There we were sitting in a bar having a quiet relaxing drink, when a conversation struck up between two strangers discussing the merits of the early 20th century steam engine. Despite this not sounding the most enthralling subject, the knowledge of the two participants together with the location we were in made it riveting viewing as they tried to outdo each other with their expertise on the subject. We were on board the Delta Queen, an old Steam Paddle Boat now used as a a floating hotel, moored on the Tennessee River in the charming city of Chattanooga , Tennessee . As if they were playing to an audience, both happily threw fact and counter fact at each other at a considerably healthy volume allowing anyone who wanted to listen in. It was like taking part in an interactive history lecture, just one of many experiences in our overnight stay on this wonderful historical ship.
Our day had begun early on the morning on the outskirts of Chattanooga and we had gone straight to Point Park in the Lookout Mountain area to take in the wonderful views offered. From this spot you can be rewarded with views of seven states, Georgia , Tennessee , Mississippi , The Carolina's of North and South, Kentucky and Virginia . However, the mist on the hot summer morning obscured our view although we still saw the most wonderful landscapes that made the diversion well worth including on our schedule. The Mountain also has a close association with the Civil War, with the fighting marked here by cannons, Monuments and also a museum passing on details of the areas role in the conflict.
As we boarded the boat there was just so much to take in, the red,white and blue coloured flags together with the brightly painted woodwork, a good old fashioned example of Americana from a bygone age.
Leaving the decks and entering the internal reception area was like stepping back in time. The decor and fittings were stunning and together with the Victorian periodic furniture created
a wonderful first impression. With luggage stored in our compact but charming room we
couldn't wait to explore the other areas of the boat.
We spent an age wandering round the communal rooms as if visiting a museum. There was so much to look at, artifacts collected over the years, old books full of stories from years gone by, scrapbooks cataloguing the history of the vessel and wonderful old black and white framed photographs of previous Owners, Captains, Crew and the Delta Queens Sister Ships lined up on the walls.
Towards the front of the boat was the eye catching Grand Staircase, with a gorgeous Crystal chandelier above it. This lead up to the Texas Deck which houses the Hotels' own on board eatery "The Paddle wheel Restaurant"
Like the two engine experts mentioned previously, there are a group of enthusiast's who regularly visit and in some cases volunteer to help maintain the ship. Whilst we were on board there were a group of OAP's merrily polishing silverware whilst reminiscing about the past and openly passing on their knowledge to any inquisitive guests. It was endearing to see such passion from all the volunteers and staff on board as if they were caring for an old friend.
Perhaps if we had been in a normal everyday hotel then the small rooms and the slight musty smell in the communal areas would have been a turn off, but this was after all a 90 year old vessel, part of living history and to me it was all part of the experience. The boat also had a real atmosphere to it, although that was not due to the infamous ghost "Ma Greene" who is reported to be a permanent resident on board.
As the sun was setting and night fall beginning to take over we sat in rocking chairs on the upper decks of the boat, staring out at the wonderful views of the river and bridges right in front of us. The lights of the riverside buildings reflected in the waters creating a kaleidoscope of colour on the ripples of the river. It was so calm and relaxed on this humid southern night, I sat back in full contentment, worry free, reflecting on a wonderful day. Our visit to the city was meant as a stay over on our trip to Nashville, however Chattanooga had won us over with its charm and beauty and the Delta Queen added that extra special something to the trip. The boats regal name had really been quite fitting as our stay on board had been the jewel in the crown from a city that had offered so much.
Our day had begun early on the morning on the outskirts of Chattanooga and we had gone straight to Point Park in the Lookout Mountain area to take in the wonderful views offered. From this spot you can be rewarded with views of seven states, Georgia , Tennessee , Mississippi , The Carolina's of North and South, Kentucky and Virginia . However, the mist on the hot summer morning obscured our view although we still saw the most wonderful landscapes that made the diversion well worth including on our schedule. The Mountain also has a close association with the Civil War, with the fighting marked here by cannons, Monuments and also a museum passing on details of the areas role in the conflict.
The city of Chattanooga itself was a wonderful experience, it was modern, friendly and seemed so clean and cared for. We took a gentle stroll round the streets taking in the legendary Moon pie shop, home to all sorts of purchasable memorabilia in honour to the cake which was first made in the city before it’s delights spread across America. We also took time to visit the old Railway Station made infamous by Glen Millers tune, “The Chattanooga Choo Choo”, now turned in a hotel but still showing its beautiful architecture particularly in the ticket office now used as the hotels reception area. At the rear the former platforms now house a train engine with carriages quirkily used as bedrooms for the hotels numerous paying guests
.
In the hot afternoon heat we made good use of the free Electric shuttle bus service, allowing us to hop off and on as we further explored other attractions in the downtown area. We ended up at the riverside area close to the modern Aquarium centre. It was there we took sight of our accommodation for the evening, the Steam Boat “The Delta Queen”, colourfully basking in the summer sunshine, a wonderful sight on the North Shore side of the river. We crossed the river via the impressive "Walnut Street" Pedestrian bridge towards the beautifully manicured lawns of Coolidge Park where the boat was moored at their landing point.
As we boarded the boat there was just so much to take in, the red,white and blue coloured flags together with the brightly painted woodwork, a good old fashioned example of Americana from a bygone age.
Leaving the decks and entering the internal reception area was like stepping back in time. The decor and fittings were stunning and together with the Victorian periodic furniture createda wonderful first impression. With luggage stored in our compact but charming room we
couldn't wait to explore the other areas of the boat.
We spent an age wandering round the communal rooms as if visiting a museum. There was so much to look at, artifacts collected over the years, old books full of stories from years gone by, scrapbooks cataloguing the history of the vessel and wonderful old black and white framed photographs of previous Owners, Captains, Crew and the Delta Queens Sister Ships lined up on the walls.
Towards the front of the boat was the eye catching Grand Staircase, with a gorgeous Crystal chandelier above it. This lead up to the Texas Deck which houses the Hotels' own on board eatery "The Paddle wheel Restaurant"
Like the two engine experts mentioned previously, there are a group of enthusiast's who regularly visit and in some cases volunteer to help maintain the ship. Whilst we were on board there were a group of OAP's merrily polishing silverware whilst reminiscing about the past and openly passing on their knowledge to any inquisitive guests. It was endearing to see such passion from all the volunteers and staff on board as if they were caring for an old friend.
Perhaps if we had been in a normal everyday hotel then the small rooms and the slight musty smell in the communal areas would have been a turn off, but this was after all a 90 year old vessel, part of living history and to me it was all part of the experience. The boat also had a real atmosphere to it, although that was not due to the infamous ghost "Ma Greene" who is reported to be a permanent resident on board.
As the sun was setting and night fall beginning to take over we sat in rocking chairs on the upper decks of the boat, staring out at the wonderful views of the river and bridges right in front of us. The lights of the riverside buildings reflected in the waters creating a kaleidoscope of colour on the ripples of the river. It was so calm and relaxed on this humid southern night, I sat back in full contentment, worry free, reflecting on a wonderful day. Our visit to the city was meant as a stay over on our trip to Nashville, however Chattanooga had won us over with its charm and beauty and the Delta Queen added that extra special something to the trip. The boats regal name had really been quite fitting as our stay on board had been the jewel in the crown from a city that had offered so much. 
Looks awesome! Thanks for the advice...we are visiting soon ourselves!
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