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Ringgold, Georgia: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

The Depot is free to walk right up to and the bullet marks are still there in the wood. The whole of the Downtown Alley costs you nothing at all. The Georgia Winery will pour you six of the wines for a 10 dollar fee out there. Free concerts run at the Depot and there are free movie nights over at Fort Oglethorpe as well. Lake Winnie.

Are you planning a trip to Ringgold, Georgia and wondering what to do? Ringgold is a city in Catoosa County, Georgia, running plenty of activities and attractions. History follower, wine follower, or somebody who wants to be outside, Ringgold covers all three.

Ringgold carries a history going back to the Civil War, which makes it work for anybody who follows the past. The city holds several historic landmarks, the Ringgold Depot and the Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel among them. Take a walk through Ringgold’s downtown alley to work the architecture and the city’s past.

If you want something slower, take a wine tasting at one of Ringgold’s wineries. Georgia is known for its wines, and Ringgold is no exception. Take a glass with the countryside opening out around you. And if you want a run at something, Ringgold runs hiking, fishing and the nearby Chickamauga Creek.

Key Takeaways

• Ringgold, Georgia is a charming city with plenty of activities and attractions to offer.
• History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Ringgold’s historic landmarks and downtown alley.
• Wine tasting, hiking, fishing, and exploring the Chickamauga Creek are some of the many fun activities available in Ringgold.

A Brief History of Ringgold

So you want the history of Ringgold? You have timed it, because this small town has a story worth hearing.

Ringgold was founded in 1846 and incorporated as a city in 1847. It was named after Major Samuel Ringgold, who came out of the Battle of Palo Alto in the Mexican-American War. And no, not the Ringgold known for its chicken, although we do run some strong fried chicken joints here.

During the Civil War, Ringgold worked as a transportation hub for the Confederate Army. It was here that the Great Locomotive Chase came to a stop. The General locomotive, taken by Union soldiers, was pursued by Confederate soldiers and finally stopped in Ringgold. You can still see the historic Ringgold Depot, which carries bullet marks from the Civil War.

But that is enough war. Ringgold also runs attractions worth the stop, Lake Winnie Amusement Park, the Georgia Winery and the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park among them. And if you want a wedding venue you will not get elsewhere, check out the Ringgold Wedding Chapel.

So there it is, the history of Ringgold. From Major Samuel Ringgold to fried chicken and roller coasters, this town covers a lot of ground.

Ringgold’s Downtown Alley

If you want an experience in Ringgold you will not get elsewhere, check out the Downtown Alley. It sits behind the shops on Nashville Street, and it earns the walk.

The alley runs colorful murals, funky sculptures and a few things you will not expect. You never know what is round the next corner, a giant chess board, or a piece of art built entirely out of recycled materials.

It is where to get the Instagram-worthy photographs, or simply to walk slowly and take the place in. And if you time it, you might catch a live performance or an event in the alley.

But be warned, because the Downtown Alley runs like a maze. Bring your sense of direction, or a good map. And watch for the occasional stray cat, because they are friendly but they will try for your sandwich.

So if you want a bit of adventure, head down to the Downtown Alley in Ringgold. You never know what will turn up.

Historic Landmarks in Ringgold

Ringgold carries its history openly, and there are plenty of landmarks if you follow the past. Here are two of the landmarks in Ringgold that matter:

Ringgold Depot

The Ringgold Depot is a restored rail depot in the heart of Downtown Ringgold. This building worked as a transportation hub for the Western & Atlantic Rail line and as a supply point for both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. Today the Depot is an event rental and community center that takes thousands of people every year for meetings, receptions and parties, conferences, musical performances, weddings and more.

If you follow history, the Ringgold Depot will hold you. You can work the Depot’s part in the Civil War, take the exhibits, and go round on a guided tour. And get a few photographs of the building and the ground around it.

Old Stone Church

The Old Stone Church has stood for over 150 years. This building went up in 1852 and served as a place of worship for the Presbyterian Church until 1981. Today the Old Stone Church is where people come to work Ringgold’s history, which runs deep.

The Old Stone Church is a strong example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its tall spire and its stained-glass windows. Inside, the room runs quiet, which is what it was built for. History, architecture, or simply somewhere to sit for a while, the Old Stone Church earns the walk.

So there they are, the two landmarks in Ringgold that matter most. History follower or simply somebody after something to do, both earn the stop. So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and go and work Ringgold’s history.

Wine Tasting in Ringgold

If you follow wine, or simply take a glass, Ringgold is the place. With vineyard country around it and wineries that hold up, you will have a grape time.

Georgia Winery

The Georgia Winery is the oldest and the best known winery in the Chattanooga Valley. Established in 1983, it was the first of its kind in Georgia and it is the only winery in the North Georgia area. They run a range of wines, red, white and fruit wines among them.

Their tasting room is open every day of the week, and you can work up to six wines for a 10 dollar fee. And if you want something to eat with it, they run a selection of cheeses and crackers.

But why stop at tasting? The Georgia Winery also runs tours of their vineyards and production facilities. You can work the winemaking process from grape to bottle and see the vineyards up close.

And if you want to make a day of it, bring a picnic and take the country around you. The Georgia Winery runs picnic tables and a pavilion you can use. Just grab a bottle to go with the meal.

So what are you waiting for? Get your friends together and head to Ringgold for a day of wine tasting. Cheers.

Lake Winnie Amusement Park is the day out that the children will actually remember. The Downtown Alley has the murals, the sculptures and a giant chess board in it. Animal Yoga at Audubon Acres puts them on a mat surrounded by the animals. The Fun Park runs the mini golf and all the go-karts. And the Depot is indoors when the weather turns on you.

Fun Activities in Ringgold

Ringgold, Georgia works if you want things to do. Local or passing through, this town runs plenty. From time outdoors to things under a roof, Ringgold covers it.

Attractions

Ringgold runs several attractions worth the stop. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Red Clay State Historic Park: This park is a great place to go hiking, have a picnic, or learn about the history of the Cherokee Indians. The park also has a museum with exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural history.

• Ringgold Depot: If you’re a history buff, you’ll love the Ringgold Depot. This historic train station has been beautifully restored and now houses a museum with exhibits about the town’s history.

• Lake Winnie Amusement Park: If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, head to Lake Winnie Amusement Park. This park has rides, games, and attractions for all ages.

Activities

Alongside the attractions, Ringgold also runs plenty to do. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Escape Room: If you’re up for a challenge, try an escape room. Ringgold has several options, including Escape Ringgold and Escape 30736.

• Antiquing: Ringgold is known for its antique shops, so if you’re a fan of vintage finds, you’ll love exploring the town’s many shops. Check out Ringgold Feed & Seed Antiques for a wide selection of unique items.

• Hiking: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love the hiking trails in and around Ringgold. Check out the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park for some beautiful views and historic sites.

Whatever you follow, Ringgold runs it. So pack your bags, get on the road, and go.

Upcoming Events in Ringgold

Ringgold is a city that never runs out. If you want a strong few days, you are in the right place. Here are the events in Ringgold you should not miss:

Fall Junk Market

Do you love antiques? If so, then you need to visit Ringgold during the Fall Junk Market. You’ll see multiple store fronts showing a variety of antiques. Who knows what treasures you may find? The event is happening on September 15, 2023, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

TRP Comedy Club

Are you ready to laugh? Take a night of improv and stand-up comedy at The Historic Ringgold Depot on September 15, 2023. It will hold you and take the week off you. And you might see the next big comedian first.

Ringgold Depot Opry

If you follow country music, do not miss the Ringgold Depot Opry. It runs on August 12, 2023, at the Ringgold Depot Opry. You will get some of the strongest country music in the region, and the room will be dancing and singing along.

Animal Yoga

Are you after a yoga session you will not get elsewhere? Then take the Animal Yoga event at Audubon Acres on August 12, 2023. You practise yoga with the animals around you. It gets you outside and moving at the same time.

K&S Creekside Market

Do you follow local produce? Then get to the K&S Creekside Market at Heritage Park, Chattanooga on August 12, 2023. You will find fresh fruit and vegetables, along with handmade crafts and gifts. And it puts money straight back into local businesses.

The Flash: 1 Hour City Tour

Are you after a way to see the city fast? Then take The Flash: 1 Hour City Tour. You get the whole of Ringgold in an hour. It is how to work out what you actually want to come back to.

Ringgold always has something running. Whatever you follow, you will find it. So come down and take it.

Brewery Tours in Ringgold

Ringgold runs a strong set of breweries offering tours and tastings. Here are the strongest brewery tours in Ringgold to take:

1. The Georgia Winery

It is not technically a brewery, but The Georgia Winery earns the stop for a tour that actually teaches you something. The winery runs tours of their facility, where you work the wine-making process and sample the wines. And they run strong food and live music while you are there.

2. The Chattanooga Brewing Company

A short drive from Ringgold, the Chattanooga Brewing Company earns the stop for anybody who follows beer. The brewery runs tours of their facility, where you work the brewing process and sample the beers. And they run an outdoor patio where you can sit with a beer and live music.

3. The Naked River Brewing Company

The Naked River Brewing Company is newer to the Ringgold brewery scene, but it has already made a name on its beers and the room it runs. The brewery runs tours of their facility, where you work the brewing process and sample what they are making. And they run outdoor space where you can sit with a beer.

4. The Big Frog Brewing Company

The Big Frog Brewing Company is family-owned and family-run, and it runs tours of the facility along with tastings. They pour a strong selection, their IPA and stout among them. And the room is comfortable enough that you will stay longer than you meant to.

Beer follower or simply somebody after something different, these brewery tours in Ringgold will land. So get some friends together and take a day of beer, food and the rest of it.

Exploring the Chickamauga in Ringgold

If you want history and time outdoors in Ringgold, Georgia in one go, the Chickamauga is the answer. This river works for kayaking, fishing, or simply walking its banks.

One of the strongest ways to take the Chickamauga is a guided tour. You work the river’s history and the local wildlife with a guide who knows where everything is.

If you want more, rent a kayak and work the river on your own. Just bring plenty of sunscreen and water, and watch for rapids and anything else in the way.

The other strong way to take the Chickamauga is the Tennessee St. Trail. This trail opens the river and the countryside out around you, and it gets you moving while you take it in.

However you take the Chickamauga, get the photographs and let the river do its work. With this much on in Ringgold, Georgia, the Chickamauga is one of the stops you will not want to drive past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Ringgold, GA? Is it really as fun as they say?

Ringgold. The small city that carries more than its size suggests. No surprise that people keep going on about it. From its downtown to the country around it, Ringgold covers most of what you might want. History follower, food follower, or somebody after a run at something, Ringgold will hold you.

Are there any quirky festivals or events to check out in Ringgold?

Yes. Ringgold is known for festivals and events you will not get elsewhere. Check out the Ringgold Depot Opry for live music that gets the room going, or the Ringgold Haunted Depot for something with a fright in it. And do not miss the annual Ringgold Down Home Christmas celebration, with a parade and visits with Santa.

Can you recommend any hidden gem restaurants in Ringgold?

We can. For Southern cooking done properly, head to Bea’s Restaurant. And if you want BBQ, Sauce Boss BBQ is the answer. And for something sweet, check out the Ringgold Feed & Seed Antiques for their homemade fudge and ice cream.

What are some off-the-beaten-path things to do in Ringgold?

If you want the places nobody sends you, Ringgold runs plenty. Take a walk through the historic Ringgold Cemetery, or head to the nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park for hiking and history. And for something you will not get elsewhere, check out the Ringgold Telephone Museum.

Is it true that Ringgold is close to some awesome outdoor activities?

It is. Ringgold sits a short way from some of the strongest time outdoors around. Head to the nearby Chickamauga Lake for fishing and boating, or take the trails at the nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park for hiking and the country opening out.

Any tips for finding free or cheap entertainment in Ringgold?

Yes. For entertainment that costs nothing, head to the Ringgold Depot for their free outdoor concert series, or check out the nearby Fort Oglethorpe Community Center for their free movie nights. And for cheap fun, head to the nearby Fun Park for mini golf and go-karts.

Frequently asked questions about Ringgold, Georgia

Why exactly is the rail depot at Ringgold so important, then, really now, in the end?

It was the transportation hub out on the Western & Atlantic Rail line right through here. Both of the Union and the Confederate forces used it as a supply point in the war. The Great Locomotive Chase came to a stop right here in Ringgold in the very end. Bullet marks.

Which brewery near Ringgold actually runs all the tours, then, really now, these days?

Chattanooga Brewing Company, which is only a short drive out from Ringgold itself there. You get the tour of the whole facility and the brewing process and then all the samples. Naked River Brewing and Big Frog Brewing are the other two of them out there too. Patio.

What exactly is at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military park, then, really now, these days?

Hiking and the history of the battlefield, all of it out on the one site out there. It sits close to Ringgold and it works as a whole day out there on its own. Cloudland Canyon State Park is the other one, further out again, for all the trails. Free.

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