Choose your own vibe when staying at this roadside motel. | Photo by The Groovy Nomad
We’re taking you ~25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga and back in time to the 1950s for this unique stay. Enter: The Groovy Nomad motel.
Located in Trenton, GA, this site was once known as the Southland Motel before Melissa + Ryan Faircloth, two Dade County natives, renovated the abandoned property in 2022. Now, the motel features 10 rooms — each with its own vintage and funky theme.
Each room features a tiled walk-in shower, a microwave, a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV + a coffee maker for guests to enjoy during their stay — rates start at $165 per night. City Editor Haley personally would book a stay in these.
Any green thumbs in the room with us? This plant wall has you written all over it.
Photo by The Groovy Nomad
Elvis’ Jungle
I guess you could say I can’t help falling in love with the plant wall that comes to life in this room, paired with the wicker furniture. The room also has a vintage mid-century modern oil/rain lamp that I wish I could take home.
Santa’s Wonderland | Thursday, Nov. 7-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Bass Pro Shops | Free+ | Get ready for the holiday season with the kiddos + enjoy craft giveaways and photos as Santa awaits your visit.
Candlelight: Coldplay + Imagine Dragons | 6:30 p.m. | The Beverly Ballroom at The Hotel Chalet | $47+ | Hear the greatest hits of these two bands inside a ballroom filled with the gentle glow of candlelight.
Nick Swardson | 7:30 p.m. | Walker Theatre | $49 | Come out to see this actor and comedian take the stage in the Scenic City on his “Toilet Head” tour.
Friday, Nov. 8
Jump | 9-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $20+ | Get two hours of classic David Lee Roth-era Van Halen performed by one of the top tributes of the beloved classic rock band.
Christmas Open House | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Heirloom Chattanooga | Free+ | Shop festive deals + merry treats, and make an heirloom pushpin ornament at this local vintage store.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Warehouse Sale | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lodge Cast Iron, South Pittsburg | $5+ | Take home Lodge cookware and factory seconds at discounted rates.
The City of Chattanooga has released a public survey to help officials develop the 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan. Residents can weigh in on unmet needs within the community + help identify priorities for strategies and programming. Bonus: There are three daily meetings happening Monday, Nov. 18 through Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Announced
Make Music Chattanooga has announced it will be bringing a new celebration to the Scenic City this winter. You can expect 21 days of seeing local artists perform starting on Sunday, Dec. 1, where you can check off stops on your own musical passport. Stay tuned for our full scoop.
UTC
UTC’s Chancellor Steven Angle has announced he will be stepping down into a faculty position — effective Wednesday, Jan. 1. During his 11-year tenure, Angle oversaw record enrollment, more than $247 million in donations, 84 facility enhancement projects, and more. There will be a nationwide search conducted for his successor. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Number
38,000. That’s how many pounds of litter were removed from the Tennessee River watershed during the annual Tennessee River Rescue. Picking up more numbers, there were also 95 tires collected and 650+ items recycled. Bonus: Save the date for next year’s cleanup on Oct. 4.
Cause
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is hosting an electronics donation drive for America Recycles Day on Friday, Nov. 15. Folks can drop off their old electronics + other donations like gently-used clothes, household items, sporting equipment, etc. to 18 local locations.
Eat
Southside Korean restaurant Han-Mi has a new way to serve Chattanooga — through a food truck. Follow along + leave a comment on the eatery’s Instagram post to let them know where you would like to see them post up once they start operating.
Finance
This expert-recommended credit card allows you to pay zero interest until 2026 — a game-changer for those trying to pay down outstanding credit card debt. See what all the hype is about.*
Category
Holiday
Honor a veteran by heading to...
From learning local war history to a market — honor veterans this upcoming weekend. | Photo via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Each year, we honor those who have served in the US Armed Forces on Nov. 11. Here are three ways to commemorate Veterans Day this year in Chattanooga.
Visit 10 exhibitions, from the Heart of Valor to a gallery dedicated to local Capt. Larry Taylor + walk along the path of dedicated bricks. Bonus: There is a military discount for admission.
Shop the market on Sunday, Nov. 10 during its Big Band Day celebration + stick around for the Quilts of Valor presentation at 1:30 p.m. where local veterans will be gifted handmade quilts in honor of their service.
Get free entry on Monday, Nov. 11 to see the grounds where “The Battle Above the Clouds” took place during the Civil War — park rangers will be hosting programming at 11 a.m. + 2 and 4 p.m.
The Buy
The Buy
A cozy half zip fleece pullover. The trendy bestseller features sleeves with thumbholes and is available in 30+ colors.
After writing up this cool stay at The Groovy Nomad, I am itching to update our guide to unique stays around town. If you have one in mind you want to be highlighted — leave us a note.
