Breathe Deep and Relax: Inside Chattanooga Salt Cavern in St. Elmo
Tucked right into the base of Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Salt Cavern offers one of the most calming and restorative experiences in the city — and if you haven’t been yet, it’s well worth a visit. This is Chattanooga’s only salt cave, nestled in St. Elmo, and brings the benefits of halotherapy (dry salt therapy) in a truly peaceful setting. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, breathing issues, or just need a mental reset, spending time at the Salt Cavern is a quiet way to recharge — and yes, you may even find yourself dozing off in a zero-gravity chair.
The Experience:
Chattanooga Salt Cavern isn’t just visually impressive — it’s an active salt cave, which means it features a halogenerator that disperses microparticles of dry salt into the air. That salt-rich environment may help reduce inflammation, clear sinuses, and support overall respiratory health. You’ll notice it right away: the air is crisp and dry, and the softly glowing walls set the mood for instant calm.
Most visitors spend their 45-minute session reclining in one of the zero-gravity chairs, covered with a cozy blanket. You can meditate, nap, stretch, or simply talk quietly with friends. The environment naturally encourages your body to shift into a parasympathetic state — that’s the deep rest-and-reset mode that’s increasingly hard to come by in daily life.
Community sessions are open to anyone and incredibly peaceful, but if you’re hoping for a more private moment — or want to bring a small group — private sessions are available and easy to book online.
In addition to the regular salt therapy sessions, the Salt Cavern hosts special events like yoga classes inside the cave, sound baths, and even drum circles, blending wellness and community in a really unique space.
What to Know Before You Go:
Location:
Chattanooga Salt Cavern
3924 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409
Located in St. Elmo, about 10 minutes from downtown, right near the base of Lookout Mountain.
Hours:
Open Tuesday through Sunday, with appointments available throughout the day. Closed Mondays. (but always check their website before you go!)
Pricing:
Sessions start at $25 for adults, with special pricing for kids, groups, and event offerings. You can book online via their website: https://www.chattanoogasaltcavern.com/
Parking:
Free on-site parking is available when you book a session.
Session Info:
Sessions last 45 minutes. Community sessions are open to the public, while private sessions must be booked in advance. Event sessions (like yoga) are posted on their website and Instagram.
Extra Tips or Bonuses:
- Bring or wear cozy clothes — you’ll be reclining in a cool, quiet cave.
- With Lookout Mountain just around the corner, consider pairing your visit with a ride on the Incline Railway (currently closed as of May 2025, opens in July 2025 after repairs are done!) or a stroll around St. Elmo’s walkable neighborhood.
- Looking for a nearby café? Head to The Tap House for craft beer and lunch bites, or grab a coffee and visit with cats at the Naughty Cat Cafe just down the street.
- Check their event calendar for special experiences like Prenatal Yoga, Chakra Balancing, or seasonal workshops.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re exploring new wellness treatments or just craving a calm hour away from your to-do list, Chattanooga Salt Cavern is a peaceful spot to breathe easier — literally and figuratively. It’s a great experience for individuals, couples, or even small groups looking for something low-key but special. A lot of locals swear by it for allergy season relief, while others consider it their go-to reset between busy weeks.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Discover Chattanooga's Salt Cave: An Oasis for Relaxation and Respiratory Wellness
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Nacho Libre Taqueria: Tacos, Masks, and Margs
Nacho Libre in Ooltewah: Playful Vibes, Authentic Flavors, and Top-Notch Tacos Just Outside Chattanooga
If you’re the kind of diner who loves a little personality with your meal, Nacho Libre in Ooltewah should be at the top of your list. Just a short 15-minute drive from Chattanooga, this locally-owned Mexican spot brings the energy of lucha libre wrestling into a fun setting filled with vibrant murals, fresh flavors, and a menu that surprises in the best way. Whether you're a taco regular, margarita enthusiast, or just curious to try something new, Nacho Libre strikes a balance between bold theming and genuinely good food.
The Experience
From the moment you pull up to Nacho Libre on Apison Pike, you can tell this place isn’t trying to blend in. Inside, the walls pop with character thanks to original artwork-including a colorful vinyl mural created by an Ecuadorian artist—and a display of replica lucha libre wrestling masks that immediately sets the tone. It’s playful, but not gimmicky, making it a hit for date night, group dinners, or even a casual solo outing.
Though newly opened in September 2024, the restaurant already feels welcoming and lived-in, thanks to the warmth of its owners and staff. It's owned by a local couple who wanted to create an experience that feels more like Mexico and less like a run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex chain.
Now, onto the food. The tacos are a standout-they come out fresh, vibrant, and full of texture. The shrimp tacos in particular hit that perfect balance of grilled flavor and freshness, but their mix-and-match menu means you can sample several different fillings without overcommitting. Salsas are made fresh daily, and that care in prep shows in every bite.
On the drinks side, expect house-squeezed lime juice, made-daily guava syrup, and fun cocktails named after famous wrestlers. We tried the Ric Flair and El Santo—both flavorful, balanced, and perfect for pairing with the salty, spicy goodness of taco night.
What to Know Before You Go
Location:Nacho Libre
8206 Apison Pike
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Hours:
11am- 8pm tuesday-Friday
12pm- 8pm weekends
CLOSE Monday
Parking:
Free lot parking is available in front of the restaurant, usually easy to find a spot without much trouble.
Pricing:
Tacos are affordably priced, especially during specials. Most entrées and drinks seem to hover in the casual dinner range—perfect for a night out without breaking the bank.
No reservation is typically needed, and right now it's flying under the radar so waits are minimal.
Deals to Keep in Mind
Nacho Libre keeps the weekly promotions rolling with themed food and drink specials:
- Taco Tuesday: Mix & match tacos for $3.50 each
- Margarita Wednesday: $7 margaritas
- Daily Happy Hour: $7 margaritas + $3 beers
- Thursday Special: Tortas + fountain drink for $10.99
These offers make it especially worth visiting mid-week, and they rotate in some seasonal or holiday specials as well throughout the year.
Extra Tips and Bonuses
If you're someone who likes a meal with a photo-friendly vibe, this place checks the boxes. The mural art, colorful plating, and wrestler-themed décor make it a great spot to snap a few pics.
Visiting for a birthday or group dinner? Let the staff know—they're great about adding a little flair to the experience.
Make it a night out by pairing your meal with a nearby stop—try Wired Coffee Bar or 1885 Grill in nearby Cambridge Square for a stroll or post-dinner espresso.
Final Thoughts
Nacho Libre in Ooltewah is the kind of place you tell your friends about the next day—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s fun, refreshingly different, and delivering food that stands on its own. Whether you’re local to Chattanooga or just exploring restaurants around the area, it’s a great pick for all kinds of diners: families, date nights, or anyone out to enjoy tacos and a drink in a laid-back, memorable setting.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Why Whitewater Rafting the Full Ocoee River Needs to Be on Your Summer Adventure List in East Tennessee
Whitewater Rafting the Full Ocoee River with Outland Expeditions
If you're anywhere near East Tennessee this summer- whether you're local to the Chattanooga area or road-tripping in from Nashville or Atlanta- whitewater rafting the Ocoee River should seriously be on your list. It's high-energy, wildly scenic, and a perfect excuse to get your crew together for the kind of outdoor adventure you’ll all be talking about for years.
We recently rafted the full Ocoee (including the Olympic section!) with Outland Expeditions, and it was easily one of the most fun things we’ve done this season. Adrenaline rushes, mountain views, refreshing swim breaks, and a surprisingly good riverside BBQ lunch—there honestly wasn’t a single part of the day we didn’t enjoy.
The Experience
Outland Expeditions has been family-owned and operating since 1981, which shows in how smoothly everything runs and how friendly the staff is. From the moment you arrive at their Benton outpost, you’re greeted by guides who clearly love what they do.
The full Ocoee River trip is a 10-mile guided run that includes both the Upper and Middle sections of the river. The Upper features the Olympic whitewater course used in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games- yes, it's the real deal. Expect Class III and IV rapids that keep things thrilling but totally doable for first-timers willing to paddle a bit. It's intense in the best way, with enough breaks for swimming and catching your breath between the splashes.
Our guide, Kyle- who’s been leading trips for 13 years- was a total pro and made sure we felt safe and had a blast the entire time. Every boat gets its own guide, so don’t worry about having to figure it all out on your own.
Midway through the full trip, you break for lunch, and we were honestly impressed. Blue Hole BBQ caters the meal, and it hits the spot after a few hours on the river. Pulled pork, sides, and lemonade/sweet tea helped recharge us for the second leg of the trip.
The atmosphere overall? Laid-back, high-energy, and welcoming, whether you're showing up with a group of teens, your adventurous partner, a bachelorette trip (what we did!) or your college buddy crew reuniting for a weekend.
What to Know Before You Go
Location: Outland Expeditions is located in Benton, TN- about 40 minutes northeast of Chattanooga. It’s a pretty drive along the Ocoee Scenic Byway.
Trip Options:
- Middle Section: 5 miles, $35–$46 (a great place to start if you’re new to rafting)
- Upper Olympic Section: 5 miles, $50–$58
- Full Ocoee Combo Trip (Upper + Middle): 10 miles + BBQ lunch, $81–$95
All trips include a guide and necessary gear (helmet, paddle, and life jacket). You’ll need to bring a swimsuit, secure footwear (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes for afterward.
Group Discounts: Extra savings kick in for groups of 11 or more. A great reason to plan that big reunion or team outing.
Booking: Reserve online at www.outlandexpeditions.com and use the code “WEBBCHATTS” for 10% off.
Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 12 years old to raft the Ocoee.
Season: Trips run Memorial Day through mid-October on weekends, with expanded weekday availability in summer.
Parking: Free and available on-site.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Outland has budget-friendly group cabins that sleep up to 150 people. Ideal if you’re planning a big family reunion, youth group trip, or bachelor(ette) weekend.
- Pack a towel and an extra trash bag to store wet clothes post-trip.
- They have super cute hats in their giftshop! My sister and I each got one and love them haha
- Photo packages are available if you want to relive your rafting faces later- they’re taken by a pro setup along the river.
- Plan a weekend trip around rafting with nearby hikes, waterfalls, or a visit to Parksville Lake!
Final Thoughts
Whitewater rafting the Ocoee River with Outland Expeditions is hands-down one of the best ways to get outside and make memories this summer. The Full Ocoee Combo Trip is a full-day adventure that doesn’t just deliver on thrills- it’s also well-run, scenic, and genuinely fun from start to finish. Between the experienced guides, Olympic-level rapids, and that delicious BBQ lunch, it’s the kind of back-to-nature experience that locals and visitors alike will love.
Whether you’ve rafted before or are looking to try it for the first time, this East Tennessee classic is one of those “must-dos” that lives up to the hype. And hey- don’t forget that 10% off code while you're at it!!
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Bourbon, Cigars, Live Music, and Indoor Golf at New VTX Club Lounge in Downtown Chattanooga!
VTX Club House: Chattanooga’s Newest Spot for Bourbon, Cigars, and Golf Simulators
If you’re looking for an upscale-yet-inviting spot to unwind downtown, VTX Club House on Georgia Ave just opened its doors—and it's bringing something fresh to Chattanooga’s nightlife scene. With a stylish public lounge, a sleek cigar bar, live music, craft cocktails, and members-only perks like indoor golf simulators, this place is designed for those who enjoy the finer things without a pretentious vibe.
The Experience
Stepping into VTX Club House feels a little like discovering a secret jazz club—but more modern, with a thoughtful mix of dark woods, leather seating, moody lighting, and a curated soundtrack to match the space. The first floor is completely open to the public (no membership required), and there’s plenty to explore even if you’re just dropping in for a drink.
At the heart of the ground level is a well-appointed bar serving bourbon-forward cocktails, wine, and a full food menu. There’s also a luxe cigar lounge that feels intimate but spacious, with ventilated design that keeps things comfortable. Cozy couches and seating nooks invite you to settle in with a drink or light meal, whether you’re here for date night, happy hour, or a solo evening out.
On Friday nights, live music adds even more energy to the space. Talent and genres may vary, but the vibe leans smooth, soul, and jazz-oriented—perfect for a relaxed yet polished night out.
Upstairs is reserved for VTX members and offers even more amenities: private cigar and bourbon lounges, meeting spaces, a theater room, and three indoor golf simulators. Membership starts at various tiers, with the Gold Level at $300/month offering full access to all amenities, personal lockers, and curated member events.
What to Know Before You Go
Location
VTX Club House
415 Georgia Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday & Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Parking
Nearby street parking is your best bet, with several paid lots within walking distance. Shayna: Add your own tip about the best nearby parking options.
Reservations
No reservation is needed for the public lounge area. If you're considering a membership, you can schedule a private tour through their website.
Membership
Open to the public downstairs, with a bar and food main lounge with live music, cigar room store, and outdoor bar. Memberships offer access to the upstairs level and premium experiences- including the golf. Check here for membership options: https://www.vtxclub.com/our-memberships
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Looking to grab dinner before or after your visit? VTX serves food on site, but for a full meal nearby, you’re just a few blocks from Public House, Easy Bistro, or Old Gilman Grill.
- If cigars are a big draw for you, ask the staff for recommendations—they're knowledgeable and friendly, and the cigar lounge rotates selections regularly.
- The golf simulators upstairs are pro-level with multiple courses and swing tracking, so it’s just as fun for experienced golfers as it is for beginners. Occasionally, they host members-only tournaments or viewing nights in the theater room.
- Great photo ops? The interior design is sharp and photogenic, from the low-lit bar shot to the leather reading chairs near the front windows.
Final Thoughts
VTX Club House is carving out something unique for Chattanooga—a polished space that blends bourbon, cigars, conversation, and entertainment without being exclusive. Whether you’re curious about membership or just want to find a new weekly hangout spot, the public lounge alone is worth a visit.
Couples, downtown professionals, and small friend groups will especially enjoy the relaxed yet refined vibe. And if you’ve been looking for a city lounge that goes beyond the usual bar lineup, this might hit the mark.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!