Plus, vote for the TN Aquarium in USA Today.
Chattanooga Airport

You’re a Chattanoogan now 🏙️

Chattanoogan 101: Our guide to becoming a Chattanooga resident
Picture this: You just moved to Chattanooga, TN and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and eat Moon Pies all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Chattanoogan 101, our guide to all things Chattanooga citizenship.

Fingers holding an "I voted" sticker outside of a polling location.

Get everything from voter to vehicle registration squared away. |

Photo by NOOGAtoday

The essentials

Voter Registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
New residents in need of a Tennessee driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a current license or other acceptable ID, proof of full social security number, and two documents confirming your residential address.

You can make an appointment at either of Hamilton County’s full service centers to obtain a State driver’s license.

To register your car (for the first time) in Tennessee, you’ll need to bring two proofs of local residency, a personal photo ID, original car title (if paid in full), or the original current out-of-state registration + the complete name and mailing address of the lienholder.

If you’re registering your vehicle in Tennessee for the first time, you must visit the county clerk’s office at the downtown courthouse, or the branch office off of Bonny Oaks Drive.

Healthcare
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial, Galen Medical Group, or Parkridge Health System, to name a few.

A fire professional bending over with a rod with flames on each end across their back.

MAINx24: something you just have to experience to understand. |

Photo by NOOGAtoday

The ultimate Chattanoogan initiation

Having a State driver’s license and a 423 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Chattanoogan until you’ve taken part in some local fun.

The great outdoors
Whether you’re into hiking, biking, camping, swimming, or climbing, Chattanooga’s outdoor scene is ready for you.

Food and drink
Looking for a great spot to brunch? A delicious place for vegan eats? Somewhere you can grab a late-night bite? Happy hours?

Our website’s Eat + Drink section stays full of delicious local food and beverage content.
MORE WAYS TO BECOME A CHATTANOOGAN

Speaking of driver’s licenses — it’s time to ‘fess up. How much were you sweating that test?

A. Not at all — even at 16 I was a pro
B. I was more worried about the line at the DMV
C. I didn’t sleep a wink the night before
D. I may or may not have had to take the test multiple times
DRIVE OVER HERE TO ANSWER

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Feb. 10
Saturday, Feb. 11
  • Abandoned Ships: Adult Puppetry Workshop (Narratives) | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Stove Works, 1250 E. 13th St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Delve into the world of object theater through a series of games and exercises geared to help us understand the stories that are hidden in everyday objects — for ages 16+.
  • Hearts and Hisses | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave., Chattanooga | Price of admission | Make your own valentines and watch the zoo’s residents enjoy Valentine’s Day enrichment.
  • Girl Scout Cookie Pairing | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 1-4 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Price of purchase | Enjoy a flight of beers perfectly paired with delicious Girl Scout cookies.
Sunday, Feb. 12
  • A Galentine’s Social at Bode | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12-4 p.m. | Bode Chattanooga, 730 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Free+, RSVP | Local artists and makers will come together with love-themed sips, vendors, giveaways, and more.
Plan Ahead
  • The National Black Market | Saturday, March 18 | 12-6 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | This free + family-friendly market will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, games, raffles, and more.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor
An older woman with cropped silver hair, a black turtleneck, and horn-rimmed glasses looks calmly into the camera.
Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these seven common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
GET YOUR FREE MATCHES

Weather
  • 59º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain ☁️
Civic
  • Hamilton County Commissioners will decide on Wednesday, Feb. 15 if the county will accept $1.5 million in funding from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. The funds could be used in several different ways, and would require semiannual reporting from the county. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Development
  • Site work has begun on ~60 townhomes as part of the South Broad revitalization project. The townhomes located between St. Elmo Avenue + Chattanooga Creek will be priced between the high $400,000-high $600,000 range. 🏗️ (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
  • United Way of Greater Chattanooga has expanded its 211 services — a free, confidential helpline to support unhoused individuals + families in finding sources for permanent housing. The expansion could potentially serve an additional 20,000 neighbors in need.
Cause
  • The Chattanooga Rescue Mission will host its annual Valentine’s Day Banquet for those experiencing homelessness on Monday, Feb. 13 at the Mission. If you’d like to donate food for the banquet, fill out this form — it also lists the needed items. 💌 (Local 3)
Arts
  • The Hunter Museum is currently accepting donated art for its silent auction during Hunter Underground on Friday, March 24. To donate, email Susan Day your name + the artwork title, medium, size, and a photograph — if chosen, you’ll get access to the event and be listed as a contributing supporter. 🖼️
UTC
  • UTC will soon co-lead the Rural Schools Collaborative’s Appalachian regional hub through a partnership with RSC. The partnership will aim to improve the K-12 educational workforce + opportunities for rural schools and educators. (Chattanoogan.com)
Traffic
  • The construction at Boy Scout Road at the Norfolk Southern Railroad has been temporarily delayed. The road is now open + updates for future closures will be shared once finalized.
Sports
  • Feeling lucky ahead of Sunday’s big game? Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook and earn $200 in bonus bets instantly when you bet at least $5. Psst — you can also place bets on college basketball, NHL games, and even the upcoming Daytona 500. 🏈 *
Seasonal
  • Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *
Stat
  • 59% of our readers recently told us they plan on traveling to Europe in 2023. Babbel’s user-friendly app gets readers speaking one of 14 different languages in as little as three weeks. Want to try it out? Snag 55% off your subscription today. 🌏 *
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NOOGAtoday’s USA Today news today 🤝

Tennessee Aquarium getting top honors
a bird's eye view of the Tennessee Aquarium, with the river and two bridges in the background.
Congratulations to our beautiful Tennessee Aquarium. | Photo provided by the Tennessee Aquarium
Through 12 p.m. on Monday, March 6, you can vote for the Tennessee Aquarium in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2023 poll.

The local aquarium is one of 20 featured in the contest, among others like the New England Aquarium in Boston, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey. The 2023 selection committee highlighted the Tennessee Aquarium’s diversity of wildlife on display in a wide range of habitats reflecting a variety of ecosystems.

You can check out the full list of nominees + vote once daily online.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Brianna.

Editor’s pick: I love this little reminder that local wildlife rescue For Fox Sake put out recently — Cottontail rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and tree squirrels will not dig burrows in your yard (aka, please don’t trap, injure, or kill any of them because you think they will).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? It’d be kind of cool if you read it.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Brianna Williams, Kristen Templeton, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Sarah Edwards | Advertise with us.

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