Add this to your must-see outdoor festival list. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Outdoor Festival
The Scenic City is the perfect place to enjoy the natural world + with the return of this festival, you won’t even have to travel that far — we’re talking the Chattanooga Outdoor Festival on Saturday, April 5.
Brought to you by Outshine Adventures + Nomad Be Happy, folks will be able to spend an afternoon in the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens — and new to this year, an expansion into Station Street — learning ways to connect to our green spaces and waterways.
Founder of Outshine Adventures Sunshine Loveless said they want this inaugural event to connect outdoor enthusiasts while opening the door for others.
Shop and learn from over 70 outdoor + conservation vendors in the Vendors Village.
Photo provided by Chattanooga Outdoor Festival
“This festival will bring together a variety of outdoor retailers, guide services, outfitters, nonprofits, and conservation organizations to celebrate Chattanooga’s vibrant outdoor community and diverse recreational opportunities,” they said. “It’s a great way for outdoor curious folks to discover new outdoor skills, hobbies, and all the cool ways to get outside and play in the Scenic City.”
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can stop by and take part in interactive stations + demonstrations to learn or work on your skills. We’ll throw you a paddle and give you a teaser.
Bike skills pump track with White Oak Bicycle Co-Op
Animal encounters with Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Suncatchers DIY | 2-4 p.m. | Tennessee Riverpark | Free | Start Spring Break by catching the sun and your creativity, playing games, and enjoying refreshing drinks.
March Cookbook Club | 5-6:30 p.m. | Katie Lamb Public Library, Collegedale | Free | Prepare a dish of your choice and bring a copy of the recipe to share with others — no library card is required.
Tuesday, March 18
“Shrek” Movie Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | The Dragon Lounge | $5+ | This is one swamp you + your friends are welcome in to test how well you know iconic scenes from this DreamWorks franchise.
Wednesday, March 19
Spring Equinox Magic Candle Bar | Wednesday, March 19-Thursday, March 20 | Times vary | Almanac Supply Co. | $15+ | Celebrate the arrival of spring by selecting a hand-poured candle + setting your intentions before decorating yours with crystals, herbs, and oils.
Thursday, March 20
Mountainside Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $8+ | Spend a guided 60-minute flow focusing on mindful movement, breathing, and connecting to the surrounding landscape.
Hamilton County recently announced the creation of the Overdose Prevention Team, which will dispatch two quick response vehicles + deliver life-saving medications to combat the opioid crisis. The county also launched the Renewal Project — allocating opioid settlement funds to local recovery organizations.
Announced
Due to weather, Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center has delayed the opening of its Native Plant Nursery. The nursery will open to the public starting Thursday, March 20 + will operate Thursdays-Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. moving forward.
Outdoors
After a recent brush fire, sections of the Double J + Strut trails at Stringer’s Ridge will be closed until further notice. Officials from the City of Chattanooga and Red Bank will conduct an assessment of the area to determine when it’s safe for the public — stay updated via Facebook.
Environment
The Tennessee Aquarium is heading over to Soddy-Daisy on Sunday, March 23 for a free pollinator workshop. From 2 to 4 p.m., you can join in at Ivy Academy to learn about pollinators, build a bug hotel + take home wildflower seeds. Get to buzzin’.
Sports
The Chattanooga Football Club is partnering with the Chattanooga Public Library, Cleveland Bradley County Public Library + Katie Lamb Public Library for the Family Pass program. Residents with library cards can go to their respective facilities to check out home game passes (two adult and four child tickets).
Biz
Food and beverage company Five Star Breaktime Solutions (founded and headquartered in Chattanooga) has acquired the Canteen franchise of Wilmore Snack Sales — expanding its southwestern operations. Now, Five Star will service seven areas within Louisiana + Texas, from Monroe to Marshall. (Chattanoogan.com)
Arts
The City of Chattanooga has officially dedicated April 12 as Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry Day. To celebrate, the local group will host events on Friday, April 11 + Saturday, April 12 — think: open mics, a writing workshop, poetry in a park + a performance of poetry and jazz.
Mansion Monday
A different type of Patten Towers — this 1917 home, built by the famous Patten family, sits atop Riverview. Spanning 15,196 sqft, the all-brick property offers 16 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms + offers views of Chattanooga’s downtown, the Tennessee River, and the mountains.
Plan Ahead
The Chattanooga Film Festival has dropped its first wave of film announcements that will be shown at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. We’ll be back to give the highlights reel closer to the festival.
Health
ChattState recently launched an on-campus health clinic — the first community college in the state to open such a facility. Here’s how this trailblazing initiative in accessible healthcare leads to happier, higher-performing students.*
Finance
Car insurance premiums are projected to hit $2,101 annually by 2025 — a record high. Switching providers might save you over $1,300 each year. Why leave money on the table? Get matched with a more affordable plan.*
Biz
Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.
Asked
Asked
What is your favorite Southern food in Chattanooga?
We’re back for another Foodie Favs installment + this time we’re trying to find the best Southern food around the Scenic City (courtesy of reader Mark M.).
To be featured, tell us what menu items you’re ordering and from where — smother us with the details like you would put gravy on, well, just about anything.
If you’re needing a reason to be excited about spring, just remember it means the Chattanooga Lookouts’ opening day is only 22 days away. Think of all the ballpark hot dogs you can enjoy.
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