Morning Brew Co: Ooltewah's Cozy Coffee Spot

The Together Cafe: A Cozy Chattanooga Coffee Shop With Heart

Tucked into the Highland Park neighborhood, The Together Cafe is one of those rare spots that’s equally cozy, community-focused, and genuinely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, meet a friend, or sip on something creative, this locally loved coffee shop delivers in all the right ways — and it’s doing good behind the scenes, too.

This one’s a true hidden gem, just east of downtown Chattanooga, and it’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to again and again (especially once you try the cereal milk latte). Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking about stopping by.

The Experience

From the outside, The Together Cafe looks humble, but inside you'll find a warm, inviting space that clearly prioritizes comfort and connection. There’s a mix of seating — cozy couches upstairs, window perches downstairs, and a separate side room that adds extra space, complete with a small kids’ play area. It’s clear they’ve thought about families, remote workers, and anyone who just wants a peaceful break in their day.

The menu is creative and fun, with espresso drinks that go well beyond the usual. A longtime favorite is the cereal milk latte (yes, it tastes like the end of a bowl of your favorite childhood cereal), but don’t miss their seasonal creations. This summer, it’s the “Summer in Dubai” latte — a unique blend of Nutella and pistachio syrup with strawberry cold foam and flaky kataifi on top. It’s indulgent, refreshing, and unlike anything you’ll find at a chain coffee shop.

For non-coffee drinkers or hotter days, The Together Cafe also serves up bubble tea-style refreshers with rotating popping boba flavors. Watermelon seems to be a standout right now if you want something fruity and fresh.

What to Know Before You Go

Address:
801 S. Orchard Knob Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404  
Located in the Highland Park neighborhood, just a short drive from downtown

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM  
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM  
Sunday: Closed

Parking:
They offer free parking (a definite plus in this area), so you shouldn't have to circle the block.

Atmosphere:
The cafe plays soft, uplifting Christian music, and there’s a prayer wall where visitors can leave thoughts or read the reflections of others. It’s a genuinely peaceful setting that welcomes everyone.

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Community Support:
This isn’t just a coffee shop that serves good drinks; it’s also one that supports a great cause. A portion of the cafe’s proceeds goes toward nonprofits that support survivors of human trafficking, so your coffee here goes a little further.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- the upstairs nook is the best place for working or studying.
- The separate room to the side of the shop is often quieter and has kid-friendly space, making it a good pick for parents with little ones in tow.
- Check in regularly for seasonal drinks and limited-time specials — their barista team clearly has fun coming up with unexpected combos.


Nearby:
If you’re making a morning of it, Highland Park has been steadily growing its list of cool spots — consider swinging by Mad Priest Coffee just a few blocks away if you’re up for a little coffee-hopping. For lunch nearby, Main Street is close enough to reach in just a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Together Cafe is a spot that feels thoughtful, from its welcoming layout to its unique menu and mission. Whether you’re a Chattanooga local looking for a new regular coffee shop, or a traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-path stop with purpose, this place is absolutely worth a visit.

Families, students, remote workers, and anyone who appreciates a little personality in their coffee — you’ll feel right at home here.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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.  
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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!

Bubble Way: Chattanooga's New Spot for Boba, Bubble Waffles, and Taiwanese Treats

If you’re a fan of bubble tea—or curious to try new Taiwanese-inspired snacks—there’s a fresh addition to the Chattanooga food scene that’s worth checking out. Bubble Way is a family-owned shop bringing boba, bubble waffles, snow ice, and ramen to East Brainerd, and it's already become a welcoming go-to for something a little different. Whether you love a classic milk tea or want to branch out with a creamy shaved snow dessert, Bubble Way blends flavor, creativity, and comfort all in one cozy spot.

The Experience

Walking into Bubble Way feels like stepping into a bright, cheerful corner of Taipei right here in Chattanooga. The interior is simple but inviting, with cute touches and a clean layout that makes it easy to drop by for a quick sip or a more filling snack.

The menu has a great mix of familiar favorites and hard-to-find-in-Chattanooga items. Bubble tea lovers will be glad to see a wide range of options—from fruity teas like passionfruit and mango to indulgent milk teas with brown sugar and taro. You can customize your sugar level and toppings (tapioca pearls, popping boba, agar jelly, and more), making it easy to find your perfect combo.

But what really sets Bubble Way apart is the variety beyond boba. Their bubble waffles—a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside grid of puffs—can be ordered plain or as a dessert wrapped around toppings like ice cream, fruit, and sauces. It’s fun to eat and perfect for sharing (or not sharing, we won’t judge).

Another standout is their snow ice, a light, fluffy frozen dessert that’s kind of like a cross between ice cream and shaved ice. It’s delicate, creamy, and comes with a choice of toppings. Bubble Way is the first in Chattanooga to offer this unique treat, and it’s an especially great pick on hot days or after something spicy.

Speaking of savory, there’s also ramen on the menu for when you’re in the mood for soup. Simple but hearty, it rounds out the offerings and makes Bubble Way more of a one-stop spot for snacking and meals alike.

What to Know Before You Go

Address:
7550 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Next to Papa John's!

Hours:
12pm-7pm Monday- Saturday (but check their IG / Google page as hours may have changed since this was posted!)

Parking:
Plenty of parking is available in the shared lot, though it can get busy at peak hours depending on surrounding businesses.

Menu Favorites:
Milk Tea with brown sugar boba, fruit teas, bubble waffles with Nutella and strawberries, snow ice!
I got the Immortal Peach; it was INCREDIBLE!

Prices:
Very reasonable—most drinks and desserts fall under $8, and portion sizes are generous.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Bubble Way is family-owned, and the staff is friendly and happy to walk guests through the menu if you’re new to boba or snow ice.
- Their Instagram (@bubblewayinc) is worth a follow—not just for updates but for cute drink inspiration and seasonal specials.
- Looking to make it a full outing? The shop is just a short drive from Heritage Park, so you can grab your order to go and enjoy it with a walk or a picnic.
- It’s a great alternative to coffee when you want a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon! (though they also have coffee too!)

Final Thoughts

Bubble Way is one of those places that just makes you feel glad it exists in town. It brings a piece of Taiwanese street food culture to Chattanooga in a way that’s approachable, delicious, and fun. Whether you’re coming for the boba or staying for the waffles and snow ice, the menu has something for everyone. Families, teens, couples—really anyone with a sweet tooth or love for global flavors—will find something worth coming back for.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!