(Photo) The decorative Art Lounge at the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Piece 1: Hunter Museum of Art. Located at 10 Bluff View in Chattanooga TN is the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Established in 1952 and named in honor of philanthropist George Thomas Hunter, the museum is housed in a historic mansion originally built in 1904. The mansion is a beautiful example of the Classic Revival architectural style, featuring an ornate interior highlighted by elaborate woodwork and plaster ceiling medallions.

In 1975, the Hunter expanded to include a modern addition designed by architect William P. Bruder. This contemporary wing stands in stark contrast to the original mansion, with its clean lines, open spaces, and extensive use of glass and steel.

Further expansion in 2005 by architect Randall Stout introduced a new dimension to the museum’s architectural landscape. This addition features sweeping curves and organic forms that mimic the natural landscape surrounding the museum, particularly the Tennessee River.

The Hunter Museum’s mission has always been to connect people with American art, emphasizing a diverse collection that chronicles the evolution of artistic expression in the United States from the colonial era to the present day.

The permanent collection includes paintings, works on paper, sculpture, photography, mixed media, furniture, and contemporary studio glass.

One of our favorite pieces at the Hunter is a painting by Thomas Hart Benton entitled
“The Wreck of the Ole 97.” Benton used egg tempera on gessoed masonite to create this dramatic portrayal of a 1913 train disaster in Virginia.

Entrance to the 3D IMAX Theater

Piece 2: Tennessee Aquarium 3D IMAX Theater. In 1996, the Tennessee Aquarium 3D IMAX Theater at 201 Chestnut Street in Downtown Chattanooga TN was inaugurated and instantly became a major attraction.

IMAX stands for “Image Maximum,” signifying its commitment to delivering images of unprecedented clarity and scale. The screen is much larger in an IMAX than those found in standard theaters and is slightly curved to envelop the viewer’s field of vision. Coupled with advanced 3D technology, which makes objects appear to leap off the screen, an IMAX cinema becomes an almost tangible experience.

When you step into the 3D IMAX Theater in Chattanooga TN, you’re embarking on a sensory adventure. Each patron is provided a pair of high-quality 3D glasses and comfortable seating in spacious ergonomically-designed theater chairs. An advanced sound system engulfs the audience in multi-dimensional audio.

The theater has a concession stand offering all the traditional movie snacks and refreshments, and parking is conveniently available in a nearby deck.

We saw “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants” at the Tennessee Aquarium 3D IMAX and this compelling documentary about giant mammals of the sea fighting extinction utilized the full visual and auditory capabilities of the theater. A memorable experience!

Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

Piece 3: Pinball Museum/Moon Pie General Store. Located just steps away from the IMAX 3D Theater at 409 Broad Street in downtown Chattanooga TN is the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum.

This unique museum isn’t just a static collection of vintage pinball machines; it’s an interactive experience where visitors can pay a flat daily rate for unlimited play.

The idea for the museum took root in 2015 when pinball enthusiast John Robinson began collecting vintage pinball machines from various eras. His collection grew rapidly, encompassing rare and unique pieces that showcased significant technological advancements and artistic designs.

Recognizing the cultural value of his collection, Robinson wanted to share it with the public. In 2017, he transformed his vision into reality by opening the Pinball Museum in downtown Chattanooga.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum. The machine themes included the movie Jaws, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (featuring an Everlasting Gobstopper plunger handle), the rock band Kiss, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone.

Our favorite piece of the museum collection was a pinball machine themed after the classic television show The Addams Family. It was introduced by Bally Manufacturing Company in 1992 and became the industry’s best seller of all time.

Our last stop of the day was almost next door to the Pinball Museum; the Moon Pie General Store.

Located at 429 Broad Street in Downtown Chattanooga TN, the Moon Pie General Store is a novelty shop that features the Moon Pie, a traditional southern treat.

Originally conceived in the early 1900’s by Earl Mitchell Sr., a bakery salesman who responded to a request from coal miners for a filling yet portable snack created a simple confection made from graham-like crackers sandwiching a layer of marshmallow and dunked in chocolate. The Moon Pie was born!

The first Moon Pie General Store opened its doors in Chattanooga in 1999, aiming to recreate the charm and warmth of an old-fashioned general store while paying tribute to its hometown roots.

Here you can find merchandise, gifts, and a variety of full-size and mini Moon Pie flavors include traditional chocolate, vanilla, banana, strawberry, blueberry, mint, salted caramel, and the seasonal pumpkin spice.

When we visited the Moon Pie General Store, we opted to create our own variety box of mini Moon Pies, with at least one of each flavor. I’m partial to good ol’ chocolate and vanilla, while Becky prefers banana. That said, we have tried them all and they are ALL delicious!

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