Museum Hop stops
› Heritage Charles Center:H. Coolidge Stories Medalof heroes,of Honor courage dedicatedand patriotismto the historyare toldof theat this highest facility and rarest president military— from decorationthe first awarded awarded by by the Abraham U.S. Lincoln in 1863 to present-day recipients. 4900 Hixson Pike; 423-877-2525, mohm.org › Songbirds Guitar Museum: This priceless collection of rare vintage guitars, augmented by audio and visual effects, features an extensive anthology of permanent and revolving exhibits, including the most complete collections of Fender and Gibson electric guitars that exist. You’ll find many other brands as well, along with rare custom colors, prototypes and instruments with famous owners. 35 Station St.; 423-531-2473, songbirdsguitars.com
› Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:
Experience the romance of the rails from the “Golden Age of Railroading” as you tour the display yard to see steam and diesel locomotives as well as passenger and freight cars. Although there probably will not be time to ride a train while on the “Hop,” they offer train rides ranging from one hour to nine hours and with varying destinations. 4119 Cromwell Road; 423-894-8028, tvrail.com
› Bessie Smith Cultural Center: Highlights at the Bessie include cultural heritage, historical documents and artifacts portraying African-Americans’ contributions to Chattanooga and the nation. The museum also captures reflections of African-American history through photography by local artists of life before the 1800s to the present day. Its performance hall is dedicated to its namesake “Empress of the Blues.” 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.; 423-266-8658, bessiesmithcc.org.
› 6th Cavalry Museum: Experience the days of soldier and steed at this museum, which preserves the military history of the “Fighting 6th” Cavalry. Long before there was the city of Fort Oglethorpe, there was the Army Post, where the 6th Cavalry was permanently stationed from 1919 to 1942. The Post’s parade ground is surrounded by officers’ quarters and many original buildings. The museum stocks authentic weapons, uniforms, photographs, documents, a fully restored 1944 Willys Jeep and M-47 Patton tank. 6 Barnhardt Circle, Fort Oglethorpe; 706-861-2860, 6thcavalrymuseum.org.
› Houston Museum of Decorative Arts:
The Victorian residence in the Bluff View Art District contains one of the finest collections of antique glass, ceramics and pottery in the world, as well as many other kinds of rare and unusual antiques. The collection is a tribute to the determination of one extraordinary woman who spent half a century putting it together, Anna Safley Houston. The almost unbelievable story of her life, her many marriages and the hardships and deprivation she willingly accepted for the sake of preserving her collection is told here. 201 High St.; 423267-7176, thehoustonmuseum.org