Genesis House of Tea: The Perfect Girls’ Day Out in Chattanooga
Published on
11 August 2024
Looking for a charming spot that combines tea, tasty treats, and a meaningful mission? The Genesis House of Tea, located in the historic Dent House off Bonny Oaks, is one of Chattanooga's most BEAUTIFUL places for a girls' day out, bridal shower, baby shower, or engagement party in chattanooga. This tea house offers a Bridgerton-inspired experience with a side of Kentucky Derby flair, complete with fancy hats you can borrow for your visit!
When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a selection of hats to channel your inner duchess while enjoying the house’s cozy atmosphere. Start your tea experience with my favorite- their “Royal Wedding” tea- or one of their seasonal flavors (like Spiced Peach Apricot with popping boba, Pumpkin Chai, or Caramel Apple Crumble in the fall)! The tea menu is thoughtfully curated, with free refills so you can sip as much as you like!
The food is just as cute as the tea. Indulge in a tiered platter featuring sweet and savory items like buttery scones, delicate sandwiches, and flavorful quiches. These dishes are perfect for sharing and add an elegant touch to your outing. I LOVE THE SCONES! And I never thought I would be a scones girl… but these are GOOD!
Also worth noting, the Genesis House of Tea is more than just a beautiful brunch spot—it’s a place with purpose. Every purchase supports their mission to restore beauty, dignity, and identity to women in crisis through nonprofit partnerships. Upstairs, you’ll find a boutique where proceeds further these initiatives, making your visit not just a treat but an opportunity to give back.
📍 Location: 6178 Adamson Cir., Chattanooga, TN 37416 🕐 Hours: Open 11 AM - 4 PM, closed Wednesday and Sunday
Whether you’re sipping tea with your best friends or celebrating a special occasion, the Genesis House of Tea guarantees a memorable and meaningful experience.
For more Chattanooga recommendations, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Your Guide to the 127 Yard Sale near Chattanooga: What to Expect, Where to Go, and How to Make the Most of It
Every August, something truly one-of-a-kind happens along Highway 127: the World’s Longest Yard Sale. Stretching over 690 miles through six states (from Michigan to Alabama), this wildly fun and often wonderfully random event is a dream come true for bargain hunters, collectors, and weekend treasure seekers. And the best part? Chattanooga is perfectly positioned along the route—especially if you’re ready to explore Signal Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and even a few curated spots downtown.
Whether you’re in it for quirky finds, vintage furniture, local food trucks, or just the thrill of the hunt, the 127 Yard Sale is definitely worth a spot on your August calendar.
The Experience
The 127 Yard Sale isn’t your average yard sale—and if you’ve never been, imagine hundreds (if not thousands) of booths, tents, and makeshift markets set up along the highway, in fields, driveways, parking lots, and anywhere with enough space for a few folding tables. The vibe is a mix of flea market, roadside fair, and old-school swap meet.
Around our area near Chattanooga, you’ll find some of the best action on Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain, with curated vendor fields set up just off the highway. We started at Picker’s Field (614 US-127 in Signal Mountain), which had a friendly mix of antique dealers and locals purging their attics. It’s a good spot to walk through if you want a concentration of options without having to stop at every roadside tent.
Then there’s Hot Dog Landing (4702 Taft Hwy), which offers more than just food—though the grab-and-go snacks are an added bonus on a hot August day. You’ll see everything from rusty tools and retro signage to vintage Pyrex and old vinyl records. Pro tip: dig a little. The best items aren’t always front and center.
You can also sneak in a stop at Vinterest Southside (121 Chestnut Street) downtown—one of the permanent vintage markets participating in the event. While it’s open year-round, it usually steps up with special vendors and expanded hours during yard sale weekend.
You’ll also want to leave plenty of time for the in-between spots—those pop-up sales you’ll pass while driving along 127. Some of the best deals are at these “unmapped” stops where you can pull off and explore at your own pace.
What to Know Before You Go
Dates: The 127 Yard Sale typically runs Thursday through Sunday in early August. For this year, it’s August 7–10.
Hours: There aren’t official start or end times, but most vendors operate during daylight hours—roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: Full maps, vendor zones, and planning resources are available at www.127yardsale.com.
Locations near Chattanooga: - Picker’s Field: 614 US-127, Signal Mountain, TN - Hot Dog Landing: 4702 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain, TN - Vinterest Southside: 121 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN - Roadside stops along 127 between Signal Mountain and Dunlap
Parking: Most sites have field or roadside parking. Bring cash—some charge a small fee or donation. Carpooling is a great move, especially in tight or hilly areas.
Payment: Cash is king. Many vendors will negotiate, but most don’t have card readers. Some larger setups accept Venmo or PayPal, but it’s not guaranteed.
Accessibility: Terrain can be uneven in grassy fields, so wear sturdy shoes and pack light.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Bring your own bags, totes, or even a small wagon if you’re aiming to buy larger items. (Don’t laugh—we saw someone load up a hand truck with vintage speakers.) - Stay hydrated. It’s August in the South, and temperatures can climb quickly. Bring water or refill bottles at vendor tents when available. - If you’re looking for furniture or collector’s pieces, try heading out early in the day or hitting up the Pikeville and Dunlap areas—vendors there often bring in higher-end finds and have more space. - There’s plenty of food along the way—from lemonade stands to pop-up BBQ grills—but you can also pack a cooler and picnic in the shade if you want to keep moving without long breaks. - Make it a weekend. If you're traveling from out of town or want to cover more ground, consider booking a cabin on Signal Mountain or staying downtown in Chattanooga and making day trips out to different sections of the sale.
Final Thoughts
The 127 Yard Sale is one of those events that truly feels like it belongs to the region—messy in the best way, full of character, and made for exploring. Whether you’re just browsing or going in with a shopping list, you’ll leave with at least one story (and probably a few unexpected trinkets).
It’s also a fun outing for couples, families with older kids, road trip buddies, or anyone with a love of vintage and a bit of patience. Just remember to pace yourself—this thing stretches hundreds of miles, but the joy is in the hunt, not the mileage.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Chattanooga has a brand new kind of veterinary clinic, and it’s one that’s rethinking the entire experience for both pets and their parents. Vetopia Animal Health, located in Hixson, was designed with a clear vision: to create a true “utopia” for animals, owners, and the veterinary staff who care for them.
“Vetopia is this idea of a utopia for pets, people, and the people that work in the veterinary industry,” explains Dr. Bello, who co-founded the clinic with her husband Jerren.
Dr. Bello and her husband Jerren
From the beginning, the goal wasn’t just to build another vet office.
“It was always my dream to have a place where people could bring their pets and we could give them the care they deserve," said Bello. And what better city than Chattanooga to do it?”
A New Approach to Veterinary Care
One of the biggest ways Vetopia sets itself apart is by focusing on collaboration and transparency.
“Our biggest differentiator is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible,” says Dr. Bello. “I talk them through what I’m seeing step by step, so they’re a part of it.”
This approach extends beyond the exam table.
“We wanted to create a space where it was calming. Animals felt secure. People felt like they had the space to feel whatever emotions they wanted to feel.”
Better Pet Care Through Better People Care
The clinic’s motto, “better pet care through better people care,” speaks to the heart of its mission.
“Better pet care through better people care means we can’t forget pets come with people- and if we don’t care for those people, we’re not doing them a service.”
That focus on people extends to Vetopia’s staff as well.
“I really wanted to create a place where people came to work and they absolutely loved what they did and they left feeling like they accomplished something great every day.”
When I visited the vet for the first time with Mailbox (my dog), I truly saw this mission played out. The employees love their job, I as a pet parent felt very cared for, and Mailbox honestly loves his visits to the vet!
The Experience for Pet Parents
From the moment Mailbox and I walked through Vetopia’s doors, I could tell this wasn’t going to feel like a typical vet visit (and I've been to many vets in Chattanooga!) I was greeted, offered complimentary coffee (and it was actually FIRE coffee- I really liked it as someone who's not in to a lot of coffee!), and was taken back to a themed waiting room.
Each exam room has its own unique destination-inspired theme, which immediately gave us a sense of calm. During Mailbox’s check-up, I noticed how different the process felt compared to other clinics. I was actually taken to the back and got a behind-the-scenes look at what Vets do!
"I think our biggest differentiators is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible," Dr. Bello told me. "So I know a lot of people are like, 'oh, they took my dog to the back...' and nothing bad happens to your pet in the back, I promise, but I understand like as I've gotten older, and I have a kid, that there is this kind of 'mysteriousness' about what's going on back there, and why is it taking so long. And so the idea with Vetopia was, why don't we just have the owner be present for the appointment as much as possible? Not only so that they feel more comfortable and their pets feel more comfortable, but I think it's really important for people to see what we do behind the scenes, because I think that it gives more value to what we as an industry provide."
It was neat seeing firsthand the team caring for my sweet fur baby. And rather than rushing through, Dr. Bello carefully walked me through everything she was seeing. That level of transparency made me feel empowered and connected- like I was truly part of Mailbox’s care.
Vetopia has also invested in technology to make that collaboration seamless. Screens and tablets in the exam rooms allow pet parents to see diagnostics in real time.
And honestly? The vibe is just different. With cozy touches, a coffee machine, and music playing softly in the background, it feels nothing like a sterile, intimidating clinic.
“We want it to feel like you’re not at a hospital, but you’re just hanging out in your living room… It’s a really relaxed, upbeat vibe. Most of the time we have good tunes going on, so it’s just like a fun feel.”
Mailbox certainly picked up on that- instead of being anxious like he has been at other clinics, he wagged his way through the visit. It truly felt like a place designed for both pets and their people to feel comfortable.
Family-Owned, Not Corporate
At a time when many veterinary clinics are being bought by large corporations, Vetopia is proudly family-owned.
“Family owned was really important to us… a lot of hospitals are being bought by corporate entities, and people feel like they’re losing that family feel. We wanted this to be the opposite.”
Dr. Bello says building Vetopia with her husband has made the journey even more meaningful.
“At the end of it, being able to step back and the two of us know that we did this together- it just makes it that much sweeter.”
A Vision for the Future
Vetopia isn’t just focused on one clinic- it’s about becoming part of the community.
“My bigger vision for Vetopia is to be super involved in the community- community outreach, helping the pets of Chattanooga. One day maybe opening another location, but the goal is to support Chattanooga and the pets as much as we can.”
“The one thing I’d want Chattanooga to know about Vetopia is that we care as much about them as we do their pets. We want this to be a collaborative experience.”
With its people-first philosophy, calming environment, and family-owned approach, Vetopia is ready to become a true second home for Chattanooga’s pets and their parents.
To watch some of my interview with Dr. Bello and hear more about Mailbox's and my experience, check out my Instagram reel on @webbchatts!
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. 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!
