🚗 For the daytrippers

• 11 a.m. | Hit the road with NOOGAtoday’s playlist as your scenic soundtrack (which just so happens to be the length of the drive).
• 1 p.m. | Grab a bite before the festival — Little River Pub and Deli serves up craft sandwiches on its scenic patio.
• 4-9 p.m. | Purchase your ride times online beforehand + pack a chair or blanket, bring your leashed furry friends, and enjoy the show. Bonus: Since you’re only there for the day — check out the perks of being a VIP.
  

🧳 Spend a night in the Smokies

• 3 p.m. | Get up to your preferred stay — we recommend checking out the cozy options offered at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
• 4-9 p.m. | Float your way up to the festival and spend some time in a balloon + grab a bite from one of the local vendors.

• 10 a.m. | Check out + head to The Artistic Bean for a cup of locally-roasted coffee.
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Get your Sunday market fix at Apple Valley Mountain Village, featuring shops, eateries + experiences.
• 2 p.m. | Take your time heading back to Chattanooga by mapping out some scenic drives to take full advantage of the Smokies.

• Tanael Joachim | Friday, Aug. 9-Saturday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | The Comedy Catch | $19-$24 | Laugh with this Haitian comedian as he brings his “laid back, smooth, and conversational style” to the stage.

• Preseason Watch Party | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6-10 p.m. | TailGate Brewery | Free+ | Cheer on the Tennessee Titans as they open the preseason against the San Francisco 49ers.
• Riverfront Nights | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6-10 p.m. | Ross’s Landing | Free+ | Enjoy food, drinks, and outdoor fun as a Fleetwood Mac tribute band + The Essentials take over the stage.
• Movie in the Park | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Little Debbie Park | Free+ | Bring your chairs + blankets for a screening of “Toy Story” under the stars while enjoying food trucks and games — the movie begins at 9 p.m.

• Buskers Festival | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | Free+ | Shop from over 100 local vendors + get street-style entertainment in various corners of this weekend market.
• “The Unrehearsed, Untold, Untrue Story of...” | Sunday, Aug. 11 | Times vary | Barking Legs Theater | $15 | See a one-of-a-kind show unfold as Improv Chattanooga acts out a story written by The Seed Theatre.

• Public Charrette | Monday, Aug. 12 | 4-6 p.m. | Downtown Branch, Chattanooga Public Library | Free, RSVP | Learn about the development + share your opinions with the Chattanooga Design Studio as they talk about the Civic Center District’s future.

• Animal encounters
• Wildlife area tours
• A canoe trip
• An exploration backpack
• And more

What we tried:

• The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France wrap up this weekend. Today’s events include sport climbing, table tennis, wrestling + rhythmic gymnastics — starting at 9 a.m. Make sure to tune in to see local weightlifter Olivia Reeves compete at 1:30 p.m.

• Our recent polling days might have just passed, but that only means we’re closer to the major State and Federal General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The Hamilton County Election Commission has opened submissions for absentee ballots — request yours online by Tuesday, Oct. 29.

• Beginning this fall, UTC will now offer two on-campus dual-enrollment courses for Hamilton County high school juniors and seniors. Eligible students can earn college credits in rhetoric and composition + college algebra. Bonus: Costs are covered by the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant program. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)

• Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp recently announced upcoming sport facilities improvements for area schools. Notably, with the help of unspent funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Signal Mountain Middle-High School will receive six new tennis courts with lights + East Ridge High School will get a new track.

• Community Haven will host a grand opening for its Ada Mae Alexander Memorial Library tomorrow, Aug. 10. From 12 to 4 p.m., the community can come by to check out books ranging from STEM topics to gardening + take an all-ages chess class.

• The Family Justice Center is currently accepting nominations for its annual “Advancing Advocacy” + “Dr. Charlotte Boatwright Advocate of the Year” awards. Nominees represent individuals, teams, or agencies who have worked to support those impacted by domestic violence. The deadline to submit is Thursday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.

• Vendor applications are now open for Crabtree Farms’ annual Fall Plant Sale & Festival, slated for Saturday, Sept. 21 + Sunday, Sept. 22. Vendors for the plant sale must commit to operating their booth for both dates. Apply by Tuesday, Sept. 3.

• Get ready to tap into a new skill with The Joy Ensemble on Wednesday, Aug. 14 during a free level one tap dancing lesson. Attendees will get beginner-friendly instruction with speeds + options for more seasoned dancers. Note: Shoe covers will be provided for those without tap shoes.

• We like our sound quality how we like our Bluegrass Grill bacon — extra crispy. While most hearing aids have one processor, this device has two, which process speech + noise separately. The result: Clear, crisp, effortless listening and conversations. (Plus, it’s tiny.)*

• We’re beyond the halfway point of 2024 — aka a good time to make sure you’re maximizing your money. Personal finance experts have reviewed hundreds of credit cards to present you with the four very best bonus cards of the year.*

How it works

• Head to the refill station at Burlaep Print & Press
• Bring your own container or snag one of the upcycled packages available for free + for purchase
• Use the scale to tare the weight of the container
• Pick your product — shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen + bug spray
• Fill, weigh + pay based on quantity