With Chattanooga's mountains, outdoor space + incredible views, we don't call it the Scenic City for nothing — but sometimes the heat can get to you. What if we told you that you can beat the heat and see scenic landscapes indoors?

City Editor Haley here. I recently spent an afternoon exploring the wonders of painted landscapes in the Hunter Museum of American Art's new exhibition, "In Nature's Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting." Step out of the sun and into the exhibit as I show you the highlights and share how you can Try This.

What we tried:

We toured the museum's newest exhibit, which features 65+ American landscapes as seen through the eyes of various artistic movements — from 19th century realism to 20th century modernism. (Pro tip: Members get in for free).

While the exhibits are always beautifully curated, this one felt like home to us as it was reminiscent of our own scenic landscapes here in Chattanooga.

Keep reading as I share my favorites and give you the 411 on their summer programs.

The exhibit features 65+ evocative and beautiful pieces of artwork. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

What not to miss:

The Hunter brings the countryside and its beauty to visitors with its latest traveling exhibit from the Reading Public Museum. Spoiler: it didn't disappoint.

The collection comes just in time for summer. Its span across two centuries of artists and art movements includes the first uniquely American artistic movement — the Hudson River School.

Moving through the gallery, you can see the shift in time and the influences of the period as landscapes move from Impressionism, Tonalism, and Modernism.

Bonus: The museum will be hosting several summer programs to enhance the exhibition experience in + outside, including outings to Reflection Riding and Williams Island. Learn more + sign-up while spots are available.

This painting by John Heyl Raser feels like a landscape from our very own city. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

What we’re still talking about:

We were amazed by how similar the landscapes were to our very own Scenic City, especially in John Heyl Raser's "View of Poplar Neck #2 Neversink Mountains." It felt like looking out on top of one of our own mountains, but in the comfort of the gallery.

Pro tip: Take notice of which paintings have "Collection Connection" label + find other work from that artist that the museum has in its own collection.

How you can experience this:

To view this exhibit, day passes can be purchased online or at the museum. Pro tip: Check out the discounted admissions + membership options.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Viewing the Hunter's new "In Nature's Studio" exhibition
Price: Price varies on admission purchase
Website: huntermuseum.org
Address: 10 Bluff View, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Hours: Hours vary
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