Brainerd - Chattanooga, TN Area Guide

Chattanooga traces its history to the early 1700s, when the Cherokee and Creek Indians lived along the Tennessee River and the forests surrounding Lookout Mountain. In 1817, the U.S. Government established a mission and school at Brainerd for the education and the Christianization of the local tribes. After the forced removal of Native Americans, the city was officially named Chattanooga, the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point."

Steeped in rich Native American, Civil War and post-Emancipation history, Brainerd presents residents with a culturally diverse foundation blended with an eclectic influx of new businesses and residents. Head over to the Bluff View Art District along the Tennessee River or the Hunter Museum of Art and enjoy the diverse local, regional and national arts and crafts exhibits. Music lovers will enjoy the weekly summer Nightfall concerts at Miller Park or the annual Riverbend music festival.

Southern hospitality and traditional family recipes contribute to a food landscape that Chattanoogans can't resist. Herman's Soulfood, located on Brainerd Road, represents the qualities southern food is best known for; its casual, family atmosphere and friendly staff lead many residents of Brainerd to make it a regular stop. Try their chicken fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy or the famous Clifford's chicken and waffles, served with fried chicken wings and a fluffy Belgium waffle.

For an indulgent breakfast spot, head over to Tupelo Honey Cafe. A favorite with the weekend brunch crowd, the Tupelo Honey Cafe serves southern fare that is farm to table fresh. Try their tempting sweet potato pancake with peach butter and pecans or their fried green tomatoes with fried chicken and biscuits. Combine the authentic Southern food with the quaint farmhouse decor and you'll feel like you've been transported to the early 20th-century South.

Pool tables, karaoke and darts make Mayo's Restaurant & Lounge a favorite late-night spot among the Brainerd area locals. This friendly, family-owned bar serves good food, cheap beers and a comfortable neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoy the popular Cajun chicken Philly, challenge your friends to a pool game, dance to a favorite song from your past played on the jukebox or entertain the crowd with your version of karaoke.

Temperate weather and well-maintained streets make Brainerd an accessible and desirable neighborhood. Numerous bike trails pepper the neighborhood with routes to downtown and across town.

Although bike lanes and multi-use trails are abundant, driving or catching the local bus is the best way to get across town or head downtown. You can jump on Interstate 24 and reach downtown in only 15 minutes or the airport in 10 minutes. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority operates frequent routes through the Brainerd neighborhood, connecting it to downtown, across town and the airport. Several taxi companies and Uber also service Chattanooga and its outlying suburbs.

For Chattanooga-area residents, there is no lack of options for outdoor and exercise enthusiasts. In Brainerd, bikers and hikers live minutes from the South Chickamauga Greenway, a multi-use trail connecting the southern suburbs of Chattanooga to the downtown area. You can bike downtown within 18 minutes or over to the Brainerd Levee within 10 minutes. The local Brainerd Levee and Camp Jordan Park offers an additional 3.5 miles of trails for bikers and hikers with abundant bird-watching opportunities and picnic spots.

Residents can also take advantage of five different golf courses and 10 tennis courts within a 5 mile radius of central Brainerd. Kayakers and canoeists can navigate the nearby South Chickamauga Creek or drive 5 miles further south to the Tennessee River. Pack a pet and a picnic and head to the Tennessee River Park, a 10-mile long stretch including fishing, a playground and boat access.

Take advantage of the area's annual outdoor events such as the Riverbend Festival, a five-day music festival featuring bands playing country and bluegrass to classic rock. During the fall and winter, you can enjoy the Chattanooga Oktoberfest or the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Lookout Mountain.

With downtown Chattanooga so close, Brainerd residents enjoy the amenities of the city with the lower cost of living in the suburbs. Brainerd's average rent of $700 for a one-bedroom residence is 12.5 percent lower than downtown Chattanooga and 21 percent lower than the national average.

Although many residents enjoy biking and walking throughout the neighborhood or the pedestrian-friendly downtown area, you can also take CARTA across town or to the airport; it's just $1.50 one way for adults or $0.75 one way for seniors and children. If you prefer driving yourself, you can take advantage of local gas prices sitting 9 percent below the national average. Head over to your favorite local pub and enjoy a brew for an affordable $4 per pint.

Shopping opportunities abound for those living in Chattanooga and its surrounding suburbs. Boutique-lined streets, historic buildings brimming with original treasures and high-end shopping centers entice both locals and visitors.

Hamilton Place Mall, Tennessee's largest indoor shopping center, sits just 10 minutes east of Brainerd. The location hosts over 200 major retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch, The Limited and Lane Bryant.

For a unique shopping experience, head downtown to Warehouse Row -- a historic street lined with original boutiques with lush aesthetics. Shoe lovers will enjoy a trip to Embellish, a high-end shoe store selling brand name shoes, handbags and accessories not easily found in Chattanooga. Make sure to attend one of their monthly trunk-show events, hosted in their private showroom.

For your grocery needs, Brainerd hosts a weekly farmers market year-round. Each Saturday, customers can purchase local produce, meat and baked goods from friendly vendors. During the winter, the venue is only open from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., so you'll want to mark it on the calendar. Whole Foods Market, only 10 miles north, stocks a tasty variety of organic options.