Just a heads up, that's Walnut Street Bridge in your photo, not Veterans. It's actually one of the longest pedestrian bridges.

That's actually Walnut St Bridge, with Market St Bridge in the background, the Aquarium on at the foot of Market and Hunter Art Museum on the far left.

You are correct that Chattanooga was, historically, a very polluted city. I think that makes our renaissance that much more impressive. As your article points out, most of our greening has taken place under local "red-state conservative" leadership. Believe it or not, you do not have to be liberal or irreligious to have one of the best outdoor towns in America ... you just need beautiful natural resources and people willing to preserve and maintain them. I'm sorry you felt the need to belittle us for "evangelical dogma" and then try to deflect your criticism with "don't worry ... they're slowly becoming enlightened". We are content with who we are and welcome those who might disagree with us. When you're here, you're in the South and we'll treat you as our guests ... that's what we do. I could only hope that your town, wherever it might be, would treat us as kindly.

You are correct that Chattanooga was, historically, a very polluted city. I think that makes our renaissance that much more impressive. As your article points out, most of our greening has taken place under local "red-state conservative" leadership. Believe it or not, you do not have to be liberal or irreligious to have one of the best outdoor towns in America ... you just need beautiful natural resources and people willing to preserve and maintain them. I'm sorry you felt the need to belittle us for "evangelical dogma" and then try to deflect your criticism with "don't worry ... they're slowly becoming enlightened". We are content with who we are and welcome those who might disagree with us. When you're here, you're in the South and we'll treat you as our guests ... that's what we do. I could only hope that your town, wherever it might be, would treat us as kindly.

Chattanooga is a quirky kinda town but has a lot to offer. Im from Atlanta and lived there for 18 years of my life and when I came here I just felt more at home. All the free outdoors stuff is a great. No its not Atlanta but its got everything i need and people here are friendly laid back and you get this going green kinda vibe from the city and small town feel. I like that i can be in atlanta,nashville,knox,or huntsville in about 2 hours.Yeah theres some stuff you have to get used to and its an older town but has some charm and hell anywhere has its downsides but who cares its my home and a lot of people love this town as much as I do and if they dont get the hell out!

Well, you see what you get by Ryan's last sentence. If you can overlook the redneck trash, this place ROCKS.

Well, you see what you get by Ryan's last sentence. If you can overlook the redneck trash, this place ROCKS.

It's just common sense that whether you like a place or not has a lot to do with where you have been and what you are used to. I have traveled extensively and I've visited cities that have a lot to offer. Choosing Chattanooga as a place to live just means that you really appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor mecca that God created; the mild climate that produces four real seasons and lots of sunny days; being less than two hours from the "big cities" and six hours from "the beach"; a slower pace of life which includes lots of time with family and friends; good old-fashioned manners; delicious, but not always healthy, southern comfort food; home grown vegetables; being three degrees separated, not six; knowing at least a half dozen people when you walk into any restaurant.; getting across town takes five minutes and across the county takes a whopping thirty. Yes, there are drawbacks just like anywhere else, but keep in mind that one man's negative is another man's positive. Fortunately, Chattanoogans are mild mannered enough to not get upset over criticism especially considering the messenger. Poor fella. God bless him.

As a native Chattanoogan who has lived for extended periods in other wonderful locations -- the northern California wine country, for instance -- I think this article for the most part fairly presents Chattanooga. No place is perfect. Chattanooga has humidity, bugs, and the occasional thug. It also has an abundance of outdoor options, four seasons, a vibrant downtown, delicious restaurants, and, most important, great people. Chattanoogans -- natives and transplants alike -- are friendly, modest, kind, and happy. If they aren't that way when they arrive, they seem to become that way as they settle into our lifestyle. And people stay here: I still cycle with people I cycled with 30 years ago, and swim with people I swam with 35 years ago. Chattanooga is, in short, a beautiful place with a wonderful community. Bravo for Chattanooga.

This write seems like a total jerk. Don't think this captures even 1% of what is so great about Chattanooga and its people. Poorly researched, poorly written.

Rednecks? That's like us saying if you can get past the ignorant Yankees, you'll love Portland... Have some respect and look past your stereotypes.

Graduated from UTC, moved back to Memphis, and then spent a miserable year there before I got my butt back to this city. No, we’re not going to live Best City in America but if you want a relaxing weekend full of fun and interesting things to do: Come to the Scenic City. Whether you are outdoorsy or a city slicker, you can find things to do for everyone. Interested in shopping? Check out North Shore for eclectic and highly unique gifts, clothes, art, and jewelry and when you’re done shopping, stack in it the car and then go have a picnic in Coolidge Park between the two bridges on the river. Take a stroll over the Walnut bridge into the Bluff City Art District where you can find the Hunter Art Museum as well as Rembrandts Coffee Shop and Tony’s where you can dine on Italian while sitting on the porch and watching the river. If you are more into the rugged terrain of the mountains, try some outdoor activities like hang gliding, ziplining, biking, rafting, or hiking. There are plenty of places to go explore the natural beauty of area and the hills and crests will take your breath away (literally). Want to bring the family? Try the Aquarium (with Penguins!), Creative Discovery Museum, Rock City, Ruby Falls, or Incline Railroad. I’m in my twenties and those places still entertain my group of friends on beautiful fall afternoons. And yes, as a northern transplant, I can attest to the country, rednecks, and southern belles that reign in every area of this fair city- but come on, this is Tennessee, people. You’d be surprised at how many transplants have moved here, fallen in love with it, and enjoyed every minute of it. Come to Chattanooga. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Well there it is folks,we got it.I have been a longtime suscriber to Outside Magazine,and for the past few years Chattavegas,Chattaboogie or jus plain ol Chattanooga has been right on the edge of getting some recognition for what we have to offer .This is my home,this is where Im from and I have lived and visited bigger,nicer cities that have all the Eco-friendly tech you could imagine,But this is where its at.We as natives offer you all one thing that you just dont get anywhere else,Good Ol Southern Manners,like it or not this town deserves to get the votes,sure its not Portland or Boulder but its home and its one awesome place if you like to get out and play in the woods.Just remember down here we hold the door open for you,we wave at you while passing on an old country road,and just say "how ya doin" when we make eye contact,sure I guess that would be hard to swallow for some folks but like it or not this is no "ultimate drean town" this is Chattanooga Tennessee and this is one great place to be.

Well there it is folks,we got it.I have been a longtime suscriber to Outside Magazine,and for the past few years Chattavegas,Chattaboogie or jus plain ol Chattanooga has been right on the edge of getting some recognition for what we have to offer .This is my home,this is where Im from and I have lived and visited bigger,nicer cities that have all the Eco-friendly tech you could imagine,But this is where its at.We as natives offer you all one thing that you just dont get anywhere else,Good Ol Southern Manners,like it or not this town deserves to get the votes,sure its not Portland or Boulder but its home and its one awesome place if you like to get out and play in the woods.Just remember down here we hold the door open for you,we wave at you while passing on an old country road,and just say "how ya doin" when we make eye contact,sure I guess that would be hard to swallow for some folks but like it or not this is no "ultimate drean town" this is Chattanooga Tennessee and this is one great place to be.

What the author missed is that although Chattanooga has plenty of Tea Party types, it has always been pretty apolitical, as least as regards local government. Nobody runs as a Democrat or Republican in local elections and though there are plenty of rubes, you definitely get the feeling that rarely do they put their own interests above those of the city. The City comes first. People that live here love the place with an unusual passion and dedication to it.

Sorry your home town didn't get top spot. We aren't Portland and we aren't trying to be. Let me enlighten you on a couple points. First the picture in the article is labeled wrong, which others have already pointed out - not very professional. Also, your magazine asked people to vote on their favorite town, and Chattanooga won. If you can't help but be a jerk in your article because you don't agree with the winning choice, maybe let one of the grownups write for you next time. And lastly, when you use the restroom, it stinks - the same as us "rednecks" here in Chattanooga. We won't hold that against you though. =]

Sorry your home town didn't get top spot. We aren't Portland and we aren't trying to be. Let me enlighten you on a couple points. First the picture in the article is labeled wrong, which others have already pointed out - not very professional. Also, your magazine asked people to vote on their favorite town, and Chattanooga won. If you can't help but be a jerk in your article because you don't agree with the winning choice, maybe let one of the grownups write for you next time. And lastly, when you use the restroom, it stinks - the same as us "rednecks" here in Chattanooga. We won't hold that against you though. =]

Great City, lackluster write-up. Chuck - you suck. Go home.

Great City, lackluster write-up. Chuck - you suck. Go home.

Bob Corker is a local success story in terms of money and politics, but no hero. The revitalised waterfront initiatives were proposed by citizens and then endorsed by Mayor Gene Roberts in the mid 1980s. I was The Chattanooga News-Free Press reporter who covered it all. Did the writer talk to Dawson Wheeler or Marvin Webb? They and their business, Rock Creek Outfitters, were the real pioneers in getting people excited about Chattanooga as a place for outdoor adventure and this was in the 1980s as well. Cannot imagine doing an article on Chattanooga outdoors and not talking to them, Mike Pollock and others, or how he didn't point out that Chattanooga's efforts to showcase its outdoors went alongside efforts to enhance the arts, low-income housing and many other quality-of-life initiatives. Although I am among those no longer living there, for someone to spend three days there and meet mainly transplants means he didn't fully investigate the 1/4 mile of North Shore, peppered with earthy and outdoor businesses, on the other side of the bridge he misnamed, or ask for some names of lifelong locals to contact. Transplants have a unique story to tell why they chose Chattanooga, and the natives has a unique and equally important story about their efforts, which began in the 1970s and became organised in the 1980s, to make Chattanooga all the things, and more, that cause Outside Magazine to notice.

Terrible write up. Poor investigative journalism. Bad research. Mislabeled pictures. Dude, get another job. Magazine writing and journalism apparently isn't your thing.

Ridiculous, highly educated diverse population in Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Yes, there are many 'REDnecks'. There are beautiful farmlands abundant to the surrounding Chattanooga..and the tending farmers may frequently get sunburnt while cultivating. So, yes, your neck will get red if your in the Sun working with your palms up and not just rested nicely on the keyboard getting a digit workout. The loose lip comment put in that regards such a global devestation for all humanity...Aids, sickening. Sense of humor is equivalent to your judgment.

Ridiculous, highly educated diverse population in Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Yes, there are many 'REDnecks'. There are beautiful farmlands abundant to the surrounding Chattanooga..and the tending farmers may frequently get sunburnt while cultivating. So, yes, your neck will get red if your in the Sun working with your palms up and not just rested nicely on the keyboard getting a digit workout. The loose lip comment put in that regards such a global devestation for all humanity...Aids, sickening. Sense of humor is equivalent to your judgment.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press: Thompson, who plans to release a book in 2012 about the South called "Better Off Without 'Em: A Northern Manifesto for Southern Secession," said Monday that, although he liked Chattanooga, "I don't think that readers of Outside want some whitewashed version of everything." Yes Chuck, but I suspect that they would also like to read a story that was insightful, informative, and unbiased towards its subject. They certainly won't find it here.

I am sort of glad Thompson wrote the article as he did. Chattanooga has now been democratically established to be the best town in the U.S., and he gave a fair reporting of it, though it's true he could have tied in more local businesses/attractions for potential tourists. However, his negativism may serve to stave off the stereotypical Boulder/Telluride/Portland crowd for a bit longer, and help our city grow into full richness on it's own schedule. Viva Chattanooga!

Chattanooga is not a perfect town but it also certainly didn't deserve such a mean spirited write up. Why Outside magazine and Chuck Thompson felt it was necessary to do this is beyond me. I am not a native of Chattanooga but I have grown to love it and am proud to call it home. If the editors of Outside magazine or Chuck Thompson don't like it then "a southern man don't need him around anyhow." You can keep the title and your magazine because I definitely don't need it around either. Sweet Home...Chattanooga!

Do any of you even know what a Redneck is? Derogetory! Heck no! It is actually a very highly respected part of the American population, demonized by the Federal Government. The Rednecks were originally Scottish Tribal Clansmen that fought against the English Govt & defeated them. They wore red bandanas around their necks. In America they defeated Gen Cornwalis at Kings Mountain in NC after working their way through the forests from KY & TN. In the coal lands dispute on the 1920-30s the Federal Govt. made them out to be ignorant scum of the earth so that they could confiscate their lands and turn them over Coal companies so that they could be strip mined of their coal. The Hill Billies who are also demonized have the same Scottish background & fell to the same fate as the Red Necks. I'm proud to be considered one or both of the above & this city abounds with the likes of them.

Do any of you even know what a Redneck is? Derogetory! Heck no! It is actually a very highly respected part of the American population, demonized by the Federal Government. The Rednecks were originally Scottish Tribal Clansmen that fought against the English Govt & defeated them. They wore red bandanas around their necks. In America they defeated Gen Cornwalis at Kings Mountain in NC after working their way through the forests from KY & TN. In the coal lands dispute on the 1920-30s the Federal Govt. made them out to be ignorant scum of the earth so that they could confiscate their lands and turn them over Coal companies so that they could be strip mined of their coal. The Hill Billies who are also demonized have the same Scottish background & fell to the same fate as the Red Necks. I'm proud to be considered one or both of the above & this city abounds with the likes of them.

Wow, Chuck Thompson. Don't do us any favors. You're correct, don't move here. More people like you will ruin the city. BTW- That's the Market St. Bridge. Quality research. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigative_journalism

Wow, Chuck Thompson. Don't do us any favors. You're correct, don't move here. More people like you will ruin the city. BTW- That's the Market St. Bridge. Quality research. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigative_journalism

The editors and publishers of Outside should be ashamed. You sent a guy who is already working on a book that totally disparages "the South" to cover Chattanooga's selection as "Best Town Ever." He (allegedly) spent one day in the city and submitted a biased and often factually inaccurate article that is a "backhanded compiment" at best. Chuck Thompson was so impressed with his own snarky wit and anti-Chattanooga comments that he forgot Journalism 101. Do you guys hire "fact checkers"? Worst Article Ever.

I'm glad you didn't like Chattanooga, because your sour a** attitude is exactly what we will not tolerate here. If you'd pulled your head out of your behind, you would have had a much better appreciation for the best town ever. Sorry I'm not sorry that Portland didn't win, or that you already hated the South before you even got here. You have represented everything that we do not like about snobby, liberal Pacific Northwest people in one article. And PS, there aren't "hook ups" because Chattanooga is not where you go to "hook up" -- if you want that, try Vegas. Nice, respectable Southern ladies and gentlemen settle down here, so all of us "10s" are happily taken. Go back to Portland, we don't want you here.

Great article. Southern manners aren't very apparent from these comments.

Sweet Home - Chattanooga! Lots of great comments, folks...especially John Divine's, Jacob Dowden's, and MC Northern's. This article is unsatifactory and should be done over!! I completely agree that Outside Magazine should have given this assignment to someone with a much higher level of tact and professionalism. Congratulations, Chattanooga!!

No mention o the National Battlefield, the 2 National Forests, the largest wilderness area East of the Mississippi, the recreation on the Tennessee River, the multiple lakes, the Aquarium, the multiple State Forests, the multiple hunting opportunities, the great city wide free concerts, the great outdoor festival, the great food, and breweries, the wonderful city parks the free downtown transportation, etc, etc. This Author missed the point, and why was the article focused on this sad sac Childers? I hope he gets Chiggers where the sun don't shine...

Chattanooga is a fantastic place to live and play. It's filled with wonderful people who would sooner pray for you - or help clean up your home after a tornado - than offer up 'evangelical dogma'. Overall, a poor piece of journalism. (Not a random comment, I worked in the business for 20+ years.). This article doesn't even begin to capture how breathtaking this place can be and how blessed we are to live here.

Chattanooga is a fantastic place to live and play. It's filled with wonderful people who would sooner pray for you - or help clean up your home after a tornado - than offer up 'evangelical dogma'. Overall, a poor piece of journalism. (Not a random comment, I worked in the business for 20+ years.). This article doesn't even begin to capture how breathtaking this place can be and how blessed we are to live here.

I can't believe the editors of outside magazine let this author right an article like this and consider this flattering... It is poorly written, and disrespectful, and leaves out all the things that makes this city great... I'm very disappointed in Outside magazine...

You come to Chattanooga and don't see how we have overcome adversity that most places in the country have not had to. You talk about it like you know it, like you are an expert on sociology, civics, and Chattanooga History. Stick to the sports and restaurants you have no business talking about our City the way you did. Don't. I invite you to stay in Vermont.I can't believe that Outside Magazine would print an article like this. I'm disappointed in them and have lost respect for their reporting......

It really is too bad that Mr. Thompson chose to perpetuate his own outdated stereotypes of what he thinks Chattanooga is like! I am proud of the progress Chattanooga has made and have no doubt that we will continue to move into the future with continued success. P.S. - I've camped, hiked, biked, ran, climbed, and paddled all over this area and have never had chiggers, fleas, or poison ivy. We have many more great genuine people than 'rednecks', and in my humble opinion my husband and me are both 10's!

So maybe it's not so much the author, but that Mr. Trevor Childress, doesn't sound like he's a good spokesman for the area. I say fire them both. I love Chattanooga !

So maybe it's not so much the author, but that Mr. Trevor Childress, doesn't sound like he's a good spokesman for the area. I say fire them both. I love Chattanooga !

Well Chuck, this story has ruined it for me. That's right, every article from Outside I've ever read is ruined. Journalism... research... I think not. There is however a bright side to your article. If readers believe it to be sound, they may steer away from Sweet Home Chattanooga, and leave the rippin' single track, fast rapids, river city lifestyle, mountains and nature at every turn, the never mentioned shooting sports and budding restaurant scene to those of us that know value when we live it. Keep up the good work man!

“Chiggers, poison ivy, rednecks, humid summers, cold winters. If you don’t like those things, you shouldn’t come here.” What the hell does this mean? Especially when Chattanooga was chosen the "BEST TOWN EVER"! "Hey, Sir Edmund, if you don't like cold, steepness, long hikes, snow and ice, and lack of oxygen then don't go to Mt Everest because it's the tallest mountain ever!" WTF? And cold Winters? Are you from the equator Chuck or just really really not from around here? And unless you have absolutely never ever ridden a mountain bike before, don't cry about it in article you intend to publish! And not to forget Ms Tara Donne. Tara-you might want to reread your "philosophy" which is quoted from your site: "Trust your gut, shoot what you love, be kind, don't leave if you don't think you got the shot." You cut a bridge and a museum in half or less and I should give you benefit of the doubt on "the Walnut St Bridge" since it's so long but since you got the name wrong I'm not. At least get part of the next pillar for compositional purposes if you ever make it to the "best town ever" again. Try a wider angle lens or go back to Brooklyn and get it. Outside Magazine-could've saved you several K by writing this article and shooting the photograph myself for $200.00. Recommendation-leave these jack-wagons alone and get someone qualified to do our town justice for the honor it was chosen for! Disappointed!

Guys this article was pretty good. The writer took some liberties with the term redneck, but if you read again he was only quoted what Trevor Childress said. I grew up in Chattanooga 30 years ago and have since moved away. I have lived all over the world and currently live in Asia. I recently visited Chattanooga during a trip back to the states and did not recognize the place. Chattanooga has evolved into a great city. Local born and bred Chattanoogans along with transplants from various places have combined to create a fantastic city, with a vibrant young population. The areas around Chattanooga are some the best for anyone who enjoys being "Outside". So having a great city and a great group of people attracts attention from all over. It might also attract a little jealousy from those not familiar with you or your city. Try and let any insecurities you might have about your city or your "rednecks" be dismissed. There is a certain charm about having a variety of everything. Variety is the spice of life and this includes all types combined to create a charm that is getting noticed by the readers of "Outside"

I agree we should have some manners because I would not want to accelerate the opinion that we all are rednecks. It's a bummer that the article began that way. Every town has a dark side and ours is the "tea bagger" conservatives who think the best way to raise a child is to kill things or run over them with your 4 wheeler. I am embarassed by that side of my town. I have lived here all my life and I love it here despite the people who don't ruin it for me. We have a wonderful town. A beautiful town. Natural beauty and home town feel. The downtown area used to be a ghost town. Within the last 15 years or so, it has thrived and become my favorite place to be on the weekend. Without agenda, I just like to wander the streets and bridges and take it all in. I wish the journalist had spent more time here. It is ill represented and was hoping for more respect...but I am not going to get ugly here. That would not appropriately represent our Southern hospitable spirt. Peace.

I agree we should have some manners because I would not want to accelerate the opinion that we all are rednecks. It's a bummer that the article began that way. Every town has a dark side and ours is the "tea bagger" conservatives who think the best way to raise a child is to kill things or run over them with your 4 wheeler. I am embarassed by that side of my town. I have lived here all my life and I love it here despite the people who don't ruin it for me. We have a wonderful town. A beautiful town. Natural beauty and home town feel. The downtown area used to be a ghost town. Within the last 15 years or so, it has thrived and become my favorite place to be on the weekend. Without agenda, I just like to wander the streets and bridges and take it all in. I wish the journalist had spent more time here. It is ill represented and was hoping for more respect...but I am not going to get ugly here. That would not appropriately represent our Southern hospitable spirt. Peace.

Did this guy even visit Chattanooga? Chuck probably did a Google earth walk through and a search for restaurants to write about local cuisine. If you are bored in Chattanooga something is wrong with you. Chattanooga offers almost everything for everyone. Please send someone who will write an unbiased report of our city. No we are not perfect but then again no place is.

Clearly the editor and author have a bias against Chattanooga. The hardest thing to wrap my mind around, though, is that this was a great opportunity for the magazine to pick up potentially hundreds to thousands more subscriptions based on using Facebook for their poll and expanding their audience. Chattanooga ran away with the vote, suggesting that the opportunity to broaden the market for Outside Magazine was ripe with opportunity, yet the author and editor chose to squander it.

Clearly the editor and author have a bias against Chattanooga. The hardest thing to wrap my mind around, though, is that this was a great opportunity for the magazine to pick up potentially hundreds to thousands more subscriptions based on using Facebook for their poll and expanding their audience. Chattanooga ran away with the vote, suggesting that the opportunity to broaden the market for Outside Magazine was ripe with opportunity, yet the author and editor chose to squander it.

Chuck... quick question. Did you forget that you write for OUTSIDE MAGAZINE? “Chiggers, poison ivy, rednecks, humid summers, cold winters. If you don’t like those things, you shouldn’t come here.” Now, I know you're quoting this and not yourself making the statement, but Chuck, C'mon. Any idiot that would utter this sentence is not worth quoting. Please name one city that qualifies as the BEST place to live by OUTSIDE magazine that doesn't have bugs and temperature changes. This article was lame.

Chuck... quick question. Did you forget that you write for OUTSIDE MAGAZINE? “Chiggers, poison ivy, rednecks, humid summers, cold winters. If you don’t like those things, you shouldn’t come here.” Now, I know you're quoting this and not yourself making the statement, but Chuck, C'mon. Any idiot that would utter this sentence is not worth quoting. Please name one city that qualifies as the BEST place to live by OUTSIDE magazine that doesn't have bugs and temperature changes. This article was lame.

As a transplant who has some familiarity with some other cities on this list I will say that Chattanooga is an affordable compromise, but in no way should be considered the best city. This magazine caters to young people, and one thing they would be disappointed by is the general lack of an educated culture. The local university, UTC, is pretty lacking, and does not have many graduate programs. This is a big minus when you compare it to places like portland, boulder, santa fe, etc... The culture can also be a bit offsetting. Most of the progressives are transplants. Make no mistake, this city has been revitalized by transplants, not the locals. The "old money" indigenous culture is very off-setting. People are upset if you don't recognize their last name. I once met a guy whose last name was Davenport and he was steemed by the fact that I didn't bow to him, or praise his filial line. There is a dispraportionate amount of poverty and the public schools suck. Not just the inner city schools either, all of them are horrible. But you also have some of the best, and most expensive private schools in the nation. So you're left with a dichotomy between the rural and urban impoverished and the preppy private school products who wear yellow shorts with ducks or fish on them, and a salmon polo, drive a mercedes but don't have a "JOB."

As a transplant who has some familiarity with some other cities on this list I will say that Chattanooga is an affordable compromise, but in no way should be considered the best city. This magazine caters to young people, and one thing they would be disappointed by is the general lack of an educated culture. The local university, UTC, is pretty lacking, and does not have many graduate programs. This is a big minus when you compare it to places like portland, boulder, santa fe, etc... The culture can also be a bit offsetting. Most of the progressives are transplants. Make no mistake, this city has been revitalized by transplants, not the locals. The "old money" indigenous culture is very off-setting. People are upset if you don't recognize their last name. I once met a guy whose last name was Davenport and he was steemed by the fact that I didn't bow to him, or praise his filial line. There is a dispraportionate amount of poverty and the public schools suck. Not just the inner city schools either, all of them are horrible. But you also have some of the best, and most expensive private schools in the nation. So you're left with a dichotomy between the rural and urban impoverished and the preppy private school products who wear yellow shorts with ducks or fish on them, and a salmon polo, drive a mercedes but don't have a "JOB."

Come on! That's the Walnut St. Bridge. Is no one checking facts here? Also, I get the feeling that this writer doesn't even like Chattanooga, but since it won he has to write "good" things about it.

How can the writer mention "cooler October temps bring out the climbing masses" - it isn't even mid-September! Did he come here in 2010??

To be honest, I had never heard of OUTSIDE Magazine until now. Based on the name, one wouldn't think it's about politics, religion, dating, weather (Cold winters? Compared to those in hell?), and rednecks. One definition of "outside" is "the extreme limit of a guess." So if that's what the name means, then the article makes some sense. If, however, the name refers to the outdoors, which seems likely, then the article misses the mark. There is nothing comparable to the natural beauty of Chattanooga.

To be honest, I had never heard of OUTSIDE Magazine until now. Based on the name, one wouldn't think it's about politics, religion, dating, weather (Cold winters? Compared to those in hell?), and rednecks. One definition of "outside" is "the extreme limit of a guess." So if that's what the name means, then the article makes some sense. If, however, the name refers to the outdoors, which seems likely, then the article misses the mark. There is nothing comparable to the natural beauty of Chattanooga.

Did you people read the article? It's actually a pretty good write-up that serves its purpose of attracting people to check out the town. He was praising all of the good things, despite his expectations and what LOCALS were telling him. When a writer uses quotations, that means someone else said the words. Your ignorance is to be expected. Oh, and did you ever think that the photographer might have logged that photo wrong? It was a mistake, get over it.

Did you people read the article? It's actually a pretty good write-up that serves its purpose of attracting people to check out the town. He was praising all of the good things, despite his expectations and what LOCALS were telling him. When a writer uses quotations, that means someone else said the words. Your ignorance is to be expected. Oh, and did you ever think that the photographer might have logged that photo wrong? It was a mistake, get over it.

As a transplant from Pennsylvania, I am sorely disappointed with this article. For one - the poor industrial history of Chattanooga, leading to the amazing revitalization and renaissance into a gorgeous setting is highly commendable. Secondly, as a single woman living in Chattanooga, I think it is a wonderful place to be single. So many activities and places in which to meet new people! The night life is wonderful, whether you are downtown, at the North Shore or anywhere nearby. There is SO MUCH to do for not only the nature/outdoor enthusiasts, but for those who prefer city living. And the people down here are SO MUCH nicer than they are where I came from. Yes, of course, there are those who are still rude, but it happens so much less than up North. I live outside of town, and it still takes me only 20 minutes to make it downtown, I always manage to find parking - which by the way is an issue common to every city in this country and not just Chattanooga. There is so much music, art and culture, such a variety of restaurants and hot spots and so many historical spots in addition to all the outdoor activities - why wouldn't anyone consider this place to be darn-near perfect?

As a transplant from Pennsylvania, I am sorely disappointed with this article. For one - the poor industrial history of Chattanooga, leading to the amazing revitalization and renaissance into a gorgeous setting is highly commendable. Secondly, as a single woman living in Chattanooga, I think it is a wonderful place to be single. So many activities and places in which to meet new people! The night life is wonderful, whether you are downtown, at the North Shore or anywhere nearby. There is SO MUCH to do for not only the nature/outdoor enthusiasts, but for those who prefer city living. And the people down here are SO MUCH nicer than they are where I came from. Yes, of course, there are those who are still rude, but it happens so much less than up North. I live outside of town, and it still takes me only 20 minutes to make it downtown, I always manage to find parking - which by the way is an issue common to every city in this country and not just Chattanooga. There is so much music, art and culture, such a variety of restaurants and hot spots and so many historical spots in addition to all the outdoor activities - why wouldn't anyone consider this place to be darn-near perfect?

If you want to read a nice article about Chattanooga, check out "High Times in Chattanooga" published in Garden & Gun this summer. You can see the same Tara Donne photos that Outside recycled for their article, except with the correct bridge names.

If you want to read a nice article about Chattanooga, check out "High Times in Chattanooga" published in Garden & Gun this summer. You can see the same Tara Donne photos that Outside recycled for their article, except with the correct bridge names.

Chatt Realist said, "Make no mistake, this city has been revitalized by transplants, not the locals." Say what? You might want to spend a little time learning about the revitalization of Chattanooga, and who funded and orchestrated it, before you continue insulting the "indigenous culture."

Chattanooga was revitalized through the efforts of it's native citizens, although we didn't deny "transplants" the opportunity to participate. : )

Chattanooga was revitalized through the efforts of it's native citizens, although we didn't deny "transplants" the opportunity to participate. : )

Chattanooga was revitalized through the efforts of it's native citizens, although we didn't deny "transplants" the opportunity to participate. : )

Chattanooga was revitalized through the efforts of it's native citizens, although we didn't deny "transplants" the opportunity to participate. : )

I read the article, Koder, but until your brilliant analysis, not to mention the realization of my woeful ignorance, I obviously missed the entire point of the article. I'm so ashamed. And your point about the photograph -- what insight! Alas, I'm such a LOCAL. And one more thing. You're an idiot. Get over it.

OK did I miss something? This guy is talking about Chattanooga? I am a transplant and what attracted me to the city was the revitalization that has taken place spearheaded by the citizens of the city, not the transplants. It was the initiative of citizens which made the difference. It was not transplants who built the Aquarium nor started Big River Grill, 212 Market, the Big Chill and the other establishments which brought life back to the downtown. Who is this person Trevor Childress anyway? What has he done to make Chattanooga a better place? If he cannot get a decent job maybe he should have graduated from whining. I would not want to work with him.

OK did I miss something? This guy is talking about Chattanooga? I am a transplant and what attracted me to the city was the revitalization that has taken place spearheaded by the citizens of the city, not the transplants. It was the initiative of citizens which made the difference. It was not transplants who built the Aquarium nor started Big River Grill, 212 Market, the Big Chill and the other establishments which brought life back to the downtown. Who is this person Trevor Childress anyway? What has he done to make Chattanooga a better place? If he cannot get a decent job maybe he should have graduated from whining. I would not want to work with him.

I would like to point out another topic that was missed was the history surrounding Chattanooga. Right across the river is Lookout Mtn which is loaded with Civil War history, artifacts and memorials for those who fought and died during the Civil War. This also links to the Chickamauga Battlefield, another very close, history enriched place for Civil War enthusiasts to visit. Chattanooga has been my home since I was in first grade and I love it. The city has come a long way in the past 10 years and I am proud to call it home. The people are great, the sites are incredible and the outdoor playgrounds are a plenty!!!! Keep on keepin on Chattaboogie!!

Did you all read the full article? I think most of the defensive comments come from a misunderstanding of the author's tongue-in-cheek tone. It also seems to be a knee-jerk reaction to our Chattanooga paper's recent article about the author's upcoming anti-South book that he's supposedly writing. Look at this piece alone... it is actually very flattering to Chattanooga! I get the tone, Chuck, and am not at all offended. And for my fellow Chattanoogans, think "Brer Rabbit" y'all.

Did you all read the full article? I think most of the defensive comments come from a misunderstanding of the author's tongue-in-cheek tone. It also seems to be a knee-jerk reaction to our Chattanooga paper's recent article about the author's upcoming anti-South book that he's supposedly writing. Look at this piece alone... it is actually very flattering to Chattanooga! I get the tone, Chuck, and am not at all offended. And for my fellow Chattanoogans, think "Brer Rabbit" y'all.

Being a local Chattanoogan, I do believe that yes, the critisim quoted in this piece is harsh, but it's very true. Yea, some people here are rednecks, yea, we do have bugs, and yes it may be hard to find a job, but if you truely love being outdoors, none of that should really matter. There's a lot to do here in Chattanooga, from paddeling to hang-gliding, it's a fun place to be if you enjoy being outdoors. The critisim given made me realize even more how much I love Chattanooga, and how good it is to grow up here. Nice people, good food, and things to do if what makes us, us.

Being a local Chattanoogan, I do believe that yes, the critisim quoted in this piece is harsh, but it's very true. Yea, some people here are rednecks, yea, we do have bugs, and yes it may be hard to find a job, but if you truely love being outdoors, none of that should really matter. There's a lot to do here in Chattanooga, from paddeling to hang-gliding, it's a fun place to be if you enjoy being outdoors. The critisim given made me realize even more how much I love Chattanooga, and how good it is to grow up here. Nice people, good food, and things to do if what makes us, us.

Being born and raised in Chattanooga I know this city pretty well already. This stuff said is very unpleasant but are somewhat true. All of these things that are listed I am used to so they don't bother me. I love being outdoors unless it's raining or extremely cold. Chattanooga is the greatest place to live if you love the outdoors you have the Amazing Tennessee River and the beautiful Mountains. You just have to get used to all the things that were listed when you do you will begin to love Chattanooga as much as we do.

I love Chattanooga. It has outdoor space that people dream about. It's a big enough city that it's not small, and small enough you're not sitting in traffic for hours to get to work. It has obvious Southern hospitality and people go out of their way to be nice. It is quickly growing and you can sense the hope and future for this city. I think this sums it up.."I don’t like Outside ­coming in here and naming this the best town ever,” he says, like a kid upset that his secret hideout has been revealed. “I sure didn’t vote for Chattanooga on that thing.” :)

I agree with the author on this article. He named pretty much all the positive and negative aspects of Chattanooga. Whenever he started a sentence with a negative comment, he neutralized it with a positive one. If he talked about something positive, he tackled it with a negative comment as well. However, I think that Chuck Thompson was being a little blunt and more toward the negative side. He outweighs the good comments with the bad. He started out his article with a negative quote, so that unveils his own opinions pretty clearly. Overall I think he did a good job of describing Chattanooga.

I'm curious about where Chuck lives. Sounds like there's some jealousy going on in that article......

wow.

wow.

Ya'll people can think whatever ya'll want. Us Rednecks are gettin' along just fine without ya. I'm from Chattanooga where we don't have fireflies -we got lightnin bugs. Taters are mandatory but shoes ain't. Ya'll is a proper noun, Ain't is a word. Chicken is fried. Biscuits come with gravy. Kool-aid and sweet tea are the house wines. Shopping carts are buggies. We go to Church on Sunday monrin's. You can hear your mama whistle a mile away, and you know you're in trouble if she calls your middle name. Get with it or get over it. Ya'll have a nice day now.

Ya'll people can think whatever ya'll want. Us Rednecks are gettin' along just fine without ya. I'm from Chattanooga where we don't have fireflies -we got lightnin bugs. Taters are mandatory but shoes ain't. Ya'll is a proper noun, Ain't is a word. Chicken is fried. Biscuits come with gravy. Kool-aid and sweet tea are the house wines. Shopping carts are buggies. We go to Church on Sunday monrin's. You can hear your mama whistle a mile away, and you know you're in trouble if she calls your middle name. Get with it or get over it. Ya'll have a nice day now.

Just a few things the author forgot to mention about the "Nooga"; the North Shore shopping and dining, The weeklong music festival known as Riverbend, Rock Creek Outfitters, free live music downtown every summer Friday evening, weekend markets and art festivals, Lookouts Baseball, UTC Football, multiple universities and colleges, more than a dozen Civil-War battlefields and historical sites within a 20mile radius, and proximity to Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville , and Ashville. The rock climbing is phenominal, you can be on quality rock in as little as 15 minutes from downtown, and the number of quality crags is mind blowing. As for water sports there is something for everyone, lakes and the Tennessee River for sailing, recreational boating, and kayak touring. There is a multitude of Class IV,V creeks for the serious kayaker, and the Ocoee River is a H2O playground for boaters and rafters alike. Hikers and Mt bikers will find their trails from the Cumberland Plateau to North Georgia and North Carolina, and don't forget that the Great Smokey mountains are just to the Northeast with the famed Appalachain Trail snaking along the ridgelines. I could go on about the fishing, hangliding, 4X4ing, cycling, occasional ice climbing, trail running, and other outdoor pursuits but I think you get the picture...... visit and you'll see what we're all raving about!

First the writer uses a joke by one of the most arrogant egotistical ass holes in comedy. Doug Stanhope was not invited back to Chattanooga's Premier Stand Up Comedy Club because he thought our little city was not hip enough, and kept berating the audiences. Where is he today? Playing beer joints and Bowling alleys. Second, I am proud that you can't get AIDS here yet. The writer uses one persons opinion and I belief not an accurate one. As for the single scene and woman in town, "a town of sixes" maybe if your in the woods all the time. Head downtown on a Friday Or Saturday night and tell me it's all Sixes. I would not be surprised if the writer is from the point of view if it ain't Cool by standards of people who think they are cool, like himself, then its hick. I would also say many of the quotes were taken out of context. You can make an opinion piece say what you want no matter the quotes.. Horrible attitude but again maybe for the best ,as do we really want to be hot popular for a few years or have long steady growth? Reminiscent of a New York writer complaining about the smell of some sewers in a small area of town, during a dry hot period in the summer. Have you ever smelt New York..

What bothers me about this article even more than the whining tone (first time mountain biking?), adolescent slams ("town of sixes"?), and limited focus (how many people did the author talk to besides Childress?), is the author's skewed reasoning (he can't "twist" his {not "your"} head to understand urban renewal, therefore Chattanooga's renaissance must not be valid?). The author's stabs at humor come across as snarky.

The article by Chuck Thompson sucked. His bias couldn't have been more clear. The editors never should have let that article get published but their own bias seems to have gotten in the way. If Outside is going to continue to publish articles like this with references to red necks, social conservatives and the Scopes monkey trial while they ignore the seedy history of cities like Portland, OR (Shang hai, anyone? Opium trade?) I'll just stop buying the magazine. Leave the snotty, elitist attitudes behind and stick to the outdoors, please.

The article by Chuck Thompson sucked. His bias couldn't have been more clear. The editors never should have let that article get published but their own bias seems to have gotten in the way. If Outside is going to continue to publish articles like this with references to red necks, social conservatives and the Scopes monkey trial while they ignore the seedy history of cities like Portland, OR (Shang hai, anyone? Opium trade?) I'll just stop buying the magazine. Leave the snotty, elitist attitudes behind and stick to the outdoors, please.

I just moved to Chattanooga to Philadelphia for school, and this article makes me miss my home town SO much! "The Scenic City" is one of a kind, and I am so blessed to have grown up there. It is most certainly the place that I will spend the rest of my life.

Thanks for letting us know what not to purchase...

That's a fine example of the tolerance and open-mindedness for which liberals are so famous, right?

Guess what..... there are rednecks in every town!!!!

Had a nice laugh reading this. Was in Chattanooga for a year and couldn't find work even though I was completely qualified (or over-qualified in many cases) for all jobs I applied for. Basically I felt like I had to be related to someone to get a job, or go to church with them. Very churchy (not in a good way) and very clique-y and sooooo touristy. Started to think it was me, but the first job I applied to elsewhere I got hired. So yeah, y'all can KEEP Chattanooga. Why would you want to move somewhere that isn't very friendly to "outsiders" looking to get established there? Run people out and they won't come back. I know I won't!

Someone please tell me that Chuck Thompson did not actually get paid to write this horrible article. He is obviously biased and did not take the time to research even a fraction of what Chattanooga has to offer its Outdoor enthusiasts.

Someone please tell me that Chuck Thompson did not actually get paid to write this horrible article. He is obviously biased and did not take the time to research even a fraction of what Chattanooga has to offer its Outdoor enthusiasts.

I just moved here from Nashville by way of a brief stint in Johnson City, TN...I love it here! Great up and coming local brew scene, solid non-chain restaurants, friendly people of all types, liberal and conservative. Whatever you're looking for niche-wise, I'm sure its here. The music seen isn't too shabby and the city has had incredible management for the past 20 years. But you're right, its probably best kept the way it is before it gets crowded like Nashville....please everyone just move along, nothing to see in Chatty ;-)

I just moved here from Nashville by way of a brief stint in Johnson City, TN...I love it here! Great up and coming local brew scene, solid non-chain restaurants, friendly people of all types, liberal and conservative. Whatever you're looking for niche-wise, I'm sure its here. The music seen isn't too shabby and the city has had incredible management for the past 20 years. But you're right, its probably best kept the way it is before it gets crowded like Nashville....please everyone just move along, nothing to see in Chatty ;-)

Hey Chuck, Portland was founded by a Tennessee native, William Overton. It was also founded well after Chattanooga. Our history didn't start in the 1960's and 70's, so you have certainly discredited yourself as any kind of historian (or researcher for that matter). Chattanooga's current mayor is a liberal, so you missed that one (though I am not his biggest fan...but I digress). Lookout Mtn, Missionary Ridge, and Ross's Landing have more rich history than Portland has in it's 150 years of existence. Good luck on your next article...if you still have a job. You dumba$$.

Chuck, Did your wife cheat on you with a guy from Chattanooga? Why the negative bias? Why do you think so many outdoor enthusiasts are moving here? Why is Chattanooga consistently ranked on this list? Quite frankly...You did a horrible job of explaining the array of outdoor activities and unique culture offered in Chattanooga. The first sentence of this article is incredibly negative/arrogant and this theme is carried throughout with your backhanded compliments. Your picture caption above the WALNUT STREET BRIDGE isn't even correct. Did someone not edit this? As a full time resident, your obvious lack of credible research and negative bias is borderline offensive. I am truly sorry more people didn't vote for your hometown of Portland.

Chuck, Did your wife cheat on you with a guy from Chattanooga? Why the negative bias? Why do you think so many outdoor enthusiasts are moving here? Why is Chattanooga consistently ranked on this list? Quite frankly...You did a horrible job of explaining the array of outdoor activities and unique culture offered in Chattanooga. The first sentence of this article is incredibly negative/arrogant and this theme is carried throughout with your backhanded compliments. Your picture caption above the WALNUT STREET BRIDGE isn't even correct. Did someone not edit this? As a full time resident, your obvious lack of credible research and negative bias is borderline offensive. I am truly sorry more people didn't vote for your hometown of Portland.

I know Trevor Childress. He's from Atlanta. Great way to find out about a town--talk to someone who isn't from there!!! I'm not sure which is worse, writing a sham article for a sham magazine, or voting to be the best town on Facebook for said magazine. Congrats, Chatty! You brought this one on yourselves.

I know Trevor Childress. He's from Atlanta. Great way to find out about a town--talk to someone who isn't from there!!! I'm not sure which is worse, writing a sham article for a sham magazine, or voting to be the best town on Facebook for said magazine. Congrats, Chatty! You brought this one on yourselves.

Wow...after reading this article, winning best town isn't a good thing. Especially if winning involves Chuck Thompson coming to your town for a day and riding around with someone who grew up in a different town. Chuck is the wrong person to be writing any positive article involving the South. His obvious preconceived dislike for the South along with his lack of professionalism is readily apparent. I lost respect for Outside Magazine and certainly won't be buying a subscription anytime soon.

Wow...after reading this article, winning best town isn't a good thing. Especially if winning involves Chuck Thompson coming to your town for a day and riding around with someone who grew up in a different town. Chuck is the wrong person to be writing any positive article involving the South. His obvious preconceived dislike for the South along with his lack of professionalism is readily apparent. I lost respect for Outside Magazine and certainly won't be buying a subscription anytime soon.

It never ceases to amaze me the absolute arrogance of a) yankees and b) liberals. Please, if you don't like the "evangelical" dogma or "conservative" bent to our politics, feel free to STAY HOME. While a lot of the North and West are facing deep and long lasting recessions with job losses a good deal above the South. You can credit that, in large part to that good ol' conservative policies. You can see it in Red States as well. Our bigger cities where Liberal policies have taken hold have fared far worse than those cities and areas that have stayed true to a limited government. Read - Atlanta, New Orleans, etc. SO, I would appreciate it if you kept your condescension to yourself. Stay in Oregon, Washington and California where you don't have to be bothered by our Southern Ways. We won't miss you one bit.

I lived in PDX for 5 years, met a lot of great people and not so great. Without fail when speaking in my " accent" , someone had an "incest" comment. racist and rednecks? Please, I had never heard of a cross being burnt till moving to Portland...in the yard of an bi-racial couple...In Tigard...Skinheads..thoes guys scared me, I would cross the street when coming close to that bunch. Do I need to mention the beating death that occured there in the 90S!! If you like unending rain, overpriced housing, few 'good' jobs, skinheads, shameless predjudice to Southerners, Christians and anyone who isnt in the extreme left, excessive taxes, casual racism, rampant heroin and meth use (theyve the South beat on this one..), Portland is the place for you.

I lived in PDX for 5 years, met a lot of great people and not so great. Without fail when speaking in my " accent" , someone had an "incest" comment. racist and rednecks? Please, I had never heard of a cross being burnt till moving to Portland...in the yard of an bi-racial couple...In Tigard...Skinheads..thoes guys scared me, I would cross the street when coming close to that bunch. Do I need to mention the beating death that occured there in the 90S!! If you like unending rain, overpriced housing, few 'good' jobs, skinheads, shameless predjudice to Southerners, Christians and anyone who isnt in the extreme left, excessive taxes, casual racism, rampant heroin and meth use (theyve the South beat on this one..), Portland is the place for you.

How many of you subscribe to this magazine or even buy it? I suggest you, DON'T.

In actuality here is what chattanooga has to offer a real outdoor person. The ocoee is right there so most of the kayakers in the region are progressive. Also there is the tennessee wall and sunset rock which are good climbing. Finally rock creek offers some really good running in the area including 50 mile races and trail marathons. That being said it is not an outdoor mecca like berkely, boulder, or madison. The tone of chattanooga is very southern and non-progressive. You cannot hit chipotle post climbing because they have not branched out to the south. Similarly you dont have the culture of professional outdoors athletes that exists in competitive places like boulder. Seriously outdoors you should check stats on running races etc. You will find that finish times are well below those that happen in Colorado or Vermont or Nor Cal. There are a few fast runners and cyclists but it is not the kind of place where everyone rides thier bike 19 hours a week if they race like in Boulder. The exception to elite outdoors is like I said in kayaking. Eric Jackson lives an hour away in Rock Island Tenn. Similarly the Ocoee, and Nantahala and Chattooga are full of elite paddlers as is Asheville. Still if you are actually from an outdoors mecca Chattanooga will just not be progressive enough. So Lance stay in Austin, Lindsey stay in Vale, Shawn stay in park city, and Big Shooter stay in Colorado

Chattanooga is a very beautiful city. There's much to be appreciated about it, especially its scenery. For a more relaxed slow-paced environment, its ideal. For the young and ambitious, its the first step to failure. It is, indeed, very behind the times. The deep south mentality of the locals creates a type of inertia in everyday life that is very frustrating. The level of incompetence of blue-collar workers there, is baffling. The level of crime isn't too bad, but there is definitely some reform to be made within the police department before they become more efficient in handling situations. The constant presence of thugs at various locales hurts tourism. After studying the economy of Chattanooga, and reviewing TNs state budget, it's hard to blame the locals for being far less ambitious than the rest of the world. An awful amount of the states budget is spent in social welfare and state-funded insurance, not tourism. Why do anything with your life, when the state takes care of you? I lived in the city for several years, it's was horrid, and i wouldn't recommend that anyone under the age of 70 live there. Or anyone that's ambitious in any way. There could be good investments to be made there, as most that reside there aren't interested, or capable of investing in their own community. But, as previously mentioned, it's a very beautiful city!

Chattanooga is a very beautiful city. There's much to be appreciated about it, especially its scenery. For a more relaxed slow-paced environment, its ideal. For the young and ambitious, its the first step to failure. It is, indeed, very behind the times. The deep south mentality of the locals creates a type of inertia in everyday life that is very frustrating. The level of incompetence of blue-collar workers there, is baffling. The level of crime isn't too bad, but there is definitely some reform to be made within the police department before they become more efficient in handling situations. The constant presence of thugs at various locales hurts tourism. After studying the economy of Chattanooga, and reviewing TNs state budget, it's hard to blame the locals for being far less ambitious than the rest of the world. An awful amount of the states budget is spent in social welfare and state-funded insurance, not tourism. Why do anything with your life, when the state takes care of you? I lived in the city for several years, it's was horrid, and i wouldn't recommend that anyone under the age of 70 live there. Or anyone that's ambitious in any way. There could be good investments to be made there, as most that reside there aren't interested, or capable of investing in their own community. But, as previously mentioned, it's a very beautiful city!