Ross's Landing Park And Plaza

Visitors sometimes think that Ross's Landing is part of the Tennessee Aquarium, which is the focal point of what is sometimes called "Chattanooga's Front Porch." Ross's Landing at once provides open space and pays homage to Chattanooga's history. It accomplishes this with landscaped bands that use public art and native plantings to tell Chattanooga's story. With surfaces that are alternately paved, grassed, or covered with running water, the bands begin with the year 1992, the dedication date, and work back in time as they move toward the river. Commemorated subjects include Sequoyah and his Cherokee language syllabary, Chattanooga's railroad heritage, and Bessie Smith.

The Chattanooga Visitors Center (2 Broad St., 800/322-3344 or 423/756-8687), just off Ross's Landing, is a great place for visitors to orient themselves and plan their sightseeing. In addition to a huge collection of brochures, the center offers a slide show about the city, a reservation service for local hostelries, and information about events soon to take place. The slide show costs $2 for adults and $1 for children 6-12.