From professional drivers to parents wanting their teenagers to learn driving control — all are welcome to get behind the wheel. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
This one is for the folks aspiring to be Ricky Bobby one day. Tennessee’s first premier simulator racing lounge has opened on Hixson Pike — SpeedHub Sim Racing.
Owned by Jerry Preisel, who also founded Chattanooga Cars and Coffee in 2012, this spot is bringing high-speed racing to the city in a more affordable and safe way.
All simulators were designed by Nashville-based company Podium1 + are set up with iRacing software, allowing you to choose from 160+ cars and different race tracks.
You might recognize this view — you can fly over Chattanooga in the flight simulator.
Photo by NOOGAtoday
There’s also one simulator that can be used for aircraft simulation installed with Microsoft Flight Simulator. Preisel said that an F-16 pilot even thought the simulator was better than what he had on base.
I got to take a test drive on a GT3, and as a newbie to the racing world, I think I fared pretty well. Some pro tips to keep in mind for your first session:
Get comfortable with two-foot driving since you have to alternate between braking + accelerating quickly.
Keep an eye out for the “ghost car” — if it passes you, it means you were going faster on the track during the previous lap.
Follow the arrows as much as you can (and take turns slow + easy).
Weekdays around 12 to 4 p.m. are prime times for walk-ins.
Grand Opening | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Monkee’s of Chattanooga | Free+ | Be among the first to shop curated collections of designer apparel, shoes, and accessories while enjoying sips, treats + opening-day specials.
Mixology 101: Vodka | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $39 | Sample four different vodkas while learning about their unique characteristics + bring home a recipe card for two cocktails.
Saturday, March 8
Chattanooga River Market | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | Tennessee Aquarium Plaza | Free+ | Come out to the opening weekend of this market that features local artisans offering handmade apparel, soaps, woodworking, food, and more.
Paint & Sip | 3-5 p.m. | Cloudland at McLemore Resort, Rising Fawn, GA | $75 | Join local artist River Holborn to create your own nightscape of the Highland’s award-winning 18th hole — you’ll receive a $15 valet credit.
International Women’s Day Social Ride | 5-7 p.m. | Guild-Hardy Trailhead | Free+, RSVP | Ride at your own pace, climb as far as you’d like, enjoy the camaraderie + stick around after to enjoy food and drinks — donations are encouraged.
Silver Screen Symphonies | 7:30 p.m. | Walker Theater | $15+ | Keep the celebrations going with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera for a special concert focused on female film composers and other pieces used in film.
Sunday, March 9
“Time to Paddy” | 8-11 a.m. | Tennessee Riverpark | $19+ | Don your green athletic apparel for this annual St. Patrick-themed run that features a 5K, 10K, kids dash + Lucky 13.1 half-marathon.
Monday, March 10
Joe Bonamassa | 8 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $63+ | See one of today’s top live performers who began his career at the age of 12, opening for B.B. King + has been cited as the “world’s biggest blues guitarist.”
The Southside is about to get a whole lot tastier with the Southside Food Truck Park set to open at 1511 Williams St. this month. This park will bring together some of the Scenic City’s best food trucks — apply to be a vendor.
Development
UTC recently broke ground on the Gary W. Rollins College of Business — a four-story addition to Fletcher Hall. The 81,000-sqft expansion project will help the university increase enrollment + learning spaces for workforce development. Construction is projected to be complete by 2028. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Community
Calling all aspiring and expert green thumbs — the Urban Horticulture Supply’s annual Spring Seed & Plant Swap is tomorrow, March 8. Starting at 1 p.m., you can trade seeds and house + garden plants with others while shopping from a local potter and goods from Frequency Fillery.
Kids
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation has released its lineup of Spring Break events happening around its parks. Beginning Monday, March 17 through Friday, March 21, kiddos can enjoy DIY days, rock painting, a McDonald Farm tour, and an outdoor movie night.
Watch
The Fly Fishing Film Tour is stopping in nearby Cleveland on Saturday, March 22, bringing fly fishing films from around the world. The films highlight remote locations, unique challenges + the anglers who pursue them. Enjoy the 4 p.m. screening.
Outdoors
Volunteers are needed for the second annual Chattanooga Outdoor Festival, slated for Saturday, April 5. Helping hands will be needed to support vendors, activities, stage + live music, and the sustainability crew. Sign up online — and stay tuned for our full guide to the festival.
Want thicker, fuller hair in just 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can get access to personalized, clinically proven treatments all from the comfort of home. No office visits, no insurance hassles — just real results. Get started.*
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.
Outdoors
Psst, gardeners — start this year’s garden off right with this seed starter tray, with built-in handles to transplant seedlings straight into the ground come planting time.*
†Based on separate individual studies of oral minoxidil and oral finasteride. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
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🛍️ Make a fashion Statemint
Revamp your spring wardrobe with these consignment deals. | Photo provided by Statemint Chattanooga
Perks of spring cleaning? Restocking your closet — and Statemint Chattanooga is racking in the deals for shoppers on Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15.
This twice-a-year consignment pop-up is returning to the Mac Avenue Event Space, offering a selection of name-brand women’s and men’s apparel (in all sizes), shoes + accessories — from hundreds of closets. Pro tip: The last day is half-off of everything.
Looking to do more than just buy? Folks can put their own clothes on the racks by:
Dropping off your items — you can also sign up to work the event for more money
Bonus: Tickets are available for a pre-sale on Tuesday, March 11 — exclusive to teachers (for $5) + a charity event (for $20) to support the Kidney Foundation Chattanooga.
The Buy
The Buy
The right pet insurance to offset rising veterinary costs. Clinics are increasingly focused on revenue — and some vets are encouraged to squeeze in more appointments, recommend extra tests, and upsell services. The result? Higher vet bills for you. View Money’s top pet insurance picks to see plans starting at only $10 per month.
If you’re trying for some one-of-a-kind photos in the Scenic City, I’ve got just the spot for you. In case you missed it, Wanderlinger Brewing Co. is moving into the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex — taking over the space on the other side of these murals. The murals will soon be taken down to create the brewery’s windows + doors, so be one of the last folks to snag a photo by it.
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