The Chattanooga Choo Choo offers much to do without ever leaving the complex.
Shopping
The Depot Gift Shop offers visitors a variety of souvenirs such as sweatshirts, numerous postcards, and a variety of coffee mugs. Newspapers, snack foods, and must-have toiletries are available for guests.
Peruse the timeless collection of Civil War books, weaponry, and other memorabilia at Artifacts. Relive some of the great battles in world history with a large collection of chess sets from different eras.
The Little Lace Lady is a specialty crafting shop. Trains, angels, rubber stamps, scrapbooking, consignment items, Russian nesting dolls, and local artists’ works are on display.
At the Old Tyme Photo, guests can visit a time gone by with the nostalgia of an 1800s photograph. Browse a selection of over 100 costumes and props to suit any imagination. Posters and frames are available in the shop.
Rugina’s Afrikan Village is a distinctive shop that offers an interesting variety of African pieces. Choose from jewelry, clothing, art, statues, headpieces, and many collectibles.
Visit Southern Bead and Jewell and stand in amazement while watching glass being melted down and blown into various ornaments, vases, and goblets by master glassblower Donavon Boutz and his assistants.
Sweetly Southern has called the Chattanooga Choo Choo home for over 35 years. Come and sing "Pardon Me, Boy" with the Glen Miller Orchestra and the Andrews Sisters on their original 1940s classic. Sweetly Southern is also the Thomas the Tank Engine and Webkinz headquarters. Moon Pies, made in Chattanooga for over 100 years, are delivered fresh from the bakery to the store.
See how sweet it can be at the Sweet Stop Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe. This tasty shop offers an array of hand-dipped ice cream, rich fudge, specialty candies, and even some sugar free treats.
Swimming Pools
Soak up the sunshine at the two outdoor swimming pools located outside Buildings Two and Three. Luscious, pink crepe myrtle trees line the perimeter of the pool area for a beautiful background at Building Two. Every room in Building Three overlooks the unique, Oriental-style pool. Swim year-round in the heated indoor pool beneath a skylight dome four stories high. This pool, located in Building One, is a great way to sit back and relax during free time. Step into the whirlpool at Building Three after crossing a bridge over the pool.
Extraordinary Garden
Nestled among the buildings and bustle of Chattanooga is an oasis of lush gardens that attract and delight visitors from around the globe. Walking around the Choo Choo property, one can see a courtyard surrounded by train cars and the formal gardens. A wide variety of plant materials are used to entice visitors to the gardens for enjoyment, reflection, or a simple respite from the downtown bustle.
Model Railroad Museum
For train enthusiasts of all ages, the Model Railroad Museum, started in 1973 as a joint venture between the Chattanooga Area Model Railroad Club and the Chattanooga Choo Choo, is a definite stop when visiting the Choo Choo. Enter a miniature world portraying Chattanooga and the Cumberland Mountain country. This model railroad was built in HO scale, which is 1:87 (87 model boxcars hooked together would equal the length of one real boxcar). Over 50,000 man-hours have been spent to make the layout what it is today, with a replacement value of nearly $1,000,000.
Horse and Carriage Rides
Chattanooga Horse Trams provides 30-minute carriage rides from the Choo Choo to Miller Park and back. Longer excursions are also available.