Be Mindful & Enjoy the Journey

Month: May 2025

Frankfort, MI – Explore A Hidden Gem on Lake Michigan’s Shores

A Charming Summer Beach Town on Lake Michigan

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PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl

The Cutest Little Lake Town You’ve Ever Seen

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PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
Frankfort’s iconic town welcome sign

A charming summer beach town on Lake Michigan is what best describes Frankfort, MI. Upon arrival in Frankfort, you will find yourself driving under the iconic sign. This is the moment that indicates that you have arrived somewhere special and will create memories for years to come. Upon entry you are immediately met with the beauty and sparkle of Lake Michigan on the distant horizon. As you slowly descend the famous hill underneath the iconic sign you will see the lovely town of Frankfort unfold like a dream. We all have our special places that we visit often and Frankfort is mine.

Frankfort is the depiction of the perfect charming summer beach town. Small, quaint, and on a large body of water. The beauty never ends in this Northern Michigan paradise. Summers in Northern Michigan are spectacular and for those who have visited, you know what I mean. For those who have not, it’s never too late to experience peace and relaxation surrounded by the beauties of nature.

Where to Explore

The town has a single main street where most of the town’s shops, stores and restaurants are located. Arriving in Frankfort, Michigan you are going to be immediately transported to a slower paced way of life surrounded with beauty and nature. Frankfort gives the mindful traveler a sense of calm and peace of mind. The way of life in this town is slowed down to a walk. Tranquility, and a sense of calm will be the defining points that will saturate your senses in this beautiful lake town.

Frankfort pier and lighthouse

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Frankfort Lighthouse and Pier

The Frankfort lighthouse and pier was originally created to offer a break wall to reduce choppy water as the boats headed into the Frankfort marina. The break wall has become a favorite site to visit among locals and tourists, offering a great photo opportunity and the experience of the magnificence of Lake Michigan. A favorite activity for tourists and locals is to walk along the entire top of the break wall to the lighthouse. This is extremely fun but does require you to exercise caution as this wall was not built for foot traffic.

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Along this break wall you will find some of the best photo opportunities to take pictures of the beach, sand dunes, and the beautiful coastline. The lighthouse is neat as it makes up one arm of the entrance to the Frankfort harbor. Here you can watch boats cruise by, but be careful sometimes they produce some rather large waves that often breach the structure. A great place to enjoy the soothing sounds produced by Lake Michigan in this charming summer beach town on Lake Michigan.

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Frankfort pier leading to the lighthouse is a popular tourist destination to walk.

Frankfort Public Beach

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Frankfort Beach

Although, not incredibly large, Frankfort offers its guests and locals a beautiful beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. The beach is not incredibly long, but it does have a nice depth to it. This is where most people utilize the beach that come and visit. There is a small parking lot overlooking the beach and lake along with several swings and volleyball nets for the younger crowds. The beach backs up to a charming tree covered neighborhood. This is a great place to relax, tan, and take a dip in the clear blue refreshing waters of Lake Michigan in this Charming Summer Beach Town.

A sunset over a beach

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Another Magnificent Sunset at the Frankfort Beach

The Historic Forest Avenue Neighborhood

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Historic Leelanau Avenue

Directly behind the main street is a gorgeous neighborhood with tree lined streets and sidewalks on both sides. This neighborhood is filled with old Victorian aged homes that have been renovated to be summer homes or year-round residences. Some of these homes have even been converted into bed and breakfasts. The work done on these homes and the landscaping only exudes the utmost attention to detail and the pride that the owners have towards their homes.

Since the town is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the main street and some of the streets in this neighborhood go all the way to the beach, giving you a real beach town feel. This is the definition of a perfect neighborhood. The giant oak trees that line the streets engulf the sidewalk and lawns with shade. I would recommend taking a mindful stroll through this small and quaint neighborhood as it is a neighborhood to marvel in this charming summer beach town on Lake Michigan.

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The gorgeous tree lined streets of the Historic Forest Avenue adds additional shade and protection from a sun-soaked day.

Point Betsie Lighthouse

3701 Point Betsie Road

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Point Betsie light house is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, just north of Frankfort, Michigan. This beautiful lighthouse was constructed in 1858 and has been in service ever since (3). The lighthouse was built 52 feet above the lake level (3). Point Betsie offers a quaint beach that is a bit rocky but usually not too busy. This is a great place to find a beautiful rock for your kids or your collection.

During the day Pointe Betsie Lighthouse is open for tours and also offers a gift shop. The hours may vary during months outside of the summer season. There is a lot of history and natural beauty that surrounds this historical lighthouse. This would be a great opportunity to see some of the history of Lake Michigan and the lighthouse. Point Betsie is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing lighthouses in Michigan.

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Lake Michigan on a windy day by Point Betsey Lighthouse

Lake Michigan

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The picture above was taken about 400 feet offshore on the Frankfort Pier.

Lake Michigan is Michigan’s third largest lake with a water surface area of 22,300 square miles (2). The shoreline of Lake Michigan boast several stunning dune regions, the most famous being Sleeping Bear Dunes (2). Some of the dunes in the Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore Park reach as high as 450 feet above the water surface. There are 59 light houses on the shores of Lake Michigan (2).

The state of Michigan benefits from a great summer climate that is optimal for growing blueberries, cherries, asparagus, and grapes for juice and wine (2). When you visit Lake Michigan visitors are offered a chance to enjoy pure blue crystal-clear water only northern Michigan can provide. Although, a little brisk, the water is exceptionally clear and offers a sandy bottom making swimming enjoyable for all ages. A trip to Northern Michigan will not be complete unless you dip your toes in the water as it will surely refresh your body, mind, and soul.

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Sunset over Lake Michigan seen on the Frankfort Public Beach.

I can never get over the beautiful sunsets that Lake Michigan provides in the summer towns of northern Michigan. The sunsets are magical and memorable. If you see one of these sunsets you will always remember the relaxing feeling in that breezy and crispy air.

Crystal Lake

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M-22 highway coast along the western shores of Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is one of Michigan’s prettiest and clearest lakes. It is known for its Caribbean blue colors. On a sunny day a lake such as this one is what makes Michigan summers the greatest. The lake has a beautiful sandy bottom making it one of the most desirable lakes to swim in. Crystal lake is approximately 8 miles long and measures 2.5 miles wide and has a maximum depth of 165 feet (1). Though it may not be as large as the Great Lakes, Crystal lake is the 9th largest lake of Michigan’s inland lakes (1).

Perfect for boating, tubing, or just relaxing you will not want to miss this wonder when you are in Frankfort. Most of the land that borders Crystal Lake are privately owned beaches. To gain access you will need to go to the small town of Beulah, which is located on the eastern shores of Crystal Lake. The town of Beulah has a public beach on Crystal Lake. The beach has a playground, parking lot, a boat launch, and several restaurants nearby for the day traveler.

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PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Frankfort Beach just after sunset

Frankfort, Michigan is a genuine charming summer beach town and vacation spot for the mindful traveler. Where the summer days never end and the sunsets paint the horizon with brilliant pastels of different shades of orange, yellow and red, creating a magnificent canvas for all to enjoy. A summer trip to Michigan should include this enchanting town. Frankfort Michigan is truly a beautiful and relaxing experience that only this charming summer beach town on Lake Michigan can offer.

A sunset over a beach

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Frankfort Beach just after sunset

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REFERENCES

  1. Cosaro, Rick (2021) The Crystal Lake & Watershed Association (CLWA), https://crystallakewatershed.org/watershed-facts/, retrieved on Aug. 6th, 2021.
  2. Michigan Economic Development Corporation (2021) Lake Michigan, retrieved from https://www.michigan.org/great-lakes/lake-michigan, on Aug. 6th, 2021.
  3. The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, (2021) Point Betsie Light House, https://pointbetsie.org/education retrieved on Aug 7th, 2021.

#BEACHBEST #BestBAKERY #BOATING #GOOD FOOD #LIGHTHOUSES #MICHIGAN #NORTHERN MICHIGAN #SUMMER VACATION #SWIMMING #UP NORTH

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Mackinac Island, MI – A Mindful Travel Guide

Where to find Horses, Nature Trails & Fudge

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PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl

Explore the beauty and allure of Mackinac Island in this mindful approach travel guide. Mackinac Island is known for its horse drawn carriages, breathtaking nature trails and delicious fudge. Mackinac Island is the most iconic summer vacation spot in Michigan. This beautiful place offers a relaxing experience and the opportunity to explore nature trails and small unique fudge shops. In addition, Mackinac Island is a place of wonder where you will not encounter any vehicles driving on the roads. The main sources of transportation are bikes and horse-drawn carriages. A beautiful island where horses, nature trails and fudge can be enjoyed all summer long.

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Gazebo and garden on Mission Point Resorts Great Lawn

Mackinac island is located in Lake Huron between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan. To experience this place of wonder, visitors must take a ferry or a charter plane to get to the island. If you decide to take the ferry, it is a short ride of approximately 20 minutes. The ferry departs every 30 to 45 minutes depending on the time of the year.

Furthermore, the island is famous for prohibiting chain hotels and chain restaurants, which gives its visitors a unique shopping and diverse dining experience. In addition, Mackinac Island is known for its world renown fudge, that offers a sweet tasty treat while enjoying the scenery that Mackinac Island has to offer.

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Fudge shops, restaurants and more on the main street in downtown.

There is plenty to see and do in Mackinac Island in addition to the famous horses, nature trails & fudge. This unique island is an amazing place to spend a day or even a couple of nights, as there is something to do for everyone.

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Mission Point Resort seen from their Great Lawn

In addition, to Mackinac Island’s natural beauty and environmental friendliness this famous summer resort island is an extraordinary experience for all groups and ages. Mackinac Island allows the historian to peek into simpler times, the foodie to try the wonderful and diverse cuisines and the adventurer to hike and bike along the abundant trails found throughout the Island. This is a must see experience and should be on everyone’s travel list as you will be impressed by the extraordinary natural beauty the island has to offer its visitors.

Nature Trails

Arch Rock

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This famous limestone formation has been attracting visitors for years with its picture-perfect views overlooking Lake Huron.
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Looking up from Lake Shore Drive at Arch Rock
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History of Arch Rock
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Arch Rock Staircase to the top.

Lake Shore Drive

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If walking or biking is your kind of thing, then take a day trip around the island. There is an opportunity to bike or walk around the whole island. The main road from downtown Mackinac Island is a pathway that takes you around the entire island. Once you are outside of the town, the road turns into Lake Shore Drive and can be very scenic.

Also, an interesting and important fact that you should be aware of if you are planning to embark on a walk around the island would be the total walking distance. Although, the island may only be about 3.776 square miles, it translates to 8.3 miles around the perimeter. The walk around the island can be quite a distance and therefore, we would recommend bringing a snack and some water as it gets increasingly remote in some parts of the island.

Preparing for a Hike

Some snack suggestions that will help keep you energized, hydrated, and nourished are the following:

Honey Stinger Waffles are a great way to keep you energized throughout the hike. I like the Honey Stinger Organic Vanilla Waffles. These delicious waffles are packed with a thin layer of organic honey, potassium, and other ingredients that will help you with endurance and enhance your hike. The Waffles are also USDA organic, non-GMO making them a great selection for a healthy choice snack to keep your energy up during the hike.

In my opinion GU Energy Gels in Carmel Macchiato flavor are a great option if you would like a little extra pep in your step. These gels are great as they give you much needed energy that will not only increase your endurance but also performance. The Gels have about 40 mg of caffeine for this flavor, but they do offer other flavor options with less caffeine and no caffeine as well. These Gels are not only great performance enhancement but also on the healthier side as they are Vegan and Gluten free and considered a Kosher product. My personal favorite would be the Caramel Macchiato as it tastes like a caramel infused macchiato, and I am a man who enjoys a good cup of caramel favored macchiato. Delicious!

Power Crunch Protein Bars are another great snack to have while you are on your hike as they give you higher levels of protein that will fill you up and reduce hunger. My personal favorite is the Strawberry Crème flavored Power Crunch bars. For one I love strawberries and these bars really know how to bring out the flavor. The power Crunch bars contain 13 grams of protein and only 6 grams of sugar which is the perfect balance as it still tastes good, but it also has a lot of nutrition that your body will use. These bars come in various flavors including key lime pie, lemon, vanilla, peanut butter, and many others. This snack is also easy to transport and a smart choice for a protein rich nutritious snack.

You need to keep hydrated during your hikes and should bring a couple bottles of water. As we discovered when you leave the tourist spots, Mackinac Island despite its size can become increasingly remote. We appreciated the bottled water we had after the sun was beating on us for a couple hours. My personal favorite bottled water is Evian. Evian has a balanced mineral composition and naturally occurring electrolytes which help keep you hydrated for longer periods of time. Evian is naturally filtered through glacial rocks for over 15 years, giving Evian a neutral balanced 7.2 pH for a delicious natural spring water and smooth taste.

Disclaimer: The products listed are of my personal opinion and you should follow your doctor and dietician recommendations, which are based on your own nutritional needs. Some products contain caffeine and other compositions that could affect each individual differently.

Architecture

Sainte Anne’s Catholic Church

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St. Anne’s Catholic Church entrance off Lake shore Drive

St. Anne’s Catholic Church was originally built in 1743. Nearly a 130 years later in 1873 the church was torn down and rebuilt to what it looks like today. Sainte Anne’s is one of the oldest congregations in Michigan that was established by Father Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary in the 1670’s. The church has an abundance of history and beautiful architecture that every visitor should explore. (steanneschurch.org/history.htm, 2020)

Horses

The source of all transportation outside of walking and biking is the horse (Percheron draft horse). These horses haul hotel shuttles, cargo trailers and some island tours. In addition, the Draft horses are the main source of deliveries for the entire island. 

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Main source of Transportation on Mackinac Island
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Lake Shore Drive Estates
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Metivier Inn front garden
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Star line ferry passing Mackinaw bridge en route to St. Ignace
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The Grand Hotel seen from a ferry entering Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel, which was featured in the movie “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. This prestigious hotel is perfectly situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron and all of its glory. It is located a short distance to downtown.

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The Grand Hotel personal taxi service
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Just another beautiful day on Mackinac Island. The beautiful and iconic Mackinac Island lighthouse also known as the Round island lighthouse is seen in the distance.

Mackinac Island is a special place that will leave you and your loved one with lasting memories. A place where you can enjoy world renown fudge, horses and nature trails. In conclusion, Mackinac Island is known as Michigan’s most iconic and historical island and can be enjoyed by everyone. A beautiful island filled with hisotric buildings, natural beauty and endless views of Lake Huron.

Summers in northern Michigan are spectacular for those who have visited you know what I mean. For those who have not, it’s never too late to experience peace and relaxation surrounded by the beauties of nature.

CHRISTOPHER J GRADWOHL

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Nashville, TN – What to See and Do

Country Music Capital of the World

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PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl

Nashville Tennessee is one of my favorite large cities of all-time. This city has culture, music, history and just an all-around charming appeal. Nashville got its nickname the Music City in 1925 (visitmusiccity.com, 2020). The city is never short of something to do or an attraction to see. Dubbed the country music capital of the world, this city never has a quiet night. One thing that makes downtown Nashville unique is its walkability.

A Honky Tonk Good time

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Broadway on Saturday night where the majority of the famous country bars and restaurants are located. The locals call it “Nash Vegas”.

The sidewalks are wider, allowing larger crowds to navigate with ease. Furthermore, this is advantageous for a mindful traveler, allowing them a casual approach at viewing the city at a slower pace. Traveling mindfully must be experienced in person, through sounds, smell, taste, and sight. Therefore, visiting some of the restaurants is a must for a true experience and immersion into the culutre. The best part of traveling is the journey during which you explore everything that your destination has to offer. I feel Nashville, TN has a lot to offer and is an amazing city with a cozy feel and endless sites to see.

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Accommodations

Fairfield Inn & Suites Dickson

Fairfield Inn & Suites Dickson, TN is right off interstate 40, about 25 minutes outside the city of Nashville, TN. This is a great clean hotel with plenty of parking, free Wi-Fi and a free breakfast buffet in the morning. The hotel is conveniently located next to the highway, restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. This Fairfield Inn & Suites Dickson was built in 2017, and had that new feel when we stayed there. The rooms are large and spacious, giving you a homey feel of comfort and space. The hotel also offers a pool, laundry, and fitness center, which allows for a longer stay if needed. This is a very viable option for the cross-country traveler. I would also recommend this hotel due to location and proximity of Nashville, TN. I would also recommend this hotel due to its quieter location, giving a more relaxed feel.

Restaurants

Rippy’s

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Rippy’s Bar & Grill entrance on Broadway Street

This multistory restaurant bar is located on Broadway Street, across from the famous Tootsies music bar. Rippy’s is a fun place with great BBQ options for meat lovers. In addition, they also have their famous cornbread that will give you that famous southern flare. At weekends this place can be very busy and therefore I would recommend an earlier evening arrival or visiting during lunchtime. They host live music, which is common in most Nashville bars on Broadway Street. The atmosphere is casual, noisy, and the crowd is predominately a drinking crowd. This would be a fun spot for a young couple or with the kids during the day.

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Rippy’s Bar & Grill Menu Sept. 2017

The Diner

This 6-story restaurant offers both casual and upscale dining experiences. It is located at 200 3rd Avenue South, making the restaurant centrally located in downtown Nashville, TN. This restaurant offers a wide selection of food from breakfast in the morning, to sushi, steak, and seafood, all of which are southern homestyle inspired. The views from this restaurant are incredible, giving you a vast bird’s eye view of downtown Nashville and all its glory. This is an experience for the whole family since they offer everything from casual to upscale. Some of the dining rooms offer open windows, letting you enjoy Nashville’s exquisite weather.

Cindy’s Café

Cindy’s Café is a great breakfast place located in Dickson, TN which is a small town just outside of Nashville, TN. This is a local favorite and rated exceptionally high. The café serves breakfast and lunch, offering traditional southern favorites such as biscuits and gravy, chicken and biscuits, and grits. Along with great omelets, amazing French toast and pancakes, this place is definitely a great way to start your day.

The food is incredible, probably one of the best diners I have eaten in Tennessee. This old-fashioned diner keeps to the culture of what a true breakfast diner should be. The atmosphere is cozy, and it gives a sense of a small-town feel. The service was great, friendly, prompt but not too invasive. There is a sense of pride as the restaurant was immaculately clean and seemed to be efficiently run. A great restaurant for some good-old authentic southern charm.

A Kind Gesture

We arrived at Dickson, TN at 10:00pm due to evacuating from Hurricane Irma. We were in a state of confusion, shock, anxiety, and stress from traveling all day and night. The next morning, we woke up starving and at the time we were not aware that our hotel had any dining options, so we did some quick research and found Cindy’s café. We arrived midmorning to this establishment due to its proximity to our hotel and its convenience to the main road.

The restaurant was highly rated on yelp, which aided in our choosing. When we had finished our meal, we were told that the owner was paying the tab and was praying for our home during the storm. I could not believe the compassion and empathy this business owner showed us. I was amazed and wanted to share that not only is this place worth the trip but that they are a good wholesome family-owned business that cares about people and their community. The welcoming feeling that we were shown at this establishment was truly amazing and one I will never forget.

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The Best Hotels in Chattanooga, TN

A guide on where to stay in Chattanooga, TN

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Chattanooga, Tennessee is a beautiful city located on the edges of the Tennessee River. This town is another unique river front city that is surrounded by mountains. If you are a nature lover, then this is a great place to visit, as it has an abundance of trails, sidewalks, and many other outdoor activities to do. However, finding a hotel with great access to activities is not always an easy task. When it comes to hotels, you want convenience, location, and if you are like us, maybe a free breakfast. Chattanooga has a nice assortment of hotels that will meet all of those needs and give you a parking spot as well. The following article will highlight the best hotels in Chattanooga and why we selected them.

Where to Stay when Visiting Chattanooga, TN.

There are several hotel options when staying in Chattanooga. What makes the following hotels so wonderful is their proximity to the downtown and to some of the area’s top attractions, such as the Tennessee Aquarium, the Riverwalk, Ross’s Landing, Ruby Falls, Rock City, and downtown restaurants. In addition to location, they have some wonderful amenities included in their price points. Here is a guide to the Best Hotels in Chattanooga, TN.

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SpringHill Suites Downtown/Cameron Harbor

495 Riverfront Parkway

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SpringHill Suites Entrance sign

SpringHill Suites is a wonderful hotel that is clean, comfortable, and conveniently located near downtown Chattanooga and on the Tennessee Riverwalk. This river front hotel in Chattanooga, TN has picturesque views of the Tennessee River and the bridges of Chattanooga.

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Lobby with seating area

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Breakfast area

This hotel offers onsight parking for a nominal fee, a free breakfast buffet with a wide assortment of delicious options, and oversized rooms that are exceptionally cozy with all the comforts of home. Most importantly, the staff is pleasant and very accommodating. Overall, this hotel is a great option for a family vacation, a couple’s weekend getaway or a business trip, as the hotel can accommodate all with ease and comfort.

For a room tour please see the following video below.

Room tour

The SpringHill Suites is a reasonably priced hotel that is in a walkable setting that connects the hotel with a river walk. The river walk will take you a short distance to downtown Chattanooga. This is where you will have access to the Tennessee Aquarium, Ross’s Landing, and an assortment of downtown restaurants. Furthermore, this hotel has one of the best restaurants located on thier patio, Scotty’s on the River. If you select this hotel, you will not even need your car for most of the trip. This is great because when traveling parking can become rather burdensome.

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Great Sitting Bench on the Tennessee Riverwalk

I personally find walkability a large factor when deciding on a hotel. I feel that walking is not only a healthy form of exercise, but allows for a more mindful experience, as you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and overall charm of an area at a much more relaxed pace. This makes the SpringHill Suites Downtown/Cameron Harbor our personal favorite hotel in Chattanooga, TN.

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Fairfield Inn Lookout Mountain

40 Starview lane

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Front Entrance

Fairfield Inn Lookout Mountain is a fantastic hotel, offering beautiful views of neighboring mountains. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive to downtown Chattanooga, TN. You will also be able to get to Rock City, The Incline Railroad, and Ruby Falls within a short drive. In addition to the highly rated area attractions, you are also within close proximity to the Historic St. Elmo’s district, which has several highly rated restaurants.

The Fairfield Inn Lookout Mountain hotel is one of those hotels that provides you with a dreamy mountain experience. From some of the hotel rooms, you will have a nice view of distant mountains and the Tennessee river valley. This makes for a very cozy and quiet experience. Although we visited at this location on a cloudy and overcast day, it still made for a pleasant and homey stay.

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Distant mountains from hotel room

The hotel offers free parking, Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning. In addition, the hotel provides you with all you will need for a short or even longer stay, including a corner market. The corner market offers snacks and beverages for the whole family to enjoy or just a quick pick me up before you head out on the road.

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View from one of the guest rooms

We have been huge fans of Fairfield Inn hotels for several years now based on their cleanliness, ease of parking, laundry room, workout room, and the free breakfast option in the morning. This hotel is also great for a traveler who wants to get some work done while traveling. Most of the rooms include a large work desk and multiple plugins to keep your tech charged and working.

Well, that wraps it up for hotels in Chattanooga, TN. Those are the hotels that we feel will add the most substance to your trip, as they are accommodating, located in great areas and have many amenities that will fit any traveler’s needs.

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