Genesis House of Tea: The Perfect Girls’ Day Out in Chattanooga

Nacho Libre in Ooltewah: Playful Vibes, Authentic Flavors, and Top-Notch Tacos Just Outside Chattanooga

If you’re the kind of diner who loves a little personality with your meal, Nacho Libre in Ooltewah should be at the top of your list. Just a short 15-minute drive from Chattanooga, this locally-owned Mexican spot brings the energy of lucha libre wrestling into a fun setting filled with vibrant murals, fresh flavors, and a menu that surprises in the best way. Whether you're a taco regular, margarita enthusiast, or just curious to try something new, Nacho Libre strikes a balance between bold theming and genuinely good food.

The Experience

From the moment you pull up to Nacho Libre on Apison Pike, you can tell this place isn’t trying to blend in. Inside, the walls pop with character thanks to original artwork-including a colorful vinyl mural created by an Ecuadorian artist—and a display of replica lucha libre wrestling masks that immediately sets the tone. It’s playful, but not gimmicky, making it a hit for date night, group dinners, or even a casual solo outing.

Though newly opened in September 2024, the restaurant already feels welcoming and lived-in, thanks to the warmth of its owners and staff. It's owned by a local couple who wanted to create an experience that feels more like Mexico and less like a run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex chain.

Now, onto the food. The tacos are a standout-they come out fresh, vibrant, and full of texture. The shrimp tacos in particular hit that perfect balance of grilled flavor and freshness, but their mix-and-match menu means you can sample several different fillings without overcommitting. Salsas are made fresh daily, and that care in prep shows in every bite.

On the drinks side, expect house-squeezed lime juice, made-daily guava syrup, and fun cocktails named after famous wrestlers. We tried the Ric Flair and El Santo—both flavorful, balanced, and perfect for pairing with the salty, spicy goodness of taco night.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:Nacho Libre
8206 Apison Pike
Ooltewah, TN 37363

Hours:

11am- 8pm tuesday-Friday

12pm- 8pm weekends

CLOSE Monday

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Parking:
Free lot parking is available in front of the restaurant, usually easy to find a spot without much trouble.

Pricing:
Tacos are affordably priced, especially during specials. Most entrées and drinks seem to hover in the casual dinner range—perfect for a night out without breaking the bank.

No reservation is typically needed, and right now it's flying under the radar so waits are minimal.

Deals to Keep in Mind

Nacho Libre keeps the weekly promotions rolling with themed food and drink specials:

- Taco Tuesday: Mix & match tacos for $3.50 each
- Margarita Wednesday: $7 margaritas
- Daily Happy Hour: $7 margaritas + $3 beers
- Thursday Special: Tortas + fountain drink for $10.99

These offers make it especially worth visiting mid-week, and they rotate in some seasonal or holiday specials as well throughout the year.

Extra Tips and Bonuses

If you're someone who likes a meal with a photo-friendly vibe, this place checks the boxes. The mural art, colorful plating, and wrestler-themed décor make it a great spot to snap a few pics.

Visiting for a birthday or group dinner? Let the staff know—they're great about adding a little flair to the experience.

Make it a night out by pairing your meal with a nearby stop—try Wired Coffee Bar or 1885 Grill in nearby Cambridge Square for a stroll or post-dinner espresso.

Final Thoughts

Nacho Libre in Ooltewah is the kind of place you tell your friends about the next day—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s fun, refreshingly different, and delivering food that stands on its own. Whether you’re local to Chattanooga or just exploring restaurants around the area, it’s a great pick for all kinds of diners: families, date nights, or anyone out to enjoy tacos and a drink in a laid-back, memorable setting.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Whitewater Rafting the Full Ocoee River with Outland Expeditions

If you're anywhere near East Tennessee this summer- whether you're local to the Chattanooga area or road-tripping in from Nashville or Atlanta- whitewater rafting the Ocoee River should seriously be on your list. It's high-energy, wildly scenic, and a perfect excuse to get your crew together for the kind of outdoor adventure you’ll all be talking about for years.

We recently rafted the full Ocoee (including the Olympic section!) with Outland Expeditions, and it was easily one of the most fun things we’ve done this season. Adrenaline rushes, mountain views, refreshing swim breaks, and a surprisingly good riverside BBQ lunch—there honestly wasn’t a single part of the day we didn’t enjoy.

The Experience

Outland Expeditions has been family-owned and operating since 1981, which shows in how smoothly everything runs and how friendly the staff is. From the moment you arrive at their Benton outpost, you’re greeted by guides who clearly love what they do.

The full Ocoee River trip is a 10-mile guided run that includes both the Upper and Middle sections of the river. The Upper features the Olympic whitewater course used in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games- yes, it's the real deal. Expect Class III and IV rapids that keep things thrilling but totally doable for first-timers willing to paddle a bit. It's intense in the best way, with enough breaks for swimming and catching your breath between the splashes.

Our guide, Kyle- who’s been leading trips for 13 years- was a total pro and made sure we felt safe and had a blast the entire time. Every boat gets its own guide, so don’t worry about having to figure it all out on your own.

Midway through the full trip, you break for lunch, and we were honestly impressed. Blue Hole BBQ caters the meal, and it hits the spot after a few hours on the river. Pulled pork, sides, and lemonade/sweet tea helped recharge us for the second leg of the trip.

The atmosphere overall? Laid-back, high-energy, and welcoming, whether you're showing up with a group of teens, your adventurous partner, a bachelorette trip (what we did!) or your college buddy crew reuniting for a weekend.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: Outland Expeditions is located in Benton, TN- about 40 minutes northeast of Chattanooga. It’s a pretty drive along the Ocoee Scenic Byway.

Trip Options:
- Middle Section: 5 miles, $35–$46 (a great place to start if you’re new to rafting)
- Upper Olympic Section: 5 miles, $50–$58
- Full Ocoee Combo Trip (Upper + Middle): 10 miles + BBQ lunch, $81–$95

All trips include a guide and necessary gear (helmet, paddle, and life jacket). You’ll need to bring a swimsuit, secure footwear (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes for afterward.

Group Discounts: Extra savings kick in for groups of 11 or more. A great reason to plan that big reunion or team outing.

Booking: Reserve online at www.outlandexpeditions.com and use the code “WEBBCHATTS” for 10% off.

Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 12 years old to raft the Ocoee.

Season: Trips run Memorial Day through mid-October on weekends, with expanded weekday availability in summer.

Parking: Free and available on-site.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Outland has budget-friendly group cabins that sleep up to 150 people. Ideal if you’re planning a big family reunion, youth group trip, or bachelor(ette) weekend.
- Pack a towel and an extra trash bag to store wet clothes post-trip.
- They have super cute hats in their giftshop! My sister and I each got one and love them haha
- Photo packages are available if you want to relive your rafting faces later- they’re taken by a pro setup along the river.
- Plan a weekend trip around rafting with nearby hikes, waterfalls, or a visit to Parksville Lake!

Final Thoughts

Whitewater rafting the Ocoee River with Outland Expeditions is hands-down one of the best ways to get outside and make memories this summer. The Full Ocoee Combo Trip is a full-day adventure that doesn’t just deliver on thrills- it’s also well-run, scenic, and genuinely fun from start to finish. Between the experienced guides, Olympic-level rapids, and that delicious BBQ lunch, it’s the kind of back-to-nature experience that locals and visitors alike will love.

Whether you’ve rafted before or are looking to try it for the first time, this East Tennessee classic is one of those “must-dos” that lives up to the hype. And hey- don’t forget that 10% off code while you're at it!!

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Chattanooga Market: Your Sunday Essential for Local Love

Ah, Sundays in Chattanooga. There's something incredibly satisfying about spending a relaxing day supporting local vendors, soaking up the warm community vibes, and strolling through an eclectic array of booths filled with unique treasures. Enter the Chattanooga Market, an absolute must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the heartbeat of our local culture.

The Experience

Nestled under the roof of the First Horizon Pavilion, the Chattanooga Market burst to life every Sunday starting in April continuing through December, offering a dazzling showcase of local talent and craftsmanship. Picture this: rows of vibrant flowers, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, and the soft strumming of a local musician filling the air with life. This beloved weekly tradition marries commerce and community, offering an experience that is both sensory and social.

Whether you're a seasoned Sunday shopper or a curious newcomer, the market offers something for everyone. Have a wander through hundreds of vendor stalls, where you'll find everything from homemade jams and sauces to artisanal soaps and handcrafted jewelry. Hungry? The market’s food trucks, as seen in this video, features a smorgasbord of street foods that cater to every palate—don't miss out on trying some local favorites.

Designed to support local businesses and farmers, the Chattanooga Market is more than just a shopping trip; it's an immersion into the authentic spirit of our city. With live music providing a delightful backdrop, grab a bite, discover unique finds, and maybe even pick up a new plant friend or two.

What to Know Before You Go:

- Location: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408.
- Schedule: Open every Sunday from April through December. Check out the Market website for themes: https://www.chattanoogamarket.com/
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at just about a dollar an hour right next to the pavilion.
- Admission: Free! Enjoy browsing and soaking up the atmosphere without any entry fee.
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Shayna's Favorites:

I (Shayna) have made it a Sunday tradition to stop by the market after church. It's such a great way to support Chattanooga small businesses and grab great products! My favorite booth is the 2 older ladies who set up right in the middle of the market and sell unique earrings on playing cards. I have gotten dozens of unique earrings from their booths over the years (drum earrings, star earrings, coca-cola earrings, candy earrings, boba earrings- you name it!) I also almost always grab a frozen lemonade (there's typically a booth at both the front entrance and back by the stage!)

Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Chattanooga Market is perfect for families looking for a leisurely outing, couples seeking a unique date spot, or tourists wanting to capture the essence of our city, this market welcomes everyone with open arms and endless charm!

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!