Chattanooga Road Trip With Jackson

Jackson has mentioned numerous times over the years that he wants to live in Tennessee. When I asked him why, "He just said it felt like home and he had a peace." I reminded him that being a tourist and having fun, was a lot different than working, paying bills, etc. Anyway, we have been everywhere in Tennessee, including multiple trips to Chattanooga. In fact, when he was almost three (3) I taught him to swim at the indoor pool at the Marriot downtown. This last visit was prompted by his own desire to take a solo trip to Tennessee. The kid took off from work and everything.  

However, as a parent there was no way he was going by himself. He's only 17! So, I told him I would plan a surprise trip and that we would go together. After researching and realizing some of the cool things I found where more out of a Hallmark movie that I would love to do, but not so much a 17-year old.

As we pulled into the hotel in Chattanooga I could tell he was excited. I told him his trip, he gets to decide what we do with one exception. We were eating dinner at Sticky Fingers! I have literally driven to Chattanooga and back home on the same day, just for Sticky Fingers. However, I didn't know their menu had changed since COVID and my favorite item, The Load BBQ Potato Skins were no longer available. After countless tears, we ordered and it wasn't and will never be the same unless they bring them back.

​Having done everything Chattanooga has to offer, we decided to walk 20,000+ steps to get reacquainted with our favorite Tennessee city. We made our way down to the river and then back to the other end to the Chattanooga Choo Choo.    

Later that night, after visiting shops, etc. He decided he wanted to do Ruby Falls the next morning and then crash the most of the time, romantic sunset cruise that night. I will admit I was a little nervous about going on a romantic cruise with my kid, but it ended up being a great excursion. Not to mention someone was married on the cruise. Here are a few pics of both outings. 

And just in case you are wondering what happened to Reece. He was getting over the flu and decided he didn't want to go. Yes, he later regretted the decision!