Photo: Photo by Jason Kehl.

Once deemed the dirtiest city in America, by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1969, Chattanooga, Tennessee has transformed its dirty ways to become a model green metropolitan and a hub for outdoor lovers. Situated in the Appalachian Mountain Valley and along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers a myriad of outdoor opportunities including river tours, whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, skeet shooting, fishing, bungee jumping, horseback riding, mountain biking, hang gliding, tubing, and caving. Now the fourth-largest city in Tennessee with over 170,000 people, Chattanooga s picturesque landscape is conveniently connected via pedestrian pathways, free electric shuttles downtown, and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, which commands a view of the city from Point Park at the mountain s summit. However, while strolling around, beware of the radical sidewalk preachers who may try to convince you to confess your sins after walking out of the bar.

Just a short 25-minute drive from downtown, check out Little Rock City/Stone Fort a playground of friendly sandstone bouldering nestled in the thick forest beyond greens and fairways at the Montlake Golf Course. Bouldering not your thing? Pick up a club and enjoy Montlake s challenging par 71-mountain course with a scenic view from high in the Tennessee Mountains.

Photo: Photo by Jason Kehl.

Grab your daily sustenance at the Greenlife Grocery, a full service natural foods grocer dedicated to supporting local products. It has everything on your list: fresh baked bread, organic local produce, deli treats, meats and cheeses, beer, bulk bins and a fresh bakery.

Photo: Photo by Jason Kehl.

While in Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art is a must-see. The museum is situated on an 80-foot bluff bordering the Tennessee River and located inside a historical mansion and a modern chic building of steel and glass. Whether you re inside marveling at the timeless collections from the Colonial period to present day or outside overlooking the breathtaking city, Chattanooga will surely inspire you.

Photo: Photo by Jason Kehl.