Before it became the public green-space known today, the site of Coolidge Park in Chattanooga had a very different identity and purpose. Up through the late 20th century, this waterfront parcel was occupied by a military facility — it was the location of a U.S. Naval‑Marine Reserve training station.

Beyond its military use, the broader North Shore riverfront area was generally under-utilized and even neglected: there were no major public amenities, few recreational facilities, and little reason for people to congregate along the water.

I get asked all the time where my favorite steak house is in Chattanooga. This is always a hard one for me because we have one that has been our favorite for a long time and a new favorite. There are a few new ones that are not on this list because we were not to impressed with either the food or the service but they may make it next year.