Things to Do in East Ridge

Leisure Time Dive & Ski Center helps adventurists plunge to new depths and soar down mountainsides at supersonic speeds. The facility stocks an extensive supply of scuba gear and skiing equipment, and makes items from both departments available to purchase or rent. Divers wanting to improve their craft can participate in a variety of different educational lessons, from a rescue diver course to the open-water training classes needed for PADI certification. Leisure Time also doubles as a full-service travel agency, and assists clients in planning exotic scuba diving and skiing vacations.

The certified instructors at Creek Bend Stables have groomed world-champion horses and riders. With their expert guidance, beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders can polish their technique and avoid common blunders such as mounting the horse by climbing up its face. Lessons progress in length and depth of instruction as students age and develop skills.

The NRA-certified range masters at The Shooter's Depot direct their watchful gaze over the shop's climate-controlled shooting range spanning nine lanes, each outfitted with motorized tracking systems and pelletized rubber backstops capable of absorbing both pistol and rifle fire. The team of instructors, which includes law-enforcement personnel in its ranks, sharpens students' aim in shooting classes that range from Beginner's Handguns 101 to the Defensive Divas women's self-defense course. The in-house dealership's weapons experts advise visitors on how to catch bullets in their teeth and unveil a collection of firearms and ammo from manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson and Beretta. For those especially passionate about responsible home and self defense, memberships grant privileges such as extended range hours and ammo discounts.

As calendars flip from February to March, Chattanooga Ducks' fleet of amphibious transports growls to life in preparation for a new season of tours by land and water. Originally designed in 1942, the DUKW military vehicles ushered soldiers through hostile battlefields and harsh weather conditions during WWII operations. Some cruisers, now referred to as Ducks, have since retired to more calm careers as tourist transports. Recalling their training as ducklings in overflowing bathtubs, the Ducks prowl both rocky terrain and aquatic areas to provide passengers with scenic tours. Duckfuls of passengers trek to points around Maclellan Island and awe-inducing spots throughout the Chattanooga riverfront during narrated tours that edify both minds and eyes.