The current owners, Mark and Cindi Ladd , shared a bit of history with us when we stayed there recently.  Edmond G. Watkins in 1889 completed this home using some of the finest construction techniques and even some of the stones from the Union Army redoubt during the Civil War in Chattanooga.  Watkins, president of the Lookout Mountain Land Company and the Chattanooga and Mountain Railway Company, was elected mayor; thus, his home became the Mayor’s Mansion.  This 14,000-square-foot property was renovated in 1995 and opened as a B&B in 1996.  McLadd Hospitality purchased the inn in 2008 and established a standard for elegant accommodations that has earned them a place in the Select Registry.

As I mentioned earlier, about 10 years ago — in preparation for writing an article about it — I toured the inn, marveling at the 11 guest rooms with private baths, the tasteful updates bringing the mansion into the 20th century, and the details that had been preserved by people who obviously cared for exacting period renovation.

Fortunately, the elegant setting that I observed this time has not only endured — it may have improved.  I like the furnishings even better this second time around.  They seem (how shall I put it?) even more comfortable, yet fitting for the time period. Relaxing in the spacious rooms is not only possible — it’s encouraged!

As you can see in the picture below, hand-painted walls (Soooo much better than plain ol’ wallpaper!) form an interesting — and lovely — backdrop.

Details such as the coffered ceilings and intricate parquet floors are a testament to the craftmanship and creativity that are often missing in many of America’s “updated” B&Bs.

Bedrooms were a bit formal — yet easy to enjoy with sink-into beds (We love down comforters!) and modern baths.

Although we choose to stay in B&Bs periodically for a taste of the past, we have another reason to select old homes-turned-hotels: It’s the people.  For example, on this stay, we met David and Margaret, former owners of a macadamia farm in  Africa, but now residents in Ringgold, Georgia.  They, too, loved the inn and the elegant breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, the Mayor’s Mansion Inn serves it each morning in three courses — and they do it up right! Katie, our server, led us into the Tiffany Dining Room where stemmed crystal held a fruit medley.  Pretty china and silver set the tone for elegant entrees yet to come.

Katie pauses for a picture between servings of hot pancackes and bacon

Main course — beautifully presented!

We dined on Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote*, and the owners graciously shared the recipe so I could post it for my readers!  (Be sure to check it out at the end!)

After a restful night’s sleep and a breakfast the likes of which we definitely don’t have at home, we felt the need to walk the neighborhood sidewalks and get a glimpse of other Fort Wood homes. Lined with centuries-old trees, Vine Street shows off some of Chattanooga’s grand ol’ dames —  homes that have been well-loved by their owners, sometimes several of them.  Here are just three of the houses for you  to enjoy — and you don’t even have to walk to see them!

I guess you’re smiling by now, because you can imagine what came next for us — and maybe what befalls everyone who comes to the Mayor’s Mansion Inn:  a leisurely time on the porch where we just “sat a spell” and got a feel for how the residents in 1899 might have enjoyed the morning air after a sightseeing walk!  It’s enough to make us want to come back just so we can do this again at twilight!

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn hosts weddings, receptions, even business meetings.  A large room in the back can seat 64 people, and all food, table settings, etc., can be arranged with their staff.  On our way out, we met Josh who said he does a little of everything around the mansion from arranging this display to helping with all manner of events and special occasions!

If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga and you like staying in B&Bs, consider the Mayor’s Mansion Inn.  We enjoyed our overnight in this historic property — modern comforts, beautifully prepared food, and friendly servers and guests. Perhaps this t-shirt has the right idea!

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn

801 Vine Street

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403

423.265.5000

email: info@mayorsmansioninn.com

http://www.mayorsmansioninn.com

*Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Blueberry Compote: In small saucepan, blend 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 cup water.  Cook over medium heat until clear and slightly thickened, stirring constantly.  Add blueberries and heat until warmed.

Lemon Riccota Pancakes: Make pancakes according to mix directions and add 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese.  Batter will be slightly thicker than normal.  Pre-make three round mini pancakes per person and rest on baking sheet in warmed oven. When ready to serve, place a thin layer of lemon pudding between pancakes, top with blueberry compote, and garnish with decorative butter pat and lemon thyme leaf.  Dust with powdered sugar.  Serve warm maple syrup on the side.

Would love to hear from any of you if you’ve stayed at the Mayor’s Mansion Inn!  Leave me a comment!

Click here to read about another Select Registry Bed and Breakfast Inn, the Black Walnut Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.

Hunter Museum — classic home, unique additions!

It’s just stunning.  It really is.  Perched 80 feet above the Tennessee River with a commanding view of the city of Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art blends the architecture of a stately columned mansion with the sleek Gehry-like curves of a modern structure.

The Hunter Museum was open on the Fourth of July! And we wanted to be there.

We’d heard it wasn’t just the traditional/contemporay structure —  the outside artsiness — the inside acquisitions are noteworthy, too.  The Hunter’s inspiring collection ranges from Colonial pieces to modern-day art by some of America’s finest:  Winslow Homer, Thomas Hart Benton, George Segal, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, and Red Grooms —  just to mention a few.

Humor, color, and movement greet you on the front lawn — “The Lindy Hop” by Red Grooms (2009)

Our small camera doesn’t do the Hunter Museum justice.  You must — simply must — click onto the website to see the photographs on each tab — images that show this blend of three buildings representing 100 years of architecture.

• First, the Edwardian-style mansion, home of insurance broker Ross Faxon.  In 1904, Faxon commissioned architects to build a private residence on the bluff.  It later sold to the founder of the first Coca-Cola bottling company, Benjamin F. Thomas.  His nephew, George Thomas Hunter, founder of the Benwood Foundation, donated the Faxon-Hunter home to the Chattanooga Art Association.
• Second, the addition of a central atrium space in 1975 and a donation of 40 American paintings from the Benwood Foundation.
• And most recently, in 2005, the $22 million expansion and another add-on: an outdoor sculpture plaza.

Old was certainly pleased to meet new.  And the architectural blend on the outside mimics the periods represented by the collections on the inside.

We had heard that this was a museum of note, but what really drew us to visit on the Fourth was a quite modern special exhibit:  Sound and Vision: Monumental Rock & Roll Photography.  If you know my husband, you know he’s a follower of legendary musicians — all genres, all styles.  I knew he would enjoy this exhibit.  But we apologize to our readers for posting no pictures of these musical greats —  photographs of the photographs were not allowed!

Take our word for it, though: this is a must-see if you are a rock-and-roll fan.

Larger-than-life-size photos, mostly in black and white, pay tribute to musicians — from the humble beginnings of rock and roll to the sounds of rappers and famous groups today. Noted in the copy accompanying each picture were the names of the photographers who, in most cases, had won the respect of — and some coveted time with — such notables as Little Richard, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, Tupac, and more.

The exhibit, with in-gallery audio, ends August 12th. (It’s a good one!)

We moved on from there to enjoy the art and architecture.  First, the view from the glass panels we had seen outside overlooking the water.

“Hunter Museum Fence” by Alabert Paley (1975)

We weren’t the only ones enjoying the view!

“Couple on Two Benches” by George Segal (1985)

The Tennessee River from the Hunter Museum

We strolled the halls and rooms looking for names of artists we recognized.  And there are many.

Here are a few, a precious few, of our favorites.

“Over the River to Grandma’s House on Thanksgiving Day” by Grandma Moses (1947)

“House on the Cape” by Edward Hopper (1940)

“Main Street Mansion” by Grant Wood (circa 1936-36)

“The Wreck of the Ole ’97” by Thomas Hart Benton (1943)

In 2008, Hunter Museum received the artist estate of George Cress, a respected Chattanooga artist.  An entire room and hallway are dedicated to this unique collection.

“Pines and Red Earth” by George Cress (1957)

The original mansion, as you might expect, houses more traditional art — sometimes in jewel-toned rooms with some of the largest Oriental rugs we’ve ever seen.

Samuel F. B. Morse, known primarily as the inventer of the telegraph, was also an accomplished artist. Above the fireplace is a portrait of Mrs. George Watson, (oil on canvas circa 1825).

“A Symbol” by Asher B. Durand (1856)

“Rose of Sharon with Feathers” Quilt (circa 1865) above a cherry table with inlay

It was a day to reflect.  To consider the art of making art.  And to think about the visionaries who turned a stately, magnificent home into a place for American art.

What’s To Like: Hunter Museum of American Art

• Fascinating blend of old and new architecture
• Selected art from some of America’s best-known, well-respected artists
• Numerous museum interest groups — e.g., Avant-Art (young-minded members!), Friends of African American Art, Hunter Underground 2012 (They party in the basement!)
• Summer Music Series: All-American Art

• Hands-on fun with art like this magnetic board with words.  Patrons are invited to arrange words to describe the art!

• String Theory — a series of chamber music concerts in partnership with Lee University

Hunter Museum of American Art

10 Bluff View

Chattanooga, TN 37403

423.267.0968

For hours and admission, click here.

Have you been to the Hunter Museum?  Let us know your favorite artworks, sculptures, places to view the river, etc.  We’d love to hear from you!

Bluff View Art District is the epitome of quiet elegance in the heart of the city.

My husband and I left Knoxville on July 3rd in time to position ourselves on the Walnut Street Bridge for Pops on the River in Coolidge Park and then watch colorful, dramatic fireworks burst and dance to the music of the night.

A view of the Tennessee River from Bluff View Art District

 But the Fourth was ours for exploring on our own, so we headed to the District.

Near the Back Inn Cafe, a tall whirligig-like sculpture let us know this is no ordinary shopping area.  This is as artsy a place in Tennessee as you can find.

This sculpture almost says “lift off”!

Our first stop? River Gallery, in the former Dr. Edward Newell home.  We spotted suspended glass orbs beckoning us inside to take a closer look.

Hand-blown glass catching the sunlight from a window in River Gallery

Known for showcasing the creative art of some of the area’s finest craftsmen, the gallery offers variety in form, function, and medium.

Colorful scarves on display at River Gallery

Ceramist Kelly Jean Ohl created “11 Piece Wall Installation” — unique wall art.

We couldn’t resist touching these hand-turned, burled wood bowls.

We were pleasantly surprised to see this oil on canvas “House in Biltmore Village” by Knoxville artist Joe Parrott!

Wall hanging of colorful, contemporary quilting: “New Paths” by Marquetta Johnson

River Gallery is celebrating 20 years in business with a special exhibit, Collecting Thoughts.  Although it runs from August 1 to 31 this year, we were privy to some of the art that day by Nancy Kubale, Roelna Louw, and Susan Parrish.  (Here’s where the viewpoints part of this post comes in: It’s not just art . . . these pieces make statements!)

The sign with Nancy Kubale’s “Stand Still” reads “a reminder to stop and stand still and be fully present.”

Roelna Louw’s ceramic sculpture entitled “Us” features two people leaning in for conversation.

Susan Parrish’s mixed media pieces are a testament to her creativity as they express her views on people, politics, and the vagaries of life.

Parrish’s “Holy Man” uses metallic washers, a sink stopper, and a blue cleaning brush!

We left River Gallery and walked past other buildings like Renaissance Commons, a stately building now used for private events and the District’s holiday buffets. Originally this was a quadruplex, then a duplex, and now one of the area’s most tasteful examples of urban renewal.

Renaissance Commons

The Bluff View Inn is really a conglomerate of three turn-of-the-century homes repurposed as Bed & Breakfast Inns: the Maclellan House, the T. C. Thompson House, and the C. G. Martin House.  An 1889 English Tudor, The Maclellan House offers seven guest rooms, a honeymoon suite, and several original furnishings.

Bluff View Inn: The Maclellan House

You can see a view of the river from the breakfast room at The Maclellan House.

Period furniture graces the sitting room.

The Bocce Court Terrace, named for the game of bocce brought to America by Italian immigrants, offers unparalleled views of the river and a place to relax.

Built with salvaged architectural elements on the site where another home previously stood, Rembrandt’s Coffee House sells paninis, soups, artfully packaged chocolates, and gourmet desserts. It was definitely abuzz with activity on the Fourth.  We took time to relax, have lunch, and meet some of the people out and about that day.

Lili talked to us about the varieties of tea and coffee at Rembrandt’s.

We weren’t the only ones having trouble deciding what to order! Sandwiches, salads, desserts, fresh brewed coffees . . .

But Dava said my choice of chicken salad was a good one and tea would make a great, relaxing after-shopping drink!

I was tempted — very tempted — to take home this beautifully wrapped box of chocolates — just for myself!

We even struck up a conversation with Christina Neighbors who wants to be a teacher, if she can get a job in Chattanooga! Anyone hiring?

Listed in the Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden fascinates young and old with creative pieces that grace the courtyard and the bank below, leading to the river. It’s not unusual to see people looking closely at the sculptures or relaxing in this urban setting so removed from busy city life.

This sculptural figure seems suspended in flight on the banks below the garden.

A stack of heads seems as tall as the bridge from this perspective!

A walking, winged sculpture seems almost in motion.

The Bluff View Bakery occupies my favorite structure, the former Powers & Condon building.  Even on the Fourth of July, workers baked fresh bread in Chattanooga’s oldest artisan bakery and hand twisted pretzels for the restaurants and B & B’s in the area.

My favorite building in the District houses the Bluff View Bakery.

Rolling and shaping pretzels by hand

We asked Sharon why they were working on the Fourth, and she replied, We have to get the bread ready to sell at Blue Cross, Blue Shield tomorrow.  To the employees.

Sharon explained why they were working on the Fourth!

And so it was, that we, too, had fresh bread to take home that afternoon as one last souvenir from the Bluff View Art District.

It was hard not to pinch off a hunk of fresh bread on our way back to Knoxville!

You can see Bluff View Art District in a day, including a quick tour of the Hunter Museum, but you may want to spend more time than that.  It’s easy to get caught up in the shops, open air sculptures, and the fascinating architecture of the district.  So much to see. So many view points.

For a historical overview of the Bluff View Art District and a timeline of the district’s development, click here.

For more on the Hunter Museum of American Art, click here, and be sure to check out my next blog.

Bluff View Art District

411 East Second Street

Chattanooga, TN 37403

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