It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
Well my dear readers, this is Editor Haley signing off for the last time. After 2.5 years of curating your favorite daily newsletter, it’s time for me to move on from the bottom of your newsletter + up at 6AM City.
During my time at NOOGAtoday, I have written over 500 articles learning about the Chattanoogans that make the Scenic City so special. From diving into the process that makes your local small batch coffee to the unsung heroes of downtown, there’s a story to be told in every corner of our city.
There’s even something to be found in our potholes — like a smiley face mosaic to brighten your day or the thing that inspires the debut album of a local musical group.
Eight years ago, I became an official resident when I came to UTC + it’s been a joy to see how the city has grown — whether it’s a new eatery dishing out ramen or tracking the process of becoming the first National Park City in the US.
There’s also quite a bit of history to admire. Take this as your sign to dig into the Chattanooga Public Library’s archives, you’ll never know what you’ll find. I also learned a lot from you all and your own memories.
Some of my favorite moments though? Whenever I could step away from the screen and get out around town. It’s probably no surprise that I won’t ever forget my wild encounters at the Chattanooga Zoo, getting an exclusive tour of the Raccoon Mountain Dam, or hearing from one of my favorite chefs. I even got the chance to meet a Ukrainian leader.
Most of all, I loved being your trusted resource — and when you listen to the playlist I made (with the help of you all), I hope you think of me.
Events
Events
Tuesday, July 1
Pop-Up Library Tour | 1-4 p.m. | Don Eaves Heritage House | Free | Check out books + other items, sign up for a library card, and enjoy a full library experience right in your neighborhood.
Make Your Own Ceramic Pinch Pot and Rose | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery | $61 | Learn the art of pinch pot pottery by shaping clay into a small vessel + add a botanical touch by sculpting a rose.
Wednesday, July 2
Dog Days of Summer | 5-10:30 p.m. | Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA | Price of admission | Take a stroll on the scenic Enchanted Trail with your four-legged friend, plus, enjoy a Good Dog menu takeover, beer + pup cup specials, and info from Luck’s Rescue.
Thursday, July 3
Pops on the River | 6-11 p.m. | Coolidge Park | Free+ | Celebrate Independence Day with activities, food trucks, live music from Chattanooga Soul + Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, and a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.*
Friday, July 4
Skate Station | 2-6 p.m. | Chattanooga Choo Choo | $10+ | Don your red, white, and blue apparel for an Independence Skate around the rink.
Saturday, July 5
Independence Day Celebration | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Soddy-Daisy Recreation Complex | Free+ | This all-day celebration will feature food trucks, vendors, live music, a custom car show + a fireworks display.
Sunday, July 6
From Garden to Jar | 12-3 p.m. (CDT) | Bird Fork Farm, Dunlap | $55+ | Demystify the fermentation process + learn the basics by exploring key ingredients to make your own jar of vegetables.
Don’t let parking keep you from enjoying the Scenic City — the Chattanooga Parking Authority (CPA) has launched a Weekend Parking Pass for the downtown area. Starting at $25, folks can utilize street parking, CPA-managed lots + the Shuttle Park garages on Fridays at 6 p.m. through Mondays at 6 a.m.
Open
Joe Mama’s, an American diner concept, has opened its doors on Bradmore Lane in Ooltewah. This spot serves up sandwiches, milkshakes, burgers, and more — we’re eyeing the french dip. Bonus: Keep your eyes open for what special July brings to the menu.
Civic
Starting today, residents in East Ridge will see an increase in sanitation fees — the first adjustment in 13 years. The $24 annual increase is to account for rising operational costs and to maintain quality in services. See what else this impacts.
Watch
Speaking of happenings in East Ridge, we’ve got the latest update on Venue 1921 for you. The 12,000-sqft event space is still on track for its end-of-the-year completion + now has its roof structure, 75% of its stone veneer, and more. Check out the action.
Number
318. That’s how many jobs will come to nearby Manchester when Little Leaf Farms establishes its first Tennessee greenhouse. Over the next five years, the $75 million investment at Manchester Industrial Park will bring state-of-the-art facilities to produce + distribute packaged greens throughout the midwest and southeast.
Eat
Adelle’s Crêperie is rebranding to Adelle’s + launching a French evening menu on Bastille Day (Monday, July 14). You can try the new concept — curated by Chef Johann Tremor, who was born + raised in Paris — every Tuesday through Friday night.
Try This
Calling all dog parents. Granny’s Bar is setting up a runway for your four-legged pals to strut down next Sunday, July 13 at 2 p.m. To enter the Doggy Fashion Show, DM the downtown sports bar — the winner will receive a $100 bar tab + $100 gift card to Play Wash Pint.
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word with NOOGAtoday. Explore our self-service ad portal to find the perfect fit for your budget — from standout banner ads to scroll-stopping social content. Promoting your event has never been easier.
Stat
100%. That’s Homebuddy’s no-clog guarantee on their premium, top-rated gutter guards. Get a free quote and join 410,000+ other homeowners who trust the maintenance-free gutter solution.*
Post of the Day
Over the weekend, I got to be a guest judge for the Chattanooga Market’s FiveStar Food Fight — where five local chefs battled it out using ingredients from the market. From farm to my plate, some highlights were:
Tasting everyone’s take on the secret ingredient (Real Cajun Market sausage) — shout out to Neeka DeGraw who paired hers with a peach glaze + strawberry mix.
Watching Cornelius Lathan, who won last year, come back to defend his title.
Helping select the winner, Chasty Lane. Lane’s dish blew us all away, from her presentation that even included a “Thank You” note to the beautiful flavors in her dish with perfectly cooked lobster + shrimp.
To say I left full and happy is an understatement.
A ZlumberLock secure sheet holder. Say goodbye to tangled + bunched up sheets with this easy-to-install, patented product. It fits all sheet types and boasts a sleek, discreet design.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Writing for you all over the last few years has been such an incredible journey + and as sad as I am to step away from NOOGAtoday, this isn’t goodbye forever. If you follow any of our sister cities, you’ll still see my writing — like this Q+A with a double-lung recipient and para athlete who’s on her way to the Olympics from Knoxville.
}})
