Chattanooga’s First World-Class Wakesurfing Competition at the River Games

Your guide to Chattanooga bars: Westbound Honky Tonk

If you’re looking for a high-energy night out in Chattanooga- with a little line dancing, a lot of music, and a place to celebrate- Westbound Honky Tonk on Station Street is where the party’s at. Whether you're planning a bachelorette bash, a milestone birthday, or just a night out with friends, Westbound delivers a unique mix of nightclub vibe and Southern flair. It’s lively, it’s fun, and it’s far more than just country music.

The Experience

From the outside, Westbound blends in with the other venues on bustling Station Street (see more on Station Street below!) But step inside on a weekend night and you’ll find a fun party atmosphere. The space is open and energetic, with alarge dance floor, pulsing lights, and DJs who bring a fresh vibe each night. Depending on who’s spinning, you might catch everything from country classics and hip-hop throwbacks to pop hits and EDM favorites.

The decor currently features many great country artists painted or hung up in portraits on the walls, giving nods to its honky tonk name while still feeling like an upscale nightlife venue. There are line dancing nights, live performers, and guest DJs that rotate regularly—so no two visits feel exactly the same.

One of the standout features? Westbound’s VIP section. If you're with a group, especially for a special occasion, booking this space is well worth it. You’ll get your own personal servers, complimentary bottle service, exclusive DJ access for song requests, and a private, decorated area to hang in—plus the ability to dip in and out of the crowd as you please.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: 24 Station St #106, Chattanooga, TN 37408  
Hours: Typically open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (Thursdays are line dancing days!). Times vary, so always check their Instagram @westboundhonkytonk for current hours and DJ/event schedules.

Age Restrictions: Public events are strictly 21+. However, the space is available for private rentals, and any age group can attend those events.

Cover Charge: Pricing varies by night and DJ. Some nights have free entry before a certain time; others may have a small cover at the door. Get there early to avoid a wait!

Parking: Trust ME—don’t forget to pay for parking on Station Street. Enforcement is strict, and tickets are no joke. You can also park a few blocks over on Main Street and walk.

Music: Not just country! While the name might suggest cowboy boots and twangy tunes, the actual music range is diverse. DJs bring their own styles, playing everything from EDM to 2000s hip-hop, pop anthems, and yes, the occasional country hit.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

Planning a party? Westbound is especially popular for bachelorette weekends, birthdays, and group outings. Reach out to them in advance via Instagram or their website to inquire about reserving the VIP section or even renting the venue outright for a private event.

Station Street: Looking for food beforehand? Station Street is packed with nearby restaurants. Stir is an easy pregame option for cocktails and small bites, or walk over to Main Street for some of my favorite tacos- Bollywood Tacos! (PS- Station Street in general is a great spot for "bar hopping" in Chatt- there's a good number around the area (Reagan's, Boneyard, 50/50 Wine Bar, Elsie's Daughter, etc., and you can hop on a free "Ride-Go-Cart" or uber/walk to other nearby bars like Shady's Corner, Hi-Fi Clydes and more!)

Photo ops include the signs inside the bar, themed party decorations in VIP, and Station Street's string lights backdrop outside the venue.

Final Thoughts

Westbound Honky Tonk has carved out a niche in Chattanooga’s nightlife scene by offering something a little different—accessible and welcoming for newcomers, but thoughtful enough for locals who are looking for a reliable go-to for weekend fun. If you’re between 21 and 40 and like to dance, celebrate, or simply enjoy a night out with friends, this spot delivers. And if you’ve been writing it off as “just a country bar,” it might be time to give it a second look.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Why Living in Chattanooga is Anything But Boring

You’ve probably heard someone say it before—“There’s nothing to do in Chattanooga.” But if you’ve spent even a weekend here, you know how far off that is. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local art, great food, or just exploring neighborhoods with charm, Chattanooga brings something for everyone. I’ve lived here for years, and I still find new places to love. So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut or visiting for the first time, here’s your friendly reminder: there's way more going on than you think.

The Experience:
Chattanooga is the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything—but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Downtown along the riverfront, you’ll find walkable streets lined with restaurants, galleries, and coffee shops. The Bluff View Art District has cobblestone paths, public sculptures, and one of the best views in town. Grab a coffee from Rembrandt’s and stroll over to the Hunter Museum or just take a seat and people-watch.

For outdoor lovers, there’s no shortage of options. Lookout Mountain offers hiking trails just minutes from downtown—Sunset Rock and Point Park are two favorites, especially in the fall. Prefer water? Rent kayaks or paddleboards from L2 Outside and float right through the Tennessee River. And don't sleep on sunrise walks at Stringers Ridge—the city views from the observation deck are always worth the early wake-up.

It’s not just nature, either. We’ve got a great local music scene with venues like The Signal and Barking Legs Theater. The Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion is packed with food, handmade goods, and live performances every Sunday from spring to late fall. Whether you’re hanging out on a casual afternoon or planning a bigger weekend adventure, there’s always something buzzing.

What to Know Before You Go:
Here are a few basics for planning your visit or staycation:

- Parking downtown is fairly straightforward. The Republic app makes it easy to pay for spots. On weekends, some garages are free after a certain hour—Shayna: Add local garage recs here.
- The Chattanooga Market is open Sundays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., from April through November, located at the First Horizon Pavilion (1826 Reggie White Blvd).
- L2 Outside offers paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals with hourly and full-day pricing—reservations recommended on weekends.
- The Bluff View Art District is open year-round and free to explore; individual business hours vary.
- Local music and event tickets can be found on venues’ individual websites or through Eventbrite.

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Extra Tips or Bonuses:
- If you’re planning a weekend in the city, consider staying at The Edwin Hotel—it’s walking distance to the Walnut Street Bridge and has a spa and rooftop bar with river views.
- For serious food lovers, plan your Saturday night around reservations at Easy Bistro or Alleia—Shayna: Insert another local favorite here!
- Into history? Check out the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and walk over to the North Shore neighborhood. There’s good shopping, a cozy park, and spots like Clumpies Ice Cream for a quick treat.
- Local festivals like Nightfall, Riverbend, and Moon River keep the calendar full—Shayna: Add upcoming confirmed events and links here.

Final Thoughts:
No matter your vibe—outdoorsy, artsy, foodie, or just someone looking for a good way to spend the day—Chattanooga makes it easy. The city has a way of blending energy and ease that keeps locals exploring and visitors coming back. So next time someone hits you with the “there’s nothing to do” line, you’ve got a whole list ready to go.

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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