At this museum, you don’t just look. You play. | Photo by Classic Arcade Pinball Museum
Museums are the cultural hubs of Chattanooga. Whether you want to discover something new about the Scenic City or plan the perfect Saturday afternoon, here’s a list of must-visit museums:
Classic Arcade Pinball Museum, 409 Broad St. | $16-$20
Check out the huge collection of pinball + arcade machines. Museum admission allows unlimited free play on all operating games.
National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, 2 W. Aquarium Way | $10-$17
Did you know the first Medal of Honor was awarded in Chattanooga? Learn about the highest military honor of valor and its recipients.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd. | $6-$10
Journey back to a time when railway travel was a way of life at one of the oldest and largest operating historic railroads in the southeast.
The Coker Museum, 1309 Chestnut St. | $8-$12
See the personal collection of Corky Coker featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and more.
John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC | $10+ | Celebrate Appalachia at the 49th Annual Fall Festival with 230 craft vendors, 29 food vendors, music, dance, demos, and hands-on activities as the Folk School kicks off its 100th Anniversary.*
The Fireside Concert Series kicks off tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at Greenway Farms. The free event takes place on the porch of the historic Sniteman Log Cabin. Tonight’s performer is Bella Lam, a Chattanooga-based country artist. Can’t make it? The series continues every Thursday through October. (Local 3 News)
Seasonal
Hamilton County’s seasonal burn ban is over, which means residents can now apply for burn permits ranging in cost from $10 to $60. Permits are required to burn brush and can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. All permits are valid through April 30, 2026. (Local 3 News)
Traffic
A heads-up for drivers: Crews have started prep work for the John Ross Road resurfacing project in East Ridge. Milling begins Wednesday, Oct. 15, with lane closures and delays expected on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The project is expected to take about two months. (Local 3 News)
Travel
The Chattanooga Airport says it’s business as usual, with no major travel delays expected because of the government shutdown. Mail and Social Security checks are still going out. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Plan Ahead
If you’ve always wanted to attend Burning Man, we know a closer (and cheaper) option.Fire Up the Fields returns Saturday, Oct. 25, with live music, food trucks, and the burning of a giant wooden sculpture. Tickets are available online, and all proceeds support Sculpture Fields at Montague Park. (The Pulse)
Civic
Northgate Mall could get a $15 million utilities upgrade, but some Chattanooga City Council members have raised concerns about tax incentives for developer CBL Properties. The project now heads to the Development Review Board for further debate before a decision is made. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Outdoors
Love Chattanooga’s 170+ miles of trails? Now’s your chance to have a say. SORBA Chattanooga just launched a 10-minute survey to learn how hikers, bikers, runners, and walkers use the trails and why they matter to our local economy. Your input could help keep trails well-maintained and open for everyone.
Your must-have Halloween decor to celebrate the season, ranging from how cute to oh my:
👻 These three ceramic ghost lights are almost too cute to stand (and come with batteries).
🕯️ A No. 1 best-seller, this floating candle set will add flickering, cozy warmth to any Halloween display.
🧹 Floating witch hats show your Halloween spirit and are perfect for a party.
🕸️ The Addams family would approve of this black lace spiderweb cover decking out your mantle.
☠️ Make the neighbors do a double-take with a best-selling hands and skull set popping out of your yard.
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.
How do you prefer to take in Chattanooga’s fall colors?
40%: Go for a drive
37%: Take a hike
15%: Take a train ride/cruise
4%: Visit a park
About 4% of readers selected “Other,” saying they enjoy watching the leaves change from the comfort of their homes or spotting the foliage during a bicycle ride.
The Wrap
The Wrap
If the song titles “Wonderful,” “Father of Mine,” and “I Will Buy You A New Life” sound familiar, you might be a millennial like me. Those were all hit songs by Everclear, released between 1997 and 2000.
Why am I telling you this? Because Everclear is playing at The Caverns tomorrow, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m., and general admission tickets are still available. If you’re craving some late-1990s nostalgia and don’t mind a little drive to Pelham, go underground and check it out.
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