Plus, which Chattanooga park should be on your bucket list?
 
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Today’s Forecast

96º | 15% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:55 a.m. | Sunset 8:37 p.m.
 

⛪️ If the walls could talk

Designing Chattanooga: old downtown churches
Nooga | First Presbyterian Church
According to a Flickr post, this stone was carried across the Tennessee River by ferry. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
We’re going into the archives today to dive into the history + architecture of Chattanooga’s iconic, historic, and just plain beautiful buildings — centered around the city’s oldest churches.

First Methodist Church (now Old Stone Church Tower)

While it’s no longer a full church, there still remains an old church steeple on Georgia Avenue that serves as a reminder of Chattanooga’s first Methodist church. Known by many as “Stone Church,” the now-historically marked church was one of the earliest stone buildings in Chattanooga. Fun fact: It also worked with city members to found UTC — originally Chattanooga University — in 1886.

After growing in size for many years, First Methodist Church eventually joined Centenary Methodist Church to become what is now First-Centenary United Methodist Church.

After merging in 1967, most of the stone church was demolished in 1977. At the remaining steeple is a sign that reads: “This tower, steeple, and wall were part of the First Methodist Church started in 1881 and dedicated in 1885 by the congregation. Worship services were held here until January 1967 when the congregation merged with Centenary Methodist Church.”

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Though not visible here, there’s a small cross located atop the church that can be seen in Chattanooga’s skyline.

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Photo by NOOGAtoday

The Basilica of Saints Peter + Paul

This downtown basilica has undergone many changes during its life, but remains an impressive architectural building in Chattanooga. The church was once made completely of stone before being demolished during the Civil War, but in 1890, the basilica was created into the Gothic piece of architecture we see today.

While the church later underwent other renovations — several times, in fact: 1997, 1998, 2016, and most recently 2018 + 2019 — its Gothic elements are still present in the basilica’s stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and ornate decorations inside. It was conjectured that the church was “likely inspired by England’s York Minster cathedral.”
A pew more this way
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 7
  • Beginner I Bachata Dance Course | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7-8 p.m. | G2G Salsa | $85-$150 | It’s the first night of a six-course bachata dance class.
  • Alan Wyatt Quartet: Wednesday Jazz | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $10 | This four-piece act blends saxophone, guitar, bass, and drums into one jazzy performance.
Thursday, Aug. 8
  • Free Family Night | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum | Free, RSVP | Families can enjoy complimentary, after-hours fun at the immersive, educational museum.
  • Mark Christopher Lawrence | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Catch | $15-$20 | The comedian known for his work on “Chuck” and “Black Jesus” hits the stage with guests Mocha Rose + Tammy Reeves.
Friday, Aug. 9
  • “Home and Away” | Friday, Aug. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | In-Town Gallery | Free | Meet artist Suzanne Mortimer and see her collection of artwork depicting scenes from Chattanooga at this after-hours reception.
  • Rhyme Over Wine | Friday, Aug. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Lady Naps Winery | Donation | Sip wine and take the stage at this donation-based poetry and spoken word open mic night.
Saturday, Aug. 10
  • Jerry Fest | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 2 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $25-$30 | This tribute to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead features local vendors, grilled cheese, and cold beer.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Coming Soon
  • A new “cocktail dive” is coming to Chattanooga. Mean Jeen’s announced its plans to open at 1800 E. Main St. (the former location of The Spot), though an exact opening date is TBA. The bar will have a curated selection of cocktails, including beer + shot combos.
Drink
  • Get ready to tap into the local brewing scene — Rail & Hops Brewers Fest is coming back to the Scenic City, this year at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 12 to 4 p.m. The event will feature beer samples from the Chattanooga area and beyond, plus food and live music. Tickets are now on sale.
Number
  • $12.6 million. That’s how much money climbers spent visiting the Chattanooga area, based on a 2023 economic impact report. This tourism has helped support 113 local jobs, and most of the money was spent on food, lodging, or gasoline. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Active
Featured
Chattanoogan
  • Local driver Don Lord celebrated a true milestone working for local truckload shipping company Covenant Logistics. Lord has driven 3 million accident-free miles, which allows him to join the business’ 120 Club. This acknowledges that he’s driven enough to circumnavigate Earth 120 times. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Answered
  • Last week, we looked at getaways from Timberroot Rustic Retreats and asked NOOGAtoday readers where they’d like to stay. Turns out, the Wauhatchie Woodlands Cabins and Welcome Valley Village Cabins tied with ~40% of the votes. The Welcome Valley Village Wagons weren’t trailing too far behind with ~20% of votes.
Wellness
  • Focused on staying hydrated? Most hydration products contain more sodium than you need. Enter: Native Hydrate’s essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and electrolytes for hydration and health.*
 
Opening

🦒 Explore Cape of Africa in Chattanooga

Chattanooga Zoo’s Cape of Africa section opens Saturday, Aug. 31
The Africa Cape section at the Chattanooga Zoo with gates and a giraffe statue.
This exhibit will be open to explore on Saturday, Aug. 31. | Photo via Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo will have something new to explore starting Saturday, Aug. 31. The new Cape of Africa section will open, allowing guests to see animals native to the continent.

The $3.9 million exhibit is the zoo’s largest expansion ever and is located near the main entrance. This development will bring three new animal species to the zoo: Cape porcupines, servals, and warthogs. Additionally, it will provide a larger yard for the three giraffes already living at the zoo.

Cape of Africa furthers the goal of bringing more African animals to the Chattanooga Zoo. The new section also includes a peaceful stream, areas for educational encounters and keeper talks, and space for small-group gatherings and field trips.

Want a taste of the fun before you visit the exhibit? Follow NOOGAtoday on Instagram for a sneak peek closer to opening day.
The Buy

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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Haley
From the editor
We recently asked you all what aspects of the early concept of Hawk Hill’s urban neighborhood you were most excited about. 43.2% of readers are all about the added green space while 33.7% can’t wait to spend their days shopping and eating at the new businesses.
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