Since 2021, I’ve seen Chattanooga grow in so many different ways, from new developments and restaurants to city-wide initiatives. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
Well, y’all — this is the last time you’ll see my face at the bottom of your newsletters. It has been an absolute joy and honor writing for you over the past 3.5 years.
What I’ve loved most about this job is meeting, connecting with, and telling the stories of the residents in our community. Through them, I’ve learned so much about Chattanooga and have grown to love the city even more.
A close second may be trying out new restaurants and menu offerings — I was well fed, to say the least. I’ll never forget the first Niedlov’s pizza night in 2023 or judging the FiveStar Food Fight competitions.
This job also got me outside more than I ever would have expected. From hanging out with the Maclellan Island goats and meeting local mushroom farmers to learning about support efforts for an endangered fish species and trying out van life. I have developed such a deep love and appreciation for our outdoor scene.
There are also so many locals doing incredible things here in Chattanooga. The folks behind Food as a Verb are doing incredible work sharing the stories of the area’s food scene in all its forms. Local artist Zach Riddle is embarking on a country-wide project rooted in the mission of investing in yourself. There are just too many great Chattanoogans to name.
I haven’t done the exact math, but I’ve written over 1,000 pieces in my time here and had a lot of fun over on our Instagram page, too. If I could sum up my time here in one word, it would be community.
Chattanooga’s community is beyond special — heck, that’s why I could write 1,000 more stories about it, but I will forever appreciate my role in this community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all again for this incredible opportunity.
Events
Events
Wednesday, May 7
Embodied Living | 7-8 p.m. | Studio34 | Free, RSVP | This gentle movement class aims to help you slow down + connect with your body.
Thursday, May 8
Motivational Speaking for Entrepreneurs & Leaders | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $34 | This interactive workshop will feature storytelling + guided exercises to help you speak confidently and authentically.
Friday, May 9
Food Truck Friday | 5-8:30 p.m. | Red Bank City Park, Red Bank | Free+ | Bring your appetite to indulge in treats from local food trucks + hear tunes from the Randy Kiles Band.
Nightfall | 6-9:30 p.m. | Miller Park and Plaza | Free+ | Enjoy a local vendor market, food trucks, lawn games + music by Jhett Black and Cedric Burnside.
Saturday, May 10
12th Anniversary Party | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Onion Bottom | Free+ | Celebrate this local business’s anniversary with candle making, a vendor market, and food offerings.
Spin & Smash | 1-5 p.m. | Scenic City Clay Arts (Market Street) | $25+ | Throw some mud around on the potter’s wheel + get the chance to toss up to three pots at the smash booth.
Beginning today, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a passport, or a military ID if they plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities. Check out how to apply for a REAL ID.
Coming Soon
Fetch & Fifth, a luxury pet boutique curated for pets and their owners, will open its doors in Cambridge Square in nearby Ooltewah at the end of June. Expect pet apparel, perfumes, wellness products, and more. Follow along on Instagram for updates.
Development
In case you missed it,Central Crossing, a mixed-use development on Central Avenue, is set to open in September. See the progress on the building featuring 32 residences + four commercial ground-floor condos.
Outdoors
Crabtree Farms is seeking volunteers to help with planting after recent rainstorms. Folks interested in helping transplant flowers, cucumbers, squash, dill, and basil on Friday, May 9 + Saturday, May 10 can send an email to join.
Active
The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will continue its free, historical bike tours through Chickamauga Battlefield beginning Saturday, May 17. Those ages 8 and up can participate in the leisurely-paced ride guided by a ranger — just bring your bike and helmet.
Cause
The Chattanooga Humane Educational Society will host a Kitten Shower on Saturday, May 17 at Tanasi Brewing & Supplies — think: a baby shower, but for the arrival of kittens. From 1 to 3 p.m., you can bring donations and enjoy specials, snacks, games, and guest appearances by kittens.
Plan Ahead
Tickets are on sale now for the annual Chattanooga Cocktail Festival slated for Friday, June 27 at First Horizon Pavilion. Bonus: Scroll to the bottom of the website to get a sneak peek at this year’s spirits lineup + some cocktail recipes to try at home.
Biz
You know that moment when a company goes from “never heard of” to “suddenly everywhere?”That’s RAD Intel — and you can still invest. Join their supporters like Adobe and Fidelity by tomorrow, May 8.†‡*
Pets
Pumpkin, blueberries, quinoa, and USDA-grade meat — those are the air-dried ingredients in Sundays For Dogs, a shelf-stable fresh dog food. Save 50% on your pup’s first order.*
Category
Small Biz
🛍️ Add these spots to your shopping list
Bring products from local farms to your tables at home. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
In honor of Small Business Week, we asked 15 local entrepreneurs to pass the mic to highlight Chattanooga small businesses everyone should know about. Here’s what they had to say.
Alysia Leon, Bird Fork Farm
“Too many! Come check us out and all the other amazing local farms and food artisans at Main Street Farmers Market every Wednesday.”
Heath Hanson, Naughty Cat Cafe
“The Hummus Bowl. True mom and pop place. World-class people bringing authentic cuisine made with pride.”
Jenny Stripling, Northside Neighborhood House
“Zi Olive on the North Shore — some of the best and most unique olive oils and balsamic oils to up your cooking game!”
Caroline Allison, The Meeting House
“Grabel’s Bagels is a must-try! They are our bagel supplier and have the most delicious New York-style bagels in town!”
Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these aromatherapy shower steamers that are USA-made with plant-powered scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and lemon.
Thank you for 3.5 wonderful years, NOOGA. Don’t worry, I’ll still be out and about in Chattanooga experiencing all this sweet little mountain city has to offer, so don’t be afraid to say hi if our paths cross again.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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