an example, during a recent unveiling of some riverfront redevelopment plans around Ross’s Landing to make the area even more park friendly, she paid tribute to the Native Americans of yesteryear who had settled there and mentioned some of their past challenges. And just a few minutes later, former Chattanooga Mayor and former U.S. Senator Bob Corker was saluting her and what he called River City’s recent edgier work to make downtown Chattanooga better.

For Ms. Mack, this high-profile position that is considered important in aiding downtown Chattanooga is an opportunity she is greatly enjoying. And she admits it is a rare chance.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to be a part of and to lead River City Company,” she said. “I truly believe that Chattanooga has the opportunity to be the best mid-sized city in the United States.”

As Ms. Mack recently talked in the River City offices at Miller Plaza for more than an hour about this unique position that has long been important in downtown Chattanooga’s well-being almost to the level of an elected official, she had a genuine and sincere manner.

This was true as she honestly recounted the various jobs in government and in other realms she has had in Indiana and elsewhere, all of which were upbeat experiences in fulfillment, despite the hard work involved. The conversation quickly showed that she has had quite a diversity of jobs that prepared her for the one in Chattanooga.

On a lighter note, about all she has not honed is a Southeast Tennessee accent, with her Midwestern vocal cadence still obvious amid the Chattanooga perspective she also obviously now has.

And in this era of changing roles throughout America, she is also one of several women in Chattanooga who have hardly reached early middle age but already hold prominent positions in various realms. That could not have been said for the most part here a generation ago.

Ms. Mack’s path to her current position in Chattanooga began in the Southern Indiana town of Huntingburg, where she was reared. “I grew up in the Ohio River Valley,” she said. “I did my undergraduate work at Bradley University (in Illinois) and then lived in Chicago for a couple of years and worked in corporate finance.”

While working for Dean Foods and having access to all its ice cream products were rewarding, and she admittedly had a great manager, she began wondering if working at such a company or in such a career was palatable long-term.

“I had one of those moments in life where you evaluate if this is what you want to do for the rest of your life,” she said.

She had volunteered some at the home museum of noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park, Il., and found an interest in historic preservation. So, after a lot of self-examination and talking to her then-boyfriend, Brian Mack, she decided to make a change.

“I quit my job in corporate finance and got a master’s at Ball State in Muncie, Ind.,” she said, adding that she went through the school’s noted College of Architecture and Planning studying a variety of topics including architecture, historic preservation, and planning. She even learned to do some architectural drawings by hand.

She was also sketching out her future in her mind, and because some of the college’s internships took place in Indianapolis, she found her first full-time job there in 2003 post-degree.

“My first job was for the city of Indianapolis as a preservation planner,” she said. “I worked on the preservation plans for 18 locally protected historic districts. That’s how I started working with neighborhoods.”

Her work caught the eye of then-Mayor Bart Peterson, but he wanted her to focus more on the future than just the past as the mayor’s neighborhood liaison. It helped her learn how government works, and she learned to work across government to solve problems, she said.

In 2009, she got a call from the next mayor, Greg Ballard, who wanted her to start a new department consolidating such departments as permitting, licensing, inspecting and zoning into the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.

“That doesn’t happen often,” she said of that opportunity. “It was a ton of work. It was one of the most incredibly socially fulfilling jobs and very challenging. It had really long hours – 12 hours a day and some on weekends for years. I learned a lot and grew a lot, but it was exhausting.”

Also during this time, she was on a special committee helping downtown Indianapolis host the 2012 Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium. Although the Colts did not reach the Super Bowl that year, she did get to observe up-close in Indianapolis while there someone familiar and beloved to Tennessee Vol fans – quarterback Peyton Manning.

“He was really, really involved in the community,” she said, adding that he and his family had two residences there.

After taking some time off around 2013, she went to work for some private planning firms, but in January 2016 got another call from new Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett asking her to serve as director of the Department of Metropolitan Development.

This one was maybe even more encompassing and drew on her past experiences, as it involved city planning, long-range planning, transportation planning, historic preservation planning, community investment, economic development, real estate, homeless issues, and brownfields.

“Every element of my career, it all kind of led up to that,” she said. “It was kind of daunting and intimidating at times, but I was really thankful that every job had some component of what I had previously done.”

While it was also time consuming, it was rewarding, and she had no plans to leave. But then came an aspect of her job she had never previously experienced – a shutdown of normal work due to the COVID-19 outbreak of March 2020 that soon became a pandemic.

“I was working at home from March to May but still working long hours,” she said.

During that time, she received a text one day from her sister, Kate, but did not get a chance to investigate it fully until the end of a busy day. Her sister had told Ms. Mack that the River City Company in Chattanooga – where Kate and her family had escaped to from growing Nashville in 2019 - was looking for a new president and CEO to replace the departing Kim White.

“All I saw was River City Company, and that did not mean anything to me,” she said with a laugh, admitting that she initially wondered if it was a coffee house.

However, that night she looked on the River City website, and her interest perked up. “I read it and realized this is actually everything I love to do,” she excitedly said.

She did, and what followed were several initial Zoom calls and phone calls with several dozen people before a fourth-round, in-person interview held in a big conference room with 18 people all social distancing.

Despite the distance part in the interview, the idea of this job quickly grew close to her heart, and she gladly accepted the position after being offered it.

She and her husband, who works in real estate sales and marketing, relocated to Chattanooga, and she began working at River City on Sept. 8, 2020.

While it might be easy to assume that the River City Company was started simply through the philanthropy of the late Coca-Cola bottler Jack Lupton about the time he was also benevolently giving several million dollars for the Tennessee Aquarium and other riverfront projects, its founding has a more detailed story.

Ms. Mack said it was a recommendation of the Tennessee Riverpark Master Plan that was completed about 1984 that a non-profit agency focused on redevelopment and reinvesting in downtown Chattanooga be formed. So, with $12 million in philanthropic and donated corporate funds, it started in 1986.

It spent from then until about 2005 focusing mostly on the riverfront area, but in recent years has focused on revitalizing such areas as the Southside and later the city center, including the area around M.L. King Boulevard and the TVA complex.

“River City Company is downtown Chattanooga’s non-profit economic, development and redevelopment organization,” she said.

She added that River City’s work has also come full circle, as they are turning their attention back to the riverfront and focusing along with other interested parties on ways to add amenities and enhancements to the park area around Ross’s Landing. The group is also working on redeveloping Hawk Hill when the Lookouts leave AT&T Field after next season.

Ms. Mack said she believes she is at the River City Company at an exciting time, as in the 1980s planners were trying to figure out ways to bring people back to downtown Chattanooga and almost take it off life support. That has obviously been achieved and then some, and the new work is more focused on how to make downtown Chattanooga even better or to make it everything local residents want it to be.

“I think Chattanooga offers an incredible quality of life to many of our residents, although we certainly can improve upon that and should improve upon that for all Chattanoogans,” she said. “I don’t think we have reached our full potential and must strive to offer the best quality of life for each of our residents.”

Besides the typical work her job entails, she has also gotten to enjoy some of her passions in Chattanooga simply by observation. She knows downtown Chattanooga has saved some nice historic structures, but she also knows it has also lost some structures throughout the history of the city. This has been due to everything from floods to the political decisions that led to urban renewal and freeway construction here and elsewhere, she said.

“Chattanooga has lost a lot of historic buildings due to no fault of its own,” she said. “The city kept rebuilding, and mother nature or politics would take it down. But I feel like people value and respect and recognize our historic fabric and understand buildings were here long before any of us and they have stood the test of time.”

Regarding new construction, while the outlying residential growth in the local suburbs that has brought both praise and criticism is not part of her work, she thinks downtown is an area where growth should always be focused. And she is very positive regarding that realm in terms of future quantity and quality.

“This has been the heart of the city and has been since 1839” (when the city was incorporated), she said. “This is where folks have been investing. When it comes to growth and redevelopment, that’s where it should happen.”

While she worked with three mayors in Indianapolis as part of her job and peripherally with two sets of city and county mayors here, she has also received some help and support from another former mayor who is right now the best known on a national scale. That, of course, is former Mayor Corker, who also later served as U.S. senator from Tennessee from 2007-2019.

She said that he has been a gracious supporter of River City Company and has periodically visited the offices and gladly shared his institutional wisdom. He has even encouraged the firm not to worry that the latest redevelopment plans add to and maybe slightly alter some of his 21 st century riverfront plans that were a highlight of his mayoral term from 2001-2005 and which he proudly highlighted during his 2006 senatorial campaign.

“He said that downtown was very different in 2000 from now and how you respond to the community needs is very different,” she said. “He has been a really awesome supporter and champion, and he continues to be an awesome advocate for downtown. I can’t express my gratitude enough.”

Despite working for 20-plus years around elected officials and even following former River City CEO and mayoral candidate Kim White, Ms. Mack wholeheartedly said she has no interest in running for any office in the future.

She enjoys her current job, even though it keeps her quite busy, she said. In her down time, she likes spending time with her husband and hiking and walking and occasionally cooking, although she jokingly added that she prefers eating out and trying various restaurants, including new ones.

Among the places she currently enjoys are the Han Mi Thai restaurant on South Broad Street, Easy Bistro at 801 Chestnut St., and Champy’s, where she likes to get the crawfish.

She also enjoys traveling, which in a roundabout way helps with her work. “I love seeing and experiencing different cities and countries and parks,” she said. “It’s really inspirational to me.”

And while she and her husband currently do not have any children, she enjoys being a doting aunt to her sister’s and brother-in-law’s children as well as snuggling up with their two rescued basset hounds.

Her parents also located here in 2021 to be near their grandchildren, and they had actually passed through Chattanooga while on their honeymoon back in 1974. Ms. Mack said she learned he had made a prophetic statement at the time.

“My father said, ‘I think I can move here,’ “ she said. “The mountains and river, they thought they were beautiful, and he was not wrong.”

Ms. Mack has found out she can live – and work – in the Scenic City, too.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said in summing up her job.

[email protected]

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4187 Tillie Circle, Chattanooga, TN

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This new townhome presents three levels of versatile modern living space designed for functionality and comfort. Upon entry is a private bedroom suite ideal for older family members or visiting relatives, while upstairs is the open-concept main living area. Showcasing a stylish kitchen with an oversized center island, an intimate dining area and an inviting living room, there is an attached deck for outdoor activities. The top floor hosts a serene owner’s suite with an en-suite bathroom, plus an additional bedroom.

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Welcome Home Center at 100 Asbury Oak Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37419

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Asbury Oak is a community offering mountainside living with new townhomes for sale, coming soon to Chattanooga, TN. The community is just minutes from Downtown Chattanooga along the Tennessee River, with plenty of local attractions, rich culture, stunning views and much more. Nature lovers will have access to unlimited outdoor recreation at Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and Warner Park, with several golf courses located nearby, including the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. Eligible students will attend Lookout Valley Public Schools.

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