The Coziest Coffee
Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm is just a short drive from downtown in Wildwood, GA. They serve a lovely selection of comforting coffees, including The Cosmo (a S’mores Latte) and the Tiny Dancer (a warming blend of sugar and spices) that can help you ease into consciousness. The main attraction here is a collective of silky, silly alpacas you can visit. For a snuggly souvenir, stop at their boutique and peruse alpaca products from Peru and other nearby alpaca farms.
If your caffeine needs are more urgent, beeline to the Northshore to Be Caffeinated, which has heated patios and fire pits to crackle you awake while you sip on your Hazelnut Bliss, their latte with cinnamon, hazelnut, and white chocolate coffee.
Pack a Fall Picnic
As the leaves turn to confetti, there is no better way to celebrate the season's flavors than with a picnic in the sunshine. Start your journey on Main Street, where creamy artisanal cheeses beckon from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop. Here, you will find an array of sumptuous cheeses perfect for creating the foundation of your fall charcuterie. The knowledgeable staff can help you pick, and they have a vast selection of wine and canned beverages, as well as a fridge stocked with cured meats, dips, and pickles.
Just across the street, Niedlov’s Bakery awaits with its freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven. Their rustic loaves provide the ideal accompaniment to your cheese selection. The Rouge loaf – if you can get your hands on it– is Chattanooga’s first fully local bread: it is locally grown, milled, and baked. Their scrumptious pastries are seasonal, and always winners.
Finally, refill your thermos with more seasonal warm drinks. Some of our favorites on the Southside are the Horchata Steamer from Mean Mug, the Lavender London Fog from Niedlov’s, and the Turmeric Latte from The Local Juicery, which includes ginger, coconut, turmeric, and black pepper
If you want an even more festive thermos warmer, grab some of Gate 11’s Salazar golden Agaves (the distillery is conveniently located in the Choo Choo complex) or a malty bottle of Chattanooga Whiskey, which is just across Market Street.
Afternoon Adventure
With your backpack filled with picnic treasures, you are ready to find the perfect spot to enjoy your feast while peeping at our stunning fall leaves. You can build your appetite with a hike up Stringers Ridge to enjoy sprawling views of the foliage! Or choose from our carefully curated array of the best natural vistas in Chattanooga to experience the leaves of change.
If you didn’t pack your hiking shoes, we recommend checking out the pumpkin patch and fall flower picking at Flat Top Mountain Farms or the haunted corn maze at Copper Creek Farm.
Want more ideas? Check out other fun fall experiences on our big list of amazing fall activities.
Cozy Outdoor Dining for a Dusky Fall Evening
Scenic Views and Comfort Food
Tucked up on Missionary Ridge is Giardino, a locally-loved Italian spot with one of the most breathtaking patios in the whole city. Clear curtains insulate this heater-flecked oasis from the chill of the wind coming up the ridge. The classic Italian dishes and exciting wine list will keep you flushed and toasty while you watch the sun nestle into the mountains during our gorgeous rosy sunsets.
Inside Out
At the foot of the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, Whitebird invites you to experience modern Appalachian cuisine with ingredients sourced directly from the Tennessee River Valley. Starting in November, to notch up your cozy experience, reserve an exclusive igloo—a heated, private retreat perfect for a romantic evening or a gathering with friends. The igloos come with a complimentary S’mores Experience Platter, enhanced by stunning river views.
Gooey Gourmet
After Dinner, head to Hello Monty to enjoy one of the toastiest desserts in the city. In a homage to Chattanooga’s long love affair with campfires, cast iron, and outdoor cooking, they serve a Cast Iron S’more, complete with a graham cracker from Niedlov’s Bakery.
Tuck in on a Crisp Autumn Night:
Campfire Camping
If you are lucky enough to be in town on a select Friday from September - November. In that case, there's no better way to soak up the season's charm than gathering around a crackling campfire for some outdoor music in the foothills of Lookout Mountain. Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, a sprawling farm and nature preserve, invites you to experience the warmth of their beloved Campfire Concert series, where music, nature, and community come together under a blanket of stars.
Your ticket includes a complimentary beer, s'mores to toast over the fire, and of course, top-notch entertainment. For those looking to extend the experience, there is even an option to camp overnight on Reflection Riding's scenic grounds, making it a perfect adventure. If you are lucky enough to visit during the fall or spring months, you can snag a ticket to these lovely events!
Cabin Fever
To immerse yourself in the fall foliage without sleeping on the ground, head to the Tiny Cabins at Wauhatchie Woodlands. This spot has darling wood cabins, on-site hot tubs, and hiking trails.
Further up the mountain, you can discover actual treehouse accommodations at Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls. These lovely dwellings are stocked with local goodies like Goodmans coffee and granola from Noke’s Granola. They offer amenities like liquor delivery from the beloved Imbibe and on-site massages.
