Visit Chattanooga has a fantastic lineup of tours available to WITS attendees. Spots will fill up quickly, so grab your ticket to WITS and register!
TOURS
May 27-28, June 1-2
WITS TICKET REQUIRED
REGISTRATION: Click your preferred tour time slots below to be taken to the event booking pages.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 19, 2026
TOUR REGISTRATION POLICIES
A WITS ticket is required to sign up for any tour or activity.
Supporting Local Businesses
Our tours are designed to spotlight Chattanooga’s incredible local businesses and tourism partners. By registering, you agree to share at least one post or story on your social platform of choice to help amplify these businesses.
• Social handles and suggested tags will be provided in advance
• A WITS volunteer will be on-site to help capture content
• All participants must be registered in InfluenceKit
Registration Rules
• You may only register for one tour at a time
• Tours cannot overlap or be scheduled back-to-back with less than 30 minutes in between
• Duplicate or conflicting registrations will be canceled
• Tours are open only to WITS attendees
• Children are not permitted unless the tour is explicitly marked as family friendly
• Registrations made by non-WITS attendees will be canceled
• You may not register for the same tour more than once
Availability & Waitlists
• Tours are first come, first served
• If a tour is full, you may join the waitlist
Cancellations
• If you can no longer attend, you must cancel using the link in your confirmation email by May 19, 2026
• Late cancellations after this date will incur a $50 USD fee per tour
Accessibility & Logistics
• General accessibility notes are included in each tour description. If you have additional needs, you may share them at registration
• Meeting points and entry details are listed in each tour description
Get Your Hands Dirty with Scenic City Clay Arts
Capacity: 9 per time slot
Learn how to throw your very own pottery! This class is perfect for those who have never tried pottery for, or for those looking for a refresher. In this 1.5-hour workshop, you will create handmade pottery on the wheel - items like bowls and cups. Participants can keep their favorite piece, pick your glaze and our professionals will finish your work. Finished pottery pieces will be shipped 4-6 weeks after your class.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Exclusive Play at Chattanooga's Favorite Place to Take Kids
Capacity: 50 total (includes adults and kids)
Experience hands-on, interactive play at Creative Discovery Museum! Enjoy early access to the museum before we open to the general public. We will have special activities in the Art Studio and Make It Workshop for your family to explore, innovate, create, and play together.
Kid-Friendly! Creators are invited to bring their children along on this excursion.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, quiet space, service animals welcome.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Guided Hike at Enterprise South Nature Park
Capacity: 30
Join us for a guided hike through Enterprise South Nature Park, where history, conservation, and outdoor recreation come together. Once part of a World War II ammunition plant, this 2,800-acre landscape has been thoughtfully restored into one of Chattanooga’s most important green spaces, with former bunkers now quietly integrated into forested trails, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. Along the way, we’ll explore how decades of conservation transformed an industrial site into a thriving habitat for native plants and wildlife, offering both fresh air and insight into the power of restoration.
Accessibility: Intermediate hike on natural dirt trails with exposed roots, rocks, grass, bridges, and uneven terrain. Includes hills and approximately 100 unavoidable steps without handrails (no ramp or bypass option). Total walking time is about 1.5 hours, with continuous movement; a picnic table at the midpoint provides a rest opportunity. Fully outdoors with full weather exposure in a quiet, natural setting. Not wheelchair accessible. Accessible restroom available.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Chattanooga Football Club: Women's Premier Soccer League Training Session
Capacity: 15
Join Chattanooga Football Club's semi-professional women's soccer team for a behind-the-scenes training session. Participate in a warm up, with the chance to join the athletes for a soccer challenge and interviews after training.
Dress Code: Work out clothing
Accessibility: Takes place on a grass soccer field. May include running, kicking drills, and light athletic activity. Stadium stairs are present. Moderate noise levels. Outdoors with full weather exposure. Not wheelchair accessible. Seating/rest as needed on sidelines.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Missionary Ridge Local
Capacity: 75 per time slot
Step aboard the Missionary Ridge Local for a 65-minute guided rail experience featuring live narration, historic bridges and tunnels, a working turntable demonstration, and a behind-the-scenes visit to the active restoration shop for a rare look at railroad preservation in action. Perfect for families, first-time visitors, and train enthusiasts, this popular ride offers an engaging introduction to Chattanooga’s rich rail heritage without the need for a full-day outing.
Accessibility: While wheelchair access within the railcars is not available, all guests who can board the train independently and occupy a standard passenger seat are welcome and encouraged to ride.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Rooftop Revelry - Chatt Taste Tours with Briana Garza
Capacity: 12 per time slot
Sip and savor your way across the city’s best rooftop bars with Briana Garza, world-class tour guide, mixologist, and foodie, on this experience hosted by Chatt Taste Tours, a Black-owned local business. Enjoy curated food and beverage tastings paired with skyline views and local flavor as you visit three standout venues such as Whiskey Thief, Highrail, Paloma Bar de Tapas, or Waymark.
Accessibility: Minimal Walking, driving to all destinations, not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Sunset Wine Down on Lover's Leap
Capacity: 30
Lover's Leap offers one of the best views in the Chattanooga area overlooking the Chattanooga Valley with sights that stretch for miles (and states!). Wander through Grand Corridor and taking in ancient rock formations on your way to Cafe 7 where you sip a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, explore the gardens aglow in the evening lights.
Accessibility: The majority of the trails include steps and tight squeezes between rocks, with several including a large number of steep steps together. Wheelchairs and strollers cannot navigate many of the pathways due to the nature of the terrain; however, Legacy Lane is ADA accessible and leads out to Lover's Leap and the Seven States Overlook.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Spring in Bloom at McDonald Farm
Capacity: 50
McDonald Farm has been a loved destination for generations. The commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement has shaped the farm into a sanctuary where nature and celebration harmoniously coexist. This excursion includes a guided tour of the farm, time with the animals, and a tour of the historic house, along with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful green spaces of Hamilton County Parks.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable, active clothing.
Accessibility: Due to uneven ground this excursion is not wheelchair accessible - light to moderate walking while exploring the farm.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Lula Lake Waterfall Hike
Capacity: 10
Hiking at Lula Lake Land Trust offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and carefully protected landscapes in the region. Guided trails wind through old-growth forest and past cascading waterfalls. With limited access to preserve its natural character, a hike at Lula Lake feels both intimate and unforgettable: a quiet immersion into the wild edge of the Lookout Mountain.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable, active clothing.
Accessibility: Moderate hike on uneven dirt and grass trails with roots, rocks, and inclines. Estimated 4.5 miles total with 350–700 feet of elevation change. No handrails or ramps available. Rest opportunities available throughout. Moderate-to-loud sound near waterfall areas. Possible slippery rocks near waterfall. Weather and wildlife exposure. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Behind the Trails: Guided Hike + Stewardship Experience with SORBA Chattanooga
Capacity: 15
Join SORBA Chattanooga at Raccoon Mountain—one of the region’s most iconic outdoor destinations—for a guided hike, meaningful connection, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people and trail systems that shape Chattanooga’s outdoor culture. After a brief welcome and overview highlighting the role women have played in building and maintaining more than 170 miles of multi-use trails, you’ll head out to scenic overlooks for classic views and photo opportunities while learning about sustainability and stewardship. Midway, choose how you’d like to engage: participate in a light trail care activity, continue the guided hike, or pause for reflective journaling. This flexible experience offers a chance to explore, give back, and deepen your connection to Chattanooga’s outdoor community.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable, active clothing
Accessibility: Approximately 3.5 miles total with about 650 feet of elevation change (about 2 miles for the stewardship project and the journaling portion). Uneven terrain in a remote outdoor setting. Participants should feel comfortable walking 2+ miles on natural trails. No ability to modify or skip elevation-heavy sections. Restrooms include portable toilets at trailheads and flush toilets at the visitor center (accessible en route). Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
A Plant Lover's Dream at the Tennessee Aquarium
Capacity: 5
The Tennessee Aquarium maintains a myriad of live plants inside its two buildings and outside on the Aquarium Plaza. The River Journey building has an emphasis on native plant species, while Ocean Journey on exotic plants. This experience will feature a tour of some of the indoor plant life by one of the Aquarium’s horticulturists before opening, with you getting your hands dirty and putting in a little work with watering or sweeping to make sure the plants are in tip-top shape before guests enter the building. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, quiet space, Mother's Room, service animals welcome.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Deeper Dives: Insider’s Tour at the Tennessee Aquarium
Capacity: 10
Say, “Good morning!” to some of the Aquarium’s amazing animals during this exclusive guided tour before opening hours. You will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Aquarium and greet the day alongside our animals and animal care staff. A knowledgeable Aquarium Educator will spend 1.5 hours guiding you and your party through parts of the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, where you will gain a new perspective on your favorite exhibits. You will get a peek behind the scenes to see how the animals are cared for and have the unique chance to meet one of our ambassador animals. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, quiet space, Mother's Room, service animals welcome.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) and Stream Excursion
Capacity: 15
Join the Tennessee Aquarium’s freshwater field station for a behind-the-scenes look at conservation in action. Meet scientists working to protect regional biodiversity, see native species like Lake Sturgeon, Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, and endangered Laurel Dace in the propagation room, and learn how they’re reintroduced into restored streams. Then head to a nearby stream in the Tennessee River Basin for hands-on exploration and a glimpse beneath the surface to discover the incredible aquatic life unique to southeast Tennessee — and how you can help protect these vital ecosystems. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.
Disclaimer: This outing involves physical activity – stepping over rocks, moving through water, and maintaining your balance. Weather in May in Chattanooga may range from warm and comfortable to hot in the upper 80s to low 90s.
Recommendations: Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (closed toe preferable). A limited supply of waders is available upon request. Shoe size will be needed. Pack plenty of water and some snacks, maybe even a packed lunch.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Below the Surface: Chattanooga’s Only Living Cave Experience: Wild Cave Tour
Capacity: 15 per time slot
This hands-on adventure takes creators deep into Chattanooga’s only live cave system for a true off-the-beaten-path experience. Fully outfitted with helmets, lights, gloves, and pads, you’ll explore lesser-seen sections of the cave as you crawl, climb, slide, and squeeze through natural passages. It’s a physical, immersive journey that delivers raw visuals, real adventure, and unforgettable content rooted in discovery and conservation.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable, active clothing, including long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Expect to get dirty!
Accessibility: 2-hour undeveloped cave experience involving crawling, climbing, sliding, squeezing, and navigating dirt, rock, clay, mud, and water. Approximately 1 mile total; 70% walking/climbing, 30% crawling. Tightest squeeze (“Mail Slot”) is approximately 6 ft long and 16 inches high (similar to crawling under a picnic table bench).All required safety gear — including a helmet, headlamp, gloves, and knee pads — will be provided. For safety reasons, the recommended maximum participant weight is approximately 270 lbs. Low light, quiet, confined spaces; potential mud/water exposure. No restrooms inside cave. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Crystal Palace Tour
Capacity: 12 per time slot
A guided 45-minute walking tour featuring dramatic crystal formations, active geology, and rare underground species. This tour offers stunning visuals and approachable storytelling, perfect for creators looking to capture beauty, scale, and a side of Chattanooga most visitors never see.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable, active clothing.
Accessibility: 1-hour walking tour through a horizontal cave with paved and concrete paths and narrow (approx. 3 ft) passageways. Includes 170 unavoidable steps spread throughout the tour (handrails available; no elevator or ramp). Continuous standing/walking; no seated rest breaks. Low lighting and narrow spaces. May encounter cave wildlife (e.g., salamanders, bats). Not wheelchair accessible. No restrooms available inside cave.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Downtown Kayak/Paddleboard
Capacity: 10
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a paddleboard or kayak tour of Chattanooga’s iconic riverfront! OC's experienced instructors will provide basic kayak or paddleboard instruction and moving water safety, then lead a leisurely paddle from the north shore around landmarks such as Audubon Island/ Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bluff View Arts District, Ross' Landing and Chattanooga’s historic bridges. All equipment is provided including PFDs, paddles, and our recreational kayaks or SUPs.
Dress Code: Wear something that you don't mind getting wet just in case you come in contact with the water. Wear comfortable, active clothing.
Accessibility: Launch from paved sidewalk to river with minimal steps to water. Activity involves standing (paddleboard) or seated paddling (kayak) for duration. Full weather exposure. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Sunset on the Rocks
Capacity: 10 per time slot
Chattanooga is a world-class climbing destination, known as a sandstone capital with an incredible mix of sport, traditional, and bouldering routes just minutes from downtown. Join High Point Climbing & Fitness — a locally founded leader deeply rooted in the region’s outdoor community — for a guided climb at Sunset Rock, one of the Southeast’s most iconic climbing areas. Enjoy hands-on instruction on classic sandstone routes while learning about the area’s history and conservation, and take in sweeping views of the Tennessee River Gorge, Lookout Valley, and the distant Cumberland Plateau — a perspective that captures the spirit of Chattanooga climbing.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable, active clothing.
Accessibility: Outdoor rock climbing experience on dirt and rock terrain. Approximate 60–80 ft vertical climb. Walking distance to climbing area is approximately 300–500 ft on uneven ground. Involves heights and strenuous activity over a 4-hour experience. Weather exposure. No restrooms in wooded area. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Bike The Boardwalk
Capacity: 10
Join Outdoor Chattanooga on a guided and equipped bicycle tour of a popular section on the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. The tour is a 4 mile out and back (total of 8 miles), leisurely paced ride, showcasing the renowned boardwalk section of trail that is elevated above the creek and meanders along with it. Enjoy the late spring greenery and look for Great Blue Herons, turtles, muskrats, and other wildlife while experiencing one of Chattanooga’s newest greenways!
Accessibility: 8-mile round-trip ride on paved, even greenway path with minimal elevation change. Participants must be comfortable riding a bike continuously for duration. Full weather exposure. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Seek & Sip
Capacity: 6
Step into The Reading Room, Chattanooga's women-owned bar-bookstore hybrid where literature and cocktails naturally intertwine. This intimate experience features a small-group book scavenger hunt paired with two literary-inspired drinks. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling shelves, the rich aroma of tea, and easy conversation, you'll find a cozy oasis designed for connection and quiet discovery—a space where community and curiosity meet.
Accessibility: Parking lot is slightly uneven, but bar is wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Ruby Falls History Tour
Capacity: 10
Explore the incredible lore and rich history of Ruby Falls while walking the cavern trail to the thundering waterfall with a senior-level guide. This tour features early-access to the cave, extended time at the waterfall, and stories of legendary events and happenings from our 97-year history! After your tour, save time to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River from the top of historic Lookout Mountain Tower!
Accessibility: 1–1.5 hour guided cave tour involving approximately 1-mile round trip walk with uneven rock pathways and 36 steps. Narrow passageways in sections; path widths vary and may require single-file walking in some areas. Low lighting and moderate noise near waterfall. Elevator access into cave only; no ramp alternative for trail. Handrails available on stairs. Must be able to stand/walk entire duration. Restrooms available before entering cave. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
See Rock City Before it Opens
Capacity: 100
Explore the mystical landscape of Rock City Gardens atop Lookout Mountain, before it opens to the public. Meander the Enchanted Trails, soak in the expansive views, squeeze through ancient rock formations, and revel at the scenes in Fairyland Caverns before this legendary attraction opens to the public.
Accessibility: Rock City is a series of stone walking trails atop Lookout Mountain. The majority of the trails include steps with several including a large number of steep steps together. Due to the nature of these trails, wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed along many of the pathways.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Classic Cave Walk
Capacity: 25 per time slot
Discover the hidden beauty inside Lookout Mountain! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator into the mountain and explore the cavern trail to the tallest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States.
Accessibility: Guests should be able to stand for up to 1.5 hours and keep pace with the group on a 1-mile round-trip walk that includes uneven pathways and approximately 36 steps. The tour takes place inside a natural cavern with developed walkways; however, there are narrow passages — in some areas approximately 2–3 feet wide — and low ceilings that may require ducking or briefly turning sideways. Lighting is low, and the enclosed environment may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia. The cavern is not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Picnic Crawl - Chatt Taste Tours with Briana Garza
Capacity: 12 per time slot
Experience one of Chattanooga’s most vibrant corridors with a curated, semi-guided picnic crawl along Main Street, led by Briana Garza and hosted by Chatt Taste Tours, a Black-owned local business. Discover a neighborhood known for its independent makers, craft flavors, and creative energy as you stroll between beloved spots to gather picnic-ready provisions, from butcher cuts and prepared bites at Main Street Meats to fresh bread and pastries from Niedlov’s Breadworks, artisan cheeses from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, and spirits from Chattanooga Whiskey. Then settle in for a relaxed picnic at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, where lush courtyards and iconic architecture provide the perfect setting to savor your selections.
Accessibility: Walking on main street and to the Choo Choo - paved walkways - less than .5 mile.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Deeper Dives: Feeding Frenzy at the Tennessee Aquarium
Capacity: 10
Join an Aquarium Educator and Aquarist behind the scenes of Ocean Journey to assist in feeding our schooling fishes in the Secret Reef exhibit and learn about the nutritional needs of other marine life in this habitat. You will spend half an hour in the afternoon participating in a unique experience and learning about the animals from the aquarists who care for them. Feed your curiosity alongside our animals during this one-of-a-kind Aquarium experience. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.
Disclaimer: The Feeding Frenzy tour involves contact with shellfish and other seafood. Those with allergy concerns are advised against participating or should contact us for more information.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, quiet space, Mother's Room, service animals welcome.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Speakeasy Tour - Chatt Taste Tours with Briana Garza
Capacity: 12 per time slot
Step behind the curtain for an insider’s look at Chattanooga’s hidden bars and refined cocktail scene, led by Briana Garza and hosted by Chatt Taste Tours, a Black-owned local business. This intimate experience is designed for guests who appreciate expertly crafted drinks, atmospheric spaces, and a touch of exclusivity as you uncover some of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Accessibility: Minimal Walking, driving to all destinations, not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Candle Making and Crafting at the Chattery
Capacity: 60
Enjoy a relaxed evening of candle making and creative play at The Chattery, a local Black-owned business. Chattanooga candle maker Osha Thomas of Essential Things will guide you through crafting your own custom candle—choosing a fragrance, setting the wick, and pouring a soy-blend candle to take home once it cures. While your candle sets, unwind in the Art Lounge, an art café–style space stocked with materials for collaging, watercolor, drawing, writing, or simply creating at your own pace. Come to relax, connect, and let inspiration lead the way.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, sign-language translation available.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Ruby Falls Geology Tour
Capacity: 12
Learn about the incredible geology of the cave and ancient formations while exploring the cavern trail to the thundering waterfall. Led by a senior-level guide, guests will discover how Ruby Falls Cave was formed, the science behind many of the most curious geological formations in the cave, and how the cave and ancient formations have changed over time.
Accessibility: Guests should be able to stand for up to 1.5 hours and keep pace with the group on a 1-mile round-trip walk that includes uneven pathways and approximately 36 steps. The tour takes place inside a natural cavern with developed walkways; however, there are narrow passages — in some areas approximately 2–3 feet wide — and low ceilings that may require ducking or briefly turning sideways. Lighting is low, and the enclosed environment may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia. The cavern is not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Ascension Session
Capacity: 50
Climb in the heart of downtown Chattanooga at High Point Climbing & Fitness’s flagship Broad Street location. Set inside the former Bijou Theater, this guided climbing session offers access to soaring indoor and outdoor walls, bouldering terrain, and expert instruction tailored to all experience levels. Whether you’re clipping in for the first time or refining technique, High Point’s professional staff create a welcoming, confidence-building environment where anyone can climb . . . right in the center of the city’s world-class outdoor culture.
Accessibility: Heights involved, strenuous activity involved.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Food Prep in the Aquarium Kitchen for Freshwater Fish
June 2, Time TBD
Capacity: 5
For the culinary folks, join a Tennessee Aquarium aquarist in the River Journey kitchen to prepare food for our animals in the River Giants exhibit. You’ll do unique kitchen work while learning about what goes into feeding the Aquarium’s 13,000 animals. Then, you’ll go above the River Giants exhibit to surface feed and see our dive team enter the water to hand feed the giant fish. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.
Disclaimer: This experience involves using sharp knives and contact with raw shellfish and other seafood. Those with allergy concerns are advised against participating or should contact us for more information.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, quiet space, Mother's Room, service animals welcome.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
Food Prep in the Aquarium Kitchen for Reptiles
Date TBD, Time TBD
Capacity: 5
For the culinary folks, join a Tennessee Aquarium animal care specialist in the River Journey kitchen to prepare food for our animals in the Delta Country and Turtle Nursery. Diets range from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish. You’ll do unique kitchen work while learning about what goes into feeding the Aquarium’s 13,000 animals. Then, you’ll go to the Delta Country with alligators and turtles to surface feed, followed by a personal visit to the Turtle Nursery with our herpetology collection coordinator. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.
Disclaimer: This experience involves using sharp knives and contact with raw shellfish and other seafood. Those with allergy concerns are advised against participating or should contact us for more information.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby (arrive 15 minutes early)
FAM TRIPS
May 24-June 5, 2026
WITS TICKET REQUIRED
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 6, 2026
FAM TRIP POLICIES
About Our FAMs
Our FAM trips are immersive, overnight experiences created in partnership with destinations, hotels, and tourism organizations that believe in the power of creator-led storytelling.
All core trip costs are covered for accepted participants, including accommodations and on-trip experiences outlined in each FAM description. In return, creators help amplify these partners through authentic, experience-driven content that shows what travel really looks like.
Please read each FAM listing carefully—arrival and departure locations vary. Some trips may require you to arrive in a nearby city (for example, Memphis), with transportation provided to Chattanooga as part of the experience.
Eligibility & Applications
• Participation is application-only
• You must hold a valid WITS ticket to apply
• FAM trips are open only to WITS attendees
• Children and non-WITS ticket holders are not permitted
• Applications from non-WITS ticket holders will not be considered
• You may apply for more than one FAM trip
• Submitting an application does not guarantee selection
• Late applications will not be considered
Selection Timeline
• Applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by April 8, 2026
Content Expectations 📸
All accepted participants are expected to create content in exchange for participation. If selected for a FAM you are required to post:
1 short form video on either Instagram, TikTok, Youtube Shorts - or best performing platform highlighting your experience and tagging @witsummit & @visitchatt as a collaborator + tagging all brand/destination partners in the content
3-5 IG stories which will be saved as a highlight
long form content like a blog post or Youtube Video are HIGHLY encouraged
All content is due by July 5, 2026
You will also be required to follow up with a report outlining total views, impressions, engagements and other metrics - reporting tool will be provided by Wanderful
Franklin
Capacity: 5-7
Franklin isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience layered with story, song, and Southern hospitality. On this FAM travel into nearby Nashville International Airport on May 24 to begin your exploration of a Civil War town committed to telling a fuller, more honest history, then lose yourself in evenings of live music and elevated Southern cuisine. From the creative spirit of Leiper’s Fork to Franklin’s walkable charm, expect quiet luxury, meaningful reflection, exceptional flavors, and melodies that linger long after you leave for WITS in Chattanooga on May 27.
Transportation: Creators are to arrive via air to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and are to make their own way to The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin by 6pm on 24 May. After the trip ends on 27 May, transportation will be provided in the morning (before noon) from Franklin to Chattanooga.
Sumner, Cheatham and Robertson County
Capacity: 5-10
This multi-day FAM begins May 24 in Robertson County, Tennessee, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with a farm-to-table lunch and visits to women-operated farms, followed by dinner, entertainment, and overnight at a local farm venue. On May 25, explore Cheatham County’s natural beauty with breakfast in Ashland City and a day of hiking or kayaking along the scenic Harpeth River, then return to Robertson County for dinner and a stay at a whimsical property featuring unique accommodations like a luxury treehouse and historic cabin. The journey continues May 26 with time in Robertson County’s historic downtown before exploring Sumner County’s heritage, visiting sites in Goodlettsville and Hendersonville, enjoying a waterfront lunch on Old Hickory Lake, and shopping in downtown Gallatin. The experience concludes with a wrap party and overnight at Paradise Estate, the private retreat of Leon Russell, before departing for Chattanooga on May 27.
Transportation: Creators are to make their own way to the FAM hotel Orlinda, TN, which approximately 60 minutes north of Nashville Internation Airport (BNA) or 2 hours south of Lousville, KY's International Airport (SDF). At the end of the trip on 27 May, transportation will be provided to the Chattanoogan Hotel.
Tennessee Overhill
Capacity: 5-7
Fireside Outpost will be the lodging base for this FAM. We'll welcome everyone May 24 to a catered lunch at the pavilion at Fireside, followed by a visit to Hiwassee State Park and a hike to Gee Creek Falls. Dinner that evening will be at Ocoee Dam Deli in Ocoee followed by a visit to Parksville Lake. May 25 begins with breakfast at Tellico Junction Cafe in Englewood, a visit to the Athens Living Heritage Museum, Arts Center and Mayfield Dairy for ice cream tasting, lunch at The Social on Depot Hill, then on to Webb Bros for an afternoon paddle on the Hiwasse River followed by dinner at Mchael's. May 26 begins with breakfast at Tellico Grains Bakery, and an excursion to Bald River Falls. We will also visit the Charles Hall Museum before heading on to lunch at Peach Street Grill. After lunch we will visit downtown Sweetwater and enjoy the mural walk before heading over to Tsali Notch Vineyards for wine tasting and amazing views. Dinner will be at Silver Springs Winery in Riceville, after diner drinks at Morea Distillery.
Transportation: Creators are to make their own way to Delano/Fireside Outpost by 12pm on 24 May to start the FAM trip. When the trip ends on 27 May, creators are to make own way from Delano/Fireside Outpost to Chattanooga.
Memphis: Blues & BBQ
Capacity: 8-10
On this FAM, we'll welcome everyone to lunch on May 25 at Central BBQ Downtown, followed by a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum and a stop at the legendary Sun Studio where great artists like Elvis and Johnny Cash recorded. That evening will be spent at one of our top restaurants in the heart of Downtown, followed up a good night’s sleep at one of our boutique partner hotels in the South Main Arts District. May 26 we'll have a delicious hearty breakfast at Sunrise - known for their biscuits, and then head off to Graceland and then to the STAX Museum of American Soul Music. If the weather is nice, we'll go to Tom Lee Park and take in the beauty of the Mississippi River before a final dinner at one of our Michelin recommended restaurants.
Transportation: Creators are to make their own way to the start hotel in Memphis for this FAM trip. Return transportation will be provided to the Chattanoogan Hotel on 27 May.
Walker County
Capacity: 6
Start your morning at Zahnd Overlook to capture the sunrise as it breaks over sandstone boulders and the sweeping valley below. From the heights, head underground for a guided trek through a cave, navigating raw limestone passages and dramatic caverns perfect for high-contrast action footage. Possible excursions may also include kayaking, mountain biking and waterfall chasing at Lula Lake. Spend a day experiencing the many exciting adventures Walker County offers.
Transportation: Roundtrip transportation provided from the Chattanoogan Hotel, departing at 4:00pm on 25 May and returning after FAM activities conclude on 27 May.
Adventures Unlimited
Capacity: 14
Experience the thrill of Southeast Tennessee with a 24-hour adventure along the iconic Ocoee River, set within the scenic Cherokee National Forest. Your journey begins at Adventures Unlimited, where you’ll settle into cozy cabin accommodations before gathering for dinner and an evening of live music at The Bus Bar & Grill.
After breakfast the next morning, prepare for the highlight of the trip: guided whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, host of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Navigate exciting Class III–IV rapids, take in forested canyon views, and capture the spirit of adventure that defines this region. Following your river run, enjoy lunch before departing Ocoee with amazing memories and fresh inspiration from Tennessee’s great outdoors.
Transportation: Transportation provided from the Chattanoogan Hotel on 31 March. Creators are to make their own from Ocoee, TN after 1:30pm.
Cleveland/Charleston: Focus on Cherokee Heritage
Capacity: 12
Enjoy a two-day journey through Southeast Tennessee as your host welcomes you aboard a luxury transport van for a visit to Red Clay State Park, where a park ranger will share the site’s rich history and cultural significance. Continue to Cleveland to explore the Museum and Cultural Center at 5 Points, followed by lunch in downtown and time to browse the emerging arts district and its vibrant marketplace featuring more than 100 vendors. The day continues with a stop at the new Apple Valley Orchard visitor center before dinner at Inman Social and an overnight at a Courtyard, Hampton, or similar property. After breakfast, visit the Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston, enjoy a picnic lunch at Morris Vineyard and Winery, and explore Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Meigs County—one of Tennessee’s newest state parks—before returning to Chattanooga.
Transportation: Roundtrip transportation will be provided, departing 9:00am 2 June from Chattanooga, and returning 5:00pm 3 June to Chattanooga.
The Knoxville Edit: Calling the Curious
Capacity: 5
Curious? We’re calling you to experience a tailor-made “48-hours in Knoxville” style itinerary that’s for the girls! Bond over brunch at a MICHELIN Guide Recommended hot spot, get active in the Urban Wilderness then cool down with a float in a historic quarry, taste some kitschy tiki cocktails at Tern Club, sample some hand swirled ice cream at Cruze Farm, stroll the farmers market with iced latte in hand, try on a vintage tee, pick your own beer flight while watching glassblowing artisans at work at Pretentious, risk your fate to a trust fall (chef’s choice) pizza, and clink glasses with your new besties at the mothership of all things girly pop at Mother Bar.
Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby
Transportation: Transportation provided from the Chattanoogan Hotel at 9:30am on 2 June. Creators are to book their own return flights from Knoxville, any time on 4 June.
Tennessee Trails & Tails: Adventures Through Greeneville and Johnson City
Capacity: 5
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Northeast Tennessee, where waterfalls, wildlife, world-class food, and Appalachian charm come together in one beautifully curated escape. This trip blends outdoor adventure, creative culture, and unforgettable dining into one seamless Appalachian escape—perfect if you want to experience the culture, flavor, and beauty of Northeast Tennessee in just a few days.
Transportation: Transportation provided from the Chattanoogan Hotel on 2 June. On 5 June creators are to make their own way from Johnson City.
Kingsport & Bristol
Capacity: 5
Experience the best of Northeast Tennessee on this immersive FAM exploring Bristol and Kingsport, where music heritage, outdoor beauty, and local flavors come together. Go behind the scenes at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway, visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and enjoy time in historic downtown Bristol before taking in scenic lake and dam views. Continue to Kingsport to explore Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, meet native wildlife, craft gourmet truffles at a woman-owned chocolatier, and ride the hand-carved Kingsport Carousel. Along the way, soak in Appalachian scenery, taste regional specialties, and discover the stories that make these two destinations truly distinctive.
Transportation: Transportation provided from the Chattanoogan Hotel to Kingsport on 2 June. On 5 June, creators are to make their own way from Kingsport. Closest airport is Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).