Your First Visit to BEEM Light Sauna on Chattanooga’s Northshore: What to Expect and Why It’s Worth It
If you’ve been curious about all the buzz around light therapy and saunas—or you’re just looking for a new way to unwind and refresh in Chattanooga—BEEM Light Sauna on the Northshore might be exactly what you need. I recently dropped in for my very first session and walked away genuinely impressed, feeling lighter (mentally and physically), and surprisingly energized. Whether you're in it for the wellness benefits or just want to experience something new and social, BEEM offers a unique atmosphere that makes it easy to show up for yourself and your health.
Here’s what you can expect if you're thinking about booking your first session.
The Experience
From the moment you walk in, BEEM sets a calming, welcoming tone. The space feels clean and modern but retains a cozy vibe thanks to warm lighting and gentle background music. The layout is intentionally simple—this isn’t a place you’ll get lost in—but it’s thoughtfully designed to help you relax from the second you arrive.
BEEM offers two main services: their group infrared “Social Sauna” and individual Red Light Therapy beds. I started with the Social Sauna—a 45-minute guided sweat session. Note: “social” doesn’t mean chat the whole time (though friendly conversation is welcome)—it means you’ll share a cabin with up to six others, which makes it feel more like a mini wellness class than a private retreat.
Each session includes curated music and gentle encouragement from a BEEM guide, who reminds you to hydrate (they provide towels and water if you forget), breathe deeply, and stay tuned into how your body feels. The heat builds slowly—I began to sweat around the 15-minute mark—and by the end, I felt like I had just walked out of a gentle hot yoga class. Calm, clear-headed, and grounded.
After a quick rinse at the in-house shower stations, you can opt to follow up with a Red Light Therapy bed, which involves lying under red and near-infrared LED lights for about 15 minutes. No heat, no sweat—just a gentle, warm light designed to support skin and cellular health, mood, and recovery.
What to Know Before You Go
Location: BEEM is located in Northshore Chattanooga at 512 Tremont St, just a couple blocks off Frazier Avenue and minutes from Coolidge Park.
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Check their website for any holiday hours or schedule changes.)
Pricing:
- Intro Offer: First-timers can try a 45-minute social sauna session for $25.
- Unlimited Monthly Membership: Normally $149/month, but July 2024 features a special $100 offer for new members if you sign up by the end of the month.
- Single sessions, packs, and class bookings are also available online.
Booking: All sessions must be scheduled in advance on their website (beemsauna.com) or through the BEEM mobile app.
Parking: Free onsite parking is available in the lot out front. Street parking is another easy option if it’s busy.
What to Bring: Comfy clothes you can sweat in (sports bra, shorts, etc.), water bottle, and optional toiletries for freshening up afterward. Towels are provided. Showers and mirrors are available onsite.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Best Time to Go: Morning sessions are a great way to start your day clear-headed and focused. Evenings are more relaxing if you’re winding down.
- Pair It With: Grab a smoothie next door at Southern Squeeze if you're on a wellness kick, or walk over to Mean Mug for a more indulgent post-sauna coffee and breakfast.
- Be Social: Don’t be surprised if you end up chatting with someone new in your session—it’s a naturally friendly atmosphere, especially for locals looking to meet like-minded people.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been feeling stressed, sluggish, or just in need of a mind-body reset, BEEM Light Sauna offers a low-pressure, accessible way to do something good for yourself. It’s easy to try, surprisingly affordable if you commit to a membership, and actually quite fun—especially if you go with a friend or strike up a convo while you sweat.
Whether you're a fitness regular, a wellness newbie, or just someone looking to feel a little better, a session at BEEM is definitely worth checking out.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Light Sauna at Beem Northshore: Finding a New Favorite Way to Recharge in Chattanooga
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New Hamilton Place Hibachi + Sushi + Boba Spot! (& Grand Opening Deals!)
100 Ramen & Hibachi & Sushi Bar just opened by the Aloft Hotel in Hamilton Place- and they've got some cool grand opening deals I'm sharing below! There's a big menu with lots of Japanese variety, and it's a great mix of comfort food and healthy options (they’re even right next door to Crunch Fitness, so it’s basically balanced, right?).
Address: 2090 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN
My First Visit
I went in to give it a try, and here’s the rundown:
- Shrimp Hibachi – fresh, sizzling, and loaded with flavor.
- Gyoza appetizer – the perfect comfort bites
- Chicken Katsu Donburi- not many places have this around town, I was a big fan!
- Boba Tea – I love fruit boba tea!! And popping pearls! I got the mango, and it was great! And okay, confession: I’m usually not a milk tea person. But their ZangZang Boba Tea? Surprisingly good.
- Tonkotsu Ramen – my personal favorite of the night. Rich, hearty, and exactly what you want in a bowl of ramen.
- Sushi – beautifully crafted by Kevin, the sushi chef. Nothing here is pre-made, so yes, it may take a little longer if he’s busy- but the results are so worth it.
I got to talk to the owners and they told me they’re aiming to be a healthier, quick, intentional option while still giving you all the fun of a full ramen + hibachi + sushi + boba lineup.
Grand Opening Deals You Don’t Want to Miss!!
This Friday (August 22) is the Grand Opening, and they’re going big with the deals! Be sure you've followed their page (@100ramenandbar_chatt ) and commented on my recent @webbchatts post about them!
✨ The first 20 people who show up (and prove they shared + commented on my Instagram post) get a FREE bowl of ramen.
✨ From 11 AM to 4 PM, everything on the menu (except alcohol) is half off if you’ve shared + commented + followed them!!
✨ Can’t make it Friday? use the coupon below for 20% to use any other day in August!
I’ll be there too, hanging out and trying more dishes- so come say hi, grab some food, and let’s support this new locally owned spot together!!
(Free parking- it's Hamilton Place!)
Check out their website: https://taste100.com/order/100-ramen-bar-2090-hamilton-place-boulevard
And if you want more insider Chattanooga finds, be sure to follow me on Instagram @webbchatts — I’m always sharing the best new spots, events, and hidden gems around the Scenic City! THANKS!!!
Play It Again Sports East Ridge: A New Spot for Buying & Selling Used Sports Gear
Play It Again Sports East Ridge: A New Spot for Buying & Selling Used Sports Gear
If you’ve ever tripped over a pair of old cleats in the garage or wondered what on earth to do with that treadmill gathering dust in the basement, there’s a new local solution that might be just what you need. Play It Again Sports is opening soon in East Ridge, and whether you’re an athlete, parent of athletes, fitness enthusiast, or just trying out a new activity, this locally-owned store is worth putting on your radar.
Set to officially open in August, this shop is already making moves by buying gently used sports and fitness gear—from hockey sticks to home gyms—and paying sellers in cash. Once the doors open, they’ll offer store credit, too (which will stretch further than cash deals). Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before stopping by.
The Experience
Play It Again Sports follows the same model as well-known resale chains like Plato’s Closet or Once Upon a Child—but for all things athletic. That means if you’ve got gently-used equipment, they’ll take a look at it and offer you cash or credit on the spot. It’s especially handy for parents whose kids are outgrowing gear season after season, or anyone getting into a new sport who doesn’t want to overspend from day one.
Right now, the East Ridge store is focused on buying inventory to prepare for their late summer launch. Whether it’s baseball gloves, soccer cleats, yoga mats, weights, lacrosse sticks, bikes, or a lightly-used treadmill, chances are they’ll be interested—if it’s in good shape and has some life left in it.
When the store opens, it’ll be a go-to destination for affordable gear and equipment across dozens of sports and fitness categories. The setup will be clean and organized, and the atmosphere is welcoming and helpful—especially since it’s owned by a local couple who are clearly excited about serving the Chattanooga sports community.
What to Know Before You Go
Location:
1467 N Mack Smith Rd, East Ridge, TN 37412
Grand Opening:
Planned for August. Follow @playitagainsportseastridgetn for the exact date, or check back with @webbchatts for updates.
Hours:
Not officially posted yet
Parking:
Free lot available on-site with easy access off Mack Smith Rd
Selling Gear:
Right now, they’re focused on buying so the store is stocked before opening. Bring in clean, gently-used gear to be evaluated for cash payment. After opening, you’ll also be able to choose store credit if you prefer.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Going Beyond the Obvious: While most people think of gear like bats and helmets, don’t overlook things like weights, benches, resistance bands, punching bags, and camping equipment—these items are often accepted, too.
- Great for Growing Kids: With kids cycling through sports or outgrowing gear quickly, this will be a budget-friendly spot to swap out essentials each season.
- Keep an Eye Out for Events: Many Play It Again Sports locations around the country host trade-in events, clearance sales, and themed weekends. Once the East Ridge store is up and running, it might offer similar events.
- Near Other Errands: The location near Exit 1 in East Ridge makes it convenient to swing by after grocery shopping or a trip to Bass Pro Shops or Camp Jordan Park. You can make a full afternoon of it.
Final Thoughts
Play It Again Sports in East Ridge is shaping up to be a seriously useful addition to the Chattanooga area—especially for anyone involved in sports or fitness. Whether you’re decluttering the garage, replacing your child's outgrown cleats, or looking for a cost-effective way to pick up a new hobby, this locally-owned franchise will be a smart first stop. Plus, it’s always nice to support local entrepreneurs who are investing back into the community.
Families, recreational athletes, high school sports teams, and weekend warriors—this one’s for you.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
This Family-Owned Mexican Spot in Pikeville Might Have the Best Birria in Tennessee and It’s Just 45 Minutes from Chattanooga
Where to Find Some of the Best Birria in Tennessee: Hernandez Mexican Food in Pikeville
If you're up for a bit of a drive and a whole lot of flavor, Hernandez Mexican Food is a must-visit stop tucked away in Pikeville, TN—about 45 minutes from Chattanooga. This family-owned gem has developed a loyal following thanks to its bold, authentic flavors, generous portions, and an unexpectedly charming setting in a small mountain town. Whether you're searching for true birria tacos, flavorful al pastor, or some of the best fruit juices around, this spot is worth putting on your food radar.
The Experience
From the moment you walk up to Hernandez Mexican Food, the vibes are casual and welcoming. The stand-alone building is simple and unassuming, but don’t let that fool you. Inside, the kitchen is turning out some seriously flavorful dishes rooted in Mexican tradition, with a personal twist that comes from real attention to ingredients.
Birria tacos are the star of the show—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and served with a rich, savory consommé for dipping. Say yes to the combo plate or taco trio if you’re hungry—you’ll want more than just one. If you're not into birria (though you might become a convert), the al pastor tacos are a zesty, well-balanced alternative. For something comfort-food level indulgent, go for the BBQ carnitas fries—think loaded fries but with a smoky, tangy twist, piled high with melted cheese and seasoned pork.
What makes Hernandez really special is the use of local ingredients. It’s not just comforting food—it’s fresh and thoughtfully prepared. There's also a solid breakfast menu, with options like chilaquiles and breakfast burritos served from 8 a.m., perfect if you’re heading out for an early hike at nearby Fall Creek Falls and want to fuel up.
What to Know Before You Go
Location:
Hernandez Mexican Food is located at 48288 TN-30, Pikeville, TN 37367. It’s an easy drive from Chattanooga with scenic views along the way.
Hours:
They’re open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Note: They’re right on the edge of the time zone line but operate on Eastern Time—something to keep in mind if you’re cutting it close on arrival.
Seating:
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and while it’s casual, there’s usually a steady stream of locals and out-of-towners stopping in for a meal.
Parking:
There’s a small parking lot in front, and street-side shoulder parking nearby if it’s full.
Pricing:
Very reasonable for the quality and quantity you're getting. Most tacos range around $3–4 each, with combo plates and bigger items priced accordingly.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
Right behind the restaurant is Ciscos Fruteria, a fruit-focused dessert stand that’s perfect for rounding out your visit. They serve real fruit smoothies and colorful “antojitos” like fresas con crema (Mexican strawberries and cream) and mangonadas. It’s an easy one-two punch for a summery food crawl, and especially good on a warm day.
If you’re already making the trip out, consider pairing your meal with a visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park—it’s only about 30 minutes away and makes for a great full-day outing. Combine waterfall hikes, swimming spots, and lunch or dinner at Hernandez for the ultimate Chattanooga-area adventure.
Final Thoughts
Hernandez Mexican Food is one of those rare finds that feels like a local secret but delivers destination-worthy flavor. Whether you're hunting down the best birria in Tennessee or just want a new spot to shake up your weekend food plans, this place is a solid bet. Friendly, fast service, bold flavors, and a tinge of small-town charm make it a spot that hits all the right notes.
Families, couples, food lovers, and Fall Creek Falls visitors—this one's a great fit for all of you.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!