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!
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!
Drink and Discover at the Creative Discovery Museum: Chattanooga's Best Adults-Only Night Out
If you’ve ever wandered through the Creative Discovery Museum with your kids and secretly thought, “This place would be even more fun with a cocktail in hand,” you’re not alone — and that’s exactly what “Drink and Discover” is all about. A few times a year, the museum transforms into a 21+ evening event, where grown-ups get the rare chance to explore, experiment, and relive the magic of childhood, with the bonus of drinks, music, and food. Whether you’re heading there with your partner, your coworkers, or just a friend who’s down for a fun night, this is one of Chattanooga’s best under-the-radar experiences for adults.
The Experience
“Drink and Discover” is exactly what it sounds like: you drink, and you discover. All the core exhibits at the Creative Discovery Museum stay open for the night, giving you access to science experiments, art stations, giant musical instruments, and the famous rooftop play area—all without the kids. There’s usually a loose seasonal theme, photo ops, and activities tailored for adults, like beer tastings, food vendors, trivia games, or themed crafts.
The vibe is playful and laid-back. Think less "nightclub" and more "field trip for adults." People come in groups or on casual dates, meandering from floor to floor, chatting over beers while shooting air cannons or building marble runs. It’s a social, low-pressure event where you can actually talk, laugh, and let your inner kid roam free.
What to Know Before You Go
Next Event: The next “Drink and Discover” is scheduled for Thursday, October 24.
Time: Most events run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Occasionally, they may have extended hours for seasonal themes—check the museum’s website for confirmed details.
Tickets: Admission usually costs around $20-$25 per person, and includes access to all exhibits and activities. Drink tickets and food are typically available for purchase on-site.
Age Requirement: This is a 21+ event. IDs checked at the door.
Parking: There’s a paid lot directly across from the museum, and additional parking garages along Broad Street and near the Tennessee Aquarium. Plan a few extra minutes to park, especially for evening events downtown.
Tickets and more details: Visit cdmfun.org or check their Events tab for up-to-date ticket sales and info.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Come hungry: There is usually a rotating lineup of local food trucks or small bites for sale.
- Dress comfortably: You’ll be moving around, climbing stairs, and possibly crawling through tunnels (yes, really). Sneakers and casual wear are totally welcome.
- Make a night of it: The museum is just steps from downtown bars like Unknown Caller or Matilda Midnight if you want to keep the evening going. Or walk over to Easy Bistro or Old Gilman Grill for a late bite post-event.
- Photo-ready fun: Don’t miss the rooftop garden for golden hour views of downtown. It’s one of the most fun spots for quirky group shots.
- Holiday highlights: Special themed versions of Drink and Discover, like the Halloween or Valentine’s edition, tend to sell out faster. Check their instagram page to see if there is a theme!
Final Thoughts
Drink and Discover is a refreshing twist on a night out in Chattanooga. It’s lighthearted, a bit nostalgic, and offers something totally different from the usual bar or concert scene. Perfect for couples, friend groups, or anyone curious about the Creative Discovery Museum without the usual kid-centric chaos. You’ll leave with a few laughs, maybe a fun craft or souvenir, and hopefully a new appreciation for just how fun playing can be—no matter your age.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Catch the Action at a Chattanooga FC Game: What to Expect at Finley Stadium
If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend a Saturday evening in Chattanooga, a Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) game should be high on your list. Held right at Finley Stadium—where the UTC Mocs Football team plays—the matches are a vibrant local experience where energy runs high, community pride is on full display, and there’s no bad seat in the house. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or have never seen a game before and are just in it for the fun, food trucks, and festive crowd, CFC games offer a lively and affordable night out downtown.
The Experience: Attending a CFC game is more than just watching soccer—it’s an experience that blends sport, community, and Chattanooga culture all in one. Gates typically open an hour before the match, giving you time to grab a drink, visit a few vendors (local beer and tasty snacks are a given), and soak in the pre-game excitement. You’ll find some fans decked out in blue and navy (or whatever the theme of the game is!), waving flags and chanting with the Chattahooligans—CFC’s passionate supporter group who bring serious energy to the stands.
Finley Stadium seats more than 20,000 and has a pretty great setup no matter where you sit. Families often lounge on the grassy area (where kids can run around!), while couples and friend groups gather near midfield for great views and atmosphere. The game-day vibe is upbeat but low-stress, drawing a mix of local families, soccer enthusiasts, first-timers, and even out-of-towners looking for something fun to do.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Game Times: Most home games are on Saturdays, typically starting at 7 PM. Gates open around 6 PM. Check their official schedule for the latest dates and times: chattanoogafc.com/schedule - Location: Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408 - Parking: There are multiple lots around the stadium that charge a small fee. FREE street parking may be available too. Carpooling or arriving early is best on busy game nights. - Tickets: General admission tickets can be purchased online through Chattanooga FC’s website or at the gate (subject to availability).
Extra Tips or Bonuses: Before the match, grab dinner or drinks nearby—Southside Social, State of Confusion, and OddStory Brewing Co. are all a short walk away and offer great pre-game stops. If you're heading to a themed night or rivalry matchup, look for promos, giveaways, or local vendor pop-ups happening on the concourse.
And if cheering with the Chattahooligans sounds like your style, don’t be shy—they love welcoming new fans. Their section is loud, fun, and full of team chants, so it’s a memorable way to experience the match.
Final Thoughts: Whether you’re in town visiting or have lived here for years, catching a Chattanooga FC game is a fun and affordable way to connect with the heart of the city. It’s laid-back enough for families and exciting enough for a night out with friends. With great food, a scenic backdrop, and the camaraderie of local fans, it’s one of the best community events happening in town—no soccer expertise required.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
