Panda Express Opens Near Camp Jordan!

Insider Tours at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga- Behind the Tank Magic

If you've ever wished you could explore the Tennessee Aquarium before the crowds come in—and maybe even catch the animals during their morning routines—this one’s for you. The “Insider Tours,” part of the Aquarium’s Deeper Dives series, offer a one-of-a-kind way to see Chattanooga’s most popular attraction from a whole new perspective.

Whether you're a local looking for a fresh experience or hosting out-of-town guests, this tour turns a beloved destination into something more meaningful. Expect quiet, early morning access, an up-close look at animal care, and some incredible stories from expert educators who clearly love what they do.

The Experience

The Insider Tours take place in the peaceful hours before the aquarium opens to the public. This makes a big difference—not just in the number of people around, but in the overall vibe. When you’re walking through the exhibits with just a handful of guests and a knowledgeable guide, there's time to slow down, ask questions, and really observe the animals.

Your 1.5-hour tour covers both River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, hitting key tanks and exhibits with a behind-the-scenes twist. Ever wondered how the Aquarium cares for thousands of species daily? You’ll get a glimpse into the animal kitchens, life support systems, and more. Petting stingrays, spotting sleepy river otters, and watching penguins get their breakfast are just a few of the memorable moments you might encounter.

One of the most rewarding parts of the Insider Tour is the Aquarium Educator leading your group. These folks are passionate about conservation and incredibly knowledgeable about the animals in their care. They make the tour informative without it ever feeling like a lecture.

What to Know Before You Go

Availability: Insider Tours are offered Thursday through Sunday mornings. Tours begin before regular operating hours, so plan for an early arrival.

Cost: $50 per person ($45 for Aquarium members). This is in addition to general admission, so you’ll need a regular ticket or membership as well.

Booking: Advance reservations are required. You can book directly through the Tennessee Aquarium website’s Deeper Dives section.

Age Requirement: Guests must be at least 8 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Group Size: Tours are limited to just 8 participants, so you’ll want to reserve your spot well in advance—especially during busier seasons. A minimum of 2 guests is required for tours to run.

Parking: The Aquarium offers parking through nearby garages and lots. The Republic Parking garage on Riverfront Parkway is the closest and most convenient. Shayna: Add your own tip about parking availability or validated options if applicable.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Perfect Morning Pairing: After your tour, you’ll probably be ready for a good breakfast. Check out Bluegrass Grill (a local favorite for hearty morning meals) or Rembrandt’s Coffee House in Bluff View if you're craving pastries and espresso in a cozy garden setting.

- Make It a Day Trip: Since you're starting early, you’ve got the whole day ahead. Walk along the Tennessee Riverwalk, pop into the Hunter Museum of American Art, or spend time exploring Coolidge Park just across the Walnut Street Bridge.

- Great for Locals Too: If you’ve been to the Aquarium before and think you’ve seen it all, this tour adds a whole new layer. It’s especially fun with visiting family or curious kids who ask a lot of questions—because here, you’ll have someone to answer them.

- Holiday or Special Treat: This would make a thoughtful gift for a nature lover or a memorable birthday outing for a grade-school-aged kid. It's also a creative date idea for couples who want something beyond the standard dinner-and-a-movie.

Final Thoughts

The Tennessee Aquarium’s Insider Tour is a thoughtful, enriching way to engage with one of Chattanooga’s treasures. With early-morning access, small group sizes, and passionate guides, it feels like a VIP peek into daily life at the aquarium. Whether you’re seeing the river tank from above or watching jellyfish slowly pulse in quiet solitude, there’s something extra special about experiencing it all without the usual crowd.

This is a great experience for families with older kids, travelers looking for something off the beaten path, or locals who always meant to dig a little deeper into their own city.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

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!

Why Living in Chattanooga is Anything But Boring

You’ve probably heard someone say it before—“There’s nothing to do in Chattanooga.” But if you’ve spent even a weekend here, you know how far off that is. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local art, great food, or just exploring neighborhoods with charm, Chattanooga brings something for everyone. I’ve lived here for years, and I still find new places to love. So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut or visiting for the first time, here’s your friendly reminder: there's way more going on than you think.

The Experience:
Chattanooga is the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything—but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Downtown along the riverfront, you’ll find walkable streets lined with restaurants, galleries, and coffee shops. The Bluff View Art District has cobblestone paths, public sculptures, and one of the best views in town. Grab a coffee from Rembrandt’s and stroll over to the Hunter Museum or just take a seat and people-watch.

For outdoor lovers, there’s no shortage of options. Lookout Mountain offers hiking trails just minutes from downtown—Sunset Rock and Point Park are two favorites, especially in the fall. Prefer water? Rent kayaks or paddleboards from L2 Outside and float right through the Tennessee River. And don't sleep on sunrise walks at Stringers Ridge—the city views from the observation deck are always worth the early wake-up.

It’s not just nature, either. We’ve got a great local music scene with venues like The Signal and Barking Legs Theater. The Chattanooga Market at First Horizon Pavilion is packed with food, handmade goods, and live performances every Sunday from spring to late fall. Whether you’re hanging out on a casual afternoon or planning a bigger weekend adventure, there’s always something buzzing.

What to Know Before You Go:
Here are a few basics for planning your visit or staycation:

- Parking downtown is fairly straightforward. The Republic app makes it easy to pay for spots. On weekends, some garages are free after a certain hour—Shayna: Add local garage recs here.
- The Chattanooga Market is open Sundays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., from April through November, located at the First Horizon Pavilion (1826 Reggie White Blvd).
- L2 Outside offers paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals with hourly and full-day pricing—reservations recommended on weekends.
- The Bluff View Art District is open year-round and free to explore; individual business hours vary.
- Local music and event tickets can be found on venues’ individual websites or through Eventbrite.

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Extra Tips or Bonuses:
- If you’re planning a weekend in the city, consider staying at The Edwin Hotel—it’s walking distance to the Walnut Street Bridge and has a spa and rooftop bar with river views.
- For serious food lovers, plan your Saturday night around reservations at Easy Bistro or Alleia—Shayna: Insert another local favorite here!
- Into history? Check out the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and walk over to the North Shore neighborhood. There’s good shopping, a cozy park, and spots like Clumpies Ice Cream for a quick treat.
- Local festivals like Nightfall, Riverbend, and Moon River keep the calendar full—Shayna: Add upcoming confirmed events and links here.

Final Thoughts:
No matter your vibe—outdoorsy, artsy, foodie, or just someone looking for a good way to spend the day—Chattanooga makes it easy. The city has a way of blending energy and ease that keeps locals exploring and visitors coming back. So next time someone hits you with the “there’s nothing to do” line, you’ve got a whole list ready to go.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!