This Family-Owned Mexican Spot in Pikeville Might Have the Best Birria in Tennessee and It’s Just 45 Minutes from Chattanooga

As we all know, Mother's Day is like a surprise quiz in the test of life- it sneaks up on you, year after year. But this year, you’re in luck because I've got the perfect spot for when you need that last-minute but oh-so-meaningful gift. Nestled in the heart of downtown Chattanooga at 807 Chestnut St, there's a haven of floral beauty waiting for you. Yes, I’m talking about Fox & Fern Style!

Now, I must tell you, Fox & Fern Style isn’t your typical flower shop. Imagine stepping into a space where creativity drips from every petal and every bouquet tells its own story- y'all, this is cozy + cool floral energy in its purest form. Owned by Liza, a local floral visionary, this boutique florist is the go-to for designer's choice bouquets. That means you're not just buying flowers; you're bringing home a work of art. No two arrangements are the same, and that means you’re always part of something beautifully unique. Whether you're shopping for Mother’s Day or any day, these exquisite bouquets will surely capture the heart of anyone they're meant for.

If flowers just aren’t your thing (I'm looking at you, plant parents), Fox & Fern Style is also blooming with fabulous foliage. From succulents to ferns, there's a plant for every green-thumbed hobbyist. It’s like a mini jungle where each plant is just waiting to move into its new home with you.

For those planning their wedding, don’t overlook Fox & Fern’s wedding services. With Liza's expertise, your wedding day will be as stunning and unforgettable as you’ve always dreamed. Trust me- as a wedding content creator who has worked with her- it's BEAUTIFUL!!

And speaking of unforgettable events, mark your calendars for June 20th, 2025 when Fox & Fern celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Summer Solstice party! More details can be found on their Instagram in the coming months!

Remember, Fox & Fern is closed on Sundays- or by appointment only- so plan ahead! Need more incentive? Head over to @foxandfernstyle on Instagram for some flower inspo!

So, stroll through downtown and stop by Fox & Fern Style! And for more of my Chattanooga gems, make sure to 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!

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!