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In the September 2001 issue of Outside Magazine, Chattanooga is named one of the ten dream towns for those seeking instant access to the Outdoors – mountain trails, whitewater rapids, fly fishing, hang gliding and rocks to climb. Their formula was simple. “First, each place must offer close access to a mother lode of usable outdoors, so that a paddle, a hike, a few wave sets, or a bump run after work is not just possible but routine.” Each community must also provide a realistic hope of making a living, and a healthy supply of available housing. The ten towns chosen are “on the verge of paradise.” Chattanooga made the list along with Bellingham, Washington, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Eureka/Arcata, California, Camden, Maine, Blacksburg, Virginia, Northampton, Massachusetts, Santa Barbara, California, Duluth, Minnesota and Missoula, Montana. Play opportunities abound in or near Chattanooga including whitewater rapids at the Ocoee River, where the ’96 Olympics were hosted, a 46-mile “blueway” trail along the Tennessee River, where bird-sanctuary islands attract herons, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles. Climbers and cavers have abundant choices and hang gliding is popular from atop Lookout Mountain. Fly fishing is available close by in countless area streams. The downtown banks of the Tennessee River lure locals and visitors to fish and enjoy arts and bluegrass festivals, miles of riverfront walkways and wonderful urban parks. If you want access to the outdoors just minutes from your home, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a place where you don’t have to ditch it all to have it all. “If life in a city reinventing itself appeals to you, you won’t get many chances like this.” |
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