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 - No Train Ride
Priced per person
$ 45
Tea - With Train Ride
Priced per person
$ 60
The Homefront Tea Room
Afternoon Tea Experience & Vintage Train Ride in Chattanooga
Step into timeless elegance at The Homefront Tea Room, a charming afternoon tea experience set inside the historic Grand Junction Depot at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
Begin with a 75-minute full tea service featuring handcrafted savories, freshly baked scones, and sweet treats in an inviting, vintage-inspired setting. Guests may then choose to continue their experience aboard the Missionary Ridge Local, a scenic 65-minute narrated train ride through Chattanooga’s historic rail corridor—complete with a live turntable demonstration.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing afternoon, celebrating a special occasion, or simply savoring a unique Chattanooga tradition, the Homefront Tea Room offers the perfect blend of comfort, nostalgia, and railroading history.
Choose Your Experience
☕ Tea Only – $45 per person
Enjoy a full afternoon tea service inside the Grand Junction Depot Tea Room.
🚂 Tea + Train Ride – $60 per person
Includes the full tea service plus a 65-minute round-trip train ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local.
What’s Included
- 75-minute seated afternoon tea experience
- Selection of premium teas
- Savory bites, sweet treats, and freshly baked scones
- Optional 65-minute scenic train ride with narration
- Live turntable demonstration at East Chattanooga
The Tea Experience
Our in-house culinary team prepares a rotating selection of classic and seasonal favorites, including:
- 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 board the train and occupy 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 candlelit 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 step back in time.
Reservations are required and fill quickly.
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
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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.
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Enjoy an unforgettable pairing of elegant afternoon tea and classic rail travel at the Homefront Tea Room. Savor a refined tea service before stepping aboard a vintage train for a scenic journey through Chattanooga’s historic rail corridor.
Description
Settle into a timeless tea experience with a 75-minute seating in the charming upstairs viewing room of Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following tea, guests board the Missionary Ridge Local for a relaxed 65-minute round-trip excursion featuring narrated history, a pre–Civil War era tunnel, and a live turntable demonstration in East Chattanooga.What’s Included
- Full afternoon tea service with savory bites, sweet treats, and freshly baked scones
- 65-minute scenic train ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local
What’s Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Itinerary
- Check in at Grand Junction Depot at 10:45 AM
- Enjoy a 75-minute tea service in the elegant upstairs viewing room
- Board the Missionary Ridge Local for a 65-minute narrated train ride with a turntable demonstration
Highlights
- Indulge in a thoughtfully prepared afternoon tea with seasonal savories and sweets
- Relax in the historic ambiance of the Grand Junction Depot Tea Room
- Ride a vintage train along one of Chattanooga’s most storied rail lines
- Watch a live turntable demonstration—a favorite for rail fans of all ages
- Perfect for couples, families, and tea lovers seeking a charming and memorable outing
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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.
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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