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Old McDonald had a farm state park
Don’t worry, the homestead portion of McDonald Farm isn’t going anywhere. | Photo provided by Hamilton County
Many Chattanoogans know McDonald Farm as the home of the Hamilton County Fair, but soon, it could become Tennessee’s newest state park.
Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget includes more than $45 million to transform ~1,300 acres into a park that would connect Sale Creek to the Cumberland Trail. The funding would go toward new trails, a visitor center, and a possible RV campground, plus $1 million a year for park operations.
The numbers
800 acres in Hamilton County
500 acres in Rhea County
70+ new jobs anticipated
$11 million economic impact anticipated
Hamilton County would still own roughly 800 acres of McDonald Farm, including 250 acres that would remain a county park and continue hosting the fair each fall.
What’s next
The Hamilton County Commission must approve the land transfer, and lawmakers still need to pass the budget. If approved, the park could open in about three years, becoming Tennessee’s 70th state park.
It might look a little scary, but this fire is totally under control. | Photo provided by Reflection Riding
Outdoors
If you see smoke near Reflection Riding today, don’t panic. The arboretum will be conducting a prescribed burn, and trails will be closed for the day. Learn how these controlled burns help restore native plants and improve wildlife habitat. (WDEF)
Community
Construction is underway at Booker T. Washington State Park on a $10 million event center. The 8,500-sqft space will include a banquet hall, an industrial kitchen, and room for up to 200 guests. It’s expected to be complete by early 2027. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Festival
Sculptures aren’t the only thing lighting up Montague Park. Hundreds of glowing lanterns have transformed the Sculpture Fields for the SeaLight Festival. Catch the illuminated displays and live performances Thursday through Sunday, 6-10 p.m. The festival runs through Sunday, April 26 — grab tickets online.
Plan Ahead
Cassette Skateshop is celebrating the official grand opening of its pop-up skate park this Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 12 p.m. The temporary park will give Chattanoogans a place to skate while construction continues on the city’s Chatt Town Skate Park. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Holiday
Tonight marks the expected start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s observed by Muslims as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. You can learn more and find local prayer times via the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga. (Gulf News)
Play
🎲 Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play.
Stat
Six months. That’s how long the average job search takes nowadays, and last summer, job seekers outnumbered job openings for the first time since 2021. Need a hand finding your next role? Start exploring opportunities. (The Wall Street Journal)
Finance
Scammers often exploit the trusted bank-customer relationship by creating a sense of urgency. Remember, your bank will never unexpectedly request sensitive information. If you’re unsure about a communication, pause and verify with your bank using trusted contact details or by visiting their website. Stay informed to stay secure.*
Health
Wellness is not one-size-fits-all. With a science-backed program that combines personalized coaching with habit-building tools, Noom is ditching restrictive diets for nourishing meals that lead to real results. Start a free trial.*
Editor’s Pick
🥘 Little Coyote, big flavor
The wild mushrooms and Jimmy Red corn grits turned me into a grits person. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
I finally made it out to Little Coyote in St. Elmo — and yes, it lives up to the Michelin recognition. My first impression was how friendly and attentive the staff was, but that was before the food stole the spotlight (and never let it go).
The menu isn’t especially long, but after trying nearly half of it, I understand why: every dish feels dialed in. I recommend the Lifesaver or espresso martini to drink, then the smoked pork ribs, fried sweet potatoes, and (my personal favorite) the stuffed avocado with carnitas. Trust me, you’ll be planning your next visit before dessert.
The Buy
Sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest difference. These four products tackle everyday headaches — each for under $30.
👜 Tired of your purse tipping over or disappearing on the car floor? These car purse hooks keep your bags within reach.
🚽 Late-night bathroom runs will no longer feel like an obstacle course thanks to this toilet bowl night light.
🧅 Swap baking soda for this fridge deodorizer that works for up to 10 years, so you can set it once and forget it.
🚗 Designed to reduce strain, this vehicle assist handle provides sturdy support to help you get in + out of your car with ease and stability.
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