Best City in Tennessee? Chattanooga was ranked #1, let's see if locals agree

Published on
11 August 2024

Chatting with Chattanoogans: Is Chattanooga is the #1 City in Tennessee?

Is Chattanooga truly the best city in Tennessee? If you ask the residents, you'll likely get a resounding "yes!" Recently voted (in May 2024) the #1 city in Tennessee by U.S. News and World Report, Chattanooga boasts more than stunning views and historical landmarks. It's a vibrant city energetically blending outdoor adventure, culture, and community spirit, which I recently had the chance to explore in detail.

The Experience: A Day in the Life of Chattanooga

When visiting Chattanooga, it's impossible not to feel the sense of community and pride that radiates throughout the city. In this video, I stopped by the Chattanooga Chamber Leadership Graduation and mingled with and interviewed some of the local leaders who are shaping the city's future. Their passion and commitment reflected precisely why Chattanooga holds such a high regard.

While it was a unique day full of insightful conversations, the connections I witnessed paint a clear picture of why locals cherish this city. You don't just visit Chattanooga; you become a part of its community.

Chattanooga is often buzzing with activities, whether it’s events by the river or engaging community gatherings. The atmosphere here is lively and inviting, perfect for both solo travelers and families looking to explore.

What to Know Before You Go

If you're planning a visit, a few practical details will make your trip more enjoyable:

- Getting Around: Parking is often plentiful with several city lots, and the electric shuttle helps you navigate the downtown area easily.
- Visiting: Businesses and community events vary, but weekends bring out a bustle everywhere from the Chattanooga Market (Sundays) to bustling coffee shops.
- Always check specific venues for their hours and available events to maximize your time in the city.

Extra Tips

For a well-rounded trip, be sure to check out the Tennessee Aquarium or a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge for breathtaking views. Consider staying nearby at the Edwin Hotel for a luxurious touch, and don’t miss grabbing a savory delight from Niedlov's or Main St Meats for a true taste of the local cuisine.

Every corner of Chattanooga has a story to tell, and there’s always something going on to dive into—like the Riverfront Nights concert series in the summer or a cozy café in the cooler months.

Final Thoughts

Chattanooga’s charm is infectious. It’s the type of place that appeals to everyone—from outdoor enthusiasts to culture buffs to friendly families. It’s no wonder that it’s top-rated in Tennessee. Whether you’re coming for the stunning scenery or the community-focused events, Chattanooga ensures you never leave without a smile.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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GOAT YOGA near Chattanooga and it was equal parts relaxing and ridiculously fun!GOAT YOGA near Chattanooga and it was equal parts relaxing and ridiculously fun!
Chatt Things

GOAT YOGA near Chattanooga and it was equal parts relaxing and ridiculously fun!

If you haven’t tried goat yoga yet, let me be the one to put it on your radar. We recently spent a sunny afternoon at Hixson Farms with Wild Roots Collective for a session that was equal parts relaxing, silly, and surprisingly great for bonding. Meg, the instructor, leads a well-paced class that welcomes all experience levels—meanwhile, baby goats wander in and out, climbing, cuddling, and stealing the show. Afterward, we stuck around to pet and feed the animals, which made the whole outing even more memorable. Whether you're planning a birthday, girls’ weekend, or just looking for something different around Chattanooga, this is one experience that’s absolutely worth booking.
Jun 24, 2025
1 min read

Goat Yoga with Wild Roots Collective at Hixson Farms: A Relaxing and Laugh-Filled Day in the Country

If you're looking for something lighthearted, outdoorsy, and genuinely fun around Chattanooga, goat yoga at Hixson Farms with Wild Roots Collective checks every box. Whether you’re planning a girls’ day out, a bachelorette weekend, or just want a unique way to rewind (and maybe giggle a little), this yoga experience is equal parts wholesome and hilarious.

You’ll stretch, laugh, and maybe get a little goat cuddle—all in the middle of the scenic farmland just outside the city. Add in friendly animals, handmade natural products, and a great local instructor, and you’ve got one of the more memorable ways to spend a Saturday.

The Experience

Goat yoga with Wild Roots Collective isn’t just a yoga class—it’s an experience. It’s held at Hixson Farms, a peaceful location in north Georgia that offers private farm tours and family-friendly animal encounters. The class itself combines restorative yoga poses with the occasional goat clambering onto your back, nuzzling your arm, or lounging nearby. Baby goats wander through the session, and they’re the perfect mix of unpredictable and adorable.

The classes are led by Meg with Wild Roots Collective TN, a certified yoga instructor who brings a warm and laid-back energy to the session. She does a great job creating a calming flow while also embracing the lightness that having goats around naturally brings. So whether you're experienced or brand new to yoga, you'll feel welcomed and comfortable.

Beyond the yoga, Hixson Farms gives you time afterward to meet their other animals. On our visit, we got to feed and pet cows and goats—not something you do every day. The whole day felt relaxed and low-key, but also had that “this is something I’ll talk about for a while” feeling.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
Hixson Farms is located in Flintstone, Georgia—about 20 minutes south of downtown Chattanooga. It’s an easy and scenic drive.

Booking:
Goat yoga sessions are organized by Wild Roots Collective TN and offered seasonally or by private request. Follow @wildrootscollective_tn on Instagram to see upcoming classes or DM for private bookings. They offer group options for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, team events, and more.

Meg also teaches regular yoga classes around the Chattanooga area, both in-person and online. She’s responsive via Instagram if you’re interested in setting something up.

Pricing:
Prices vary by session and group size.

Parking:
Free parking is available on-site at Hixson Farms. It’s a farm setting, so wear shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dusty.

What to Bring:
A yoga mat, water bottle, sunscreen, and maybe a towel or wipes for afterward. You’ll be outside, so dress for the weather.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- After your goat yoga class, make time to explore Hixson Farms a bit more. They offer private farm tours with other animals, and it’s a hit with both kids and animal-loving adults.

- Meg with Wild Roots also creates her own line of small-batch natural products. Her bug spray and beef tallow balm are local favorites. She ships nationwide and sometimes holds local meetups to shop in person.

- Want to turn it into a full outing? Hixson Farms is near Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, and Rock City—perfect for pairing yoga with a scenic hike or picnic.

Final Thoughts

Goat yoga at Hixson Farms is one of those things you might not think to do—until you do it and wonder why you waited. It’s light and fun but also grounding, and a good reminder that wellness doesn’t have to feel serious. It’s great for small groups, birthday plans, or anyone who wants to enjoy nature while doing something truly different.

If goofy goats, fresh air, and genuine joy sound like your kind of escape, this is a local experience you’ll want to try.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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

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

If you’ve got kids in sports, a garage full of gear, or just a few too many dumbbells gathering dust, you’ll want to know about Play It Again Sports opening soon in East Ridge. Right now, they’re focused on buying used sports and fitness equipment—everything from cleats and gloves to treadmills and yoga mats—for cash. Once the store officially opens later this summer, they’ll also offer store credit (which stretches your value a bit more). It’s a locally owned spot that’s part of a familiar secondhand concept, and they’re asking the community to help stock the shelves before their grand opening. If you’re looking to declutter and support a small business at the same time, this is the play.
Jul 29, 2025
1 min read

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!

Family Fun!
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Fox & Fern: Unique Florals and Plants in Downtown ChattanoogaFox & Fern: Unique Florals and Plants in Downtown Chattanooga
Chatt Things

Fox & Fern: Unique Florals and Plants in Downtown Chattanooga

For those seeking the perfect floral gift in Chattanooga, especially for Mother's Day, I recommend visiting Fox & Fern, a delightful florist located at 807 Chestnut St in West Village. This reel highlights the unique, creative floral arrangements curated by local florist Liza and their offerings in plants for the non-flower enthusiasts. Shayna also underscores Fox & Fern's excellence in providing wedding floral services, backed by her own experience working with them. PSA: everyone to mark your calendars for Fox & Fern’s 10th anniversary Summer Solstice celebration on June 20th. A must-visit spot in downtown Chattanooga.
May 5, 2025
1 min read

As we all know, Mother's Day is like a surprise quiz in the test of life- it sneaks up on you, year after year. But this year, you’re in luck because I've got the perfect spot for when you need that last-minute but oh-so-meaningful gift. Nestled in the heart of downtown Chattanooga at 807 Chestnut St, there's a haven of floral beauty waiting for you. Yes, I’m talking about Fox & Fern Style!

Now, I must tell you, Fox & Fern Style isn’t your typical flower shop. Imagine stepping into a space where creativity drips from every petal and every bouquet tells its own story- y'all, this is cozy + cool floral energy in its purest form. Owned by Liza, a local floral visionary, this boutique florist is the go-to for designer's choice bouquets. That means you're not just buying flowers; you're bringing home a work of art. No two arrangements are the same, and that means you’re always part of something beautifully unique. Whether you're shopping for Mother’s Day or any day, these exquisite bouquets will surely capture the heart of anyone they're meant for.

If flowers just aren’t your thing (I'm looking at you, plant parents), Fox & Fern Style is also blooming with fabulous foliage. From succulents to ferns, there's a plant for every green-thumbed hobbyist. It’s like a mini jungle where each plant is just waiting to move into its new home with you.

For those planning their wedding, don’t overlook Fox & Fern’s wedding services. With Liza's expertise, your wedding day will be as stunning and unforgettable as you’ve always dreamed. Trust me- as a wedding content creator who has worked with her- it's BEAUTIFUL!!

And speaking of unforgettable events, mark your calendars for June 20th, 2025 when Fox & Fern celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Summer Solstice party! More details can be found on their Instagram in the coming months!

Remember, Fox & Fern is closed on Sundays- or by appointment only- so plan ahead! Need more incentive? Head over to @foxandfernstyle on Instagram for some flower inspo!

So, stroll through downtown and stop by Fox & Fern Style! And for more of my Chattanooga gems, make sure to follow @webbchatts on Instagram!  🌼

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