32nd Reunion and Annual Meeting - Chattanooga, Tennessee

May 28 - 31, 2015

The 2015 Reunion and Annual Meeting of the Society of John Gaither Descendants, will be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Nicknamed the Scenic City, Chattanooga is one of the South’s top travel destinations. In fact, the New York Times named Chattanooga one of the “Top 45 Places to go" in the World. Only four US destinations were named and the Scenic City was the only place outside of California.  And it’s no wonder. Tucked between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the beautiful Tennessee River, Chattanooga TN is one of America’s most breathtaking cities.  CLICK HERE to see Chattanooga in 3 minutes.

The host hotel, Embassy Suites Hotel Chattanooga - Hamilton Place is Chattanooga's brand new full-service, all-suite hotel located in the Waterside Lifestyle Center directly across from Hamilton Place Mall, and only 4 miles from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. Enjoy easy access to many local attractions and downtown Chattanooga.  The time to book your hotel room is NOW.  Click here to make your hotel reservations.

In addition to the group activities planned for the Gaither reunion, check out the following fun family activities available in Chattanooga by clicking on the name in blue:

Tennessee Aquarium – This family-friendly aquarium is home to more 12,000 animals, everything from exotic fish and reptiles to penguins and butterflies. As you walk through the multi-exhibit River Journey, you can follow a raindrop from the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way you’ll encounter song birds, snapping turtles, and river otters! The adventure continues with the Ocean Journey. This area includes hands-on exhibits, a shark tank, moray eels and colorful reef fish. The Tennessee Aquarium is also home to the popular Boneless Beauties exhibit, where guests can see invertebrates like cuttlefish, jellyfish, Japanese spider crabs, and giant Pacific octopuses. If you’re looking for family attractions in Chattanooga, look no further!

Chattanooga Choo Choo - This enduring piece of American railroad history lives on today as a 24-acre convention center, hotel and resort with restaurants, shops and walking areas. Terminal Station, the Beaux-Arts-style station designed by Donn Barber, features an arched main entrance claimed to be the largest unsupported brick arch in the world. You can even dine amid the gardens under the 82 ft dome at the Gardens Restaurant, or choose more formal dining in a restored 1938 Class A dining car.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - Opened in 1895, The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway spirits passengers from the historic St. Elmo neighborhood of Chattanooga up to Point Park at the mountain summit. Considered one of the world’s steepest passenger railways, this one-of-a-kind track up the mountainside affords visitors breathtaking views overlooking the city and the Tennessee River. A trip up the Incline Railway should definitely top your list of things to do in Chattanooga!

Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain - A true gem, Ruby Falls is a 145-foot high underground waterfall in the heart of Lookout Mountain, and is part of a cavern full of geological formations and curiosities. The Falls are located at the end of the main passage of Ruby Falls Cave in a large vertical shaft accessible by visitors. This designated National Landmark is a marvel to behold, and is a Chattanooga attraction not to be missed!

Rock City - Rock City is one of the most popular Chattanooga attractions, part of Lookout Mountain and near Ruby Falls. Visitors have a chance to explore a long trail leading through a variety of bizarre rock formations like the 1000-ton “Balanced Rock” and the “Fat Man’s” Squeeze.” The path is also lined with gardens containing hundreds of labeled local trees and plants. While there, don’t miss the two other areas, Fairyland Caverns and Father Goose Village, which feature rock caves decorated with black light-responsive sculptures. And make sure to come back back to our hotel near Rock City in the Fall to try your luck in the giant corn maze!

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park - Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park preserves the sites of two major battles of the American Civil War: the Battle of Chickamauga and the Chattanooga Campaign. This park is one of the first four authorized by the US Congress, starting in 1890, along with Shiloh, Vicksburg and Gettysburg. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park offers visitors a chance to connect with American history while taking in the natural beauty of Tennessee.

REGISTRATION

CLICK HERE to get the Reunion Registration Form.

Hotel registration is also now open. Be sure to book your room early to take advantage of the special Gaither rate.  CLICK HERE to reserve your room.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions regarding the Reunion and Annual Meeting, please submit the following form.  Our event coordinators will respond to your inquiry.