Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at these local small businesses. | Photo by Brittany Watlington via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping events of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of City Editors Kristen + Haley’s favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
The Book & Cover |This quaint bookstore has a full day of activities planned for Small Business Saturday — including an audiobook pup walk and caroling.
The Chattery | There’s always a new skill you can learn + fun people to meet along the way — don’t miss their Holiday Market at Parkside, featuring over 30 vendors, a live tree farm, and more.
Looking for more spots for your shopping spree? Check out these small businesses our followers love:
Pepper Palm | “For the most amazing fragrances ever” — @mrc_ceramics
Fourth Daughter | “Obviously!!! Can’t wait to visit every time I’m home” — @_kristirussell
Bleu Fox Cheese Shop | “Best service in town, also who doesn’t love cheese?” — @morbidbunny3
The Meeting House | “Is the best spot to meet a friend for coffee or work remotely!” — @susanstocksdale
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Hamilton County Tree Lighting | 4 p.m. | Hamilton County Courthouse | Free+ | See the annual tree lighting while enjoying festive activities — you can also bring toys and jackets to be donated to the Forgotten Child Fund.
Community Thanksgiving | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | East Ridge Community Center, East Ridge | Free | Gather with the community to enjoy all your favorite parts of the grateful holiday, including a shared meal.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
“Moana 2" | Times vary | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater | $10+ | Watch the next chapter of Moana’s story on the big screen.
Festive Forest | 5 p.m. | Miller Park | Free | Come out to see the lighting of 80 trees in this downtown park, each decorated by a local business or organization.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Turkey Trot | 8-11 a.m. | Fitness Central | $6+ | Participate in Chattanooga’s longest-standing Thanksgiving road race.
All-You-Can-Eat Sushi and Hot Bar | 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. | Totto Sushi & Grill | Price of purchase | If you’re not a fan of turkey, spend the holiday enjoying Japanese cuisine — reservations are encouraged.
In anticipation of holiday travel, TDOT will halt all lane closures on interstates + state highways beginning at 12 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 27. Construction-related closures will resume at 6 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.
Transit
CARTA’s board has voted to permanently approve the Read and Ride pilot program, allowing Chattanooga area K-12th grade students to ride public transit buses for free. Students can register online to pick up the card they will show to bus drivers at any library branch. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
In case you missed it, the Main Street Farmers Market will be held today, Nov. 26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. — instead of its usual Wednesday operations. The change will take place this week only, to allow farmers extra time to complete their work ahead of Thanksgiving.
Number
15. That’s how many Hamilton County Schools ranked as top-performing public schools in the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the Tennessee Department of Education. HCO schools were highlighted in areas like student achievement, academic growth, and graduation rate. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Seasonal
Mark your calendars, the Chattanooga Market’s annual Holiday Market returns to the Chattanooga Convention Center during the first two weekends in December. Expect plenty of gift shopping, the Lodge Cast Iron Cook Off, live music, and more.
Outdoors
Warner Park Pool has a new look. Renovations at the pool have been completed, notably featuring a new pool liner, reinstalled + secured railings, a sealed gutter system, and refreshed racing lanes. (Chattanoogan.com)
Eat
We’ll take another serving of sweet potato casserole. That’s the side dish that reigns supreme in Tennessee, according to Google search trends. Find some other great local eats for your Thanksgiving.
Cempa Community Care is hiring a talented and compassionate Dental Hygienist to make a positive impact on patients’ smiles. Learn more + apply to help provide top-notch care to our community.*
Category
Cause
🚲 Some wheely great news
WOBC has distributed more than 600 bikes in 2024 — with a goal to reach 700 by the end of the year. | Photo by White Oak Bicycle Co-op
Local nonprofit White Oak Bicycle Co-op (WOBC) has launched its newest way to help distribute free bicycles to its community partners.
Enter: The Bike Box, a refurbished shipping container donated and hosted by iFixit (a corporate partner of WOBC) at its East 12th Street facility.
The box houses bikes that have been donated to WOBC + are ready to be distributed. The space also includes tools and parts like locks, tubes, and tires for quick fixes.
Get ready to ride. There’s a review guide inside that outlines the right frame type + height range to ensure the correct size bike is selected for use. After selecting your bike, you simply fill out a checkout form and drop it in the designated basket.
Bonus: Community organizations that have a signed partnership agreement with WOBC are eligible to use the Bike Box during its operational hours. Folks interested in becoming partners can inquire via email.
The Buy
The Buy
An electric salt and pepper grinder set that’s 20% off for early Black Friday. Snag one for just over $20 for yourself or as a holiday gift for your chef-iest friend.
The wait is almost over, Hoptown will open its Southside location on Saturday, Dec. 7 — joining the MAINx24 celebrations. Swing by the grand opening beginning at 10 a.m. to see the space, grab a brew, and listen to music spun by a DJ.
