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Tennessee Aquarium the South’s favorite,
according to Southern Living readers

Fishing for compliments? Look no further than the spring 2003 issue of Southern Living Favorites, where the Tennessee Aquarium is listed as the South’s favorite aquarium.

“Getting a first place Readers’ Choice Award is like getting a thumbs-up from thousands of our traveling readers,” said Karen Lingo, Southern Living senior writer. “Readers tell us their favorites, then we tally the results and share the top choices with other readers.”

The survey asked readers to vote for their favorite places to dine, play, visit, and stay in 2002. More than 28,000 responses were tallied. This is the first time the Tennessee Aquarium moved up to first place, after tying for second place last year.

In the favorite "Weekend Destination with Kids" category, Chattanooga came in third in the country behind first-place Walt Disney World and barely 100 votes shy of second-place Orlando, Florida.

"We're thrilled that the readers of Southern Living chose Chattanooga and our Aquarium as favorites," said Bob Doak, President/CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Chattanooga's appeal to families with its kid-friendly attractions, variety of hotels and unique restaurants helps us draw in millions of visitors each year. And with the completion of the 21st Century Waterfront plan, including the Aquarium’s new building, reasons to visit Chattanooga will increase that much more.