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🦋 Let’s go to Dollywood, y’all
New twists and turns await at Dollywood this season. | Photo provided by Dollywood
One week. That’s all that stands between us and opening day at Dollywood.
The park kicks off its 41st season next Friday, March 13, and with a record-breaking coaster and several new events, 2026 is set to be one for the books. Here’s what to expect if you can make the trip to the Smokies.
🎢 NightFlight Expedition
Soar through the Smoky Mountains at night on this immersive indoor coaster that blends storytelling with thrills. With a price tag of over $50 million, it’s the largest single investment in park history. The ride is set to open this spring, and season passholders will get first dibs with an exclusive preview.
🍓 Fresh flavors
We’ll never skip the cinnamon bread, but this year’s new menu additions are enough to pique any foodie’s interest. Think Tex-Mex loaded fries, strawberry cupcakes, zesty BBQ-glazed corn strips, Southern fish and chips, and more.
Get ready: Our area’s second Whataburger location will open Monday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at 2332 Shallowford Village Dr. If you want to get your hands on one of their burgers, be prepared to wait — the lines were quite long when the East Ridge location opened in January.
Closed
1885 Grill has closed its flagship location in St. Elmo, citing issues with its landlord. But don’t despair — the Ooltewah location is still open, and a new Chickamauga location is expected to open this spring. (News Channel 9)
Civic
The Hamilton County Commission unanimously approved plans to convey 1,300 acres of McDonald Farm in Sale Creek to the State of Tennessee for a new state park. The tentative name? Roaring Creek State Park. The proposal is in the state budget and still needs approval from lawmakers. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Sports
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are underway in Milan + Cortina, Italy, with the opening ceremony taking place today at 2 p.m. EST. Watch the broadcast on USA Network or stream it on Peacock. And if you can sneak away from work, catch it at one of these sports bars. (NBC)
Try This
Love Tennessee whiskey? You have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to enter for a chance to win a Tennessee whiskey road trip for you and a plus-one. Think: exclusive distillery tours across the state, VIP festival access, and hotel stays. Somebody has to win. Why can’t it be you?
Environment
Arbor Day isn’t until next month, but we’re celebrating a little early in Chattanooga. The city is hosting a tree-planting event tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in East Lake. Volunteers will be planting along neighborhood streets and in community spaces. Learn more and sign up.
Seasonal
We already told you the Easter Bunny is hopping into Hamilton Place Mall today, but he’s making another stop, too. Starting next Saturday, March 14, he’ll be at Northgate Mall for family photos. Make a reservation online.
Eat
ICYMI, Clumpies Spring flavors are here. Savor the bright, fruity, and floral lineup, including Mixed Berry Lavender Matcha, Honeycomb, and student-inspired Pineapple Pink Lemonade. Or indulge in bakery-inspired flavors like Banana Puddin’ and Carrot Cake. Usher in Spring starting today at Clumpies Northshore and Southside, or order a pint online.*
Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Read
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. That’s why 1M+ pros working at Google, Meta, and OpenAI read Superhuman AI. Join now and learn AI skills, tools, and news in just three minutes a day. Subscribe for free.*
City Guide
You’re gonna need this
Get coffee the way you like it all around Chattanooga. | Photo provided by @culturecoffeecochatt
Daylight saving time is this weekend, meaning at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, clocks jump forward to 3 a.m. If your cup is half-empty, you’re bummed about losing an hour of sleep. If your cup is half-full, you’re excited to gain an hour of sunlight.
Either way, you can fight off the Monday grogginess and fill your cup with coffee from one of these local shops. Velo Coffee Roasters, 509 E Main St. | This spot doubles as a roastery and coffee shop that serves anything from its drip coffee to shaken iced lattes.
Mean Mug Coffeehouse, Locations vary | This shop has been roasting its own beans since 2017. You can get a cup of specialty coffee and have a bite made from scratch.
Goodman Coffee Roasters, 1110 Market St. + 3913 St. Elmo Ave. | Goodman became one of Chattanooga’s first specialty coffee shops in 1995, and has been roasting its own beans since 2016.
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We already talked about Dollywood, but do you remember this Dolly? That face is hard to forget. The slasher, filmed right here in Chattanooga, hits theaters today. All three of the city’s AMC theaters are showing it, so grab a friend, tickets, and that friend’s hand, if needed.
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