Just around a thirty minute drive from Chattanooga, is a charming town called Dunlap, TN. The drive to Dunlap is a scenic drive; you will notice mountain views, valleys, and farmlands.
Dunlap is a beautiful town to visit for a family trip, as it has many family-friendly activities.
After you take in the awe-viewing ride, be sure to drive straight downtown to experience the charm of the city. Click here for a map of downtown. Start your morning by grabbing a fresh donut at the local donut shop, King Donuts. Afterwards, head over to Harris Park. It is a large open park with walking trails, gazebos, and green areas perfect for a picnic! If you have little ones, be sure to check out the gated portion of the park, which has slides, swing sets, a tire swing, and a sandbox. Watch your little ones play in the gated park, while you swing and relax on the porch swings located directly in front of the play area. Also, bring your bathing suit! Harris Park also has a free splash pad that is complete with a large slide. This park truly is awesome on hot summer days!
When you get done playing at the park, head on over to the Cookie Jar Cafe. This restaurant is a country diner with all your southern favorites like fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, and meatloaf! The restaurant has a kids’ menu that includes options like popcorn shrimp, chicken tenders, hamburger, mac ’n cheese, or a vegetable plate. The café is known for their desserts: pies, cupcakes, and layered cakes! What makes this restaurant so special is that it is on a farm, so after you are done eating, walk around the property to pet the farm animals (goats, sheep, pigs, and cows) or play on the swing sets (there are two on the property), or if you are just too full from all the delicious food, hang out on the patio where they have rocking chairs!
If southern food isn’t your cup of tea, there are other restaurants in the area like El Metate, The Dunlap Restaurant, Pizza King, and Andy’s Pizza.
After lunch, there are quite a few options to explore!
If you are feeling adventurous, you’re in luck! Dunlap is well-known for hang gliding and paragliding. Check out Flying Camp to learn how you can go paragliding today!
If you are feeling adventurous, but want your feet on the ground, drive over to Coke Ovens, an 88 acre park that you can hike and explore! Per the website, “Come explore the remains of 268 beehive cove ovens used in the early 1900s to convert mountain coal into industrial coke, a product used to smelt iron ore.” There is also a free museum on site, where you can see photos and artifacts from the early 1900s.
If you are more into scenic views and leisurely strolls, then head on over to Wheeler’s Apple Orchard & Vineyard. Pick some apples, pet some farm animals, and try some cider and other products they make!
Oh, one last thing! On your way home, don’t forget to stop at the Scenic Overlook on Hwy 111 S. Not only are the views breathtaking, but you will probably be able to spot some paragliders!
