Quick Details

January 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025 EDT
Ages: All Ages
Duration: 75-minute tea experience

Tea rooms are a place where memories are made and friendships are strengthened.

Tea - No Train Ride

Priced per person

$ 40

Tea - With Train Ride

Priced per person

$ 55

Enjoy a classic tea experience and a nostalgic ride into history

Attention all tea lovers:
TVRM’s Homefront Tea Room, A Tea in the Depot Experience

A unique and unforgettable experience that combines a tea on the second floor of Grand Junction Depot with a train ride on the Missionary Ridge Local to follow.

The Homefront Tea Room experience includes a full high tea complete with savory and sweet items, fresh baked scones, and a selection of delectable teas along with a 65-minute train ride.

Book your tickets now and join us for The Homefront Tea Room, A Tea in the Depot Experience. You’ll start your day at 11:00 am with a 75 minute tea seating in the upstairs viewing room of the Grand Junction Depot, located at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN. The train ride to follow will last roughly 65-minutes, taking you over four bridges, through a pre-civil war era tunnel, tour of our restoration shop and a demonstration of the turntable. Please note: the train ride is only included on select dates shown online.

The total time of this experience is 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with friends, family, or a loved one. Each ticket is priced at $55 per person and includes the full high tea and the train ride.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Reservations are required to secure your spot for The Homefront Tea Room, A Tea in the Depot Experience. Book now and create memories that will last a lifetime.

**Reservations are required

***Subject to change

Kindly inform us of any dietary restrictions prior to purchasing your tickets. 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.

Looking for tea reservations for November and December? Book the Christmas Tea HERE.

Experience the perfect blend of a high tea service and a nostalgic train journey. The Homefront Tea Room offers a relaxing afternoon tea, followed by a 65-minute ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local.

Description

Enjoy a classic tea experience with a 75-minute seating in the upstairs viewing room of the Grand Junction Depot. After your tea, board the Missionary Ridge Local for a 65-minute train ride through historic landmarks, including a pre-civil war era tunnel and a demonstration of the turntable.

What’s Included
- Full high tea (savory selections, sweet treats, baked scones)
- 65-minute train ride on the Missionary Ridge Local
What’s Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Itinerary
1. Check-in at Grand Junction Depot at 11:00 am.
2. Enjoy a 75-minute tea service in the upstairs viewing room.
3. Board the Missionary Ridge Local for a 65-minute train ride.
Highlights
- Indulge in a full high tea with seasonal savories, sweets, and fresh scones.
- Relax in the charming ambiance of a historic depot.
- Experience a train ride, including a visit to the restoration shop and a turntable demonstration.
- Perfect for tea lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
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. 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.
Q: What is the Home Front Tea Room experience?

A: 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.

Q: What makes the Home Front Tea Room experience unique?

A: This experience stands out due to its historical theme and attention to detail. Guests are transported back to the 1940s with authentic decor, 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.

Q: Are reservations required?

A: Yes, reservations are required. We recommend booking early as spots fill up quickly.

Q: Can we bring our own food or beverages?

A: Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but alcoholic beverages can be purchased on-site.

Q: Are there vegan or gluten-free options available?

A: Yes, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance to accommodate dietary needs.
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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Homefront Tea Room

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Chef’s Recipe Pimento Cheese with Crackers

Honey drizzled Croissant Bites

Quiche on a Crescent Slice with Hollandaise Sauce, Bacon bits and sliced Grape Tomatoes

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup with Garlic Butter Crostini
May change seasonally

House made Chicken Salad

Variety of Sweet Treats

Assorted Fresh Baked Scones: Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, White Chocolate Raspberry

*Please note any dietary restrictions on your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

a person sitting at a table with a plate of food

We did high tea in the tea room Eric K - Winter 2023

We did high tea in the tea room above the station along with the train ticket and it was so much fun. The train ride, while short, was very relaxing and informative. We would definitely go back again.

– Google Review

a group of people sitting at a table eating food

Wow! Add Homefront Tea Room to the ticket!! DJ T - Fall 2022

This was absolutely wonderful…the employees are incredibly knowledgeable about the history of trains…even the tea room employees know all about the railroad! Now the tea room: this is a MUST TRY!! The food is excellent and it is a wonderful deal to have a tea and train ride for under $60! It’s like stepping back in time for a few hours!

– TripAdvisor

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The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Chattanooga. The Homefront Tea Room Masala Chai Tea is delicious and perfect for a cold day. The Earl Grey Lavender is also a great choice and has a wonderful flavor.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to visit for railroad enthusiasts of all ages. In addition to the Southern 4501 Steam Engine, the museum has a large collection of locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a delicious assortment of scones, including blueberry, white chocolate raspberry, and app cinnamon. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of macaroons, brownies, and quiche.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to visit for a relaxing day out. The Homefront Tea Room has a great selection of scones, as well as other delicious snacks.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a delicious assortment of scones, as well as other desserts and sandwiches. The tea room is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Chattanooga and the surrounding area. One of my favorite places in the museum is the Homefront Tea Room. This room is filled with all sorts of items that were used during World War II. The tea room is also a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - Chattanooga is a railroad museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The museum features Southern 4501 Steam Engine.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga is a great place to learn about the history of railroads in the area. This charming museum features a chair with a table set up with flowers, making for a picturesque scene.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is home to a variety of different exhibits, including a tea room that serves up a selection of scones, banana pudding, assorted macaroons, and more. Guests can also enjoy quiche on a crescent slice with hollandaise sauce, chicken salad croissants, and tomato bisque with grilled cheese sandwich bites.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a delicious selection of scones, including blueberry, white chocolate raspberry, and apple cinnamon. There's also a variety of macaroons, brownies, and quiche to choose from.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to visit, and their tea room is no exception. They have a wide variety of cakes to choose from, and their tea is delicious. If you're looking for a nice place to have a meal in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is definitely worth checking out.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga is a great place to learn about the history of the railroad in the United States. The Homefront Tea Room is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends. The dining room table is filled with tea cups, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.
The blueberry scone is a popular item at the tea room, and it's easy to see why. The moist, flavorful scone is perfect with a cup of tea. The chicken salad croissant is a delicious and filling option at the tea room. The croissant is stuffed with a creamy chicken salad and topped with lettuce and tomato.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Chattanooga, and the Homefront Tea Room has a variety of delicious treats to choose from. My favorite is the blueberry scone, but the banana pudding is also a must-try.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a unique dining experience with the Homefront Tea Room. This room is filled with wine glasses, giving it a sophisticated and romantic feel. The perfect place to enjoy a quiet meal or conversation with friends.