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The solace of warmer days is on the rise, and what better way to celebrate than enjoying a scenic meal outside? There’s no need to nitpick how to create the best Chattanooga picnic — we’ve got you covered like a red-and-white checkered blanket.
Bask-et in the sun
Rule No. 1 to a proper picnic is choosing the essentials. Here are some of our must-haves:
A good book | Reading while lying on a blanket or grassy patch just hits different — snag something off the shelves at Winder Binder, The Book & Cover, or the Chattanooga Public Library.
A refreshing drink | Whether it’s a coffee, tea, or juice — you’ll need something to sip on. We recommend stopping in to Southern Squeeze for a bottle.
Snacks | You can’t forget the best part of a picnic, the food. If you’re looking to make a snack from scratch, stop by our local markets for ingredients — or check out Bleu Fox Cheese Shop for prepared snacks.
Hamilton County leaders are proposing traffic studies across Ooltewah to decide which road projects to prioritize. If approved, the plan would shift funding from the long-discussed Hilltop Drive extension to more immediate congestion and safety improvements. (News Channel 9)
Show
Runway Remix — a fully thrifted fashion show — is strutting into The Signal Ballroom next Friday, April 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Models will show off spring-themed, secondhand looks, plus expect specialty drinks and small bites. Proceeds benefit Northside Neighborhood House. Grab tickets online.
Concert
Downtown has Riverfront Nights, and pretty soon — Hixson will have Lakeside Live!. The new summer concert series will take place at Chester Frost Park on three Saturdays: June 13, July 11, and Aug. 15. Check out the lineup. (WDEF)
Watch
Erlanger Park opens to the public in 11 days, but who’s counting? We’ve been keeping an eye on the live construction cam, but that only shows so much. Thanks to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, we’ve now got an updated bird’s-eye view of the Lookouts’ new stadium.
Outdoors
The public is invited to the grand opening of Red Bank’s Godsey Ridge trail system on Sunday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. That event will start at the community center (3653 Tom Weathers Dr.) before moving over to the trailhead for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (The Pulse)
Arts
ChattState Fine Arts presents its fourth annual dinner theatre production, Thursday, April 16-Saturday, April 18. Grab tickets to see Shakespeare’s comedy play, “As You Like It,” for an evening of disguise, witty banter, and love stories.*
Cause
What’s the best Tennessee State Park? You can cast your vote by making a donation. Every dollar will support your favorite park and help fund trail improvements, habitat restoration, and more. Last year, this fundraiser raised over $109,000. Think we can top it this year?Donate online. (The Pulse)
Health
Whether it’s completing a major work project or hitting a personal record on your next run, a small amount of stress isn’t even a bad thing. However, when it lingers, it can be harmful. While it’s pretty much impossible to fully eliminate stress, you can take steps to manage it — here’s how.*
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.*
Nightfall has released its 2026 lineup, featuring 14 weeks of Friday night concerts at Miller Plaza and Miller Park downtown.
We won’t have to wait very long — the free music series kicks off on Friday, May 1 and runs through Friday, July 31.
For the most part, a local act will open at 7 p.m., and a national headliner will follow at 8 p.m. But Friday, May 22 is all local, and don’t forget — you can help determine which local band headlines on Friday, July 10 starting tonight.
April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:
👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.
Today’s the “springiest day of the year” in Tennessee, according to travel company Exoticca. If you, like me, are wondering what that means, it’s the day when things really start to feel like spring in the Volunteer State — no matter what the calendar says.
All I know is, it’s a good reminder to hit the trails before it gets too hot outside.
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