Best of Both Fish Worlds at TN Aquarium

I try to sneak in an aquarium visit on every vacation. When I say “sneak,” I mean I might talk my husband into a certain location and then mention it has a great aquarium I’d like to visit. I’m sure he’s grown to expect it by now.

Of all the aquariums I’ve visited, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga remains a favorite. A lot of people will tell you that the Shedd in Chicago is the best aquarium in America. I agree that the Shedd is amazing, but the Tennessee Aquarium is right there in the same league.

The viewing areas are large, and some exhibits can be seen from different levels of the aquarium. You walk away feeling like you’ve seen and experienced more than your money’s worth.

My first visit to the Tennessee Aquarium was nearly 10 years ago, and I paid another visit in 2007, after the addition of Ocean Journey. Yes, the aquarium used to be freshwater only, but I never saw anything wrong with that. Freshwater fish are every bit as beautiful as saltwater.

Just a few of the creatures you can expect to see on your journey: river otter, penguin, yellow anaconda, American alligator, weedy seadragon, yellow seahorse, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bonnethead shark and southern stingray, as well as a butterfly garden and plenty of birds.

Admission gets you into both buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. You can also add a movie ticket to the nearby IMAX 3D Theater for a discounted price.

While you’re in town:
Stop by 212 Market Restaurant, a certified green restaurant. The food is fresh and wonderful with a dessert selection to please any sweets freak (me). If you plan it right, you can have lunch between visiting the two separate sections of the aquarium!

(Images by Peggy Rowland, 2007)