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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!

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!

My Go-To Walking/Running Spot: The Tennessee Riverwalk!

If you're looking for a simple way to reset your brain, get your steps in, or enjoy the fresh air without leaving town, the Tennessee Riverwalk is one of the best places in Chattanooga to do it. Whether you're logging miles on a morning run, going for a weekend stroll with your dog, or just needing a break from screen time, this 13-mile greenway offers some of the prettiest and most peaceful river views in the city. It’s one of those spots locals return to again and again — not just for the beauty, but for how easy and accessible it is. Especially right now with the Walnut Street Bridge closed, the Riverwalk is a great place to walk for Chattanooga views!

The Experience

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a paved, multi-use trail that stretches roughly 13 miles along the Tennessee River, connecting downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. As you move along the path, you’ll pass through a mix of parks, boardwalks over the water, marshy wildlife viewing areas, quiet neighborhoods, and bustling parts of town like the Bluff View Art District and the Riverfront.

You’ll see joggers and cyclists, people walking their dogs, families riding bikes together, and folks just quietly enjoying a walk by the water. The trail is very well maintained, with restrooms, water fountains, and signage throughout — each half mile is marked so you can keep track of your distance.

One of our favorite stretches is the section near 2101 Amnicola Hwy. This part of the trail includes wide, open views of the river, plenty of shade from the trees, and close proximity to spots like the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and the Tennessee Riverpark, which has picnic areas and parking. It’s a good entry point if you're driving in, and usually less crowded than the downtown sections.

What to Know Before You Go

Trail Length: About 13 miles one way
Accessible From: Chickamauga Dam (north end) to Ross’s Landing downtown (south end)
Trail Type: Paved, flat, mostly shaded in parts
Parking: Dozens of access points with parking lots. Popular spots include:
- 2101 Amnicola Hwy (my go-to spot! Though it is a little hard to turn left out of if you're going during peak traffic hours)
- TN Riverpark (4301 Amnicola Hwy)
- Ross’s Landing (201 Riverfront Pkwy)
- Battery Place near Bluff View Art District
Pet Friendly: Yes — there are dog waste stations and trash cans throughout
Restrooms: Available at various trailheads and park areas
Accessibility: The trail is accessible for wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Free

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- If you want to pair your walk with a bite to eat, stop at the nearby Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar (just off Amnicola Highway) for riverfront dining. Or, head downtown for coffee from Rembrandt’s and stroll the art-lined part of the trail near the Bluff View Art District.
- Into biking? You can rent bikes or e-bikes downtown via Bike Chattanooga stations and hop right onto the trail.
- This is a great place for a beginner-friendly run or training walk — the wide, flat path makes it a favorite for local running groups.
- Looking for a pretty spot for photos? The boardwalks over the water (especially near the Walnut Street Bridge and at Blue Goose Hollow) are especially scenic.
- During spring and early fall, this trail is perfect for a sun-soaked walk without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re local or just visiting for the weekend, the Tennessee Riverwalk is one of those places that makes you appreciate how much green space Chattanooga offers without needing to drive out of town. It’s peaceful, well-kept, and flexible for however you want to enjoy it — a long solo run, a quiet morning walk, a bike ride with friends, or a sunset view with your dog.

If you’re from out of town, it’s an easy way to explore some of Chattanooga’s most scenic neighborhoods and riverfront areas. And if you’re local, you probably already know it’s a go-to spot for decompressing at the end of the day.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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