Have you ever looked at a local spot and thought, “This place deserves to be commemorated?” Our city is full of legendary locations — many of which are indicated by historical markers. Historical markers reveal significant places, streets, neighborhoods, buildings, businesses, and cultural events from the past or present. Think: The Bessie Smith Cultural Center or Cravens House.
But not all significant areas get the attention they deserve. What about Bea’s Restaurant? Which was one of the late Leslie Jordan’s favorite local spots to eat. Or Joseph Giri’s “Flying Doughnut” mural, which is so beloved it was saved from being painted over. We want to put these places on the map — literally.
We’re putting your unofficial historical locations on the map.
Map via Proxi
Rules + details
Submit your historic place for a chance to be featured nationwide on our historical marker map. Our favorite submissions will then be featured in our newsletter, where we’ll put it to a vote. Who knows? Maybe it will receive an official historical marker.
Submissions are open now through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter. These finalists will then go head-to-head in a vote for our readers’ favorite. The winner will be announced later in December. No promises that it will get an actual historical marker, but it will be one in our hearts.
Want to know more about official historical markers around town? Check out the Historical Marker Database.
Throwback Thursday | 4-8 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Free | Check out the museum’s permanent collection + the current special exhibit, “City as Canvas,” featuring art from Martin Wong’s collection.
Friday, Nov. 15
Growing Turmeric | 6-8 p.m. | Crabtree Farms | $20+ | See a demonstration of how the farm harvests turmeric, learn how to grow your own at home + try a sample of turmeric fire cider.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Scratching Your Roots | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Free | Learn more about African American genealogy + ancestors of African descent with support from the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department.
WREST | 3-5 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $10 | Hear an improvisational performance by musicians Jack Wright, Evan Lipson, and Ben Bennett.
It’s Giving Grateful | 8-9:15 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $10 | Join Improv Chattanooga to share what you’re thankful for to inspire an evening that will leave you feeling full.
The Lone Bellow | 8-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $30+ | The indie-folk band will perform songs submitted by their fans during their “By Request Only” tour.
Hamilton County’s third annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Folks are invited to gather at the courthouse lawn beginning at 4 p.m. for holiday-themed activities, food trucks + appearances by Santa and the Chattanooga Elf, with the formal ceremony taking place at sunset.
Family
Local nonprofit Chattanooga 2.0 is asking families in Hamilton County to participate in a survey to help gather insights into the experiences + needs of parents and caregivers with young children. Complete the survey by Sunday, Nov. 17, results will be available in the spring.
Closing
Dirty Dough announced in a Facebook post that it will close its two Chattanooga area locations. The Hixson location will be open until Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. if you want one last chance to get a box of cookies.
Read
The Book & Cover, Queen’s Kitchen and Market + Briana Garza of Chatt Taste will host “Cook’s Country’s” Executive Editor and TV personality Morgan Boiling on Friday, Nov. 22. Your ticket includes a copy of Boiling’s “When Southern Women Cook” and access to a live cooking demonstration, conversation, and book signing.
Feel Good
After much anticipation, the two-month-old pied tamarin twins at the Chattanooga Zoo have received their names — Appa and Momo. Bonus: During the naming contest, the zoo was able to raise $250 for wildlife conservation.
Pets
Black Friday deals are everywhere, including Chattanooga’s Humane Educational Society. All adoptable pets will have their fees waived on Friday, Nov. 29 if you want to welcome a furry friend to your home in time for the holidays.
Plan Ahead
Jfest has announced the artist lineup for its 25th festival, slated for Saturday, May 17, with Grammy Award-winning artists Zach Williams + Lecrae co-headlining the event. Get your wristbands at a discounted rate starting Monday, Nov. 25.
Finance
Are you a veteran or active-duty military member? TVFCU’s VA Loan program offers low down payments, flexible qualifications, and competitive rates to help you achieve homeownership. Bonus: Close a loan in November and receive complimentary tickets to the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.*
Health
Make your smile as bright + sparkling as the tree this holiday season in the relaxing environment of Cempa Dental. Compliments guaranteed.*
The hunt features 21 local businesses + benefits nonprofit Northside Neighborhood House for its annual Toy Drive. Three winners will receive a NorthShore gift basket filled with over $400 of local goodies + certificates.
How to play
Pick up a game card at any of the 21 participating businesses.
Each spot will hide a treasure in its window display — it’s up to you to find it + match that item with the store on your game card.
Every hidden treasure that you correctly find is an entry into the contest — you can turn in your card withjust one or all 21 hidden items found. Pro tip: Ask an employee to initial your card for an extra raffle entry.
Submit your card by Friday, Jan. 3 (along with a minimum $1 cash donation) to Locals Only Gifts & Goods, Four Bridges Outfitters, or Learning Express Toys.
The Buy
The Buy
Thanksgiving Day is two weeks away. Shop essentials to liven up gatherings + make dinner a success:
According to our recent poll, our readers think stuffing or dressing is the best Thanksgiving side, coming in with 36.7% of the votes. I’ll also be looking up a local recipe for this dish to feature in an upcoming newsletter — and making it myself to try, you know, for research purposes.
