Why Whitewater Rafting the Full Ocoee River Needs to Be on Your Summer Adventure List in East Tennessee

Why The Farmstead by GreenTech Homes Is One of Chattanooga’s Most Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

If you’re looking around Chattanooga for the kind of neighborhood that feels like one big front porch—where kids ride bikes in the street, neighbors actually know each other’s names, and the homes look plucked from a small-town dream—you’ll want to take a drive through The Farmstead by GreenTech Homes in Hixson.

Whether you’re house-hunting or just a scenic-neighborhood-appreciator, this community stands out for its thoughtful planning, strong local roots, and future-forward amenities. Even better? It’s built by a Chattanooga-based company that’s focused on quality craftsmanship and community building—not just breaking ground and moving on.

The Experience

Located off Dallas Hollow Road in Hixson, The Farmstead feels like the kind of place where time slows down just a bit. Even during a short visit, you’ll likely spot neighbors chatting across yards, kids walking to play with friends, and house exteriors that look like something out of Magnolia Journal meets Americana.

GreenTech Homes, the local builder behind the project, brings a fresh take on neighborhood design. The architecture leans modern farmhouse, with lots of board-and-batten details, large porches, and cozy curb appeal. And while it looks timeless, the guts of these homes are very much up to today’s standards—energy efficient, smart layouts, and customizable depending on your lifestyle.

The community’s vision isn’t just about homes—it’s about what surrounds them. Some of the amenities still in progress (as of this writing) include:

- Neighborhood pool and pickleball courts
- Clubhouse with a dedicated yoga lawn
- Bicycle pump track for the kids (and sporty adults)
- A disc golf course
- Community garden
- Tree-lined walking trails

The vibe is welcoming and intentional, with an emphasis on creating real connections between families, not just building houses next to each other. And since the model homes are open for tours, you don’t have to guess what kind of quality and features GreenTech offers—you can see it for yourself.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
The Farmstead is located in Hixson, TN, just a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. You can find the entrance near Dallas Hollow Road.

Tours:
Model homes are open for scheduled tours. You can visit GreenTech Homes’ website to book a time and get an idea of available floor plans, pricing, and current homesites.

Website: https://www.greentechhomes.com/
Phone: (423) 954-7561

Hours:
Model home tours and sales appointments are available most days of the week, but it’s best to call or schedule online to make sure someone is available.

Pricing:
GreenTech works with a range of budgets depending on home size and customization. See website above.

Parking:
On-street parking is available during visits, and there are small designated spots near the model homes for prospective buyers. Shayna: Add your own tip about parking and ease of access for tours

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Can’t make it to Hixson? GreenTech has neighborhood developments across Chattanooga, including Northshore, East Brainerd, Southside, Ooltewah, and more—each with its own atmosphere and amenities.
- If you’re just driving through, nearby favorites in Hixson for a casual lunch or coffee include Nash Burgers, The Coffee Craze, and Little Tokyo Express.
- Considering a move but not ready to build? GreenTech sometimes has move-in ready homes available, or you can tour a few to get inspired for your next chapter.
- Interested in design? Pay attention to the interior finishes on the model homes. They really have an eye for details like natural light, high-quality flooring, and well-planned kitchens.

Final Thoughts

At a time when many new developments feel a bit generic or overly planned, The Farmstead has the charm of a neighborhood built with real intention. It’s the kind of place where families grow, dogs have room to roam, and neighbors actually chat over the fence.

Perfect for young families looking to settle down, couples hoping to stay within a strong community feel, or even locals ready to build their dream home in a familiar place—The Farmstead checks a lot of boxes.


For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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!

Chattanooga has a brand new kind of veterinary clinic, and it’s one that’s rethinking the entire experience for both pets and their parents. Vetopia Animal Health, located in Hixson, was designed with a clear vision: to create a true “utopia” for animals, owners, and the veterinary staff who care for them.

“Vetopia is this idea of a utopia for pets, people, and the people that work in the veterinary industry,” explains Dr. Bello, who co-founded the clinic with her husband Jerren.

From the beginning, the goal wasn’t just to build another vet office.

“It was always my dream to have a place where people could bring their pets and we could give them the care they deserve," said Bello. And what better city than Chattanooga to do it?”

A New Approach to Veterinary Care

One of the biggest ways Vetopia sets itself apart is by focusing on collaboration and transparency.

“Our biggest differentiator is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible,” says Dr. Bello. “I talk them through what I’m seeing step by step, so they’re a part of it.”

This approach extends beyond the exam table.

“We wanted to create a space where it was calming. Animals felt secure. People felt like they had the space to feel whatever emotions they wanted to feel.”

Better Pet Care Through Better People Care

The clinic’s motto, “better pet care through better people care,” speaks to the heart of its mission.

“Better pet care through better people care means we can’t forget pets come with people- and if we don’t care for those people, we’re not doing them a service.”

That focus on people extends to Vetopia’s staff as well.

“I really wanted to create a place where people came to work and they absolutely loved what they did and they left feeling like they accomplished something great every day.”

When I visited the vet for the first time with Mailbox (my dog), I truly saw this mission played out. The employees love their job, I as a pet parent felt very cared for, and Mailbox honestly loves his visits to the vet!

The Experience for Pet Parents

From the moment Mailbox and I walked through Vetopia’s doors, I could tell this wasn’t going to feel like a typical vet visit (and I've been to many vets in Chattanooga!) I was greeted, offered complimentary coffee (and it was actually FIRE coffee- I really liked it as someone who's not in to a lot of coffee!), and was taken back to a themed waiting room.

Each exam room has its own unique destination-inspired theme, which immediately gave us a sense of calm. During Mailbox’s check-up, I noticed how different the process felt compared to other clinics. I was actually taken to the back and got a behind-the-scenes look at what Vets do! 

"I think our biggest differentiators is we try to involve the pet owner as much as possible," Dr. Bello told me. "So I know a lot of people are like, 'oh, they took my dog to the back...' and nothing bad happens to your pet in the back, I promise, but I understand like as I've gotten older, and I have a kid, that there is this kind of 'mysteriousness' about what's going on back there, and why is it taking so long. And so the idea with Vetopia was, why don't we just have the owner be present for the appointment as much as possible? Not only so that they feel more comfortable and their pets feel more comfortable, but I think it's really important for people to see what we do behind the scenes, because I think that it gives more value to what we as an industry provide."

It was neat seeing firsthand the team caring for my sweet fur baby. And rather than rushing through, Dr. Bello carefully walked me through everything she was seeing. That level of transparency made me feel empowered and connected- like I was truly part of Mailbox’s care.

Vetopia has also invested in technology to make that collaboration seamless. Screens and tablets in the exam rooms allow pet parents to see diagnostics in real time.

And honestly? The vibe is just different. With cozy touches, a coffee machine, and music playing softly in the background, it feels nothing like a sterile, intimidating clinic.

“We want it to feel like you’re not at a hospital, but you’re just hanging out in your living room… It’s a really relaxed, upbeat vibe. Most of the time we have good tunes going on, so it’s just like a fun feel.”

Mailbox certainly picked up on that- instead of being anxious like he has been at other clinics, he wagged his way through the visit. It truly felt like a place designed for both pets and their people to feel comfortable.

Family-Owned, Not Corporate

At a time when many veterinary clinics are being bought by large corporations, Vetopia is proudly family-owned.

“Family owned was really important to us… a lot of hospitals are being bought by corporate entities, and people feel like they’re losing that family feel. We wanted this to be the opposite.”

Dr. Bello says building Vetopia with her husband has made the journey even more meaningful.

“At the end of it, being able to step back and the two of us know that we did this together- it just makes it that much sweeter.”

A Vision for the Future

Vetopia isn’t just focused on one clinic- it’s about becoming part of the community.

“My bigger vision for Vetopia is to be super involved in the community- community outreach, helping the pets of Chattanooga. One day maybe opening another location, but the goal is to support Chattanooga and the pets as much as we can.”

Vetopia Info:
address: 1043 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Hixson, TN 37343

Contact: (423) 644-2125, info@vetopia.vet

Website: https://www.vetopia.vet/

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: Closed

TLDR?

Dr. Bello sums it up best:

“The one thing I’d want Chattanooga to know about Vetopia is that we care as much about them as we do their pets. We want this to be a collaborative experience.”

With its people-first philosophy, calming environment, and family-owned approach, Vetopia is ready to become a true second home for Chattanooga’s pets and their parents.

‍

To watch some of my interview with Dr. Bello and hear more about Mailbox's and my experience, check out my Instagram reel on @webbchatts!

‍