The MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour in Chattanooga offers an immersive cultural experience that blends culinary delights with artistic expression. This intimate tour guides visitors through three renowned Black-owned restaurants, where they savor classic southern dishes and learn about the rich history behind each hotel. Beyond the dining experience, the tour also showcases murals and sculptures that celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., providing a unique opportunity to explore the community’s vibrant artistic heritage. Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for Chattanooga’s Black culinary and artistic traditions.

This experience made our article of 2 Of The Best Historical Tours In Chattanooga.

Key Points

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  1. A 5-hour tour showcasing three renowned Black-owned restaurants in Chattanooga, featuring classic southern cuisine and highlighting the city’s rich culinary heritage.

  2. Opportunity to discover vibrant murals and sculptures honoring Martin Luther King Jr. while learning about the significance of the artworks and their community impact.

  3. Priced at $65 per person with a maximum of 8 travelers, providing an intimate exploration of Chattanooga’s diverse cultural landscape.

  4. Starts at Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, known for its fried chicken and collard greens, and ends at Hutton & Smith Brewing Co.

  5. Supports local Black-owned businesses and preserves traditional cooking techniques, offering a unique blend of art, history, and cuisine.

Tour Overview

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The MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour in Chattanooga, USA offers an immersive experience, with a 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews.

The MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour in Chattanooga, USA offers an immersive experience, with a 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews.

Priced from $65.00 per person, the tour has a maximum of 8 travelers. It showcases three Black-owned restaurants, allowing guests to sample southern cuisine and learn the stories behind these establishments.

The tour starts at Uncle Larry’s Restaurant and ends at Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., a short 6-minute walk away.

Wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for all visitors, with the option to stay for live music at the end point when available.

Chattanooga’s Black-Owned Restaurants

On the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour, guests have the opportunity to discover three of Chattanooga’s renowned Black-owned restaurants.

They’ll sample southern cuisine at establishments like Uncle Larry’s Restaurant and Chatt Smoke House, learning the stories behind the restaurants and their significance.

The tour allows visitors to support local Black-owned businesses and enjoy the city’s rich culinary heritage.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, the experience provides an intimate and personalized way to explore Chattanooga’s vibrant Black-owned food scene.

Discovering Uncle Larry’s Restaurant

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Uncle Larry’s Restaurant is the first stop on the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour. Guests will sample southern cuisine at this Black-owned hotel.

They’ll learn about the restaurant’s significance and the stories behind it. The menu features classic dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese.

Participants can expect a warm welcome from the friendly staff and a chance to enjoy the vibrant community.

This stop provides an opportunity to explore Chattanooga’s rich Black culinary heritage and support a local business with deep roots in the neighborhood.

Savoring the Flavors of Chatt Smoke House

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After exploring the vibrant flavors at Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, the tour then leads participants to the next stop: Chatt Smoke House.

This Black-owned hotel offers a mouthwatering selection of southern barbecue dishes. Guests can expect to savor:

  • Tender, slow-smoked pulled pork

  • Flavorful chicken wings

  • Hearty mac and cheese

  • Crisp coleslaw

  • Sweet and tangy barbecue sauces

The tour guide shares the rich history and significance of Chatt Smoke House, highlighting its role as a community hub and its commitment to preserving traditional cooking techniques.

Participants enjoy the authentic tastes of Chattanooga’s vibrant culinary scene.

Learning the Stories Behind the Eateries

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As the tour progresses, the guide weaves in the fascinating stories behind each of the featured Black-owned eateries.

At Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, guests learn about the owner’s journey from the steel industry to opening this beloved soul food spot.

The guide then shares the history of Chatt Smoke House, which emerged from a family’s backyard barbecue business.

Finally, at the last stop, Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., the tour explores how this brewery supports the local community and its significance as a gathering place.

The stories deepen participants’ appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of Chattanooga.

The Walking Art History Experience

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Along With the culinary exploration, the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour in Chattanooga takes participants on a journey through the city’s vibrant art scene.

Visitors will:

  • Discover murals and sculptures that honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Learn about the significance of these artworks and their impact on the community.

  • Gain insights into the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of Chattanooga.

  • Appreciate the diverse range of artistic expressions found throughout the city.

  • Explore the dynamic interplay between art, history, and community engagement.

The walking tour seamlessly blends art, history, and cuisine, offering a comprehensive experience that showcases the richness of Chattanooga’s cultural landscape.

Ending the Tour at Hutton & Smith Brewing Co

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The MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour culminates at Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., just a short stroll from the final restaurant stop.

Guests can enjoy live music at the brewery, if available, after indulging in the tour’s delectable southern cuisine.

The tour wraps up at this convenient location, allowing participants to continue their exploration of Chattanooga’s vibrant culture and community.

With its wheelchair accessibility and proximity to public transportation, the Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. provides an accessible and inclusive conclusion to the enriching MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour experience.

Accessibility and Additional Details

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The MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour is designed to be accessible for all travelers.

The tour offers the following accommodations:

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Stroller accessible

  • Service animals allowed

  • Located near public transportation

  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible

In addition, guests will receive their tour confirmation at the time of booking.

They can also enjoy live music at the end point, Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., when available.

The tour includes a city stroll and tastings at three different Black-owned restaurants, providing a unique cultural experience in Chattanooga.

The Sum Up

The MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Chattanooga’s Black culinary heritage and artistic expressions. Guests can savor classic southern dishes, learn about the history of local Black-owned restaurants, and discover murals and sculptures celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. This intimate tour is priced at $65 per person and can accommodate up to eight travelers, providing a memorable cultural experience.

📍 This experience made our list of the 2 best Historical Tours in Chattanooga