06.10.2024

Today’s Forecast

84º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:25 a.m. | Sunset 8:55 p.m.

Come for the drinks, stay for the culture

Chattanooga Culture brings kombucha to the beverage scene

Bottles of Chattanooga Culture's kombucha on a wood bartop

Explore the world and benefits of fermented teas. | Photo by Chattanooga Culture

You might recognize this business from the farmers market scene — Chattanooga Culture will soon open its storefront in nearby Rossville, GA, bringing a kombucha lounge to the area.

Located at 313 McFarland Ave. (where the former Flora de Mel meadery operated), folks can expect to try holistic kombuchas and other fermented goods.

Fermentation Master and Owner Matt Cone said he was looking for his niche in the wellness community when he discovered the process of making kombucha. Having moved to the city only three and a half years ago, Cone started Chattanooga Culture with the help of the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga last February.

The lounge at Chattanooga Culture with blue chairs and couches and plants — The rustic space is designed to be welcoming for all patrons + have them leave feeling better than when they come in.
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Photo by Chattanooga Culture

“To have a place where people can actually hang out and have an experience and learn more about the process, because the brewing will be right there,” Cone said. “It’s more about creating a like-minded community.”

Cone said he has also enjoyed seeing the shift to more non-alcoholic options and wants to keep Chattanooga Culture alcohol-free to align with its ethos of health + wellness — opting to offer herbal mocktails.

We got to take a journey through Cone’s process and passion for experimentation, and we’re dying to spill the tea.

You start with brewing a loose-leaf tea base (black, white, green, or one of Cone’s favorites — Yerba mate) that is sweetened with sugar to help the fermentation process. Then you dilute the base to add the scoby (yeast) — Cone said he blends a new batch with remnants of an older batch to ferment together, creating a whole batch of kombucha.

To flavor the drinks, Cone likes experimenting with juicing local produce or purchasing locally-made juices to blend in. Think: Strawberries, carrots, beets, apples, etc.

A book on Kombucha — One of Cone’s favorite aspects to experiment with is choosing different tea blends to start the process.
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Photo by Chattanooga Culture

The lounge will offer its kombuchas and other fermented drinks on tap + a grab-and-go cooler. Pro tip: Purchase a growler (for $20-$35, depending on size) to get $5 off on refills.

The store will open to the public on Friday, June 14 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll also still be able to find Chattanooga Culture’s products across town at these stores + markets.

Events

Monday, June 10

Yoga Mondays | Monday, June 10 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Bring your mat to help your mind, body, and soul during this beginner-friendly class.

Tuesday, June 11

Autism Support Group | Tuesday, June 11 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Scenic City Speech, 6011 Chesterton Way, Ooltewah | Free | Join other parents and caregivers with children on the spectrum to share advice and resources.

Wednesday, June 12

The Appalachian String Band | Wednesday, June 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Enjoy a show, beer + drink specials, and yummy bites while sitting out on the patio.

Thursday, June 13

Design Your Own Sunglasses Studio | Thursday, June 13 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Collegedale Public Library, 9318 Apison Pk., Collegedale | Free | Embellish a pair of sunglasses for a personalized look — no library card required.

Friday, June 14

Girls, Gays, and Theys Pride Hike | Friday, June 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Rainbow Lake, Prentice Cooper State Forest, 3998 Game Reserve Rd., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Take a guided three-mile hike in a space “where everyone is celebrated and supported.”

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Asked

You’re telling an out-of-towner you live in Chattanooga — what area code are you using?

Last week, we shared the news that a different area code will soon join our directory for new callers — tell us what you think.

Ring, ring

News Notes

Civic

Mayor Tim Kelly recently announced several director-level + senior staff position changes. Positions have been filled for the director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Health, chief strategy and innovation officer, interim chief operating officer, and chief purchasing officer. See the new hires. (Chattanoogan.com)

Community

Speaking of staff changes — applications are now open for several City of Chattanooga board positions. Folks can apply online to address topics like air pollution control, public art, wastewater regulations, and more.

Arts

The Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute is currently enrolling for its class of 2024-2025. Those interested in “advancing, engaging, and leading arts and culture opportunities in our community” can apply online by Friday, June 14 at 11:59 p.m.

Biz

Chattanooga-based Echelon Fitness recently acquired ThriveX, a company focused on advanced recovery treatments like cold immersion therapy. The addition will provide “more comprehensive wellness solutions” to Echelon customers. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Outdoors

The City of Collegedale’s Imagination Station was awarded a National Demonstration Site Grant for an upcoming remodeling project. Funds will be used to complete a new modern play structure with “inclusive elements, benches, and shade coverings.” (Chattanoogan.com)

Sports

The Chattanooga Lookouts will team up with the MLB to host its Play Ball Weekend Youth Clinic on Saturday, June 15. Kiddos will rotate between stations to learn and develop baseball skills. Bonus: Registration is free and includes an MLB + MiLB TV subscription.

Asked

The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater team is seeking input about watching the 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony live on the IMAX screen on Friday, July 26. Weigh in with your thoughts.

Edu

Happening tomorrow — ChattState is hosting a TCAT Open House to give prospective students interested in the hot skilled-trades industry the chance to meet instructors, tour the campus, learn about financial aid + more. See details and go.*

Shop

Woman-owned business Royal Highnies uses airy, 400-thread count Pima cotton to create luxury loungewear for the whole family. It all began with boxer shorts, and now, trademarked Highnies are sold in over 500 retailers — but you can snag free hats for Father’s Day exclusively online with code ROYALDADDY24.*

Health

What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: The Horizon hearing aid. (This is not your grandpa’s hearing device.) See if you qualify for a free trial.*

Community

🎶 Make music, make community

Chattanooga’s Make Music Day festival

Folks out in Miller Park enjoying outdoor music played by men with a trumpet, saxophone, and washboard.

It’s time to dance and play your way through the Scenic City. | Photo by J. Adams via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

This is music to our ears. Chattanooga is joining over 1,000 cities globally to host its annual Make Music Day, a city-wide festival celebrating our local artists, on Friday, June 21.

For the entire day, you can expect free pop-up shows around town “where every street corner, park, and space becomes a stage,” jam sessions, and workshops. With over 15 artists already scheduled to perform, we’re especially excited for:

Sam Steadman | Barrelhouse Ballroom, 12-2 p.m.
Rick Rushing | Creative Discovery Museum, 1-3:05 p.m.
Billy Anne Crews | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 5:05-5:45 p.m.
DK Harrell | Nightfall at Miller Park and Plaza, 7 p.m.-12 a.m.

Now we’re looking to you — venue owners, musicians, educators, and anyone who loves making music — to join the lineup by registering by Saturday, June 15.

The Buy

Cool off on National Iced Tea Day with refreshing peach iced tea from Oliver Pluff & Co. Plus, you can purchase by the pound.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Haley

From the editor

My weekend was full of blooms as I ventured out to Flat Top Mountain Farm for some fresh lavender. Take a peek at my adventures, and get out to some local farms before the harvest is over.

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