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

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!

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!

Where to Get Seasonal Treats in Chattanooga: The New Banana Pudding Flavor at Nothing Bundt Cakes

If you love small surprises and sweet treats, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Hixson (and its sister shops in Chattanooga and Cleveland) just might be your next dessert stop. This locally owned bakery chain rotates limited-time flavors throughout the year—and they’ve just dropped a new one that’s perfect for summer: Banana Pudding.

Whether you’re a longtime bundt cake fan or just looking for something dessert-sized and fun, this new flavor is a delicious excuse to stop by. And with samples, gluten-free offerings, and some great perks for regulars, there’s a little something for everyone.

The Experience

Nothing Bundt Cakes has a cozy, cheerful feeling the minute you walk in—think boutique bakery meets bright, happy gift shop. The Hixson location in particular has a warm and welcoming vibe, with friendly staff who know their stuff and are quick with a recommendation or sample. Yes, samples! They recently started offering them, so you can try the rotating flavors before committing (a very underrated perk).

This summer’s Banana Pudding flavor is a limited-time popup that keeps things balanced: soft banana notes, not too strong or artificial-tasting, all swirled together with their signature cream cheese frosting. It’s not overly rich or heavy, which makes it feel lighter and summer-appropriate. Even folks who don’t usually reach for banana desserts have found this one worth trying.

They’re rolling out Strawberry Cheesecake next—another summer option that’ll be worth checking out soon. You can get any flavor in sizes ranging from the bite-sized Bundtini to the single-serve Bundtlet or a full 10” cake, which makes it easy to grab a treat for yourself or order one for a celebration.

What to Know Before You Go

Locations:
- Hixson: 5414 Highway 153, near Northgate Mall
- Chattanooga: 2115 Gunbarrel Rd Suite 17
- Cleveland: 2560 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN

Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Closed Sundays

Prices:
- Bundtinis (sold by the dozen), Bundtlets, and full-sized cakes available; prices vary by size and style
- Ask about the EClub for coupons and birthday freebies!

Ordering:
- Walk-in and pre-orders available (especially helpful for larger cakes or events)
- Call ahead or order online via their website to make sure they have your desired flavor or size in stock

Parking:
Each location has its own dedicated parking lot with easy access.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Sign up for the Nothing Bundt Cakes EClub and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday, plus occasional BOGO coupons and exclusive offers.
- Gluten-free chocolate chip options are usually available, but it helps to check ahead before you go.
- Pro tip: Bring your own fork or spoon if you want to dig into your Bundtlet right away. Not every location offers utensils automatically.
- The stores also sell fun party-ready extras like candles and occasion toppers if you’re picking up a cake for birthdays, classroom treats, or office celebrations.
- Looking for nearby spots to make it a full outing? In Hixson, grab a coffee from Mean Mug or walk off your treat at nearby Greenway Farms.

Final Thoughts

With three locally owned locations and a changing lineup of seasonal flavors, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a quality alternative to traditional dessert shops, with convenience and personality to spare. The Banana Pudding popup makes for a perfect quick treat during the hot summer season—especially if you’re on the hunt for something refreshing but nostalgic.

Whether you’re picking up a last-minute birthday bundt, sampling the latest flavor, or stocking up on mini cakes for a get-together, these shops are great for locals and visitors who want something a little special.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!