Today’s conversation is sponsored by Rock/Creek. | Graphic by NOOGAtoday
Summer is officially here, Nooga — even if the recent heat waves had us feeling like it was summertime a bit early.
From local hikes to outdoor festivals, we’ve created the ultimate Chattanooga summer bucket list to get you outdoors + soak up the sun all season long.
Here is one of the many serene swimming spots at Grundy Forest. | Photo by @rob_palo_photography
💧 Waterfalls, creeks + lakes, oh my
Big Soddy Creek Gulf | This gravel trail passes by several swimming holes for you to take a dip + cool off.
Foster Falls | Hike your way to see a 60-ft waterfall.
Grundy Forest | This 234-acre forest in Grundy County (~55-minute drive from Chattanooga) has cascading streams + waterfalls and several swimming spots along its trails.
🪨 Stay shady
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground | Named TripAdvisor’s “#1 Thing to Do in Chattanooga,” Raccoon Mountain Caverns consist of 5.5 miles of underground passageways.
Ruby Falls | Cave adventure options include faster-paced, guided “Cave Walks” to the underground waterfall or slower, more in-depth tours led by senior-level guides.
Rock City Gardens | Stroll through a 4,100-ft Enchanted Trail to see rock formations, magical caves, and even more breathtaking views.
🛶 Grab a paddle
L2 Outside | Rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or tandem kayak to have some fun on the Tennessee River.
Canoe Kayak Chattanooga | Explore the Tennessee River Gorge by kayak or canoe — Pontoon Boats are also available for rent by the day.
This content is sponsored by Rock/Creek Outfitters. Their goal is to equip you with everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. Get outfitted for summer in one of their two Chattanooga locations or online.*
Make Music Day | Tues., June 21 | Various times | Various locations | Free | Celebrate the summer solstice and make all kinds of music with the community. 🎶
Rhyme N Chatt’s Fresh Out the Shoebox – Youth Open Mic | Tues., June 21 | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Edney Innovation Center, 1100 Market St. | Free | Calling all young poets: bring your writing, hone your performing skills, and meet fellow writers. 🎤
Wednesday
WSLR Presents: Cristina Vane | Wed., June 22 | 7 p.m. | The Woodshop, 5500 Saint Elmo Ave. | $20+ | Nashville-based artist Cristina Vane is taking the town by storm with her unique blend of blues + folk music.
Lookout Farmers Market | Wed., June 22 | 3 p.m. | Red Bank United Methodist Church, 3800 Dayton Blvd. | Free+ | Shop from local + regional vendors. 🥕
Thursday
Native Plants 101 | Thurs., June 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Crabtree Farms | $20 | This class is a brief introduction to local native plants complete with outdoor identifications. 🌱
Chelcie Lynn | Thurs., June 23 | 7 p.m. | The Waker Theatre | $35+ | Lynn is a comedian, actress, and internet personality who was recently named one of Variety’s 2021 “Top 10 Comics To Watch.”
Navy League Dinner | Thurs., June 23 | 6-9 p.m. | National Medal of Honor Heritage Center | $30 | Navy League members visit the Heritage Center’s exhibits and enjoy a barbecue dinner.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
We’d never guess that these chic patio chairs are made from recycled water bottles. | Photo provided by Outer
If you hear the word “wicker” and think of a frumpy, broken piece of furniture, you’re not alone — but thanks to Outer, a company that crafts stylish outdoor furniture with an eye toward sustainability, it’s time to rethink wicker.
By using recycled water bottles as source material, Outer has created eco-friendly wicker furniture that not only looks ultra-modern, but is durable enough to last a decade.
Bonus: Each cushion uses triple memory foam for max comfiness.*
Hamilton County secured $1.86 million in low interest state planning + design loans for five Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority projects. Among the projects is a reassessment of the Signal Mountain Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Cause
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank received a $1 million donation from the Frank P. Pierce Foundation. This donation will help provide hunger relief in nearby Northwest Georgia, such as Murray, Walker, and Whitfield counties. 🥫 (Local 3)
Edu
Hamilton County school board candidates will meet in six debates, hosted by Chattanooga 2.0, the Chattanooga Times Free Press + Local 3 News, in July. Citizens can submit questions for candidates online. Hamilton County’s general election is Thurs., Aug. 4. Residents have until Tues., July 5 to register to vote. 🗳️ (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Did you knowChattanooga State Community College offers different pathways to achieve your academic goals — no matter where you’re at in life? We recently chatted with four recent ChattState grads about their ChattState experience + why students should consider applying. Read their stories. 🎓 *
Noogan
At Bonnaroo last weekend, Mayor Kelly presented rapper + Chattanooga native Isaiah Rashad with a key to the city and declared June 17 as Isaiah Rashad Day. Rashad has been signed to California-based label Top Dawg Entertainment — along with Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar — since 2013. 🗝️ (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Coming Soon
Hamilton Place Mall announced the upcoming opening of four new stores this summer. Rose & Remington, a women’s clothing store, Tradehome Shoes, a footwear retailer, Hollie Ray Boutique, a women’s clothing boutique, and 96’ Kickz, a limited edition footwear store, will open at the mall soon. 🛍️ (WDEF)
Volunteer
McKamey Animal Center is looking for summer volunteers. Anyone 16 and older can volunteer, while those 10-15 years old are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. Volunteer duties include dog walking, working at special events, and helping with laundry. 🐾
Festival
Culture Chatt will celebrateBrazilian culture with the Festa Junina this Sat., June 25 at Sculpture Fields at Montague Park. The festival will feature a capoeira exhibition, traditional Brazilian food — made by local Brazilians — and a kids play zone. 🇧🇷
Try This
The Pop-Up Project’s Prom 2022 will take place on Sat., June 25 at Studio 34. Come dressed in your tackiest prom attire, sip on spiked punch at the event’s open bar, and hit the dance floor. This prom is a fundraiser supporting The Pop-Up Project’s programming.
Eat
Don’t just eat better — eat the best.Sunbasket’smeal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefsstraight to your front door. Bonus: NOOGAtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveriesand more when they sign up. 🍽️ *
A health message from our sponsor
“I have a question for you: How often are you going to the bathroom? Too often? Not often enough? Maybe you’re like me — I used to go once or twice a week, which I thought was normal until I discovered this one trick to healthier bathroom habits.” *
Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
In celebration of National Veterinarian Appreciation Day, the Tennessee Aquarium recently published an article detailing the day-to-day life of its long-time veterinarian, Dr. Chris Keller.
Dr. Keller has seen to the needs of more than 12,000 animals and 600 different species during his career. Read more about Dr. Keller’s journey of caring for the aquarium’s finned + furry friends.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: I am happy to report that my co-editor Bri is officially a married gal. It was an absolute pleasure celebrating her +her husband’s wedding this past Saturday at the Waterhouse Pavilion. The ceremony was so beautiful and I’m still thinking about the chocolate + raspberry cake we had.Sending lots of love and safe travel wishes their way as they head to Mexico for their honeymoon.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
