Discover the Ultimate Relaxation Experience at Chattanooga Headspa

Play It Again Sports East Ridge: A New Spot for Buying & Selling Used Sports Gear

If you’ve ever tripped over a pair of old cleats in the garage or wondered what on earth to do with that treadmill gathering dust in the basement, there’s a new local solution that might be just what you need. Play It Again Sports is opening soon in East Ridge, and whether you’re an athlete, parent of athletes, fitness enthusiast, or just trying out a new activity, this locally-owned store is worth putting on your radar.

Set to officially open in August, this shop is already making moves by buying gently used sports and fitness gear—from hockey sticks to home gyms—and paying sellers in cash. Once the doors open, they’ll offer store credit, too (which will stretch further than cash deals). Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before stopping by.

The Experience

Play It Again Sports follows the same model as well-known resale chains like Plato’s Closet or Once Upon a Child—but for all things athletic. That means if you’ve got gently-used equipment, they’ll take a look at it and offer you cash or credit on the spot. It’s especially handy for parents whose kids are outgrowing gear season after season, or anyone getting into a new sport who doesn’t want to overspend from day one.

Right now, the East Ridge store is focused on buying inventory to prepare for their late summer launch. Whether it’s baseball gloves, soccer cleats, yoga mats, weights, lacrosse sticks, bikes, or a lightly-used treadmill, chances are they’ll be interested—if it’s in good shape and has some life left in it.

When the store opens, it’ll be a go-to destination for affordable gear and equipment across dozens of sports and fitness categories. The setup will be clean and organized, and the atmosphere is welcoming and helpful—especially since it’s owned by a local couple who are clearly excited about serving the Chattanooga sports community.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
1467 N Mack Smith Rd, East Ridge, TN 37412

Grand Opening:
Planned for August. Follow @playitagainsportseastridgetn for the exact date, or check back with @webbchatts for updates.

Hours:
Not officially posted yet

Parking:
Free lot available on-site with easy access off Mack Smith Rd

Selling Gear:  
Right now, they’re focused on buying so the store is stocked before opening. Bring in clean, gently-used gear to be evaluated for cash payment. After opening, you’ll also be able to choose store credit if you prefer.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Going Beyond the Obvious: While most people think of gear like bats and helmets, don’t overlook things like weights, benches, resistance bands, punching bags, and camping equipment—these items are often accepted, too.

- Great for Growing Kids: With kids cycling through sports or outgrowing gear quickly, this will be a budget-friendly spot to swap out essentials each season.

- Keep an Eye Out for Events: Many Play It Again Sports locations around the country host trade-in events, clearance sales, and themed weekends. Once the East Ridge store is up and running, it might offer similar events.

- Near Other Errands: The location near Exit 1 in East Ridge makes it convenient to swing by after grocery shopping or a trip to Bass Pro Shops or Camp Jordan Park. You can make a full afternoon of it.

Final Thoughts

Play It Again Sports in East Ridge is shaping up to be a seriously useful addition to the Chattanooga area—especially for anyone involved in sports or fitness. Whether you’re decluttering the garage, replacing your child's outgrown cleats, or looking for a cost-effective way to pick up a new hobby, this locally-owned franchise will be a smart first stop. Plus, it’s always nice to support local entrepreneurs who are investing back into the community.

Families, recreational athletes, high school sports teams, and weekend warriors—this one’s for you.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Chattanooga has a brand new kind of veterinary clinic, and it’s one that’s rethinking the entire experience for both pets and their parents. Vetopia Animal Health, located in Hixson, was designed with a clear vision: to create a true “utopia” for animals, owners, and the veterinary staff who care for them.

“Vetopia is this idea of a utopia for pets, people, and the people that work in the veterinary industry,” explains Dr. Bello, who co-founded the clinic with her husband Jerren.

From the beginning, the goal wasn’t just to build another vet office.

“It was always my dream to have a place where people could bring their pets and we could give them the care they deserve," said Bello. And what better city than Chattanooga to do it?”

A New Approach to Veterinary Care

One of the biggest ways Vetopia sets itself apart is by focusing on collaboration and transparency.

“Our biggest differentiator is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible,” says Dr. Bello. “I talk them through what I’m seeing step by step, so they’re a part of it.”

This approach extends beyond the exam table.

“We wanted to create a space where it was calming. Animals felt secure. People felt like they had the space to feel whatever emotions they wanted to feel.”

Better Pet Care Through Better People Care

The clinic’s motto, “better pet care through better people care,” speaks to the heart of its mission.

“Better pet care through better people care means we can’t forget pets come with people- and if we don’t care for those people, we’re not doing them a service.”

That focus on people extends to Vetopia’s staff as well.

“I really wanted to create a place where people came to work and they absolutely loved what they did and they left feeling like they accomplished something great every day.”

When I visited the vet for the first time with Mailbox (my dog), I truly saw this mission played out. The employees love their job, I as a pet parent felt very cared for, and Mailbox honestly loves his visits to the vet!

The Experience for Pet Parents

From the moment Mailbox and I walked through Vetopia’s doors, I could tell this wasn’t going to feel like a typical vet visit (and I've been to many vets in Chattanooga!) I was greeted, offered complimentary coffee (and it was actually FIRE coffee- I really liked it as someone who's not in to a lot of coffee!), and was taken back to a themed waiting room.

Each exam room has its own unique destination-inspired theme, which immediately gave us a sense of calm. During Mailbox’s check-up, I noticed how different the process felt compared to other clinics. I was actually taken to the back and got a behind-the-scenes look at what Vets do! 

"I think our biggest differentiators is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible," Dr. Bello told me. "So I know a lot of people are like, 'oh, they took my dog to the back...' and nothing bad happens to your pet in the back, I promise, but I understand like as I've gotten older, and I have a kid, that there is this kind of 'mysteriousness' about what's going on back there, and why is it taking so long. And so the idea with Vetopia was, why don't we just have the owner be present for the appointment as much as possible? Not only so that they feel more comfortable and their pets feel more comfortable, but I think it's really important for people to see what we do behind the scenes, because I think that it gives more value to what we as an industry provide."

It was neat seeing firsthand the team caring for my sweet fur baby. And rather than rushing through, Dr. Bello carefully walked me through everything she was seeing. That level of transparency made me feel empowered and connected- like I was truly part of Mailbox’s care.

Vetopia has also invested in technology to make that collaboration seamless. Screens and tablets in the exam rooms allow pet parents to see diagnostics in real time.

And honestly? The vibe is just different. With cozy touches, a coffee machine, and music playing softly in the background, it feels nothing like a sterile, intimidating clinic.

“We want it to feel like you’re not at a hospital, but you’re just hanging out in your living room… It’s a really relaxed, upbeat vibe. Most of the time we have good tunes going on, so it’s just like a fun feel.”

Mailbox certainly picked up on that- instead of being anxious like he has been at other clinics, he wagged his way through the visit. It truly felt like a place designed for both pets and their people to feel comfortable.

Family-Owned, Not Corporate

At a time when many veterinary clinics are being bought by large corporations, Vetopia is proudly family-owned.

“Family owned was really important to us… a lot of hospitals are being bought by corporate entities, and people feel like they’re losing that family feel. We wanted this to be the opposite.”

Dr. Bello says building Vetopia with her husband has made the journey even more meaningful.

“At the end of it, being able to step back and the two of us know that we did this together- it just makes it that much sweeter.”

A Vision for the Future

Vetopia isn’t just focused on one clinic- it’s about becoming part of the community.

“My bigger vision for Vetopia is to be super involved in the community- community outreach, helping the pets of Chattanooga. One day maybe opening another location, but the goal is to support Chattanooga and the pets as much as we can.”

Vetopia Info:
address: 1043 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Hixson, TN 37343

Contact: (423) 644-2125, info@vetopia.vet

Website: https://www.vetopia.vet/

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: Closed

TLDR?

Dr. Bello sums it up best:

“The one thing I’d want Chattanooga to know about Vetopia is that we care as much about them as we do their pets. We want this to be a collaborative experience.”

With its people-first philosophy, calming environment, and family-owned approach, Vetopia is ready to become a true second home for Chattanooga’s pets and their parents.

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To watch some of my interview with Dr. Bello and hear more about Mailbox's and my experience, check out my Instagram reel on @webbchatts!

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Your First Visit to BEEM Light Sauna on Chattanooga’s Northshore: What to Expect and Why It’s Worth It

If you’ve been curious about all the buzz around light therapy and saunas—or you’re just looking for a new way to unwind and refresh in Chattanooga—BEEM Light Sauna on the Northshore might be exactly what you need. I recently dropped in for my very first session and walked away genuinely impressed, feeling lighter (mentally and physically), and surprisingly energized. Whether you're in it for the wellness benefits or just want to experience something new and social, BEEM offers a unique atmosphere that makes it easy to show up for yourself and your health.

Here’s what you can expect if you're thinking about booking your first session.

The Experience

From the moment you walk in, BEEM sets a calming, welcoming tone. The space feels clean and modern but retains a cozy vibe thanks to warm lighting and gentle background music. The layout is intentionally simple—this isn’t a place you’ll get lost in—but it’s thoughtfully designed to help you relax from the second you arrive.

BEEM offers two main services: their group infrared “Social Sauna” and individual Red Light Therapy beds. I started with the Social Sauna—a 45-minute guided sweat session. Note: “social” doesn’t mean chat the whole time (though friendly conversation is welcome)—it means you’ll share a cabin with up to six others, which makes it feel more like a mini wellness class than a private retreat.

Each session includes curated music and gentle encouragement from a BEEM guide, who reminds you to hydrate (they provide towels and water if you forget), breathe deeply, and stay tuned into how your body feels. The heat builds slowly—I began to sweat around the 15-minute mark—and by the end, I felt like I had just walked out of a gentle hot yoga class. Calm, clear-headed, and grounded.

After a quick rinse at the in-house shower stations, you can opt to follow up with a Red Light Therapy bed, which involves lying under red and near-infrared LED lights for about 15 minutes. No heat, no sweat—just a gentle, warm light designed to support skin and cellular health, mood, and recovery.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: BEEM is located in Northshore Chattanooga at 512 Tremont St, just a couple blocks off Frazier Avenue and minutes from Coolidge Park.

Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Check their website for any holiday hours or schedule changes.)

Pricing:
- Intro Offer: First-timers can try a 45-minute social sauna session for $25.
- Unlimited Monthly Membership: Normally $149/month, but July 2024 features a special $100 offer for new members if you sign up by the end of the month.
- Single sessions, packs, and class bookings are also available online.

Booking: All sessions must be scheduled in advance on their website (beemsauna.com) or through the BEEM mobile app.

Parking: Free onsite parking is available in the lot out front. Street parking is another easy option if it’s busy.

What to Bring: Comfy clothes you can sweat in (sports bra, shorts, etc.), water bottle, and optional toiletries for freshening up afterward. Towels are provided. Showers and mirrors are available onsite.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Best Time to Go: Morning sessions are a great way to start your day clear-headed and focused. Evenings are more relaxing if you’re winding down.
- Pair It With: Grab a smoothie next door at Southern Squeeze if you're on a wellness kick, or walk over to Mean Mug for a more indulgent post-sauna coffee and breakfast.
- Be Social: Don’t be surprised if you end up chatting with someone new in your session—it’s a naturally friendly atmosphere, especially for locals looking to meet like-minded people.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been feeling stressed, sluggish, or just in need of a mind-body reset, BEEM Light Sauna offers a low-pressure, accessible way to do something good for yourself. It’s easy to try, surprisingly affordable if you commit to a membership, and actually quite fun—especially if you go with a friend or strike up a convo while you sweat.

Whether you're a fitness regular, a wellness newbie, or just someone looking to feel a little better, a session at BEEM is definitely worth checking out.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!