Southern Belle Riverboat: see the sights of Chattanooga from the Tennessee River
The mighty Tennessee River is known for its strength, beauty and grace, much like the hills it runs through. So why not see them both – the way they should be seen – on the Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga.
The Southern Belle harkens back to a time when luxury riverboats chugged up and down the Tennessee River stopping at towns along the way; including a small landing called Chattanooga. Today, the town has grown into a mid-sized metropolis, but the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains is still the same.
And so is the excitement of seeing it all from the deck of a riverboat.
The Southern Belle, which was built by Serodino, Inc in nearby Haletown, TN, is a 500-passenger vessel that is U.S. Coast Guard regulated. In all it weighs 98 tons and includes three viewing decks in a style that reminds you of the history of such boats. Since the late 1980’s the riverboat has consistently run 10 months a year, from Valentine’s Day through New Year’s Eve.
There are several types of cruises for which to come aboard. Passengers may choose a 1½-hour sightseeing cruise that gives you a peek into the past with its local history narration. Or, if you’re hungry, enjoy an afternoon lunch or a prime rib dinner as you see the sights and listen to music. There are several menu options to choose from at each meal.
Special events aboard the Southern Belle are organized throughout the year and include the Valentine’s Day dinner cruise, the Fall Color cruise or the Lockmaster’s dinner cruise (an exploration and explanation of the Chickamauga Locks).
The riverboat may be reserved for private group events, including weddings, corporate getaways, formal events or even educational sightseeing trips. Groups may even hold sleepovers on the dockside boat, which includes a cruise after breakfast the next morning!
A stationary two-deck boat is docked at “Pier 2” as an additional private event space.
For a complete schedule of cruises this month or to make a reservation, click here.
- by Christine Foster, Chattanooga Reporter for HelloMetro
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Christine FosterChristine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.
