My mother, being a stereotypical mom, doesn't come to me for advice too often.

In fact, the woman who knows the solution (and the right one, naturally) to almost every problem I've ever faced has probably needed my help on only a handful of occasions. Four, to be exact. Four and a quarter if you count the time she let me peel potatoes for a big Sunday dinner last April. You get the idea.

So when she mentioned that a group of her friends were mulling over the next destination for an upcoming all-female getaway, my mouth watered at the chance to spout off my infinite travel wisdom.

"It's down to Cleveland and Chattanooga," my mother told me.

My eyebrows shot up a subtle five inches. "Really?"

Here was my chance. I just happened to be embarking on a four-day visit to Chattanooga the following week - and could report back my findings. I could help.

I smiled. "Give me a week."

View from Lookout Mountain's Lover's Leap

Notebook open and ballpoint pen primed, I landed in Chattanooga ready to explore, research and compile my official list of female-friendly activities.

And what you'll find below, my friends, is the fruit of my labor. The result of daughterly duty, it is the definitive list of what women can look forward to experiencing in Chattanooga. Go ahead and bond - it just so happens that Chattanooga is a superb place to do just that.

Grab a Pillow

I may be too old to partake in pillow fights, but I'm definitely the right age to appreciate a good pillow. The Chattanoogan, where I stayed while visiting, not only provided me with one such pillow (down-filled and soft), but with three. Yes, I'm easy to please.

The Chattanoogan, still referred to as "new" despite having celebrated its second birthday in April, is located in the city's Southside district, just a few steps from the recently refurbished Warehouse Row - a growing collection of outlet shops.

The Chattanoogan is an activity hub for conferences, meetings and other business-related affairs, but also offers spa services and a fitness center complete with an indoor lap pool. I caught a brief glimpse of the pool while sweating away on the treadmill one afternoon. The clear aquamarine water looked so appealing that I cursed myself for leaving my bathing suit at home. (Just because I'm supposedly a travel expert doesn't mean I possess a good memory.)

The hotel's rooms are large and comfortable, with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding evergreen-cloaked hills (especially in the morning, when the first wisps of sunlight brushes the treetops in tangerine). I was pleased with everything the Chattanoogan had to offer, with one exception - there was no full-length mirror in my room. I found its absence to be a bit of an inconvenience, especially when I was just dying to admire my new shoes purchased at the outlets down the street.

The Chattanoogan's lobby is soothing and warm - gorgeously crafted wood rocking chairs are placed throughout, as are vases of bamboo. Oversized couches are cushy without losing a classic, upscale appearance. Strategically placed area rugs soften and complement the marble flooring. And a see-through fireplace is the main centerpiece, connecting both sides of the lobby.

All in all, I found the area to be my favorite part of the hotel (maybe tying with the hotel's bar -- The Foundry -- where I enjoyed a delicious $9 cosmopolitan late one night). With the number of parties involved in meetings and conferences at the hotel and the constant traffic through the area, it's easy to strike up a conversation with just about anyone while lounging around.

Bargain Shopping, Anyone?

When departing for a walk around the city, I made my first surprising discovery. Chattanooga is extremely easy to navigate. Most attractions (and restaurants) are within walking distance - and what woman would turn down an opportunity to get a quick workout? But if you're in heels or have a longer distance to travel, don't fear. Chattanooga has an electric transit system that is reliable, clean, and (best of all) free. It's also a great way to get your bearings in the city.

Old rail cars converted into hotel rooms

Another activity that won't make much of a dent in your pocketbook is a quick tour of the infamous Chattanooga Choo Choo. There was a time when this Tennessee city was the hub of most North-South railroad traffic - and the Choo Choo was the apex of such activity. The building, dating back to 1908, is really something to behold, especially its 85-foot freestanding dome, the world’s largest. As the sun nears the horizon, meander outside to admire the old train cars (some of which have been converted into hotel rooms), as they bask in a golden caramel glow.

Every Sunday from the first Sunday after Easter through the last Sunday before Christmas, you can explore the city's open air market. It costs absolutely nothing to browse, and since it's open from noon to five, you'll have plenty of time to sample the wares...and the delicious food. From all-natural soaps and lotions to intricate jewelry and farm-fresh produce, everything you'll find at the Chattanooga Market is local, including the bands who take the stage to entertain and provide some toe-tapping background music for those die-hard shoppers.

And of course, you can look without buying. But what's the fun in that?

On Frazier Street on the north side of the Tennesee River, browsing is just as exciting as buying - really. I spent a solid thirty minutes exploring Blue Skies, a hip gift shop offering everything from unique handmade greeting cards to bowls made entirely of bottle caps. And after I scoured the store, I ended up plunking down some hard-earned cash for a few trendy (but not overpriced) items.

Giant cement animals surrounding the fountains in Coolidge Park

Nestled between Frazier Avenue and the river is Coolidge Park, Chattanooga's pride and joy -- a real testament of urban renewal. Local families flock to this popular spot for the interactive fountains, a gorgeously crafted carousel (which only costs a dollar to ride) and the Walnut Street Bridge Climbing Wall.

After hopping on one of the giant cement animals near the fountains, I felt like a kid for exactly two seconds before quickly realized that "hopping" onto the elephant statue was not exactly the kindest thing to do to my out-of-shape thighs. The bruise to my ego aside, I set out to scale the nearby climbing wall. Costing only $6, my climb was exhilarating, especially when I looked up to see the Walnut Street Bridge, Chattangooa's oldest bridge, towering above my head. You see, the climbing wall isn't really a wall at all - it's one of six limestone pillars supporting the bridge.

It's been around for years, but is still considered a "local secret", according to the two women who assisted us in our climb. It was a personal challenge...and a bonding experience. All right in downtown Chattanooga.

Celebrate with a beer at The Pickle Barrel - on Thursday nights, you can score select beers for a mere dollar. After splurging on that $9 martini at The Foundry, a dollar beer is a bargain that's tough to pass up.

Gone Fishin'

You know I'm not about to start recommending early morning fishing, bonding experience or not. An easier (and less messy) way to get up close and personal with local fish is by way of the Tennessee Aquarium, the city's top attraction. Decidedly the most recognizable building on the riverfront, the aquarium has enormous angling glass peaks that are even more impressive when lit up at night. To be honest, I'm not a big aquarium person. I've never been one to set aside extra time to visit them, but I made an exception in Chattanooga. And I'm glad I did.

Chattanooga's aquarium differs from others I'd seen in one main aspect - it's a freshwater aquarium (although a 60,000-square-foot, $30 million expansion set to open in 2005 will more saltwater exhibits), focusing on fish that inhabit rivers, lakes and streams. In addition to an up-close view of common species such as bass and trout, I also admired catfish that resembled mini-blimps, more turtles than I could count and a few extremely playful river otters. All in all, the aquarium is home to more than 9,000 living specimens - including fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Soar at 2,000 Feet

Our writer and her instructor, Mike, soar high above the ground. Photo courtesy of Lookout Mountain Flight Park.

So you're feeling pretty accomplished after you and your girlfriends scaled the climbing wall. Your group of gal pals gushed about the experience while sifting through the clearance racks at the outlet mall, while eating dinner at the fabulous Southside Grill and over drinks at The Foundry. Sisters, you ain't seen nothing yet. Literally. It's time to gather your courage (and your wits) and head up to Lookout Mountain Flight Park for your first hang gliding experience.

Yes, you read right. Hang gliding. Soaring above the mountain at 2,000 feet with nothing to cling to but your instructor. By far one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had, I simply couldn't wipe the adrenaline-fueled grin off my face for hours afterward. [Read More]

Also on Lookout Mountain are Ruby Falls and Rock City, two major area attractions that appeal to people of all ages. Ruby Falls is America's highest underground waterfall open to the public - the guided tour is entertaining, but trés kitschy. It's a must, though, if you and your friends enjoy corny roadside America. Rock City is staggeringly beautiful - especially the view of the city below. I toured through woodland paths and gardens, passing over and under ancient rock formations before ending up at Lover's Leap (which offers the aforementioned city view).

And if you're lucky, perhaps you'll encounter an offer similar to one I overheard from a 29-year-old guy reaching Lover's Leap: "So, uh, does anyone want to make out?"

Sure, I declined. But I still giggled like mad.

Artsy on the Bluff

Hunter Museum of American Art

After soaring 2,000 feet above ground, the last place you might consider exploring is a an area of town named after a bluff. But the most daring aspect of Bluff View Art District is the avant garde art you'll find in River Gallery.

A quaint community populated by artists, filled with local art and carrying a bit of European flair, Bluff View is also home to two restaurants, a coffeehouse and a B&B. I would've loved to spend the good part of a day exploring the area and checking out nearby Hunter Museum of American Art. Instead, I spent my few precious minutes debating whether or not to purchase a beautiful sterling silver and freshwater pearl necklace that I happened across at River Gallery.

I didn't buy it. Of course, now I wish I would've. My mom probably would've told me to splurge and get it -- and we all know that she's always right.

And so concluded my bit of daughterly advice. After listing off all of the female-friendly activities just waiting to be had in Chattanooga for my mom's friends, she nodded and told me she'd pass my report along. I had done my part; I had come through for my mother. And it felt good.

She only had one question for me, but it was a good one: "So, would you consider going back sometime soon?"

I didn't hesitate. "Sure...why?"

"To go hang gliding with me, of course."

I grinned. I just can't wait.

GETTING THERE: Located in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga is easily accessible by air and road. US Airways just started non-stop service from New York-LaGuardia.

RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS - [Click Here]

Start planning your trip with the user-friendly Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau website: www.chattanoogafun.com

MORE INFORMATION ON CHATTANOOGA ATTRACTONS AND HOTELS:

HOTELS & RESORTS:
[The Chattanoogan]

INNS & B&Bs:
[Stone Fort Inn]
[Bluff View Inn]

HANG GLIDING:
[Lookout Mountain Flight Park]

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS:
[Tennessee Aquarium]
[Ruby Falls]
[Rock City ]
[Bluff View Art District]
[Chattanooga Choo Choo]
[Chattanooga Market]
[Hunter Museum of American Art]

SHOPPING:
[Warehouse Row Outlets]

SPAS:
[The Chattanoogan Spa] -- Since you're now a pro with tandem hangliding, why not experience a tandem massage? Two therapists, four hands -- a synchronized massage that will ease all stress and tension.