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Where to Find Some of the Best Birria in Tennessee: Hernandez Mexican Food in Pikeville

If you're up for a bit of a drive and a whole lot of flavor, Hernandez Mexican Food is a must-visit stop tucked away in Pikeville, TN—about 45 minutes from Chattanooga. This family-owned gem has developed a loyal following thanks to its bold, authentic flavors, generous portions, and an unexpectedly charming setting in a small mountain town. Whether you're searching for true birria tacos, flavorful al pastor, or some of the best fruit juices around, this spot is worth putting on your food radar.

The Experience

From the moment you walk up to Hernandez Mexican Food, the vibes are casual and welcoming. The stand-alone building is simple and unassuming, but don’t let that fool you. Inside, the kitchen is turning out some seriously flavorful dishes rooted in Mexican tradition, with a personal twist that comes from real attention to ingredients.

Birria tacos are the star of the show—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and served with a rich, savory consommé for dipping. Say yes to the combo plate or taco trio if you’re hungry—you’ll want more than just one. If you're not into birria (though you might become a convert), the al pastor tacos are a zesty, well-balanced alternative. For something comfort-food level indulgent, go for the BBQ carnitas fries—think loaded fries but with a smoky, tangy twist, piled high with melted cheese and seasoned pork.

What makes Hernandez really special is the use of local ingredients. It’s not just comforting food—it’s fresh and thoughtfully prepared. There's also a solid breakfast menu, with options like chilaquiles and breakfast burritos served from 8 a.m., perfect if you’re heading out for an early hike at nearby Fall Creek Falls and want to fuel up.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
Hernandez Mexican Food is located at 48288 TN-30, Pikeville, TN 37367. It’s an easy drive from Chattanooga with scenic views along the way.

Hours:
They’re open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Note: They’re right on the edge of the time zone line but operate on Eastern Time—something to keep in mind if you’re cutting it close on arrival.

Seating:
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and while it’s casual, there’s usually a steady stream of locals and out-of-towners stopping in for a meal.

Parking:
There’s a small parking lot in front, and street-side shoulder parking nearby if it’s full.


Pricing:
Very reasonable for the quality and quantity you're getting. Most tacos range around $3–4 each, with combo plates and bigger items priced accordingly.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

Right behind the restaurant is Ciscos Fruteria, a fruit-focused dessert stand that’s perfect for rounding out your visit. They serve real fruit smoothies and colorful “antojitos” like fresas con crema (Mexican strawberries and cream) and mangonadas. It’s an easy one-two punch for a summery food crawl, and especially good on a warm day.

If you’re already making the trip out, consider pairing your meal with a visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park—it’s only about 30 minutes away and makes for a great full-day outing. Combine waterfall hikes, swimming spots, and lunch or dinner at Hernandez for the ultimate Chattanooga-area adventure.

Final Thoughts

Hernandez Mexican Food is one of those rare finds that feels like a local secret but delivers destination-worthy flavor. Whether you're hunting down the best birria in Tennessee or just want a new spot to shake up your weekend food plans, this place is a solid bet. Friendly, fast service, bold flavors, and a tinge of small-town charm make it a spot that hits all the right notes.

Families, couples, food lovers, and Fall Creek Falls visitors—this one's a great fit for all of you.

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!

Water Lantern Festival at Chester Frost Park: An Unforgettable Summer Evening in Chattanooga

If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful way to spend a summer evening in Chattanooga, circle July 12th on your calendar. The Water Lantern Festival is returning to Chester Frost Park for one night only, and it's a beautiful celebration of hope, connection, and community — all set to music, with glowing lanterns drifting peacefully across the water.

It’s one of those events that’s hard to describe until you’re there, watching thousands of hand-decorated lanterns light up the lake at sunset. Whether you go with family, friends, or your significant other, it’s the kind of night that sticks with you.

The Experience

When you arrive at Chester Frost Park for the Water Lantern Festival, you’re greeted with a relaxed, welcoming festival atmosphere. There’s live music playing, local food trucks serving dinner and treats, and booths where you can grab your materials and start decorating your lantern.

Each guest receives a lantern kit included with their ticket. The idea is simple but powerful: you write a message, a dream, a memory, or a dedication on your lantern — whatever’s on your heart — and then release it onto the water as the sun goes down. As the lake starts to fill with lanterns, the view becomes more magical by the minute.

The event particularly shines around sunset. The gentle glow of thousands of lanterns floating silently across the water, accompanied by soft music and the hum of conversations, creates a reflective and emotional ambiance that’s hard to replicate at any other event in the city.

The festival is also a Zero Waste event, designed with care for the environment. All lanterns are made from eco-friendly materials, and a dedicated cleanup crew ensures everything is removed from the water afterward.

What to Know Before You Go

Date & Time:
Saturday, July 12, 2024  
Gates typically open in the late afternoon, with lantern launch at sunset.


Location:
Chester Frost Park  
2318 N. Gold Point Circle, Hixson, TN 37343  
This scenic park is about 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga and offers plenty of green space and lakeside views.

Parking:
Plenty of parking is available on-site.  
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Tickets:
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Every ticket includes:
- Entry to the festival
- One floating lantern kit with a commemorative drawstring bag
- Marker for decorating your lantern
- LED candle
- Access to live music and food trucks

Food & Drink:
There are several food vendors and food trucks on site, so come hungry or plan on grabbing dinner while you’re there. Vegetarian and kid-friendly options are often available.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Great Photo Ops: Bring your phone or camera — the lantern launch at twilight is a photogenic moment you’ll want to remember.
- BYO Blanket or Chairs: There’s plenty of space to spread out, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfort.
- Sunset Timing: Be sure to be there well before sunset to decorate your lantern and find a good spot by the water.
- Make a Day of It: If you arrive early, Chester Frost Park has swimming areas, picnic spots, and walking trails — worth making a full day date or family outing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a creative way to reflect on meaningful moments, or just a serene evening outdoors, the Water Lantern Festival offers something for everyone. It’s one of those rare events that feels both festive and personal — creating space for celebration, remembrance, and community. And when the lanterns begin to float out across the water together… there’s something really special about that shared experience.

Highly recommended for families, couples, friend groups, and anyone who loves slowing down and connecting with others in a beautiful place.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!