Quick Details
Step into a cozy tea room where every cup inspires conversation and every moment creates lasting memories. Enjoy a delightful setting that blends Southern charm with timeless tradition.
♿ Tea room is wheelchair accessible.
🚂 Train cars require standard seat transfer.
Why Guests Love This Experience
- A calm, conversation-friendly afternoon—never rushed
- A unique pairing of classic tea service and rail travel
- Perfect for couples, friends, and special occasions
- Optional train ride lets guests customize their day
🚂 Tea + Train
Tea service + 65-min narrated train ride
$ 60
☕ Tea Only
75-min seated tea service
$ 45
The Homefront Tea Room
Afternoon Tea Experience with an Optional Vintage Train Ride in Chattanooga
Step into a relaxed afternoon tea experience hosted inside Chattanooga’s historic Grand Junction Depot. The Homefront Tea Room offers a thoughtfully paced setting designed for conversation, comfort, and classic Southern hospitality—with the option to extend your visit aboard a narrated vintage train ride.
Choose Your Experience
☕ Tea Only — $45 per person
Includes a 75-minute seated afternoon tea service inside the Grand Junction Depot.
🚂 Tea + Train — $60 per person
Includes the full tea service plus a 65-minute narrated round-trip train ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local.
The Tea Experience
Our in-house culinary team prepares a rotating selection of classic and seasonal favorites, which may include:
• Southern pimento cheese with crackers
• Honey-drizzled croissant bites
• Quiche on a crescent slice with hollandaise
• Tomato bisque with grilled cheese squares
• House-made chicken salad
• Assorted desserts and cookies
• Freshly baked scones in a variety of flavors
Menu selections may vary seasonally.
Accessibility & Guest Information
• The Tea Room is wheelchair accessible
• Due to the historic nature of the railcars, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on the train
• Guests who can transfer to a standard seat are welcome to ride
• Dietary restrictions must be communicated at least 24 hours prior to your visit
A Beloved Chattanooga Tradition
From thoughtfully set tables to the gentle rhythm of the rails, the Homefront Tea Room is more than an afternoon out—it’s an experience that invites you to slow down, connect, and enjoy a relaxed step back in time.
Reservations are required and seating is limited.
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
-
Guests who choose to add the train experience will board the Missionary Ridge Local for a narrated round-trip journey through Chattanooga’s active rail corridor.
This portion of the experience highlights working railroad operations and regional rail history, including passage through a pre–Civil War era tunnel and a live turntable demonstration in East Chattanooga. Along the way, narration provides context about the rail line, surrounding neighborhoods, and how rail travel shaped the region.
The train ride complements the tea service by offering a different pace and perspective—making it easy to enjoy the Homefront Tea Room either as a stand-alone experience or paired with time on the rails.
-
• 75-minute seated afternoon tea service
• Selection of premium teas
• Savory bites, sweet treats, and freshly baked scones
• Optional 65-minute narrated vintage train ride -
Chef’s Selections — Afternoon Tea Menu
Delight in a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea menu, handcrafted by our in-house culinary team and served in the elegant setting of the Homefront Tea Room inside Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each item is freshly prepared to perfectly complement your tea experience.
Menu Highlights
- Southern Pimento Cheese with Crackers — a rich, creamy Southern classic
- Honey-Drizzled Croissant Bites — flaky, golden pastries with a touch of sweetness
- Quiche on a Crescent Slice — finished with Hollandaise, crispy bacon bits, and fresh grape tomatoes
- Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Squares — a comforting favorite
Soup selection changes seasonally to highlight local flavors - House-Made Chicken Salad — light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced
- Assorted Sweet Treats — a rotating selection of cookies, bars, and petite desserts
- Freshly Baked Scones — featuring flavors such as Brown Sugar, Chocolate Chunk, Blueberry, White Chocolate Raspberry, and Apple Cinnamon
Please notify us of any dietary restrictions at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day requests cannot be accommodated.
-
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tea seating to allow time for check-in. Guests are welcome to explore our exhibits and gift shop prior to the experience.
What to Bring
- Comfortable attire suitable for both tea service and the train ride
- A light jacket or sun protection, depending on the weather
Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation. Unfortunately, same-day requests cannot be accommodated. For assistance, email us at [email protected].Guest Guidelines
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact us in advance so we can discuss accommodations
Disclaimers
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is not responsible for delays or changes caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances. -
FAQs
What is the Homefront Tea Room experience?
The Homefront Tea Room is a unique pairing of elegant afternoon tea and vintage rail travel at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Guests enjoy a thoughtfully prepared tea service in the historic Grand Junction Depot, with the option to continue their visit aboard a scenic train ride through Chattanooga’s historic rail corridor.What makes the Homefront Tea Room experience unique?
This experience blends the charm of classic afternoon tea with the nostalgia of mid-20th-century rail travel. Authentic décor, period-inspired music, and a carefully curated menu create an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1940s home front. More than a train ride or a tea service alone, it’s a relaxed step back in time that appeals to families, history enthusiasts, and tea lovers alike.Are reservations required?
Yes. Reservations are required, and advance booking is strongly recommended, as seating is limited and dates often sell out.Can we bring our own food or beverages?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on-site.Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Yes. We are happy to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. Please contact us at least 24 hours prior to your reservation. Same-day dietary requests cannot be accommodated.Is gratuity or alcohol included in the ticket price?
No. Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price. -
About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.
-
Homefront Tea Room
Be the first to know our news and events!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
The high tea experience was our favorite part of this dining and train ride package. All of the savory and sweet foods were excellent, as were the two tea selections we chose from the list of approximately eight different hot teas. The narrator for the train ride was excellent: full of interesting information during the train ride, and very personable. We also enjoyed watching the train engine being turned on the roundtable at the end of the East Chattanooga line.
– TripAdvisor
High tea was wonderful. Lots of food although would have preferred less sweet and more savory Staff was cheerful and pleasant. Would have given 5 stars if not for the super long engine change in East Chattanooga.
– TripAdvisor