“In the hush of rolling hills and the hum of cicadas, Collegedale whispers of restful mornings, farmers markets, and small-town warmth — with the promise of adventure just beyond.”
Perfect For: Families, friends, couples, solo travelers, RV explorers, girls’ weekends, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and health-focused travelers
Vibe: Clean-living college town meets pastoral Southern charm with a sprinkle of Seventh-day Adventist wellness and Appalachian spirit
🛏️ Where to Stay
🌿 The Garden Plaza Hotel – Convenient, quiet, and nestled beside Southern Adventist University 🛌 Hampton Inn Chattanooga-East Ridge – Just outside Collegedale for easy access and more nightlife 🚐 Harrison Bay State Park Campground – Scenic, wooded, lakeside RV and tent spots 🏡 Airbnbs in Apison & Ooltewah – Peaceful countryside homes with porches and pasture views
🗓️ DAY ONE: Local Life, Wellness, and Scenic Roots 🌄
☀️ Morning: Start at the Heart
Begin with a stroll around Southern Adventist University’s campus. Tree-lined paths, a picturesque duck pond, and friendly faces give a warm welcome.
Stop at Village Market, a natural grocery store offering healthful bites, organic snacks, and a beloved juice bar.
📷 Photography tip: The sunrise over White Oak Mountain is best captured from Collegedale Greenway or SAU’s hiking trails.
🍳 Breakfast Spots
Impressions Catering Café – Hidden gem with wholesome dishes and fresh-pressed juices Naked River Coffee in Chattanooga (15 min) – Worth the drive for pour-overs and pastries
🌿 Midday: Nature Calls
Walk or bike the Wolftever Creek Greenway, winding through wildflowers, creeks, and shaded bridges. Stop at Veterans Memorial Park for a picnic or meditation break.
For more active exploration, hike White Oak Mountain Trails—right behind the university—with views, wildlife, and peaceful solitude.
🗓️ DAY TWO: Day Trips, Antiquing & Arts 🎨🚗
🛍️ Morning: Explore Surrounding Towns
Head to Ooltewah’s Cambridge Square, a charming lifestyle plaza with:
Boutique shopping Local art galleries Excellent brunch at The FEED Co. Table & Tavern Sweet treat at Crumbl Cookies or Café Aroma
Then take a short country drive to Apison or Cleveland, TN, where you’ll find:
Antique shops with Southern relics Coffee + Community cafés with local buzz Scenic farm views around every corner
🎭 Afternoon: Arts, Culture, & Wacky Charm
SAU’s Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum – Tiny but fascinating ancient artifact displays Drive toward Chattanooga for quirky attractions like: International Towing Museum (yes, it exists!) Songbirds Guitar Museum (music history meets visual art) Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District – Trains, music, and Victorian vibes
🗓️ DAY THREE: Water, Woods, & Stargazing 💧🌌
🚣♀️ Morning: Harrison Bay Adventures
Just 20 minutes away, Harrison Bay State Park offers:
Paddleboarding and kayaking on Chickamauga Lake Lakeside trails and forested campgrounds Birdwatching, fishing, and wide-open picnic spots
🥗 Lunch Stop:
Dockside Café at Chickamauga Marina – Lakeside views and casual Southern eats Terra Nostra in Chattanooga – Upscale tapas for those seeking Mediterranean flair
🧘 Afternoon: Peace & Pampering
Book a massage or float tank experience in nearby East Brainerd or visit The Wellness Tree, a local spa with a holistic twist.
Shop for crystals, artisan soaps, and earthy goods at Good Fortune Soap & Spa in Ooltewah.
Or return to Collegedale’s Reflection Riding Arboretum, a calm blend of meadows, forest, and educational nature trails.
🌃 Nightlife, Food, and Fireside Vibes
While Collegedale is quieter after dark, the surrounding area offers options:
🍷 Wine Down Bistro in Ooltewah – live music nights and relaxed sophistication 🎶 HiFi Clyde’s or The Comedy Catch in Chattanooga – music, dancing, or stand-up comedy 🔥 Backyard bonfire Airbnb options – Host your own s’mores and stars night
🧭 Perfect for Every Kind of Traveler
👨👩👧 Families
Collegedale Greenway Reflection Riding Arboretum Chattanooga Aquarium just 25 minutes away
💃 Girls Trips
Spa treatments, antique shopping, wine bars Brunch at Frothy Monkey (Chattanooga), then photo ops around Cambridge Square
🧔 Guys Trips
Kayak Chickamauga Lake Hit up Slick’s Burgers in Chatt and catch a UTC football game
🧍 Solo Travelers
Peaceful trails, coffee corners, bookish retreats Wellness workshops at The Wellness Tree
🚐 RV Travelers
Stay at Harrison Bay State Park or Holiday Travel Park Chattanooga Easy access to nature and day trips
🌟 Why Collegedale?
Collegedale is for those who crave quiet, nature, and small-town ease — without giving up access to quirky charm, healthy living, and nearby urban adventures. It’s the kind of place where you breathe deeper, sleep sounder, and leave a little lighter than you came.
Whether you’re on a spiritual sabbatical, a family trip, or a scenic solo journey, Collegedale opens the door to Tennessee tranquility — with a hidden richness all its own.
Hagan Happenstance 