12.20.2023

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Today’s Forecast

52º | Partly cloudy | 3% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:44 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.

🗣️ Alexa, tell me about Chattanooga

What Chattanoogans googled this year

A search bar overlayed an image of the Tennessee River with mountains in the background and the sun going down.

Did you search “How often do you think about the Roman Empire” this year? So did the rest of the US — but this is what Chattanoogans were googling on a more local level. | Graphic via NOOGAtoday

It may come as no surprise that Travis Kelce was one of the most-searched people on Google this year, but what about the fact that the Chattanooga area ranked No. 1 in the US in top trending searches for pain management treatment near me?

2023’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find local spots).

Unique local searches

Top trending “tour” search in Chattanooga | Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Top trending “TV show” search in Chattanooga | “The Last of Us”
Top trending “versus” search in Chattanooga | Nate Dias vs. Jake Paul

“Air quality near me” | We dove into Chattanooga’s air quality history in early 2023.
“Pawn shop near me” | On a related note, check out these local flea markets, co-ops, vintage, and resale shops.
“Pain management treatment near me” | We have a feeling these searchers will enjoy NOOGA Wellness, a newsletter collaboration with Erlanger that shares health-focused topics.
“Plasma donation near me” | Check out other ways to volunteer locally.
“Optometrist near me” | Check out what’s behind these ~~hazel~~ green eyes.

The fact that “NOOGAtoday” wasn’t a top local search only hurts our feelings a little bit. There’s always next year.

Asked

What was the top trending “Movies” Google search in the US this year?

A. “Oppenheimer”
B. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”
C. “Cocaine Bear”
D. “Barbie”

Lights, camera, action

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Maclellan Island Fest | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. | Cherry Street Tavern, 719 Cherry St., Chattanooga | $10 | Hear performances from several bands with proceeds benefiting Chattanooga Audubon Society’s efforts to restore Maclellan Island.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Winter Solstice Labyrinths & Yule Altar | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 5-8 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga, 3224 Navajo Dr., Chattanooga | Free | Enjoy an indoor/outdoor candlelit walking labyrinth, a Yule log fire, and food + drinks to celebrate the solstice.

Friday, Dec. 22

Bobby Stone Film Series | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga | $7.50-$13.50 | See a special holiday screening of “The Grinch.”

Saturday, Dec. 23

Deck the Walls: Open House | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | ClearStory Arts, 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave., Chattanooga | Free+ | See works in the “Deck the Walls” exhibition + shop for gifts from local artists.
Christmas Food Charity | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 2-4 p.m. | Miller Park, 928 Market St., Chattanooga | Free | Talent Bar Event Management will hand out 100 free hot meals to those in need.
Last Minute Market | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 3-8 p.m. | The Commons, 4950 Swinyar Dr., Collegedale | Free+ | For the last-minute holiday shoppers — stop by for gifts from local vendors at this arts, crafts + farmers market.
“Nutcracker!” Magical Christmas Ballet | Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga | $42.05-$94.35 | Experience the holiday magic and nostalgia of this classic ballet performance.

Sunday, Dec. 31

Chattanooga’s NYE Celebration | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 8-11:59 p.m. | In front of Tennessee Aquarium, 200 Broad St., Chattanooga | Free+ | The City of Chattanooga is hosting the official 2024 New Year’s Eve party, featuring a light show + live music, confetti, a New Year’s countdown tower, food trucks, drink vendors, and more.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Real Estate

Mountain luxury meets masterful design at Black Creek

Steps from wildlife, minutes from nightlife: Black Creek offers a bit of everything. | Photo provided by Creative Revolver

Discover the convergence of craftsmanship and natural beauty at Black Creek, Chattanooga’s award-winning master-planned mountain community.

Featuring unique interpretations of mountaintop luxury living from Tennessee’s finest homebuilders, and a full suite of community amenities, Black Creek’s exquisite model homes are open for tours — and ready for you to find the design that matches your lifestyle.

Want an in-depth look? Experience the community with a day trip or overnight stay (and be sure to swing by the golf course).

Schedule your tour

News Notes

Transit

CARTA will halt all bus and shuttle services on Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1. Additionally, the Care-A-Van won’t operate on Christmas Day + will be on a holiday schedule for New Year’s. Note: All services will remain on a regular schedule for the Sundays prior to the holidays.

Traffic

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has an early gift for all travelers. In anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state, all lane closure activity on interstates + state highways will halt starting Friday, Dec. 22 at 6 a.m. Closures will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6 a.m.

Civic

Speaking of observing the holidays, the City of East Ridge will close its offices and library on Friday, Dec. 22 + Monday, Dec. 25. During the closures, all properties will have trash and recycling picked up on a new schedule. See sanitation details.

Development

Local builder RP Homes recently announced a new 56-home community development, The Bexley. The up to 1,500-sqft units will be located at the intersection of McCallie Avenue + Central Avenue with the model home projected to be complete by October.

Community

The Tennessee Aquarium now offers 15 large wheelchairs to be checked out for free to those in need of additional mobility aid. Wheelchairs are available at the Guest Services Information Desk (near the River Journey Gift Shop) + will be first come, first served. (The Chatsworth Times)

Cause

Volunteers are needed to help Union Gospel Mission serve Christmas dinners to unhoused residents on Friday, Dec. 22. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can head to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to hand out meals + winter clothes. Sign up to volunteer or donate.

Feel Good

Two Chattanooga area residents will be featured in the 2024 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Calendar. Brenda Gilbert of Cleveland + Frank Snyder of Athens are among 17 photographers to have photos featured in the calendar. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Watch

Tired of scrolling through multiple apps just to find something good to watch? (Looking at you, holiday movies.) See these recs for the best shows to watch this week.*

Shop

Do good, feel good. Find sustainably sourced, keep-forever clothes + accessories for him and her at Madewell this holiday season with high-quality jeans, jackets, cashmere, and more. Feel the difference firsthand at the Downtown location on Warehouse Row.*

Edu

Did you know? ChattState offers a Radiologic Technology program where grads can get licensed + have a healthcare career in just two years. Bonus: The licensure pass rate and job placement for the program are both 100%. Learn more.*

Community

👋 Say hello to scooters, Chattanooga

Bike Chattanooga launches Scooter Pilot Program

NOOGAtoday | Two electric scooters docked at station next to road.

Look for the new scooters docked at various Bike Chattanooga stations. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

If you’ve walked by some of the Bike Chattanooga stations recently, you may have seen some new additions to the rental options — electric scooters.

The organization recently launched its Scooter Pilot Program, offering 15 electric scooters for folks to rent for their explorations across Chattanooga.

How does it work?

You can unlock a scooter through the mobile website, Transit + PBSC apps, or by using the kiosk at the station. Note: You must be 16+ and have a valid ID. At the end of your ride, you must dock the scooter back at a Bike Chattanooga station.

Pricing

A scooter pass is pay-as-you-go, with a $1 fee to unlock a scooter + 35 cents per minute of use. Folks can also purchase an annual membership for a preferred rate ($1 to unlock + 25 cents per minute).

Note: Bike passes do not include the use of scooters.

The Buy

The Buy 12.20.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

An Apple Watch Series 9 — because the smartwatch is about to get much harder to find. Starting tomorrow, Apple will pull this smartwatch version from its website due to a patent dispute, with in-store purchases ending Sunday, Dec. 24. Other retailers may continue to sell the model until a final decision is made on an import ban. (Forbes)

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kristen Templeton

From the editor

It’s hard to believe how quickly December is flying by. I’m still trying to pin down my holiday plans, but if you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, Ice on the Landing will be open for a few special hours. I’d recommend booking your tickets online to secure your spot.

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