Panda Express Opens Near Camp Jordan!

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!

Cesario’s Pizzeria: A Family-Rooted Pizza Spot Just Minutes From Downtown Chattanooga

If you're willing to venture just 10 minutes south of downtown Chattanooga, you'll find Cesario’s Pizzeria- a welcoming neighborhood pizza joint with a strong family story and handcrafted menu that makes the drive across the Georgia border totally worth it. This spot blends traditional Italian family recipes with a modern twist, resulting in a menu that feels both comforting and new. Whether you're going for a laid-back lunch on the patio or a casual weeknight dinner, Cesario’s delivers in flavor, value, and charm.

The Experience

Cesario’s Pizzeria is located in Rossville, Georgia — just across the state line in Walker County. It’s a cozy, friendly space with indoor seating and a patio perfect for mild evenings. From the jump, you can tell this is a family-run business that puts care into everything they do. The décor is simple and inviting, keeping the focus on the food and the community feel.

The menu reflects generations of Italian-American cooking. The owners’ grandparents immigrated from Italy, and it shows — especially in dishes like the meatballs, which come from their great-grandmother’s original recipe. They're tender, flavorful, and simmered in a tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been perfected over time.

Pizza is the heart of the kitchen here, and Cesario’s has carved out their own unique style. One standout feature is their use of a "poolish" pre-ferment for the dough — a traditional technique that adds depth of flavor and a light, crisp texture to the crust. It makes their pies something special.

A fan favorite is the ability to do a half-and-half red sauce pizza — perfect for trying more of the menu in one go. The Forbidden Fruit (prosciutto, fig jam, gorgonzola) and La Dolce Vita (Italian sausage, sweet peppers, caramelized onion, and ricotta) combination is a strong recommendation from locals and first-timers alike.

If you’re stopping by for lunch, try their weekday special: a half Italian sandwich and tortellini salad for just $8. It’s a filling, tasty option if you're short on time but still want a solid meal.

They also have a small bar area with wine and rotating happy hour deals, plus classic soft-serve ice cream to round out the meal.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: 1103 McFarland Avenue, Rossville, GA 30741  
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: About 10 minutes by car  
Hours:  
Monday–Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM  
Friday: 11 AM–9 PM  
Saturday: 12 PM–9 PM  
Closed Sundays  
Parking: Free parking lot available on-site  
Pricing: Affordable – most pizzas range from $13–$20, and portion sizes are generous  
Website: cesarios.pizza  


Extra Tips or Bonuses

- If the weather’s good, grab a table on the patio — it has a relaxed, local vibe that’s perfect for unwinding.
- Save room for dessert. Their soft-serve ice cream is simple but nostalgic and hits the spot after pizza.
- If you’re making the trip, check out other spots around Walker County. You're close to historic downtown Chickamauga, hiking at Lookout Mountain Battlefield, and other hidden gems in the area!

Final Thoughts

Cesario’s Pizzeria is a great example of a destination that feels like a local secret but is welcoming to everyone. Whether you're a pizza purist, a fan of family-run businesses, or just someone looking for a tasty, low-key meal outside the usual Chattanooga circuit, this spot should be on your list. It’s casual enough for a weekday lunch and charming enough to make it a weekend night stop — especially if you're already exploring northwest Georgia.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

What to Expect at Pure Barre Northshore — Chattanooga’s Low-Impact, High-Intensity Workout That Delivers Results

If you’ve ever brushed off barre as just a trendy workout with cute socks, Pure Barre Northshore might completely change your mind. This Northshore studio is a go-to for locals who want a workout that’s deceptively tough, wildly effective, and surprisingly welcoming — whether you’re a lifelong dancer or someone who just finished their first class clinging to the barre for dear life. After just a few sessions, you’ll start to feel stronger, more balanced, and probably a little sore (in the best way). I recently wrapped up their March Challenge and can honestly say I’m seeing big changes in both my strength and confidence.

The Experience:
Walking into Pure Barre Northshore feels like stepping into a boutique workout space that’s both polished and inviting. Tucked along Manufacturers Road, the studio is surrounded by some of Chattanooga’s favorites — and once you’re inside, the energy is equal parts focused and supportive.

Pure Barre offers four different class formats to mix up your workout week:

1. Classic – their signature class that zeroes in on small movements for max muscle burn
2. Empower – cardio-forward and fast-paced, using ankle weights and sometimes bands or a step platform
3. Define – incorporates heavier weights (8-20 lbs) (My favorite of the classes!)
4. Align – a slower-paced, flexibility class that helps you focus! (I still think there are many challenging parts to Align although many call it the easiest!)

Each class is grounded in low-impact, high-intensity movement. Expect to pulse, tuck, and hold in positions that will shake your muscles, and fire up muscles you forgot existed!! The instructors are upbeat, encouraging, and great at offering modifications — so whether you’re new or more experienced, you can adjust the class to your comfort level.

Another standout: the intentional focus on form. Instructors take time to cue alignment and help you get the most out of each move (don’t worry, no one’s judging if you’re taking constant breaks — we’ve all been there and I am still taking breaks constantly).

What to Know Before You Go:

Location:
Pure Barre Northshore  
214 Manufacturers Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405  
(Located near Whole Foods area of Northshore)

Class Schedule:
Classes are offered throughout the day — early mornings, mid-day, and evenings — so it’s easy to fit one in whether you're squeezing in before work or winding down after.

Hours may vary depending on day and class volume. Check the current schedule and sign up online via the Pure Barre app or their website:  
https://www.purebarre.com/location/chattanooga-north-shore-tn

Drop-In & Membership Options:
Pure Barre offers class packs, monthly unlimited memberships, and intro offers for new clients (first class is free!).


Parking:
Free parking available in the shared lot across the street or nearby around the Whole Foods area. Plan to arrive 15ish minutes before class starts because parking can sometimes be a nightmare during busy hours!

What to Bring:
Grip socks are required for class — you can bring your own or buy a pair at the studio. A water bottle is also a good idea. Everything else (weights, bands, mats) is provided.

Extra Tips or Bonuses:
Looking for a post-workout spot to refuel? Whole Foods is nearby! I often go over after class and pick up a smoothie or snack! 

Holiday and seasonal challenges, like the March Challenge, are a great way to stay motivated. They often involve attending a certain number of classes in a month with fun prizes and community shoutouts at the finish line — perfect if you like that extra accountability.

If you’re not sure about jumping right in, try the "Engage" class — it’s specifically designed for first-timers and walks you through each movement at a slower pace.

Final Thoughts:
Pure Barre Northshore blends a powerful workout with a supportive community that makes you want to come back — even when your thighs are still sore from the last class. The format is structured enough to challenge regulars and flexible enough to welcome total beginners. If you’re looking for a workout that builds strength, improves posture, and gets results without being high-impact on your joints, it’s definitely one to try.

Whether you're a fitness regular, coming back after a break, or just exploring something new, you’ll probably be surprised by how effective and addicting it can feel.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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