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Follow the yellow brick road — "THE WIZ" is back.

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:58:25 GMT

returns to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium from Tuesday, April 28 through Sunday, May 3.

Packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk, this vibrant production tells Dorothy’s journey of discovery with heart, style, and unforgettable music. With electrifying choreography blending ballet, jazz, and modern pop, “THE WIZ” puts a fresh groove on a classic story.

Grab your tickets and ease on down to the show.

Secure your seat

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Plan the perfect picnic in Chattanooga

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:57:00 GMT

The solace of warmer days is on the rise, and what better way to celebrate than enjoying a scenic meal outside? There’s no need to nitpick how to create the best Chattanooga picnic — we’ve got you covered like a red-and-white checkered blanket.

Bask-et in the sun

Rule No. 1 to a proper picnic is choosing the essentials. Here are some of our must-haves:

A good book | Reading while lying on a picnic blanket or grassy patch just hits different — snag something off the shelves at Winder Binder, The Book & Cover, or the Chattanooga Public Library.
A refreshing drink | Whether it’s a coffee, tea, or juice — you’ll need something to sip on. We recommend stopping in to Southern Squeeze for a bottle (Editor Haley swears by the Rhinestone Cowboy).
All of the snacks | You can’t forget the best part of a picnic, the food. If you’re looking to make a snack from scratch, stop by our local markets for ingredients — or if a prepared snack is more your speed, check out Bleu Fox Cheese Shop (word on the cheese block is that they’re still offering this picnic special).

Spend a sunny day with your friends.

Photo by @picnicbytheriverchatt

Destination is key

Now that you have your basket packed, let’s find the perfect place to set up. Luckily, Chattanooga has 30+ local parks that are made for this kind of activity. Some of our favorites with picturesque views include:

Coolidge Park | Overlooks the Tennessee River
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park | Features giant works of art
Chester Frost Park | Lakeside views with picnic tables
East Lake Park | Neighborly park views with a fountain

Takin’ it easy

Want to have a stress-free picnic? Let these services do the heavy lifting:

Pretty Picnics Chattanooga | You bring the food (or order from their menu), and they’ll provide everything else, starting at $150. Bonus: Add their game package for some extra fun.
Scenic City Picnics | Chattanooga’s first luxury picnic company will help you make those afternoon plans, with packages starting at $175.
The Picnic Society | Choose your adventure of a luxury picnic for any occasion, starting at $275.
Luxury Picnic Co. | They have three luxury picnic packages to choose from, starting at $550, or you can rent the equipment separately.

Chattanooga professor donates a kidney, then climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:40:36 GMT

April is National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and the lives it can save.

One Chattanooga woman knows that impact firsthand.

In April 2024, Jessica Stotz, an anatomy professor at Southern Adventist University, donated a kidney to her mom. Less than two years later, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to prove what donors are capable of.

The backstory

Stotz’s mom has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a progressive condition that eventually led to kidney failure. When Stotz and her sisters offered to help, their mom refused.

“My mom explicitly said no to her daughters being tested to become kidney donors, because PKD is genetic,” Stotz said. “She didn’t want us donating a kidney and then needing one later.”

Stotz got tested anyway.

She learned she didn’t have PKD — but that was just the beginning. Months of additional screening followed to make sure she could safely donate.

“They do not allow you to donate a kidney until they know that you don’t need two,” she said.

Stotz was eventually cleared for donation and shared the news with her mom on Thanksgiving in 2023.

“I said, ‘I know you didn’t want us to be tested, but I have undergone the testing, and I would like to give a kidney to somebody. I’d like it to be you.”

Her mom agreed, and the transplant was successfully completed on April 23, 2024.

A life-saving gift is definitely something to smile about.

Photo provided by Jessica Stotz

The climb

After the surgery, Stotz learned about Kidney Donor Athletes, an organization that spreads the word that kidney donors can lead healthy, adventurous lives.

Stotz signed up to be a member, and last summer, she learned about the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I got an email that was like, we’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Do you want to come?” In case you aren’t familiar, that’s Africa’s highest mountain.

Stotz said yes, and the “One Kidney Climb” took place March 4-14 of this year. Not surprisingly, the high altitude didn’t make things easy.

“There were 15 kidney donors on the trip, and two had altitude-related struggles,” Stotz said. “That’s pretty on par with the general population.”

After six days, she and 12 other donors reached the 19,341-ft summit on World Kidney Day.

“Standing on the roof of Africa alongside other donors sends a strong message,” she said. “Donors are strong, resilient, and capable of extraordinary things.”

Stotz hopes her story encourages others to consider kidney donation.

Most of these people donated a kidney before climbing Africa’s tallest mountain.

Photo provided by Jessica Stotz

The here and now

Right now, 15,800+ people are living with kidney failure in Tennessee, and around 2,500 are on the transplant waiting list.

If you’re interested in becoming a donor, you can learn more and check your eligibility online.

When it comes to donating her kidney, Stotz said she only has one regret.

“I had just one to give, and I can’t do it again.”

Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Chattanooga

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:52:00 GMT

Lucky you. You just found NOOGAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Chattanooga each month.

Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.

(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)

Festivals

4 Bridges Arts Festival is one of Chattanooga’s most prestigious events.

Photo by @4bridgesartsfestival

Markets + expos

Usually a Sunday-only event, the Chattanooga Market is expanding to two days for opening weekend.

Photo via Chattanooga Market

Concerts

Theater shows

Cinderella + Bluegrass | Thursday, April 9-Saturday, April 11 | Times vary | UTC Fine Arts Center | $25+ | What happens when ballet meets bluegrass? See for yourself at this unique performance blending a one-act Cinderella ballet with a dance set to live bluegrass music.

Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” | Friday, April 10-Sunday, April 26 | Times vary | Chattanooga Theatre Centre | $23+ | Enjoy a family-friendly retelling of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy.

William Shatner Live On Stage With “Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan” | Saturday, April 18 | 7 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $54+ | Chattanooga, the final frontier. Captain Kirk himself will take the stage after a screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” sharing behind-the-scenes stories and answering questions.

“The Wiz” | Tuesday, April 28-Sunday, May 3 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | $80+ | Step into this dazzling reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” that brings gospel, soul, funk, and R&B to the Yellow Brick Road.

Comedy shows

Taken on Wednesday, March 11, this Erlanger Park photo shows the nearly finished field, suites, and seating areas.

Photo by Meghan O’Connor

Family friendly

April has something for everybunny to enjoy.

Photo provided by Chattanooga Zoo

Easter events

Go to our Events page.
Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.

Big changes coming to Chattanooga’s riverfront

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:32:16 GMT

Chattanooga’s downtown riverfront hosts dozens of events each year and offers a scenic place to walk for locals and tourists alike.

But starting in the fall, it’ll close for 18 months for major renovations. Want to see what’s planned? Here are some of the things the project will include:

More shade

Right now, the riverfront doesn’t have a lot of shady spots to get out of the sun. As you can see in the rendering above, the project includes planting 200+ trees to keep visitors cool.

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This restaurant will offer seated meals with a view. | Rendering via River City Company

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This restaurant will be a more casual dining experience with public restrooms and space to socialize. | Rendering via River City Company

New restaurants

Two restaurants are planned for each end of Ross’s Landing. One will be more casual with grab-and-go options, while the other will offer sit-down service with elevated fare.

Riverfront dock

The commercial dock at Ross’s Landing will expand to give visitors better access to the water. The expanded dock will be ~5,600 sqft and open to the public daily.

This space under the highway will become a place to play and park.

Rendering via River City Company

Recreational courts

Pickleball under a highway? That’s right. The space beneath Highway 27 will be used for recreational courts.

The project will also add a new playground, updated lighting, public restrooms, and improved accessibility.

Right now, the plan is to start construction in November, but a more updated timeline is expected to be released at a later date.

Gallery: A closer look at Walnut Street Bridge renovations

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:22:26 GMT

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More than half of the Walnut Street Bridge now has smooth, new decking. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

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The iconic “Riverpark blue” paint color really pops. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

3/7

Here’s a side by side that shows the old decking and the new. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

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I’d forgotten just how bad the old decking was until I was able to see them side by side. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

5/7

In this close-up, you can really see the difference between the new paint and the faded paint on the Market Street Bridge. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

6/7

Who else really misses the diamonds and arches on this iconic railing? | Photo by NOOGAtoday

7/7

Seventy-seven of these new LED lights will line both sides of the bridge. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

2026 Riverfront Nights lineup announced

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:20:00 GMT

Ready to enjoy live music by the Tennessee River once again? Riverfront Nights, a free outdoor concert series at Ross’s Landing, will kick off on Saturday, May 23 (Memorial Day weekend) and run through Saturday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day weekend).

This year’s lineup was recently released, so start making plans for those summer Saturday nights, rain or shine.

2026 lineup

While you can look at the full breakdown online, we’re sharing the tribute bands and local talents we don’t want to miss.

May 23 | The headliner for opening night will be Purple Madness: A Tribute to Prince, with local act Le Gato kicking off the evening.
June 6 | Rock the 90’s will be bringing lots of classic 1990s rock songs to the stage. Editor Sarah here: I may be showing my age, but I’m most excited about this one.
July 4 | For Independence Day, Johnny Folsom 4: A Johnny Cash Tribute will hit the stage with Courtney Cowart & Bad Matador as its opener.
Aug. 1 | Get ready for Kings of Queen: The Nation’s Top Queen Tribute. Lovelace will be warming up the crowd.
Sept. 5 | Riverfront Nights will close out the series with the Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band Let’s Groove Tonight. As if that’s not cool enough, a Kool & The Gang tribute band will open on the final night.

Note: There are lots of great performers we didn’t mention here, so make sure to check out the full schedule.

Join hundreds of other Chattanoogans to listen to live music.

Photo provided by Riverfront Nights

Important times

6 p.m. | Concession and drink sales begin
7 p.m. | Live music starts
10 p.m. | Live music ends

To bring... or not to bring?

Bring chairs, blankets, water bottles, and leashed pets
Don’t bring glass containers, coolers, or any outside alcoholic beverages (they’ll be available for purchase)

Pro tips

Arrive early for parking purposes; downtown street parking is free after 6 p.m.
Expect Riverfront Parkway to be closed between Chestnut Street and Power Alley on Saturdays throughout the concert series.
On extended evenings (May 23, June 6, June 27, July 4, July 18, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, and Sept. 5), Riverfront Parkway will also be shut down by Ross’s Landing to utilize both lawns.
Plan on grabbing a bite to eat from one of several food trucks that’ll be on-site.
Keep the kiddos entertained with cornhole, giant Jenga, and other yard games.
If you don’t mind getting wet, cool off by walking through the sprinkler that’ll be on-site. There will also be doggy pools and water bowls for your furry friends.

Want to get involved? You can sign up to volunteer with setup, merchandise sales, breakdown, and more.

A nostalgic vacation? We know a place.

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:19:47 GMT

That nostalgic feeling is real in Clarksville, TN.

Affordable, family-friendly, and full of timeless charm, this riverfront town invites you to experience travel the way it used to be. Whether it’s quiet time outdoors, a slow afternoon on the river, or a laid-back day in town, Clarksville offers visitors simple moments that feel familiar and refreshing.

Download a Visitor Guide

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Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Chattanooga

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:28:00 GMT

Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Scenic City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Chattanooga — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.

March openings

Whataburger, 2332 Shallowford Village Dr. | Burgers + melts
This is Chattanooga’s second Whataburger location, opening in the former Fazoli’s space.

Wayward Pastry Co., 4501 St. Elmo Ave. | Coffee + pastries
Expect coffee, espresso, and lots of pastries at this new St. Elmo bakery that opened inside a former fire hall.

Morning Bee Bakery & Bagelry, 1743 Dayton Blvd. | Pastries + bagels
This bakery is opening its own storefront after years of supplying pastries and New York-style bagels to local businesses.

February openings

Oui Oui Boulangerie, 338 E Main St. | French bakery
The bakery sells fresh baguettes, croissants, and pastries made with the finest ingredients shipped in from France.

Chattanooga Culture, 2310 Vance Ave. | Kombucha lounge
The 2,400-sqft space features a fermentation lab where sustainable ingredients are used to make kombucha, along with yerba mate and coffee offerings.

Build-A-Salad, 129 N Market St. | Salad shop
To get a healthy and highly customizable meal at this Northshore spot, just put on some gloves, grab a bowl, and build a salad with 100+ toppings to choose from.

January openings

Whataburger, 6521 Ringgold Rd. | Burgers + melts
The Texas-based chain is now open at the former Wally’s Restaurant site in East Ridge.

Brothers Bagel, 5231 Brainerd Rd. | Bagel sandwiches
This new location is larger than the one on Hixson, with a kids’ play area and more parking.

You can create your own or choose from one of Mr. T’s nine specialty pizzas.

Photo provided by Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream

Coming soon

BONA FIDE, 55 Johnson St. | Southside restaurant + bar | Opening: 2026
Opening where Flying Squirrel and Ernest Chinese used to be, this new spot will serve seasonally inspired food, including handmade pasta and desserts.

Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Ooltewah | Pizza + ice cream | Opening: TBA
This Chattanooga favorite has been in St. Elmo since 1989 and is now opening a new location in Ooltewah. Pro tip: Try their wings, sandwiches, and salads too.

Torikaya, 1120 Houston St., Suite 150 | Japanese yakitori | Opening: Early 2026
Opening in the former Tokyo space downtown, this restaurant will offer yakitori-style dishes, sushi, ramen, and more.

Mumashika, 818 Georgia Ave., Suite 118 | Japanese yakitori | Opening: Spring 2026
Attack of the Tatsu is expanding with this new restaurant next door, offering a higher-end experience where chefs cook over a charcoal yakitori grill in front of guests.

The Spritzeria, 3912 Dayton Blvd. | Mediterranean-inspired dishes | Opening: Spring 2026
This restaurant will serve spritzes, flatbreads, and small plates. Keep an eye on its Instagram page for updates.

Have to feed a whole bunch of people? A Honey Baked Ham should do it.

Photo via All Points PR

November openings

Honey Baked Ham, 5450 Hwy. 153 | Hams + turkey breasts
Known for its holiday meats and sides, Honey Baked Ham also serves sandwiches and fast-casual meals.

Raising Cane’s, 1833 Gunbarrel Rd. | Chicken fingers + fries
Known for its chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, this is Chattanooga’s second location, following the first in Hixson that opened in January 2025.

This Midwest favorite has made its way to the Scenic City.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

October openings

Camila, 309 E Main St. | European bistro
Taking over the old Slick’s Burgers spot, this new restaurant dishes up shareable bites, fresh oysters, elegant plates, and vibrant desserts.

The Reading Room, 3210 Brainerd Rd. | Bookstore + bar
This new bar-bookstore hybrid is filled with cozy bookshelves + curated cocktails.

Culver’s, 505 Northgate Mall Dr. | Burgers + custard
This Midwest chain, known for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard, just opened its first Chattanooga location.

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, 5118 Hixson Pike | Hawaiian comfort food
This fast-casual spot offers plate lunches, Dole soft serve, and Spam musubi — all with quick drive-through service.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, 2266 Gunbarrel Rd. | Chicken restaurant
You can get chicken tenders, sliders, fries, shakes, and other fun drinks at this restaurant.

September openings

Beignets & Brew, 7019 Shallowford Dr. | French donuts
Get New Orleans-style beignets without ever leaving Chattanooga, as well as breakfast croissants and specialty coffee.

Bela Lisboa is back open for business on Frazier Avenue.

Photo by Bela Lisboa

August openings

Ox2 Buns & Noodles, 2288 Gunbarrel Rd. | Chinese cuisine
From steamed soup dumplings to pork buns and hand-pulled noodles, this restaurant’s menu is packed with mouth-watering options.

Thai Smile, 321 Market St. | Thai cuisine
This downtown restaurant moved just a couple of blocks down the road to a new location, but it still serves the same flavorful dishes — spicy curries, pad Thai, noodles, and fresh salads.

Bela Lisboa, 417 Frazier Ave. | Mediterranean cuisine
This North Shore restaurant is back open after a fire forced it to close last fall. It has new Mediterranean dishes, a full bar, and an expanded wine list.

July openings

Los Mich, 4850 Hwy. 58 | Mexican cuisine
This restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes, especially specialties from the state of Jalisco, such as torta ahogada, birria tatemada, and carnes en su jugo.

Chattanooga Eats & Chill, 1800 Dayton Blvd. | Tacos
From Mojo Burrito, to Sabor Modern Latino & Sushi, to Chattanooga Eats & Chill. The Red Bank restaurant is under new management and now offers a pared-down menu including tacos and fried green plantains.

Alimentari Cafe & Market, 801 Pine St. | Cafe
This cafe recently found a new home at The Westin Chattanooga downtown. It’s known for its deli sandwiches and fresh salads.

100 Ramen & Bar, 2090 Hamilton Place | Ramen
This fast-casual restaurant inside the Aloft hotel features Boba teas, sushi, ramen + salads.

White Duck Taco Shop has quickly become a Chattanooga favorite.

Photo via @whiteduckgvl

June openings

White Duck Taco Shop, 1519 McCallie Ave. | Tacos
The Asheville-based restaurant is open and bringing its creative + diverse taco offerings to Chattanooga — with plans for a brewery later this year.

Neutral Ground, 338 E. Main St. | West African + Creole
This restaurant headed by Chef Kenyatta Ashford was formerly located inside of Proof Bar and Incubator.

Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 55 Station St. | Brewery
Get ice cold craft beer. If you’re headed straight to the patio, don’t miss the eclectic art inside.

Hungry Mother, 825 Houston St. | Cafe
This cafe recently joined The Bitter Alibi in its downtown space with menu items like bagels, cookies, and sandwiches.

May openings

The Milky Cow Bakery, 5906 Main St., Ooltewah | Bakery
Step into this storefront with French vibes and baked goods like pies, cookies, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.

West Coast Sourdough, 6025 E. Brainerd Rd. | Soups + sandwiches
This eatery known for its sandwiches, soups, and bread bowls opened its doors with hearty, cheesy, and toasted menu items.

Peet’s Coffee, Hotel Clemons | Coffee
Stop inside the boutique West Village hotel for your cup of joe.

April openings

Central Park, Hamilton Place Mall | Burgers
The burger joint that got its start in Chattanooga in 1982 opened a second location offering its selection of “Bubba” burgers, chicken dishes, hot dogs, and fries.

Spring 2026 weather forecast for Chattanooga

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:44:00 GMT

We know the question on your mind — how many “April showers” will it take to bring May flowers this year? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in Chattanooga this spring.

Reminder: The first day of spring is Friday, March 20.

Thankfully, we won’t be seeing New Mexico-levels of heat this spring.

Map via NOAA

🌡️ Temperature

This spring, Chattanooga has a 33-40% chance of temperatures being higher than last year’s temps.

🌨️ Precipitation

It’s a toss-up. Chattanooga has equal chances of seeing above-normal or below-normal amounts of rainfall this spring. We’ll err on the side of caution + prepare the umbrellas.

What the rest of March has in store

In Chattanooga, temperatures usually range from the mid-40s to the upper-60s this month. With this change typically comes an average of ~4.5 inches of precipitation.

April showers

April tends to lead the seasonal transition, with temperatures rarely falling below 35°. Make sure you keep an umbrella on hand as you enjoy the longer days — in April, the sun will set past 8 p.m. all month long, but this month also tends to be rainy.

May’s flowers

Historically, temperatures range from the low-60s to the upper-80s during May, bringing moderately hot days with an average UV index of six. So grab your sunblock and prepare to spend a lot of time outdoors before we transition into summer.

Mansion Monday: Former frat house hits the market in Fortwood

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:05:00 GMT

This week’s Mansion Monday caught the attention of Zillow Gone Wild, and it’s easy to see why. This dwelling happens to be… a former fraternity house.

Located just blocks from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the Fortwood Historic District, the Colonial Revival mansion has nine bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and plenty of off-street parking — a luxury in that area.

The selling point for us: you could live near all the action downtown, have plenty of room to host family and friends, and most importantly, you’d always have a conversation starter at the ready. After all, who can say they live in a former frat house?

Between the hardwood floors, wooden staircase, and cool chandelier, it has potential.

Photo by Creative Revolver

No more college mixers or parties for this place — it’s time for the next chapter. The property is listed for $829,000 and is being sold as-is. If you’re interested in giving this historic home new life, reach out to listing agent Christa French.

Opening Day at Erlanger Park is one month away

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:10:47 GMT

Saturday marks one month until Opening Day at Erlanger Park.

The Chattanooga Lookouts will take the field at their brand-new stadium for the first time on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. against the Montgomery Biscuits. Opening Day is sold out, but you can still catch a game during Opening Week. Here’s a reminder of what’s planned — click any of the dates below to buy tickets.

Wednesday, April 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Jackie Robinson Day
Thursday, April 16 | 6:30 p.m. | Thirsty Thursday drink specials
Friday, April 17 | 7 p.m. | Fireworks Friday
Saturday, April 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Pre-game concert from The Afternooners (5-6:15 p.m.)
Sunday, April 19 | 1 p.m. | Sunday Family Day

If you can’t make it during Opening Week — don’t fret — you’ll have 63 more chances to cheer on the Lookouts at home this year. Check out the full schedule, plus the first and second waves of promotions at the park. Psst — even though some of them are months out, you can still snag tickets right now.

Not sure where you’d like to sit? You have so many options now. Watch this virtual tour that shows all the different seating options (as well as other parts of the park). Some of the best views are in the Home Plate Club, Club 400 in center field, and the suites.

Know before you go

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Opening Day. Our advice? Arrive early to check out the new park before first pitch.
For all other games this season, gates open one hour before first pitch.
Parking will initially be available in multiple unpaved lots around the stadium, with 2,700 spots available on Opening Day. Parking garages are planned nearby as the South Broad District develops.
Come hungry — the stadium will serve classic ballpark fare plus elevated options in the food hall. Don’t like waiting in line? You’ll love the new grab-and-go self-checkout option.
If you’d like an adult beverage before the game, Creature Comforts Brewing Company will serve its award-winning beer inside “The Shed,” a historic foundry building adjacent to the park. They’re hoping to be up and running by Opening Day. Fingers crossed.

We’re officially counting down the days to the first game at Erlanger Park. If you’re just as excited as we are, you can keep an eye on the field’s progress through this live construction camera.

Walnut Street Bridge renovation hits major milestone

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:45:43 GMT

Get excited, because the Walnut Street Bridge is starting to look like, well, the Walnut Street Bridge again.

Crews have finished painting the iconic blue pedestrian bridge, and the tarps have come down. Now, the focus turns to the final stages of the 18-month renovation project.

What’s left

1,166 ft of wood decking still needs to be laid. For context, that’s about half of the bridge.
New LED light poles and electrical wiring need to be installed.
Crews need to do some minor touch-up painting.

The tarps were in place for containment during painting and sandblasting.

Photo provided by Chattanooga Public Works

What’s done

Large-scale sandblasting and painting is complete.
1,203 ft of wood decking has been installed.
Steel repairs are nearly complete.

The best news? The project is still on schedule, and the bridge is expected to reopen in late September. For now, with the tarps down, we’ll just have to admire it from afar.

What happens when ballet meets bluegrass? See for yourself.

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:04:17 GMT

an Appalachian twist.

Whether you’re a longtime ballet fan or looking for a memorable night out, “Cinderella + Bluegrass” offers a celebration of the music and culture that makes our region unique. Join Chattanooga Ballet Thursday, April 9 through Saturday, April 11 at UTC Fine Arts Center for this unique performance.

Grab tickets

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Local love: NOOGAtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:40:00 GMT

We want to celebrate all the businesses that make Chattanooga so special.

In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.

We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week coverage.

Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Editor Sarah’s picks

Naughty Cat Cafe | Cat rescue lounge
Picture this: low light, cozy furniture, vibey music, a drink in hand… and dozens of cats all around you. This St. Elmo staple truly is a cat lover’s paradise, filled with adoptable felines ready for love and attention.

River Street Deli | Sandwich shop
Get a taste of New York without leaving the Scenic City. This sandwich shop near Coolidge Park is beloved for good reason — the customer service is top-notch, and the sandwiches are even better.

Locals Only Gifts & Goods | Gift shop
This gift shop makes it ridiculously easy to support Chattanooga, because everything in it is made by local artisans. It’s the perfect spot to pick up gifts for friends and family, and let’s be honest, a little something for yourself too.

If this is the sunroom of your dreams, ProDeck Outdoor Living can build it for you.

Photo by Ryan Hull at Forefront Media

Personal services

ProDeck Outdoor Living | 7033 Lee Hwy.
“We strongly believe in helping homeowners design a space they will use all year round with their family and friends for years to come.” — Operations Manager Molly Hughes

New to the Chattanooga market, this deck builder specializes in crafting outdoor spaces tailored to your needs. Licensed craftsmen work closely with homeowners to design the perfect deck, patio, or sunroom.

R Photos | Online
“I started my business with a focus on weddings, but after identifying a gap in the industry, I shifted my mission toward providing affordable, all-inclusive packages for couples looking to elope. I have a special place in my heart for intimate weddings and adventure elopements filled with fun and laughter.” — Owner Rachel Kosky

In addition to wedding and elopement photography, R Photos offers maternity and newborn photography, plus Airbnb photography and videography services.

Psst — If you’d like to see a small business included in NOOGAtoday, make sure to submit it here.

Own a piece of AT&T Field history

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:13:56 GMT

It’s the end of an era for AT&T Field as the Chattanooga Lookouts inch closer to Opening Day at their new stadium, Erlanger Park. If you have fond memories of the old ballpark, you might soon be able to take a piece of it home.

Compass Auctions has announced two upcoming auctions where fans and collectors can bid on Lookouts memorabilia, historic signage, stadium seats, bases from the field, and more. One auction will take place in person, while the full stadium catalog will be sold online.

In person

When: Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
Where: Compass Auctions, 3114 Freeman St.

Online

When: Bidding opens tomorrow, March 11 at 3 p.m. and closes Wednesday, March 25 at 3 p.m.
Where: Compass Auctions website

Pro tip: If you’re hoping to snag a piece of baseball history, browse the items online before bidding begins.

Chattanooga is heading to SXSW

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:17:40 GMT

Chattanooga leaders are heading to Austin, TX, this week for one of the world’s largest innovation festivals: South by Southwest.

The week-long event brings together leaders in tech, film, music, and media for conferences, showcases, and screenings featuring professionals from around the globe.

Chattanooga will have a presence thanks to Launch Tennessee, which is hosting an activation called Tennessee House. The space will highlight startups, technology, and innovation happening across the state — including right here in the Scenic City.

Chattanooga Day is happening Saturday, March 14 and will feature:

Mayor Tim Kelly discussing why startups are choosing Chattanooga
Leaders from UTC and The Company Lab sharing how the city’s smart traffic technology helps reduce congestion
City representatives talking about how Chattanooga is emerging as a leader in quantum technology

Inspired to make the trip and see it for yourself? You can register here. You don’t need a SXSW badge to attend, but badgeholders will get priority entry. Otherwise, follow Launch Tennessee on Instagram for possible behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Date night ideas in Chattanooga

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:42:00 GMT

Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to NOOGAtoday.

Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time).

Regardless, of whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 20+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.

See the sights with that special someone.

Photo by @jacobtimpa

For the ones who want a night out on the town

Find out how to make them laugh by watching a show at The Comedy Catch. Feeling confident? Take them to an open mic night on the first + third Wednesday of the month to show off your skills.
Climb aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s various themed train rides to enjoy a journey through history + scenic views.
Head to Memorial Auditorium during the Tivoli Theatre Foundation’s Broadway season to see a high-end production like “The Wiz.”
Get a boatload of good times on the Southern Belle for one of its cruises touring the sights of the Scenic City. We recommend the Sunset Cruises for an even more romantic night.

You could even try to eat your noddles “Lady and the Tramp"-style.

Photo via @sweetandsavoryclassroom

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

Take a cooking class offered by the Sweet & Savory Classroom where you and your plus one can learn the craft of making anything from bread to Italian delicacies.
Have a wine-tasting experience paired with homemade wood-fired pizza at the Look Out Winery. Pro tip: Go before the sun sets for the most breathtaking views overlooking the Tennessee River.
Pick one (or all) of the six local restaurants that were featured by Forbes as a “culinary gem” in the Scenic City.
You’ll always have Paris by having breakfast at Adelle’s Crêperie — make a dynamic duo of flavors that showcases both you + your special someone by ordering a “create your own” savory or sweet crepes.
Plan for a candle-lit dinner in the comfort of your own home by heading to Queen’s Kitchen and Market to shop artisanal pastas, sauces, and other fresh ingredients to cook together.

For when the love makes you feel like free fallin’.

Photo by Alliance for Dade via @lookoutmtnflightpark

If you love the great outdoors

Take to the trails to get to know each other along the way.
Grab a cheese spread from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop and head to Coolidge Park for an easy-going picnic by the water. Bonus: Make it extra special with our help.
Any thrill seekers in the chat with us? Try out Ruby Falls’ High Point ZIP Adventures or glide with Lookout Mountain Flight Park.
As they say, there are other fish in the sea — so take your special someone to get up close to the creatures at the Tennessee Aquarium.

Who doesn’t want someone who brings out the little kid in them?

Photo by @classicarcadepinballmuseum

For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)

Spend an afternoon at the Chattanooga Pinball Museum playing unlimited rounds of the classic arcade game.
Spare some time at Southside Social for a game of bowling at this bar.
Test each other’s wits with a game of trivia around town.

If you’re really hoping that it works out

Join Fleet Feet for different runs around town, like every Wednesday at Oddstory Brewing Co.
Take different walking, yoga, and other outdoor fitness activity classes with the Chattanooga Fitness Center.
Test your climbing skills at High Point.

If you’re looking to make something special

Get your hands dirty and clay around together by taking one of Scenic City Clay Arts’ classes, where you can learn how to wheel throw or handbuild together.
Seal the deal by stopping by Love, EROS to treat your date with the charm bar and permanent jewelry + custom hat stations.
Take a class from The Chattery — we’re talking arts and crafts to exploring mood boards and yoga.

The view from the rooftop is bound to set the mood for your evening.

Photo via @whiskeythiefchattanooga

If you want an “old-fashioned”-style date

Have conversations with a breathtaking view and an old-fashioned in hand at the rooftop bar Whiskey Thief.
Adventure to a speakeasy-style bar like Unknown Caller or Company inside the Kinley hotel.
Get cozy in Matilda Midnight’s intimate bar space with the perfect mood lighting.
Meet love on the battlefields at the historical Point Park in Lookout Mountain.
Live out the romcom moment by booking a special horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the downtown area, keeping the spark alive before or after dinner.

If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town

Shameless plug: Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it; you can take all the credit.
Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around Chattanooga with our events page (and check out this guide for our tips on navigating the page).

Bonus: Start your date on the right note by heading to one of Chattanooga’s local flower shops.

What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction.

Rides, eats, shows: What’s new at Dollywood in 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:50:51 GMT

One week, y’all. That’s all that stands between us and opening day at Dollywood.

The park kicks off its 41st season on Friday, March 13, and with a record-breaking coaster and new events galore, 2026 is set to be one for the books in the Smokies. Here’s what to expect.

🎢 NightFlight Expedition

Soar through the Smoky Mountains at night on this immersive indoor coaster that blends storytelling with thrills. With a price tag of over $50 million, it’s the largest single investment in park history. The ride is set to open this spring, and season passholders will get first dibs with an exclusive preview.

🍓 Fresh flavors

We’ll never skip the cinnamon bread, but this year’s new menu additions are enough to pique any foodie’s interest. Think Tex-Mex loaded fries, strawberry cupcakes, zesty BBQ-glazed corn strips, Southern fish and chips, and more.

📆 Inaugural events

Pull out your calendar. The park will debut new events like the Run Dollywood Race, Harvey’s Boo Bash, and Neon Nights at Dollywood’s Splash Country, adding even more reasons to plan a return trip.

🎪 New performances

Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Music Festival runs from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, April 12, and this year’s lineup adds two new family-friendly productions to the mix. Fit for daredevils, “MotoMotion Freestyle Show” will feature aerial performers and extreme riders, while “Artrageous” will blend music, dance, and comedy with 3D visuals.

Ready to plan your trip? Single-day tickets and season passes are available now.

Anna Safley Houston: One of the most interesting women in Chattanooga's history

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:33:00 GMT

Anna Safley Houston has one of those stories so uncommon and bewitching, it’s almost hard to believe. And, sometimes, separating fact from folktale is essentially impossible, but — as with most amazing adventures — that’s part of the allure.

By some accounts, Houston was a passionate, generous, independent, tough woman with a good sense of humor + kindness toward children. By others, she was an eccentric con-artist who didn’t like children and often failed to pay her debts.

By most accounts, she was a self-educated, self-made innovator and entrepreneur who had a singular vision that resulted in one of the most magnificent antique collections in the world. And she did it all during a time when a woman being a self-reliant businessperson was radical.

Timeline

1876: Anna is born.
1885: Anna is nine years old and spends time making vases from broken glass.
1889: Anna is 13, and starts taking care of her 10 younger siblings when her mother dies.
1890s: Anna starts a job as a women’s clothing buyer for Marshall Field in Chicago + Macy’s in New York. She also had a job as one of the Sutherland Sisters, a group of women who made money by washing their hair in public to advertise hair tonic.
1897: Anna is 21 and gets married for the first time.
1904: Anna, 28, settles in Chattanooga to start her collection.
1940s: Anna moves to East Ridge. Note: She also owned properties on McCallie Avenue for a time.
1949: Anna starts a non-profit.
1951: Anna dies after a decade of ill health.
1961: Anna’s collection gets a temporary museum in the Bluff View Art District.
1968: The Houston Museum relocated to 201 High St., where it remains today.

Anna collected more than 15,000 pieces of glassware, pottery, textiles, music boxes, and furniture over the years.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Her work

Anna loved to travel, and she crossed the country to collect what she called “her pretties.”

When she was in her 60s, passersby regularly saw her trudging down McCallie Avenue with a bundle under her arm and another one hanging from the end of a long pole. To carry everything such a long distance, she’d set one bundle down and walk as far as she could while still keeping it in sight. Then she’d set down the ones she was carrying and go back to get the one she left behind. She repeated this the entire way.

This 1947 news article documents a fire at Anna’s home, which was more of a warehouse or “barn” for her collectibles. | Image from Chattanooga Public Library

By 1947, Anna was 70 years old and had collected 10,000 antique pitchers. A newspaper clipping from that time recounts how Anna and a “bucket brigade of women” from her neighborhood put out a fire that ultimately destroyed 500 pitchers.

This was the lead: “The savage god of fire struck a low blow yesterday morning in attempting to devour the fabulous collection of antique pitchers to which Mrs. Anna S. Houston of Wentworth Road in East Ridge has devoted her life.”

The article went on to describe a feat that today seems nearly insurmountable — putting out a house fire with pails of water.

“My first impulse was to throw myself into the middle of it. I thought that if the pitchers were gone, I may as well go with them.” – Anna Safley Houston, 1947

Instead, she ran into the yard, screaming for help. She and her neighbors used Anna’s own collectibles to fill with water to extinguish the fire. Imagine doing this at all, then imagine doing it at 70 years old.

Her husbands

Anna had 9 or 10 husbands — the early records are unclear. And it doesn’t seem she focused much on the men she married. Some were thought to be marriages of convenience.

For example, she said she stayed married to one man because he was a plumber, and she needed a plumber.

After nearly every divorce, Anna had her maiden name restored. But after getting divorced from her ninth husband, she requested that her name be restored to Houston from her eighth marriage to James W. Houston. It’s not clear why she wanted to keep that name.

Anna collected more than pitchers — she collected everything.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Her legacy

Anna’s friend and journalist Louise Fort estimated Anna had as many as 50 different collections, from stamps and coins to antique furniture and guns.
There were several failed attempts to get her items into a museum before it actually happened.
Members of the community helped make Anna’s museum dream a reality. This includes women who helped move Anna’s items out of her original warehouse to more suitable storage. They worked four days a week for two years on the task.
Another major player in making the museum happen was lawyer Blaine Buchanan, who was the first president of the museum and worked for many years to preserve the collection.
Ultimately, her legacy is one of grit and generosity because she wanted the city to benefit from her years of collecting.
The collection she left behind is dubbed the best in the world.

You can experience all of Anna’s collection yourself when the museum reopens later this year.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Today

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts has been closed since March 2024 for renovations, including a new elevator and other upgrades to make the 1890s building ADA-compliant. The project also adds a new gallery, more storage, electrical and structural upgrades, and a conservatory-style classroom. The museum is expected to reopen in late summer or early fall. When we learn a reopening date, you’ll be the first to know.

Changes proposed for Hixson Pike: Here’s how to weigh in

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:04:10 GMT

Improvements are coming to Hixson Pike, and you can help decide which ones.

Chattanooga Public Works has proposed these three options to improve safety and traffic flow in Riverview Town Center, the stretch between Tremont Street/Dorchester Road and Barton Avenue.

Option A

Option A seems to be the middle ground option when it comes to changes.

Photo via Chattanooga Department of Public Works

What it would do:

Reduce Hixson Pike to one lane in each direction
Add parking and wider shoulders to buffer sidewalks for pedestrian safety
Add intersection safety upgrades

How it’s different:

Balances traffic changes in both directions

Option B

Option B seems to be the lightest-touch option with the least amount of changes.

Photo via Chattanooga Department of Public Works

What it would do:

Reduce one southbound lane near Dartmouth Street
Add parking and a sidewalk buffer on the west side

How it’s different:

Focuses mainly on slowing and narrowing southbound traffic

Option C

1/3

Photo via Chattanooga Department of Public Works

2/3

Photo via Chattanooga Department of Public Works

3/3

Photo via Chattanooga Department of Public Works

What it would do:

Extend lane reductions farther south to create room for more sidewalks and crossings
Reduce southbound lanes starting near E. Dallas Road, allowing for a sidewalk extension to Englewood Avenue
Add potential new crossings at Englewood and E. Dallas
Include all intersection and safety upgrades from Options A and B, plus a new center turn lane north of Dartmouth

How it’s different:

Most comprehensive (and pedestrian-focused) plan. Think: more sidewalk space, more crossings, and the most changes overall

Note: We just covered the highlights. If you’d like a more in-depth look at each option, watch this public presentation. Share which option you think is best by filling out this survey by Friday, March 6.

New beer garden opening next to Chattanooga Lookouts’ stadium

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:27:37 GMT

A new beer garden is headed to Chattanooga’s Foundries District, right next to the Lookouts’ new stadium.

Creature Comforts Brewing Company will serve its award-winning beer inside “The Shed,” a historic foundry building adjacent to Erlanger Park. Fans can expect a full lineup of the brewery’s core beers, plus seasonal and limited releases. The beer garden will be open most game days, along with select non-game weekends and special events.

“Fostering human connection is our purpose, and creating welcoming spaces like this, designed for people to come together, is one way we bring that purpose to life,” said co-founder and CEO Adam Beauchamp.

The space is expected to open in April, but an official grand opening hasn’t been announced. Pro tip: Keep an eye on this Instagram page to be the first to know about it.

As for the future? Creature Comforts plans to move into a permanent location along the Riverwalk as the district continues to grow.

Horror movie filmed in Chattanooga hits theaters this week

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:15:46 GMT

A new slasher film is about to hit theaters — and it was filmed entirely in Chattanooga.

“Dolly” stars Fabianne Therese, pro wrestler Max the Impaler, and Seann William Scott (aka Stifler from the “American Pie” franchise). It’s about a young woman fighting to survive after being kidnapped by a monster who plans to raise her as her child. It’s freaky stuff — watch the trailer.

Local connections

The movie was filmed in May 2024, partially in the woods just outside Chattanooga (look for Snooper’s Rock) and partially in an old perfume factory off Amnicola Highway.
The factory, used for interior house scenes, was once called Arcade Beauty. It’s now owned by Urban Story Ventures, which helped secure the space for filming.
More than a dozen of the film’s crew members are from Chattanooga, as well as multiple producers and investors.

The interior of Dolly’s house was built inside the former Arcade Beauty factory.

Photo by John Blazzi

Chattanooga in the spring made for a beautiful backdrop, but filming was not without its challenges.

“You really haven’t lived until you rewrite multiple sequences on the fly, sitting in the dirt in the woods, because a wedding party is at the scenic overlook and…you can’t karmically interrupt those dawn nuptials,” said Nashville-based director Rod Blackhurst.

The movie will be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 6.

2026 travel trends in Chattanooga

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:47:14 GMT

With spring and summer on the horizon, many of you may be itching to plan your next trip. Airbnb released its 2026 travel predictions, forecasting what kinds of trips people will prioritize this year. If you need a little nudge, we’ve paired each trend with trip ideas that are just a nonstop flight away from the Chattanooga Airport (CHA).

Quick trips

The predicted trend: Quick, 1-2 day trips to “vibrant cities filled with music, dance, historic sites, and authentic cuisine”

Our recommendation: Chicago. With its walkability, blues and jazz scene, beautiful architecture, and deep-dish pizza, the Windy City is the perfect spot for a quick weekend trip.

Major events

The predicted trend: Trips coinciding with major cultural, sporting, and music events like Coachella + the FIFA World Cup

Our recommendation: Atlanta. Not only is the city hosting FIFA World Cup matches in June and July, you can round out your trip itinerary with an Atlanta Braves game, Michelin-recognized dining, and local museum stops.

The Everglades are gorgeous any time of day.

Photo by Charles Patrick Ewing

Touching grass

The predicted trend: National Park travel

Our recommendation: Miami. Here, you’ll be within a 45-minute drive of Everglades National Park and CHA will have nonstop Saturday flights to and from Miami through September. If you’d rather drive, you can get to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 3-4 hours.

Going solo

The predicted trend: Solo travel heats up, with solo voyagers “uncovering the next wave of up-and-coming hotspots”

Our recommendation: Denver. The city’s River North Art District has lots of trendy breweries, street art, and music venues to keep you entertained, and CHA will begin nonstop Saturday flights to Denver on May 23.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Check out our airport guide for everything you need to know before booking a flight.

Plane and simple tips for the Chattanooga Airport

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:11:00 GMT

Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in the cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours.

The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Chattanooga Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.

What to know

TSA | According to the Chattanooga Airport’s website, it takes ~10 minutes to get through during off-peak hours and ~20 minutes during peak hours (5-8 a.m., Monday-Friday).
Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
Food and drink | Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tailwind Concessions or Skyline Views after clearing the security checkpoint.
Reminder | You will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.

Not the worst waiting room to be in.

Photo by Pascale H. (submitted in our 2023 Photo of the Year Contest)

Current airport updates

The Chattanooga Airport now offers valet parking right by the terminal’s ticketing area. It costs $25 per day, and your car will be waiting when you return.
A second parking garage is being built and is expected to open in early 2027. It’ll be four stories and have 1,600 parking spaces. To make room for the new garage, the Long Term 1 parking lot closed, and an Economy lot (with a free shuttle) is now open at the corner of Rosedale Drive + Airport Road.
An aviation-themed park called BlueCross Healthy Place is set to open at the airport by summer 2026. The 4.5-acre space will include an inclusive playground, walking trails, a World War II pilot memorial, and an observation deck where families can watch planes take off and land.
Allegiant Airlines will stop its twice-weekly direct flights to Las Vegas on Monday, May 4.

Parking and shuttles

The short-term lot, long-term lot, and parking garage offer 15 minutes of free parking, 16-30 minutes for $2, and each additional 30 minutes for $2. Beyond that, the price per day is as listed:

Valet parking | $25/day + one-time $1.50 transaction fee
Short term parking | $20/day
Parking garage | $15/day
Long term parking | $12/day
Economy (Rosedale Dr. + Airport Rd.) | $10/day + one-time $0.85 transaction fee

Bonus: Because the Chattanooga Airport only has one terminal, most of these parking options are within walking distance of TSA and your gate.

Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by the Chattanooga Airport:

A-1 Taxi & Transportation | Taxi and shuttle — bonus: This service will also take you to and from Atlanta.
Ave Taxi | Taxi
CARTA GO | Shuttle — bonus: Get a connection to the #4 Eastgate/ Hamilton Place bus route where you can easily transfer to the downtown area.
Lookout Limousine | Premier shuttle — bonus: This service will also take you to and from surrounding airports in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama + there are no mileage fees or max stops.
Mercury Cab | Taxi
Nooga Shuttles | Shuttle
Nooga Taxi | Taxi
Bonus: You can also use Uber + Lyft ride share services

One way or round trip, CHA will get you there.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Nonstop flights

Chattanooga currently offers 15 nonstop flights, with one more on the way. Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.

Atlanta, GA | Delta | Daily
Detroit, MI | Delta | Daily
New York, NY (LGA) | Delta | Daily
Chicago, IL | United + American Airlines | Daily
Charlotte, NC | American Airlines | Daily
Houston, TX | United | Daily
Washington, DC | American Airlines | Sunday-Friday
Dallas, TX | American Airlines | Sunday-Friday
Las Vegas, NV | Allegiant Air | Thursday and Sunday
Orlando, FL | Allegiant Air | Three days a week, schedule changes frequently
Punta Gorda, FL | Allegiant Air | Up to three days a week, schedule changes frequently
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL | Allegiant Air | Up to three days a week, schedule changes seasonally | Take note: This flight lands at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Newark, NJ (EWR) | United | Five days a week
Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Allegiant Air | Thursday and Sunday
Miami, FL | American Airlines | Saturday seasonal service through September
Denver, CO | United | Saturdays | Saturday seasonal service starting Saturday, May 23 through Saturday, Oct. 24

Fly comfortably

While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:

The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.

Three homes for sale near Coolidge Park

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:29:27 GMT

Coolidge Park was recently named the top public space Tennesseans want to live near, according to a survey from Calgary Homes. So naturally, we did some digging to find which homes currently on the market are closest to the North Shore favorite. Here are the three closest:

405 Forest Ave.

Distance from Coolidge Park: 0.8 miles
Price: $2.6 million
Details: 5 BD, 5 BA, 5,275 sqft
Fun fact: This home has an elevator, heated floors, and bidet toilets in several bathrooms.

Less than a mile from Coolidge Park, this Forest Avenue home seems to have it all.

Photo by Jesse Hunter of the Robinson Team

306 Oliver St.

Distance from Coolidge Park: 0.9 miles
Price: $1.9 million
Details: 5 BD, 5 BA, 4,121 sqft
Fun fact: This home also has an elevator and a four-car garage.

This McFarland Avenue home predates Coolidge Park by nearly 80 years.

Photo via Cara Giannoni

215 McFarland Ave.

Distance from Coolidge Park: 1.3 miles
Price: $1.3 million
Details: 3 BD, 2 BA, 2,701 sqft
Fun fact: This Craftsman bungalow was built more than a century ago.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Staying safe during thunderstorms

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:06:15 GMT

If you didn’t already know, it’s Severe Weather Awareness Week in Tennessee. Each day has been focused on different topics, including storm prep, flooding, lightning, and tornado safety. According to the National Weather Service, Hamilton County saw 27 tornadoes between 1950 and 2024. Today’s topic is severe thunderstorm safety.

What’s a severe thunderstorm?

A storm is considered a severe thunderstorm if it’s capable of producing hail that’s an inch or larger, or has wind gusts over 58 miles per hour. Hail that size and wind that strong can cause widespread damage to homes, vehicles, and power lines.

Get prepared

Next Thursday, Feb. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m., the public is invited to Storm Safety Day at The Commons in Collegedale. The free, family-friendly event will feature safety demonstrations, a Q&A with a storm expert, and help from Hamilton County emergency officials with programming weather radios.

Can’t make it? Check out Hamilton County’s tips and reminders that could keep you safe next time severe weather strikes.

Reserved seats sold out for Opening Day at Erlanger Park

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:49:04 GMT

Have you grabbed your tickets yet? Single-game tickets are on sale for Opening Week at the Chattanooga Lookouts’ new stadium, Erlanger Park, and reserved seats for Opening Day have already sold out. Pro tip: Space is still available on the berm for $9 a person.

Opening Week runs Tuesday, April 14 through Sunday, April 19, with the Lookouts taking on the Montgomery Biscuits. The team released its promotional schedule for the week. Here’s what fans can expect:

Tuesday, April 14 | Clear bag + magnet giveaway and post-game fireworks
Wednesday, April 15 | Jackie Robinson Day
Thursday, April 16 | Thirsty Thursday drink specials and post-game fireworks
Friday, April 17 | Fireworks Friday (full-scale post-game fireworks show)
Saturday, April 18 | Pre-game concert by The Afternooners
Sunday, April 19 | Family Sunday Funday with pre-game autographs, post-game Catch on the Field, and Kids Run the Bases.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Opening Day and an hour before first pitch on all other days.

McDonald Farm could become Tennessee’s newest state park

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:25:23 GMT

Many Chattanoogans know McDonald Farm as the home of the Hamilton County Fair, but soon, it could become Tennessee’s newest state park.

Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget includes more than $45 million to transform ~1,300 acres into a park that would connect Sale Creek to the Cumberland Trail. The funding would go toward new trails, a visitor center, and a possible RV campground, plus $1 million a year for park operations.

The numbers

800 acres in Hamilton County
500 acres in Rhea County
70+ new jobs anticipated
$11 million economic impact anticipated

Hamilton County would still own roughly 800 acres of McDonald Farm, including 250 acres that would remain a county park and continue hosting the fair each fall.

What’s next

The Hamilton County Commission must approve the land transfer, and lawmakers still need to pass the budget. If approved, the park could open in about three years, becoming Tennessee’s 70th state park.

Gallery: Erlanger Park two months before Opening Day

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:51:02 GMT

1/8

Crews were installing the grass and the field was nearing completion as of Thursday, Feb. 12. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

2/8

This view from behind the third base line shows the pitching mound under construction. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

3/8

Here’s a view of what will be home plate with the Pattern Shop in the background. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

4/8

The Home Plate Club is looking good and nearly complete. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

5/8

Club 400 will have one of the most unique views in Erlanger Park. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

6/8

Up there is where you’ll find the stadium’s party decks. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

7/8

Once all the seats are in, fans will enjoy field boxes and half-round sections. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

8/8

While fans will still find traditional baseball fare, there will also be plenty of new options at Erlanger Park. | Photo by NOOGAtoday