Where Thrilling Adventures Await You...
When ChattaBOOga transforms itself from Chattanooga in October, it's not the typical haunted venue. There's a haunted cavern deep inside the heart of Lookout Mountain; a killer critter craze where some of nature's most feared and notorious creatures are explored in detail; an amazing corn maze - friendly by day, but a heart-stopping labyrinth by night; spooky legends of lost souls aboard the eerie express; hair-raising, spooky storytelling experiences and maybe even spirits lingering and strange encounters of the third kind throughout the mansion grounds.
October in Chattanooga offers thrilling, chilling adventure and family fun you can't experience anywhere else.
SURVIVE THE RUBY FALLS HAUNTED CAVERN
For over 50 years the Grimsby Slaughter House had been one of the largest meat processors in the Chattanooga area. But due to some unfortunate family circumstances and then the lack of livestock, the Grimsby's had to find a new source of meat. They discovered that "new meat" could be found when bank collectors made an unannounced visit to the farm, vagabonds wandered in dark city streets or even in innocent hikers exploring the Grimsby farm. There began to be a surge of demand for this "fresh meat," after all, it provided one of the leanest, finest and most unusual cuts in the industry.
One day, some "new meat" escaped into a cave - an abandoned cave with an old mining elevator and much needed privacy for processing of the new meat. As a matter of chance it was also discovered that deep in the heart of the Grimsby's cave there was a connection to a popular Chattanooga tourist attraction named Ruby Falls. You can't prepare for the terror that lies waiting for you 260 feet below the ground. 423/821-2544.
THRILLS, GILLS & CHILLS AT THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM
Your pulse heightens and your heart pounds as a large, toothy sand-tiger shark eases past your cheek, an alligator stares you blankly in the eyes as if you are soon to be lunch or rattlesnakes, anacondas and a boa constrictor slither right by you. Just relax and embrace the creepy critter jitters. That's what the Tennessee Aquarium's month-long celebration, "Thrills, Gills and Chills," is all about!
You'll learn about the chilling aspects of the predator/prey relationships in the natural world by uncovering the real facts about moray eels, piranha, alligators, sharks, poisonous frogs and even penguins evading their fearsome predators. Special daily dives and gallery programs will also focus on the myths and mysteries of some of the most notorious and misunderstood animals on earth.
At the IMAX 3D Theater you'll meet the most chilling creatures the world has ever known in "Sea Monsters 3D." Modern day Thrills, Gills and Chills can be enjoyed in breathtaking IMAX realism as fierce sharks, squids and eels swim eerily close. 800/262-0695.
DON'T GET LOST IN ROCK CITY GARDEN'S ENCHANTED MAZE
First you think trivia questions and a corn maze, can't be too hard, right? Getting the questions right is the key in getting out of the challenging, 10-acre labyrinth of trails, answering them wrong will only take you deeper into the maze. As darkness surrounds the field, the maze turns a little spooky when 10-foot stalks are outlined in the moonlight to create a hair-raising challenge of twists, turns and rustling stalks. You can also enjoy a historic birdhouse barn, hayrides, a playground and a kiddie hay maze.
This year, Rock City Gardens' Enchanted MAiZE Maze brings some new scares to Blowing Springs Farm. Travel through the corn maze by the light of the moon and then relax around the bonfire and listen to the area's best told ghost stories. And if you dare, venture into the new "Forest of Fear" for a haunting, 3D experience (Friday and Saturday nights in October). 800/854-0675
RIDE THE RAILS ON THE "HALLOWEEN EERIE EXPRESS"
Sit back, relax and ride the rails into the night on the "Halloween Eerie Express." The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has partnered with Rock City Gardens to provide an eerily Halloween experience. You'll hear spooky legends of ghosts wandering in search of their souls while you ride along into the night, straight into Rock City Gardens' Enchanted Maze and the Forest of Fear.
When you arrive you will have access to all the fall festivities on the 10-acre farm including the Enchanted Maze, live music, hayrides, a historic Rock City birdhouse barn and a kiddie hay maze. 423/894-8028
SPOOKY DAYS AT THE CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Under the tent, the story-teller slithers through the crowd, his voice hushes as he begins to describe what will happen next... Suddenly, the hair on the back of your neck raises straight up causing you to blurt out a shrill scream. Aaaagggghhhh! Spooky Days are just around the corner at the Creative Discovery Museum created especially for children.
But don't worry parents and kids, it's really a not-so-spooky story and it's all family-friendly fun. While you're there, sip on hot cider, make yummy s'mores, watch a pumpkin carving demonstration and even learn to create your own spine-tingling story so you can entertain friends and family. 423/756-2738
HISTORIC (AND HAUNTED?) HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Even before the Hunter Museum's original mansion was built in 1905, the museum's cliff-top site was used as a battery for both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War. Prior to that, the ground was considered a holy place by the Cherokee.
Given the area's history, it is no wonder that some Chattanooga residents and visitors wonder if spirits might still linger in the mansion and its grounds. A ghost hunter did visit the museum in the 1990s and some Chattanooga residents have stories of strange happenings in the mansion portion of the museum. Who knows, you may even have an experience of the "third kind" while visiting the museum! 423/267-0968