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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!

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!

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!