Together Cafe: One of Chattanooga’s Best Kept Coffee Shop Secrets

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!

Stay in Chattanooga’s Very Own Barbie Dreamhouse Airbnb

If you’ve ever daydreamed about living in your own Barbie Dreamhouse—think plush pink décor, matching robes, and picture-perfect spaces—the Barbie House Chattanooga might be exactly the getaway you didn’t know you needed. Tucked just minutes from downtown, this three-story Airbnb is a themed girls’ weekend paradise and one of the most memorable stays you’ll find in the Scenic City. Whether you're planning a bachelorette party, mother-daughter weekend, or just looking to treat your group to something unforgettable, this place delivers charm, fun, and plenty of glam in every room.

The Experience

Walking into the Barbie House Chattanooga feels like being transported into every Instagram fantasy you've ever scrolled past—but this time, it’s real. The entire home is thoughtfully designed around a Barbie aesthetic, with bold color palettes, retro-chic furniture, and just the right amount of sparkle. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.

There are multiple themed bedrooms, a full kitchen with—you guessed it—a pink fridge, glamorous vanity spots perfect for getting ready before a night out, and whimsical details in nearly every corner. The house comfortably sleeps 10 guests, and every bathroom comes stocked with robes and slippers for that full pampered vibe.

The standout feature for many? The massive 10-person hot tub, which makes a perfect spot to unwind after dinner or kick off a celebratory toast with the crew. Add in tons of photo-ready backdrops and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed hit for girls’ weekends, birthday celebrations, or bachelorette parties.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: The Barbie House is located in Chattanooga, less than 5 minutes from Station Street—a local nightlife favorite known for spots like Westbound, Reagan’s Bar, STIR, and Boneyard.

Booking: The house is listed on Airbnb under @ksbarbiedreams. Pricing varies by season and dates but typically ranges from $400 to $600 per night. For a group of 10, that breaks down to approximately $40–60 per person per night—pretty reasonable considering the amenities and location.

Capacity: Sleeps up to 10 people

Amenities include:
- 10-person hot tub
- Themed bedrooms and décor
- Full kitchen with pink appliances
- Robes and slippers in each bathroom
- Vanity areas for getting ready
- Private parking

You can find more photos, booking info, and updates on their Instagram at @barbiehousechatt.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Since it’s so close to downtown, you won’t need to drive far for fun. Station Street is packed with nightlife, and you’re just a short Uber ride from the North Shore, Southside, and downtown attractions.
- If you’re planning a special occasion like a bachelorette, consider pre-ordering balloons, décor, or meals—some local vendors offer themed packages that can be delivered to the house ahead of your stay.
- Bring a camera or make sure your phone has space—there are tons of Instagrammable moments in every room, and your group will probably want a full photo shoot.
- Split the stay with friends to stretch your budget. With 10 people, it’s one of the most cost-effective (and fun) group Airbnb stays in town.

Final Thoughts

The Barbie House in Chattanooga isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s part of the experience. With thoughtfully curated spaces and so many fun details, it invites you to embrace the theme and enjoy a playful but still comfortable stay. Guests rave about the responsive host, clean spaces, and overall vibe. If you’re the type who loves themed experiences, close-knit weekends with friends, or simply want something unique for your next group gathering, this Airbnb is a hidden gem.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

My Go-To Walking/Running Spot: The Tennessee Riverwalk!

If you're looking for a simple way to reset your brain, get your steps in, or enjoy the fresh air without leaving town, the Tennessee Riverwalk is one of the best places in Chattanooga to do it. Whether you're logging miles on a morning run, going for a weekend stroll with your dog, or just needing a break from screen time, this 13-mile greenway offers some of the prettiest and most peaceful river views in the city. It’s one of those spots locals return to again and again — not just for the beauty, but for how easy and accessible it is. Especially right now with the Walnut Street Bridge closed, the Riverwalk is a great place to walk for Chattanooga views!

The Experience

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a paved, multi-use trail that stretches roughly 13 miles along the Tennessee River, connecting downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. As you move along the path, you’ll pass through a mix of parks, boardwalks over the water, marshy wildlife viewing areas, quiet neighborhoods, and bustling parts of town like the Bluff View Art District and the Riverfront.

You’ll see joggers and cyclists, people walking their dogs, families riding bikes together, and folks just quietly enjoying a walk by the water. The trail is very well maintained, with restrooms, water fountains, and signage throughout — each half mile is marked so you can keep track of your distance.

One of our favorite stretches is the section near 2101 Amnicola Hwy. This part of the trail includes wide, open views of the river, plenty of shade from the trees, and close proximity to spots like the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and the Tennessee Riverpark, which has picnic areas and parking. It’s a good entry point if you're driving in, and usually less crowded than the downtown sections.

What to Know Before You Go

Trail Length: About 13 miles one way
Accessible From: Chickamauga Dam (north end) to Ross’s Landing downtown (south end)
Trail Type: Paved, flat, mostly shaded in parts
Parking: Dozens of access points with parking lots. Popular spots include:
- 2101 Amnicola Hwy (my go-to spot! Though it is a little hard to turn left out of if you're going during peak traffic hours)
- TN Riverpark (4301 Amnicola Hwy)
- Ross’s Landing (201 Riverfront Pkwy)
- Battery Place near Bluff View Art District
Pet Friendly: Yes — there are dog waste stations and trash cans throughout
Restrooms: Available at various trailheads and park areas
Accessibility: The trail is accessible for wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Free

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- If you want to pair your walk with a bite to eat, stop at the nearby Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar (just off Amnicola Highway) for riverfront dining. Or, head downtown for coffee from Rembrandt’s and stroll the art-lined part of the trail near the Bluff View Art District.
- Into biking? You can rent bikes or e-bikes downtown via Bike Chattanooga stations and hop right onto the trail.
- This is a great place for a beginner-friendly run or training walk — the wide, flat path makes it a favorite for local running groups.
- Looking for a pretty spot for photos? The boardwalks over the water (especially near the Walnut Street Bridge and at Blue Goose Hollow) are especially scenic.
- During spring and early fall, this trail is perfect for a sun-soaked walk without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re local or just visiting for the weekend, the Tennessee Riverwalk is one of those places that makes you appreciate how much green space Chattanooga offers without needing to drive out of town. It’s peaceful, well-kept, and flexible for however you want to enjoy it — a long solo run, a quiet morning walk, a bike ride with friends, or a sunset view with your dog.

If you’re from out of town, it’s an easy way to explore some of Chattanooga’s most scenic neighborhoods and riverfront areas. And if you’re local, you probably already know it’s a go-to spot for decompressing at the end of the day.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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