THE HOMEFRONT TEA ROOM

• 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.

What is the Homefront Tea Room? The Homefront Tea Room is an afternoon tea experience hosted inside the historic Grand Junction Depot at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The setting takes its name and aesthetic from the 1940s American home front — period-inspired décor, classic Southern hospitality, and a curated tea menu served in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Guests can choose a tea-only experience or pair it with a narrated ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local. It’s a popular choice for Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, and girls’ days out.

What does the experience include? There are two options:

☕ Tea Only — $45 per person A 75-minute seated afternoon tea service inside the Grand Junction Depot. Includes a rotating selection of savory bites, fresh-baked scones, assorted sweets, and a full tea service.

🚂 Tea + Train — $60 per person Everything in the Tea Only experience, plus a 65-minute narrated round-trip ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local — crossing historic bridges, passing through a pre–Civil War tunnel, and including a live turntable demonstration and restoration shop visit.

What food is served? The menu is prepared in-house and rotates seasonally. Selections have included Southern pimento cheese with crackers, honey-drizzled croissant bites, egg quiche on a crescent slice with hollandaise, tomato bisque with grilled cheese squares, house-made chicken salad, freshly baked scones, and assorted desserts and cookies. Menu items vary by date — if a specific item matters to you, contact the museum in advance.

Is this a full meal or just tea and snacks? The Homefront Tea Room is a traditional afternoon tea service — it’s a substantial spread of savory and sweet bites rather than a full plated meal. Most guests find it satisfying for a mid-morning or early afternoon occasion. If you’re looking for a full sit-down dinner experience, the Dinner Train or Dinner in the Depot are better fits.

Is alcohol available? Yes. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on-site and are not included in the ticket price. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Can we bring outside food or beverages? Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available? Yes, with advance notice. Please contact the museum at least 24 hours before your reservation to request dietary accommodations. Same-day dietary requests cannot be guaranteed.

Are reservations required? Yes. Reservations are required — this is not a walk-up experience. Seating is limited and dates frequently sell out, especially around Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and fall weekends. Booking one to two weeks in advance is recommended; Mother’s Day dates often sell out two to three weeks out.

When does the Tea Room operate? The Homefront Tea Room runs on a seasonal schedule from January through October. It does not operate year-round on a daily basis. Check the booking calendar for current available dates before planning your visit.

Is the Tea Room good for a special occasion? Yes — it’s one of TVRM’s most popular occasion experiences. Mother’s Day is the peak event, and birthday groups, bridesmaid gatherings, and anniversary celebrations are common. Private room booking is available for groups up to 8 guests for a more intimate setting — contact the museum for private room pricing and availability.

Is the Tea Room accessible for guests with mobility limitations? Yes. The Tea Room inside the Grand Junction Depot is wheelchair accessible. If you add the Tea + Train option, note that the train cars require a standard seat transfer and do not accommodate wheelchairs. Guests who can self-board and use a standard seat are welcome aboard the train portion. Contact [email protected] before booking if you have specific questions.

Is the experience appropriate for children? Yes, all ages are welcome. The Tea Room tends to appeal most to older children and adults, but there’s no age restriction. Families with young children who enjoy dressing up and a quieter, seated experience tend to do well here.

Where is the Tea Room located? The Homefront Tea Room is inside the Grand Junction Depot at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum main campus: 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Free parking is available on-site. This is TVRM’s Chattanooga location — not the Delano campus where the Hiwassee Loop and Copperhill Special depart.

What should I wear? There’s no dress code, but guests frequently dress up for the occasion — garden party attire, vintage-inspired outfits, and dressed-up casual are all common. Part of the charm of the experience is the setting, and many guests lean into it.

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy? Tickets are subject to TVRM’s standard ticket policies. Availability for rescheduling is limited and not guaranteed.

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.