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

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!

Your Guide to Krystal in Chattanooga: Daily Deals, Hidden Hacks, and a Hometown Favorite

Whether you're new to Chattanooga or you've lived here all your life, it’s always fun to be reminded that one of the South’s most iconic fast-food chains started right here in town. Krystal has been slinging burgers since 1932, when the very first location opened on 7th Street in downtown Chattanooga—and nearly a century later, it’s still serving up sliders, chili cheese pups, and ice-cold ICEEs to hungry crowds across the Southeast.

With nine locations in the Chattanooga area and a brand-new wave of specials through “Krystalpalooza,” there’s never been a better time to swing by for a nostalgic meal (or try their app-only deals if you're a regular).

The Experience

Krystal is all about classic, no-frills comfort food—small square burgers, thick milkshakes, and hot dogs done simply but satisfyingly. If you grew up around here, there’s a good chance you have memories of post-game fries, weekend breakfasts with your family, or late-night drive-thru runs with friends. These days, Krystal locations have a clean, retro-modern feel but still keep that quick, friendly vibe intact.

One highlight worth trying is a popular menu trick: mixing all the ICEE flavors (except Coke) into one refreshing, fruity slush. Surprisingly good and a fun one to try if you’re craving something sweet and cold.

The new Krystalpalooza daily deals offered through their mobile app make it even easier to explore the menu without spending much. It's a great way to snag a specific item each day, from free Glaze Bombs on Tuesdays to discounted Sackfuls on Saturdays.

What to Know Before You Go

Hours: Most Chattanooga Krystal locations are open 24/7, which is perfect if you're on the road late, working night shifts, or just craving breakfast-for-dinner.

Locations: There are currently 9 Krystal restaurants in Chattanooga. A few standout locations to note:
- Brainerd Road (near Airport)
- Hixson Pike (North Chattanooga)
- Broad Street (close to Lookout Mountain)
Use their location finder on krystal.com to find the one closest to you.

Pricing: Very budget-friendly. Krystal’s Kravings meals and Sackfuls offer combos for under $15, many under $10.

App Deals: Downloading the Krystal app gets you access to rotating daily offers for Krystalpalooza, which include:
- Monday: Free Krystal, Cheese Krystal, or Chili Cheese Pup with $5+ purchase
- Tuesday: Free 10ct Glaze Bombs with Cheese Sackful purchase
- Wednesday: 2 for $4 breakfast sandwiches
- Thursday: $2 large Dr Pepper with any purchase
- Friday: Free Chili Cheese Fries with Sackful
- Saturday: $12 Original Sackful & $15 Cheese Sackful
- Sunday: $5 Sunriser Combo (includes original or bacon)

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Try the Krystal Kravings meals — they let you sample a little bit of everything (burgers, bombs, fries, pup) at one great combo price. Ideal for sharing or for when you just can’t decide.

- Most locations have drive-thru and indoor dining, and some offer delivery through third-party apps.

- Great for families on a budget or anyone who loves diner-style breakfast options in the morning.

- Don’t sleep on their Glaze Bombs—basically bite-sized glazed doughnut holes that are especially good warm.

Final Thoughts

Krystal is true Chattanooga history, and whether you’re going for the nostalgia or the deals, it’s a solid stop for a quick bite that won’t break the bank. It’s kid-friendly, college-budget approved, and still surprisingly satisfying even if it’s been a while since your last visit. If you’re local, rediscover an old favorite. If you're visiting, this is one of those regional fast food places with real roots and staying power.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

StateMint Sale in Chattanooga: Your Guide to Affordable, Stylish & Sustainable Shopping

If you love thrifting and the thrill of scoring designer deals, you’ll want to make room in your calendar for the StateMint Sale in Chattanooga. Held a few times a year and back this August in an even bigger space, this multi-day shopping event is one of the best spots in town to pick up gently-loved (and sometimes brand-new!) clothing, shoes, and accessories—all at a fraction of retail prices.

Why visit? In short: brands you love, prices you’ll like even more, and a setup that makes secondhand shopping feel easy and even enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to support a more circular (and budget-friendly) fashion cycle in our community.

The Experience

StateMint isn’t your typical consignment store—it’s a pop-up consignment event that turns a large venue into a highly organized shopper’s dream. When you walk into Restoration Southside (a venue often used for weddings and events), you’ll find neatly categorized racks of women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and even athletic wear. Expect styles from modern staples like Lululemon, Madewell, Free People, Nike, Anthropologie, and boutique brands, as well as some well-kept designer finds sprinkled in. Sizes for women typically range from XS up to 4XL, with a solid variety for men as well.

Volunteers and staff keep things running smoothly, with dressing rooms, helpful signage, and plenty of space to browse without that cramped, chaotic feeling. You can easily spend an hour (or three) looking through the organized racks of clothing and accessories. If you're shopping early in the day, the coffee truck parked outside makes it an extra pleasant experience—grab a latte before diving in.

What to Know Before You Go

Dates: August 5–9, 2024  

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Location: Restoration Southside, 3146 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37408  

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Hours:  
- Monday through Friday: 9 AM – 7 PM  
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM (Half-Off Day — many items marked down!)  

Admission: FREE  
Note: A ticketed charity pre-sale typically happens the evening before the public sale starts. Keep an eye on @statemintchattanooga on Instagram for updates on how to get early access next time.

Parking: Free parking is available at the venue, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Carpooling or arriving early can help avoid a long walk.

Payments: Most shoppers pay via credit/debit, and while some consignors accept Venmo, not all do—so it’s best to bring a credit card.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Bring a shopping bag or tote to carry your haul—StateMint doesn’t provide bags.
- Half-Off Day (Saturday) is a great chance to scoop up your favorites at an additional discount if they’re still around.
- Follow @statemintchattanooga on Instagram for sneak peeks of standout pieces, seller spotlights, and reminders during sale week.

If you’re coming from out of town or making a day of it, consider grabbing lunch nearby at a Southside favorite like Bluegrass Grill, Taqueria Jalisco, or Heaven & Ale for a post-shopping bite and a local beer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re updating your wardrobe ahead of the new season, hunting for budget-friendly workout wear, or just love the hunt of a good deal, the StateMint Sale is definitely worth a visit. It’s well-run, community-focused, and way more fun than scrolling sale sections online. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy the curated selection and clean setup—and knowing they’re keeping stylish pieces in use a little longer.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!