Tennessee's Charming Chattanooga Suburb Has Quaint Shops And Scenic Mountain Views

The vibrant city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a lot going for it, including (quite literally) plenty beneath the surface — hidden beneath Chattanooga's hills is an enchanting network of caverns. When you step outside the city itself, you'll find there's no shortage of things to do and see in the neighboring towns and suburbs, too. Whether you're a visitor looking to explore off the beaten path, or a Chattanooga local planning to put down roots somewhere appealing within easy commuting distance of the city, don't overlook the charming suburb of Red Bank. Located just 5 miles from the heart of the city — a seamless 10-minute drive or easy public transit trip — Red Bank offers quaint shops to peruse, gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, and a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to an urban metropolis.

Conveniently, Red Bank is also only a 20-minute drive from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, which provides nonstop flights to a variety of major cities, including but not limited to New York City, Washington, D.C., Houston, Chicago, and Miami. By car, Red Bank is within easy driving distance of Nashville (around two hours, 10 minutes) and Atlanta (around two hours), meaning you're well-connected to other southern cities.

This sweet suburb is an unexpected hub for design-forward and antique shopping. If you're furnishing a home (perhaps in Red Bank itself) or are simply visiting the area and eager to browse, you'll want to start your day of shopping (or window-shopping) at Vintage & More on the Blvd. As the name suggests, this is an emporium stocking a vast range of homewares from yesteryear. Take a look at everything from furniture and china to jewelry and tableware at this family-owned shop, which is open every day of the week.

Another shop not to be missed is Bud Floral + Home. At this delightful flower shop, you can pick up a stunning floral arrangement to take home or gift to someone else, with options for all occasions. If you're local to the area and craving a regular dose of fresh flowers in your house or office — or want to do something special for a loved one — Bud Floral and Home also offers a subscription service whereby you can sign up to have flowers delivered on a regular basis. Plus, if you'd like to learn the craft of floral design yourself in a fun and low-pressure way, they also hold workshops for all levels of skill.

The Appalachian region extends through portions of 13 states, including Tennessee, and Chattanooga sits within it, cradled by numerous nearby mountains. As a result, there's no shortage of scenic mountain views to enjoy in Red Bank, no matter if you're an avid walker or more interested in kicking back and relaxing with a gorgeous vista in eyesight. With multiple verdant parks in town, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor spots with a backdrop of the surrounding hills and ridges. A can't-miss option is the aptly-monikered Mountain Creek Park, situated in the heart of Red Bank on the slopes of Signal Mountain. This dog-friendly park contains paved paths perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling amidst a serene environment and surrounding hills.

Want to get more up-close and personal with the mountains? Head to the nearby suburb of Signal Mountain, home to the eponymous mountain and its summit, Signal Point. This mountain has a rich history as a lookout site for Native Americans, who used it to send smoke signals. In the American Civil War, the Union Army also used it as a communication point. Hikers here can enjoy the mountain's scenery, along with sweeping views over the Tennessee River below. If, after your time in Red Bank, you still haven't gotten your fill of Tennessee towns boasting fun shops and mountain vistas, continue onward to Crossville, around 90 minutes away. If you want to stay close by, visit one of the Chattanooga area's other peaks, Lookout Mountain, home to a gorgeous hidden waterfall.