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
$ 40
Tea - With Train Ride
Priced per person
$ 55
Step back in time with our Homefront Tea Room – A Tea in the Depot Experience.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with vintage charm! Begin your visit with a delightful full tea service, featuring a selection of teas, savory bites, and sweet treats served in the Grand Junction Depot’s elegant setting.
After tea, board the Missionary Ridge Local for a 65-minute round-trip ride through Chattanooga’s historic rail line, complete with a turntable demonstration at East Chattanooga.
It’s a perfect blend of comfort, nostalgia, and train ride — ideal for a relaxing outing, a special celebration, or a memorable day with friends and family.
Kindly inform us of any dietary restrictions prior to purchasing your tickets. We cannot accommodate day-of requests. Please contact us via email at [email protected]
The Tea Room is wheelchair accessible. However, due to the historic nature of the rail cars, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on the train. Guests who can board the train and occupy a standard seat are welcome to ride.
🎄 Click here for The Christmas Tea at the Depot
The combination of candlelit tables, cheerful decorations, and the distant sound of a whistle makes this experience a cherished Chattanooga holiday tradition.
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Chef’s Selections — Afternoon Tea Menu
Savor a delightful assortment of handcrafted bites prepared by our in-house culinary team. Each item is made fresh to complement your tea experience at the Homefront Tea Room inside Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Menu Highlights
- Southern Pimento Cheese with Crackers — a creamy, savory favorite.
- Honey-Drizzled Croissant Bites — flaky, golden pastries with a touch of sweetness.
- Quiche on a Crescent Slice — topped with Hollandaise, crispy Bacon Bits, and fresh Grape Tomatoes.
- Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Squares — a comforting classic.
*Soup selection changes seasonally to feature local flavors.* - House-Made Chicken Salad — light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
- Assortment of Sweet Treats — a rotation of cookies, bars, and petite desserts.
- Freshly Baked Scones — enjoy favorites like Brown Sugar, Chocolate Chunk, Blueberry, White Chocolate Raspberry, and Apple Cinnamon.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions prior to your reservation. We’re unable to accommodate same-day dietary requests.
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Enjoy the perfect pairing of a refined tea service and a nostalgic train ride at the Homefront Tea Room. Relax with an elegant afternoon tea before stepping aboard a 65-minute scenic train ride on the Missionary Ridge Local.
Description
Immerse yourself in a timeless tea experience with a 75-minute seating inside the charming upstairs viewing room of Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After tea, guests board the Missionary Ridge Local for a captivating journey through Chattanooga’s historic rail corridor — complete with a pre–Civil War era tunnel and a live turntable demonstration at East Chattanooga.
What’s Included
- Full afternoon tea with savory selections, 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 featuring a turntable demonstration
Highlights
- Delight in a full afternoon tea with seasonal savories, sweets, and scones
- Relax in the historic ambiance of the Grand Junction Depot Tea Room
- Ride a vintage train through Chattanooga’s scenic rail line
- Watch a live turntable demonstration — a highlight for rail fans of all ages
- Perfect for couples, families, and tea enthusiasts looking for a charming day out
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Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tea seating for check-in. You can explore our exhibit and gift shop.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing for tea and train ride.
- Sun protection or jacket if needed.
Special Requirements
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at least 24 hours before your reservation. We cannot accommodate day-of requests. Email us at [email protected] for accommodations.
Restrictions
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those with mobility issues should contact us in advance for accommodations.
Disclaimers
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is not responsible for delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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What is the Home Front Tea Room experience?
The Home Front Tea Room experience is a unique train ride offered by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. It combines the charm of vintage rail travel with an immersive tea service that captures the atmosphere of the 1940s wartime era. Guests can enjoy delicious tea and treats while experiencing the nostalgia of a time when train travel was a primary mode of transportation.
What makes the Home Front Tea Room experience unique?
This experience stands out due to its historical theme and attention to detail. Guests are transported back to the 1940s with authentic décor, period music, and a curated menu reminiscent of the wartime home front. It’s not just a train ride but a step into history, offering an engaging activity for families, history enthusiasts, and tea lovers alike. The event emphasizes the sense of community and resilience experienced during the wartime era, making it a one-of-a-kind outing.
Are reservations required?
Yes, reservations are required. We recommend booking early as spots fill up quickly.
Can we bring our own food or beverages?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but alcoholic beverages can be purchased on-site.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Yes, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance so we can accommodate dietary needs. We cannot accommodate day-of requests.
Is gratuity or alcohol included in the ticket price?
Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.
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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