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City Editor Haley’s 26 favorite things in Chattanooga

To celebrate her 26th birthday, City Editor Haley wanted to share her 26 favorite things in Chattanooga — from food to hidden gems.

Editor Haley at a farmers market with flowers

Follow me to some of my favorite things happening in Chattanooga. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Howdy readers. City Editor Haley here. Thursday, Oct. 31 just so happens to be my 26th birthday (and also one of my favorite days since it’s also Halloween), so I thought I would celebrate by sharing my top 26 favorite things in and about the city.

These are in no particular order.

26.

Joli Jardin Flower Shop | This European-style flower market is the perfect stop to build your own bouquet — I love when they have dahlias.

Flowers in a bouquet

Each stem is priced separately, so you can go as a big or as small as you’d like.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

25.

Peaches from Dickey Farms | You can find this vendor at the Chattanooga Market + they just so happen to have my favorite selection of Georgia peaches.

24.

Watching Premier League matches at Shady’s Corner | You can find me on any given weekend enjoying an ice-cold Guinness at this deli + bar.

23.

Oyster hour at Easy Bistro & Bar | In case you didn’t know, every day from 4 to 5 p.m., you can get BOGO on the rotating oyster list.

22.

Staycations | Every now and then you simply need a change of scenery + sometimes you don’t want the travel — I recently enjoyed a few tiny cabin stays at Timberroot Rustic Retreats’ Wauhatchie Woodlands.

21.

The annual 127 Yard Sale | Every August, the world’s longest yard sale makes a stop over in Signal Mountain, bringing in hundreds of vendors.

Butterfly sanctuary chart with greenery

You could spend hours relaxing in here.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

20.

The butterfly sanctuary at the Tennessee Aquarium | This room in the Ocean Journey building has been a staple in my life since before I even lived in Chattanooga.

19.

2 A.M. Bagel from Honey Seed | Hashbrowns, sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese on a Montréal-style everything bagel — need I say more? Pro tip: Sub out the white cheddar for Tillamook cheddar.

Chattanooga Whiskey bottles

Make sure to savor your experimental batches — they don’t repeat recipes.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

18.

Chattanooga Whiskey’s experimental batches | From a tequila barrel finish to a coffee-infused bourbon, this distillery is constantly offering small batches of some of my favorite whiskeys.

17.

Taco Tuesday at La Altena | My go-to order? Three Mexico City tacos, two steak + one chicken with a side of cheese dip.

16.

Dirty Jane’s Antiques | I can almost solely thank this Red Bank spot and its vendors for furnishing + decorating my apartment.

15.

Pizza night at Niedlov’s Bakery & Café | I would have to say the Scenic City has some of the greatest slices around + this particular spot just takes the sauce for me, and don’t get me started on the crust.

14.

Going to a live show | Chattanooga’s music scene has only continued to grow since my time living here + I love looking into who is playing at The Signal or Barrelhouse Ballroom.

NOOGA.wildernesstheater

The Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater has two viewing screens for folks to choose from.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

13.

Wilderness Outdoor Theater | When this drive-in is in season (typically spring through early fall), you can catch new releases or some of your old favorites — and the low prices make it a good family outing option.

12.

Lookout Winery | Pizza and wine is always a great combo, but this spot might just be a triple threat when you count the views. Pro tip: Get there a little early to get a good seat for the sunset.

11.

Naughty Cat Cafe | If you’re ever feeling down + just need some cuddles (and aren’t allergic), I recommend stopping into this St. Elmo spot to spend time with the 35+ cats that live there.

10.

Juices from Southern Squeeze | This vegan-friendly eatery makes its juices in-house from fresh produce daily — if you’re a beet lover, try the Rhinestone Cowboy.

9.

Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City | One time a year, I allow myself to play tourist a bit and see this annual light display.

8.

The Book and Cover | Since this local book shop opened, I have been in love — the homey vibes reminds me of a used bookstore from my hometown.

Trees and a creek

Pro tip: Bring stuff for a picnic, this spot has tables and grills.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

7.

Big Soddy Creek Gulf | Whether you’re in the mood for a hike or want to just sit by the creek, this 285-acre wilderness area offers easy walking trails + access to the water that is friendly to those of all abilities.

6.

Tulip season | One of my favorite springtime activities is going to a local farm and snagging these buds — you can also find u-picks at places like Creekside Flower Farm.

5.

Local coffee | I can’t just pick one as I can thank most of the spots in our guide for giving me the fuel I need to write your favorite daily newsletter — but I will say that the shaken-iced lattes at Velo Coffee Roasters are high on my list.

4.

The Caesar salad at Alleia | Order this staple menu item with your entree + thank me later — the white truffle oil really makes this salad.

3.

Tea from Asheville Dispensary | Try a variety of loose leaf teas from this NorthShore spot’s elixir bar — the Relax Gently herbal tea is one of my favorites with chamomile, lavender, mugwort, damiana + lemon balm.

2.

The red pandas at the Chattanooga Zoo | While my love expands to all the animals and creatures of the zoo, the red pandas have my heart — especially Pilatus.

1.

MAINx24 | Okay, I know I said these were in no particular order, but this annual day is definitely one of my favorite days in the Scenic City as the Southside comes to life for a full day — and it’s coming up fast.

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