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Where to Find Some of the Best Barbecue Near Chattanooga: Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q in Lafayette, GA

If you’re the type of person who’s always on the hunt for good barbecue, you’ll want to add this one to your list—and maybe even mark the calendar so you don’t miss your window. Located just over the state line in Walker County, Georgia, Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q is a small-town BBQ gem that serves up big flavor. It’s only open three days a week, but those in the know make the drive for ribs, brisket, and sides worth talking about. The spot is run by Robert Wardlaw, who’s been honing his craft since he was 16 years old, and now shares his slow-cooked recipes with the public. Whether you're a local or visiting Chattanooga, this place is worth the detour.

The Experience

Walking into Lucky Eye Q feels like dropping in on a local favorite—because that’s exactly what it is. The restaurant is located right in downtown Lafayette, Georgia, at 103 N Chattanooga Street. It’s simple and unassuming from the outside, but once you’re inside, the savory smell of smoked meats hits right away. There’s limited seating indoors and a casual vibe that keeps the focus on the food.

Robert Wardlaw is often on-site himself, tending to the smoker and greeting customers. He’s been cooking with the same recipes for years, and the pride really shows in the quality and flavor of his food. His attention to detail sets this place apart from your average roadside BBQ stop.

The five-meat sampler is a favorite because it gives you a little bit of everything. From the smoky ribs to the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the meats are well-seasoned and cooked just right. The grits have earned their own fan following—creamy, savory, and unlike the usual side offerings at most BBQ spots. Sides like baked beans, collard greens, and mac-and-cheese round out the meal. Don’t skip the banana pudding for dessert—homemade and as classic as it gets.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q  
103 N Chattanooga St, Lafayette, GA 30728  
(Approximately a 35–40 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga)

Hours:
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 AM–2 PM and again from 5 PM–8 PM  
Closed Sunday–Wednesday  

Phone: 706-200-8427  
Website: wardlawsluckyeyeq.com  
Parking: Free street parking available nearby  

They don’t always post a full menu online, so go early if you're set on specific meats or sides—once they’re out, they’re out. It’s walk-in only; no reservations taken.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Make a Half-Day of It: Lafayette has a quaint downtown area with a few shops and spots to explore before or after you eat. If you're already heading into Walker County, consider a short hike at nearby Rock Town Trail or check out the Pocket Recreation Area—it’s nature-heavy and peaceful.

- Bring Cash Just in Case: While they do accept cards, small-town joints sometimes experience tech hiccups, so having a backup is a good idea.

- Outdoor Seating: Lucky Eye Q sometimes offers outdoor picnic-style seating when the weather’s right. Call ahead or check their social media to see if that’s available.

- Portion Sizes: The servings here are generous, so if you’re not a big eater, consider splitting an order or coming hungry.

Final Thoughts

Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q is the kind of place that reminds you why people get passionate about barbecue. It’s personal, packed with flavor, and made with care. If you’re in Chattanooga and have a few free hours on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, take the drive down to Lafayette and treat yourself. It’s a perfect stop for barbecue lovers, road trippers, and anyone curious about the food scene just beyond city limits.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Breathe Deep and Relax: Inside Chattanooga Salt Cavern in St. Elmo

Tucked right into the base of Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Salt Cavern offers one of the most calming and restorative experiences in the city — and if you haven’t been yet, it’s well worth a visit. This is Chattanooga’s only salt cave, nestled in St. Elmo, and brings the benefits of halotherapy (dry salt therapy) in a truly peaceful setting. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, breathing issues, or just need a mental reset, spending time at the Salt Cavern is a quiet way to recharge — and yes, you may even find yourself dozing off in a zero-gravity chair.

The Experience:
Chattanooga Salt Cavern isn’t just visually impressive — it’s an active salt cave, which means it features a halogenerator that disperses microparticles of dry salt into the air. That salt-rich environment may help reduce inflammation, clear sinuses, and support overall respiratory health. You’ll notice it right away: the air is crisp and dry, and the softly glowing walls set the mood for instant calm.

Most visitors spend their 45-minute session reclining in one of the zero-gravity chairs, covered with a cozy blanket. You can meditate, nap, stretch, or simply talk quietly with friends. The environment naturally encourages your body to shift into a parasympathetic state — that’s the deep rest-and-reset mode that’s increasingly hard to come by in daily life.

Community sessions are open to anyone and incredibly peaceful, but if you’re hoping for a more private moment — or want to bring a small group — private sessions are available and easy to book online.

In addition to the regular salt therapy sessions, the Salt Cavern hosts special events like yoga classes inside the cave, sound baths, and even drum circles, blending wellness and community in a really unique space.

What to Know Before You Go:
Location:
Chattanooga Salt Cavern
3924 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409  
Located in St. Elmo, about 10 minutes from downtown, right near the base of Lookout Mountain.

Hours:
Open Tuesday through Sunday, with appointments available throughout the day. Closed Mondays. (but always check their website before you go!)

Pricing:
Sessions start at $25 for adults, with special pricing for kids, groups, and event offerings. You can book online via their website: https://www.chattanoogasaltcavern.com/

Parking:
Free on-site parking is available when you book a session.

Session Info:
Sessions last 45 minutes. Community sessions are open to the public, while private sessions must be booked in advance. Event sessions (like yoga) are posted on their website and Instagram.

Extra Tips or Bonuses:
- Bring or wear cozy clothes — you’ll be reclining in a cool, quiet cave.
- With Lookout Mountain just around the corner, consider pairing your visit with a ride on the Incline Railway (currently closed as of May 2025, opens in July 2025 after repairs are done!) or a stroll around St. Elmo’s walkable neighborhood.
- Looking for a nearby café? Head to The Tap House for craft beer and lunch bites, or grab a coffee and visit with cats at the Naughty Cat Cafe just down the street.
- Check their event calendar for special experiences like Prenatal Yoga, Chakra Balancing, or seasonal workshops.

Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re exploring new wellness treatments or just craving a calm hour away from your to-do list, Chattanooga Salt Cavern is a peaceful spot to breathe easier — literally and figuratively. It’s a great experience for individuals, couples, or even small groups looking for something low-key but special. A lot of locals swear by it for allergy season relief, while others consider it their go-to reset between busy weeks.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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!