In the downtown Chattanooga area, near the Aquarium, we LOVE Big River Grille & Brewery. Mmmm. My mouth is watering. I have never had any disappointing dish there, and we used to eat there a lot, before we moved away. Now we eat there at least once a year…

Exit 49, into Athens, TN has several chain restaurants. Ruby Tuesday, Applebee’s. I can’t vouch for them- they are about par for chains. There are also a few "home grown" restaurants there, but I don’t know about them.

On your way to Athens, you might try Calhoun’s at Ft. Loudon Marina. It is off I-75 Exit 81. If you are using Hwy. 11 it is near the intersection of Hwy.321 and 11. Calhoun’s is a small chain in the area, with ~4 restaurants. Good stuff. I am no BBQ or ribs expert, but that is their claim to fame. I LOVE the spinach maria, and broccoli with almonds, and fried chicken salad.

Have a great trip!! There are a few other suggestions I have in mind but have to research names…

mhoward8