For the next 18 months, you might want to reference this guide when trying to go between NorthShore and downtown. | Photo by Steadfast Images via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Well, folks, it looks like the time to cross that bridge is here — the Walnut Street Bridge renovations are starting Monday, March 17. To help ease the stress of this 18-month-long project, here are some best ways to navigate your way around.
Staying in the know
During the process, you can expect real-time weekly/ monthly updates when you:
For Android users, the city is currently awaiting approval with Google for the app to be available (but text alerts and info from the website will still be of help to you)
Bonus: You’ll also get reminded of when the bridge reopens for special events — like in May when the Ironman 70.3 comes to town
Bridging the transportation gap
To help drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, there are a few options in place + directional signage will be installed. Bonus: The detours are only a one-mile difference.
Veterans Bridge is the preferred detour route — one lane has been altered for pedestrian + cyclist traffic with barriers, and an art installation will be put up today.
Market Street Bridge (which is owned by TDOT) will feature extra guardrails between driving lanes + the sidewalks.
Coolidge Park will remain accessible from both River Street + the Riverwalk — pro tip: Use the Riverwalk when needing ADA accessibility.
Not feeling the walk anymore? A new free shuttle will connect you to the NorthShore + downtown area.
Kumihimo Braiding Workshop | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Cloudland at McLemore Resort, Rising Fawn, GA | $60 | Join local fiber arts expert, Rebecca Heid as she guides you through setting up a braiding disk, choosing materials, and weaving unique patterns.
Winter Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Outdoor Chattanooga | Free | Learn how to support the vital role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in our ecosystem, right from your own backyard.
Bobby Stone Film Series | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $12+ | This is your annual chance to see the nominees + the winner, “Flow,” of the Animated short film category from the Oscars.
Friday, March 14
“Bluff City Chinese” | 5-6:30 p.m. | Stove Works | Free | Uncover the untold history of Chinese immigrants in Memphis by two Chinese-American storytellers + stay for a Q+A with director Thandi Cai.
Saturday, March 15
Restorative Yoga Immersion | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Chattanooga Yoga Center, Ooltewah | $125 | Connect with your body, mind, and spirit to discover why your central nervous system benefits from this yoga practice.
Tulip Time | 10 a.m. | Ooltewah Tulips, Ooltewah | Free+ | Kick off tulip season by picking out your own bulbs while enjoying Dutch-inspired food truck menu items, cow feeding, and more family fun.
Native Plant Nursery Opens to Public | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | Free+ | Find 90+ native species Thursday through Saturday all season long at Reflection Riding’s Native Plant Nursery. Shopping native plants is vital to restoring the local web of life.*
Friday, March 28
An Evening with Author Kandi Steiner | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Daily Ration | Free+ | Join fellow romance readers for an evening with author Kandi Steiner at The Daily Ration to celebrate the release of her newest novel, “Save Your Breath."*
Northside Neighborhood House (NNH) has announced it will close the doors of its Soddy-Daisy shop, the Coffee Community Collective, on Tuesday, April 1. NNH’s newsletter announcement cited rising costs + other coffee shops opening in the area as factors leading to this decision.
Ranked
The Scenic City has once again been featured on Southern Living’s “The South’s Best Cities” list for 2025. Ranking at No. 8, the publication boasts about the NorthShore and Bluff View Art Districts + our outdoor activities. See how we ranked in 2024.
Featured
Comedian Theo Von had quite a lot to say about Chattanooga during his recent podcast with actor Danny McBride. Watch this clip (be mindful of some adult language) to see what he thinks of the Scenic City and why McBride needs to visit. We couldn’t agree more with the sentiments shared.
Coming Soon
We guess Chattanoogans are Caniacs. Shortly after the Hixson location of Raising Cane’s opened, there are now plans for a second spot on Gunbarrel Road. Planned to go near the Target shopping center, it is projected to be open toward the end of this year. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Environment
Calling our Cleveland readers. The US Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is seeking public input on modifications proposed for Cleveland’s Flood Risk Management Project — where they would shift the channel modification to the left-descending bank of South Mouse Creek. Learn more + share your thoughts by Saturday, April 5.
Read
Local City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod recently released her first book “The Path Through Shadows: Finding the Light Beyond Grief.” Based on personal reflection, this book offers support through mourning, including Q+A’s to help readers as they process their own grief.
Outdoors
Night owls, it’s your time to shine. Later this week, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the US, illuminating the moon in a dusty red hue called a “blood worm moon.” Here in Chattanooga, the total eclipse will begin tomorrow at 2:26 a.m. (NPR)
Plan Ahead
For the 25th year, the 4 Bridges Arts Festival will return to the First Horizon Pavilion on Saturday, April 12 + Sunday, April 13. You can expect to shop over 140 artists from across the nation, enjoy live music, and activities for the kiddos, provided by SPLASH Youth Arts Workshop.
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Wellness
Living in debt can be incredibly stressful. If you owe more than $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help lighten your load. See how it works.*
Travel
You deserve a vacation — and Going will notify you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. Try for free and watch the deals roll in.*
Category
Outdoors
Under review: National Park City status
Will 2025 be the year we make history with our parks? | Photo by Steadfast Images via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
What is it about Chattanooga that sets us apart as a National Park City candidate? City Editor Haley here. That’s what I set out to uncover when I got to meet Director of National Park City Foundation Mark Cridge and volunteers for the peer review board during their tour of the Scenic City.
The group is stopping at different parts of the city, like Crabtree Farms and Lynnbrook Park, to get a sense of the community and outdoor scene. Let’s get into what I learned.
Snippets of a reflective conversation
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly met up with the board in Miller Park and some notable comments from them were:
This is a milestone in a journey of bringing people together, igniting something in Chattanooga
Sharing how far areas like Miller Park have come after being revitalized and used for programming like Nightfall
The quality in the execution of the Lynnbrook Park project, from its groundbreaking to its opening
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If you’re like me and you love snagging photos of the Walnut Street Bridge, you might want to check out these deals the Hunter Museum of American Art is offering on photo packages from its terrace before construction begins.
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