Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/696411
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK TO HAVE A FUN VACATION. TRY THESE REGIONAL VENUES TO THE GET THE MOST FROM YOUR VACATION FUNDS. MAXIMUM FUN, THE SCENIC CITY A little less than two hours away, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has plenty of affordable fun, whether you visit for a day or a weekend. The redesigned riverfront area features the Tennessee Aquarium as a prominent landmark. Even if you don't go inside the aquarium itself, the surrounding outdoor areas, including Ross's Landing and the Tennessee Aquarium Pavilion, have beautiful views of the Tennessee River and water features that are fun for kids of all ages to splash and play in for hours on end. The Bluff View Art District features the Hunter Museum of American Art, which has free admission for kids under age 17 and free admission for everyone the first Thursday of the month from 4–7:30 p.m. The rest of the district lives up to its name with a focus on beautiful architecture and landscaping. Stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge to the NorthShore to explore an eclectic array of shops and restaurants, unlimited free access to an interactive Minima• Mone• A MUSIC LOVER'S MUST It isn't necessary to drive all the way to Nashville for a taste of music history. Muscle Shoals, Alabama, just over an hour away from Huntsville, is home to W.C. Handy (the Father of the Blues), Sam Phillips (the Father of Rock and Roll), and Percy Sledge. You can also tour the world-famous FAME Recording Studios. Established in 1959, FAME was the state's first successful professional recording studio and has hosted such greats as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Etta James. Modern artists, including Jason Isbell, the Drive-By Truckers, and Jamey Johnson have all recorded at FAME. Adjacent to Muscle Shoals is the city of Tuscumbia, home to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. A er you've toured it, stay in Tuscumbia to explore the antebellum architecture of the town. Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, is also found there. Head downtown for shopping at a variety of popular antique and boutique shops. 4 NOT FOR PROFIT, NOT FOR CHARITY, BUT FOR SERVICE NAECU.ORG