The ghost of Annalisa Netherly is said to haunt this room. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Editors Brianna + Kristen, of course.
We may have left our proton packs and particle throwers at home, but we recently went ghost hunting at The Read House Hotel’s haunted Room 311, and you all are coming along for the ride.
Brief history
Before the hotel was constructed, the location was home to the Old Crutchfield House + later a makeshift hospital for Union soldiers. The location burned to the ground in 1867, passing the property along to new hands (many believe this history alone makes the location haunted).
Dr. John T. Read purchased the land + built The Read House Hotel, which opened its doors in 1872.
The ghost
The guest who never checked out is said to be Annalisa Netherly. According to local lore, Annalisa’s jealous lover murdered her in Room 311’s bathroom in 1927. It is said that her ghost has a particular dislike towards men, especially those who smoke.
Along with Room 311 being the alleged location of Annalisa’s murder, the room also hosted Al Capone during his federal trial. The room had security bars placed on the windows — which are still there — to ensure Capone could not escape.
Paranormal experiences
The hotel only allows guests to stay in Room 311 during weekends in October (for the price of $666), but many guests check out before the night’s end or leave believing in ghosts.
Guests and staff members have reported drawers opening and closing, the feeling of being watched, flickering lights, unexplained noises, being touched, seeing shadowy figures, and more.
Guests have even reported paranormal experiences outside of the room, like the third-floor lights going bright and then dimming + pets barking or staring at Room 311 from the hallway.
As for our personal experience, the room definitely had creepy vibes and we made sure to take plenty of photos and videos. We may have even caught a ghost on camera — keep an eye out on our Instagram page for more.
Experience Ayurveda | Tue., Oct. 25 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | $28 | At this experiential workshop, you’ll learn how to use Ayurveda to create and maintain good health.
Wednesday
Basics of Floral Design: A Spooktacular Design | Wed., Oct. 26 | 6-7 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $85 | Learn how to create a Halloween-themed floral bouquet during this workshop — ticket sales close today at 12 p.m. 💐
Pre-Prix Green Drinks | Wed., Oct. 26 | 5-7 p.m. | Green Spaces, 63 E. Main St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Have a drink with fellow sustainability professionals, Green Prix school advisors, and Sports Car Club of America members.
Thursday
Fireside at the Greenway | Thu., Oct. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Greenway Farm Park, 4960 Gann Store Rd., Hixson | Free | Enjoy a free outdoor concert by Stringer’s Ridge Band around a fire. 🎶
Haunted Hunter Halloween | Thu., Oct. 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Hunter Museum, 10 Bluff View Ave., Chattanooga | Price of admission | Enjoy a night of eerie and creative fun at this kid-friendly event — members + youth under 17 receive free admission, adults in costumes will receive $5 off admission.
Noontunes Concert Series | Thu., Oct. 27 | 12-1 p.m. | Miller Plaza, 850 Market St., Chattanooga | Free | This Thursday’s Halloween-themed performance will be by Genki Genki Panic.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Yesterday, local leaders broke ground on the North River Commerce Center, a new industrial park just south of Hixson. Construction on the industrial park — which will feature 800,000 sqft of Class A commercial, manufacturing, and industrial real estate — is expected to be completed by fall 2023.
Civic
Beginning Tues., Nov. 1, Chattanooga’s Department of Public Works will collect on-demand loose leaves from residents. You can request loose leaf collectiononline or by email, app, or phone call (423-643-6311).
In the past week, average gas prices in Chattanooga declined by 8.6 cents per gallon. According to GasBuddy.com, prices could drop even more this fall. ⛽ (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
The Chattanooga Community Kitchen recently unveiled its new name, Chatt Foundation. The organization changed its name to better reflect all of the services that it offers beyond serving meals. (Local 3)
Health
The Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on Sat., Oct. 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hamilton County residents can drop off unwanted medications at these local sites during the day.
Legacy
Beloved comedian, actor, and Chattanooga native Leslie Jordandied yesterday at 67. Leslie was famous for his work on shows like “Will & Grace” + his Instagram page. We’ll always remember his humor, kindness, and visits to his hometown. ❤️ (NewsChannel 9)
Sports
UTC recently claimed its first-ever Southern Conference women’s soccer regular season title. The Mocs + Furman finished 1-1 in regulation, securing UTC’s top seed in the SoCon postseason tournament. ⚽ (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Festival
Eastdale Neighborhood Association is partnering with Rise Chattanooga to host the firstEastdale Community Festival on Sat., Nov. 5. The event will feature food, family-friendly activities, music, and more from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Eastdale Community Center. 🍁 (Local 3)
Job
On Thurs., Oct. 27, TVFCU will host a career fair for entry + high-level positions at its company. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at The BX-Brainerd Baptist Church’s multi-use meeting facility.
DYK
Did you know you can support NOOGAtoday through our retail store? We’re celebrating Chattanooga’s unique landmarks and history with our online shop. Show off your NOOGA pride with stickers, hoodies, mugs, and more. No need to wait. Start shopping.
Featured Job
Sanofi, the maker of products like Gold Bond and Icy Hot, is hiring for multiple positions including Process Technician, Packaging Technician, and Distribution Clerk right here in Chattanooga. Interested in joining the team?Learn more about the full-time positions + benefits and apply.*
Shop
Here’s a friendly reminder that we’re less than a week out from Halloween. Have you bought your costume yet? What about the candy? And if you wanna be the coolest parent or grandparent on the block — while increasing your trick-or-treater’s nighttime visibility — grab this affordable 100-pack of glow sticks.*
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You can check out the new mural at 1516 E. Main St. | Photo by @nathanbrown77
In under two weeks, local muralist Nathan Brown(with the help of 30-40 community members) completed Highland Park + Main Street’snewest mural.
The gigantic geometric mural was painted on the side of a two-story building, and over 20 gallons of paint + 200 cans of spray paint were used to create the piece — all supplies were donated by Sherwin Williams Brainerd + Kobra Paint.
Make sure to swing by to check out the completed work at 1516 E. Main St., and see the mural come to lifehere.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Kristen.
Editor’s pick: We are heartbroken to learn of the loss of fellow Chattanoogan, Leslie Jordan. Leslie was one-of-a-kind and brought joy to so many people. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
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