The 4th Street exit will look like a botanical garden. | Photo by Tennessee Interstate Conservancy
For many travelers, the 4th Street exits off Highway 27 are their first impression of downtown Chattanooga — and thanks to the Tennessee Interstate Conservancy, that first impression is about to get more beautiful.
The big picture
The 4th Street exits are one piece of a larger initiative called the Gateway to Chattanooga project — an effort designed to add the following along the city’s interstates:
1,000+ trees
1,300 daylilies + 1,200 blue irises
More than 4 acres of wildflowers
The goal is to encourage economic growth by creating more inviting and sustainable gateways into the city.
This view is expected to be a reality as early as 2028.
Photo by Tennessee Interstate Conservancy
Where the project stands
An irrigation system was installed last fall, and planting is now complete at the 4th Street exits. The renderings show what you can expect to see over the next 3-4 years. The native trees, plants, and flowers were specifically chosen for their ease of maintenance and long-term sustainability.
Bluegrass takes over Chattanooga this week with the IBMA World of Bluegrass®, running today through Saturday, Sept. 20. Catch live performances downtown during the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, and don’t miss IBMA Bluegrass Live!® — a two-day festival at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square on Friday and Saturday.
Plan Ahead
Love a good scavenger hunt? Grab tickets to Adventure Trek on Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Teams of all ages will search downtown Chattanooga for clues, treats, and prizes. After that, head to Miller Park for live music, yard games, and a bite to eat.
Community
The public is invited to the grand reopening of the Katie Lamb Public Library this Thursday, Sept. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. Closed since May for renovations, the library now features an expanded children’s book area, a larger meeting room, and three private study rooms. (Chattanoogan)
Health
Erlanger was voted Best Hospital — plus four other top honors — in the 2025 Best of the Best awards. Other wins include Best ER, Best General Practice Doctor, Best Urgent Care, and Best Place to Have a Baby (for the 18th year in a row).
Pets
Here’s an adoption deal that might make you say, “Shiver me timbers.” The Humane Education Society is hosting Meow Like a Pirate Day this Friday, Sept. 19. You can get half off adoption fees for cats — or no adoption fees if you dress like a pirate. Aye, we are serious.
Cause
The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride® will roll through Chattanooga this Friday, Sept. 19. Hundreds of riders from all over the country will arrive at Ross’s Landing around 1:30 p.m. The annual ride honors Native American heritage and continues to Bridgeport, AL for a festival and ceremonies.
Travel
Nothing says fall nostalgia like unplugged hikes, leaf peeping, and slow mornings exploring antiques and book shops. Clarksville, TN has it all, and it’s only a quick road trip away. Use this list of 15 nostalgic Clarksville experiences to start planning your autumn escape.*
Older Adults
If you need extra cash flow in retirement, a reverse mortgage could help. These loans let homeowners 62 and older convert part of their home’s equity into tax-free cash, while keeping the title (given you live in the home and maintain upkeep). Explore top reverse mortgage providers.*
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Read
Stay sharp and informed with The Signal’s free daily newsletter with global context and critical perspective. Join 100,000+ subscribers when you sign up today.*
The Chattanooga Airport and Punta Gorda Airport are teaming up to give two people an all-expenses-paid trip to Punta Gorda, FL from Thursday, Oct. 30 to Sunday, Nov. 2. The giveaway includes round-trip airfare, a three-night hotel stay, VIP tickets to an air show, sunset cruise passes, and a gift card for pizza. I’m sold.
The giveaway runs through Wednesday, Sept. 29 — check out this post to find out how you can enter.
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.
Are you ready to rumble? If not, are you ready to laugh? Barking Legs Theater is hosting an Improv Rumble this Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8 to 10 p.m. Team Purple takes on Team Pink in a comedic showdown, and tickets are just $12. Now this is a fight I can get behind.
}})
