If you’re an anonymous inspector reading this article, hit us up for some local restaurant recommendations. | Photo by Calliope via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
The Michelin Guide, known for giving one of the world’s most prestigious dining recognitions, announced it will launch its American South regional guide this year.
This is the first time since the guide’s US debut in 2005 that it has launched a regional section, which will cover Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee + the pre-existing Atlanta guide.
Michelin Guide sends out anonymous inspectors who make dinner reservations and scout for culinary gems throughout the region — and they are already in the field.
The inspectors award the Michelin Star based on five criteria:
Quality of the ingredients
Harmony of flavors
Mastery of techniques
Personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine
Consistency — both across the entire menu + over time
At this time, no restaurants in Chattanooga hold a Michelin star, but we are hopeful with the expansion of the guide, that this will change soon. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the selection announcement later this year — we’d love to see Calliope and Spice Trail on the list.
Asked
Which Chattanooga restaurant should be awarded a Michelin Star?
Throwback Thursday | 4-8 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Free | View the museum’s permanent collection + the newest exhibit, “The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability.”
Friday, April 4
Campfire Concert | 5:30-10 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $30+ | Listen to tunes by Luke Simmons and the Lovestruck while enjoying food, drinks, and s’mores by the fire — kiddos 12 and under receive free admission.
Saturday, April 5
Goat Yoga | 10-11 a.m. | Hixson Farms, Chickamauga, GA | $10+ | Adults and kiddos ages 8+ can unwind and connect with nature in the company of some friendly goats.
Chattanooga Outdoor Festival | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens | Free+ | Celebrate Chattanooga’s diverse outdoor recreational opportunities with activities, vendors, demos, live music, food, and drinks.
Sunday, April 6
Paddle Pop Up | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sterchi Farm Park | Free | Try out kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding with Outdoor Chattanooga — all gear and instructions provided.
Bobby Stone Film Series | 2 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $12+ | Watch a special screening of “Moana,” an animated film that follows the story of a young girl who answers the ocean’s call to seek out Maui.
International Food Festival | 4-6 p.m. | Iles P.E. Center, Collegedale | Free+ | Sample homemade dishes + family recipes from countries spanning the globe while listening to live music.
Chattanooga’s Stormwater Management Division will host its annual Rain Barrel Distribution Day on Saturday, June 7. While supplies last, residents can purchase a 50-gallon Ivy Rain Barrel for $75 — nearly 50% off its retail price. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 28.
Sports
UTC’s men’s basketball team has advanced to the 2025 National Invitation Tournament Championship after defeating Loyola Chicago, 80-73, in the semifinals. Marking the longest run in an NCAA postseason event for the team, the Mocs will take on UC Irvine tonight at 9 p.m. — tune in on ESPN.
Biz
Don Moul has been selected as the new president and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, effective Wednesday, April 9. Moul is the fourth CEO in the agency’s history + brings over 38 years of experience across power generation and operations. Learn more.
Drink
Food as a Verb’s next Farm to Table Speaker Series will be on Thursday, April 17 featuring spirits educator + cocktail creator Shannon Mustipher. Get your tickets to attend the Q+A, enjoy four different cocktail pours, and a special bar menu by Little Coyote.
Network
Basecamp is back. Head to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Dome on Thursday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for networking, coworking + professional development experience designed for young professionals. Plus, attendees can enjoy lunch and a happy hour at Fifty Fifty Wine Bar.
Try This
Game Time, the Creative Discovery Museum’s next Drink and Discover installment, will be on Friday, April 25. This 21+ event will bring classic games to life (think: giant Jenga, Scrabble, Twister, and human Hungry Hungry Hippos). Get tickets for a night of drinks and friendly competition.
Feel Good
With the help of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, La Paz Chattanooga now has a community garden at its office on Willow Street. All the produce harvested will be available to the community in the on-site food pantry.
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Tech
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Category
City
It’s the sign of the times
“With these updates, we’re striking the right balance — supporting small businesses and public art while preventing signage that diminishes quality of life for Chattanoogans,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
After years in the making, Chattanooga City Council has approved an update to the city’s sign ordinance — the first of its kind since 1986. These regulations and rules control and manage the placement, size, design, and maintenance of signs in the community.
The Kelly Administration collaborated with the Land Development Office, the Regional Planning Agency + stakeholders to update the ordinance with the goal of modernizing its regulations.
Why? The city has undergone a fair amount of advancements in technology, changes in its landscape, and there are new federal requirements.
Here are some of the key updates to note:
50+ new and updated definitions have been added to remove ambiguities, making it easier to understand and comply with regulations.
Murals can now display anything except a business name, logo, or trademarked image — expanding opportunities for artistic expression.
User-friendly tables + graphics will help clarify sign types, size restrictions, and more for easier navigation.
Previously prohibited, sandwich boards are now allowed under specific conditions during business hours.
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
When it comes to winding down, 50% of our readers voted that having a cozy, candlelit dinner at Rosecomb Bar was their favorite local hygge activity. Now that it’s warmer, some wine by the fire out on their patio sounds like the perfect relaxing evening, too.
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