Zaya Steakhouse: Chattanooga’s Ultimate Fine Dining Experience

Where to Brunch in Chattanooga: Niedlov’s on Main

If you're looking for a go-to spot in Chattanooga for brunch, coffee, or a laid-back bite with friends, Niedlov’s Breadworks is a name that comes up time and time again—and for good reason. Known for its artisan bread, cozy atmosphere, and fresh, thoughtfully-prepared menu, Niedlov’s strikes that perfect balance between casual and quality. Whether you're a visiting foodie or a local who hasn't explored much beyond the basics, this Main Street staple is well worth a visit.

The Experience

Niedlov’s is located in Chattanooga’s Southside historic district, right on E Main Street, and brings a warm community feel with an always-buzzing vibe. This isn’t a grab-and-go coffee shop (though you can do that too)—you’ll want to stay awhile. With natural light pouring through large windows, exposed brick, and the comforting smell of fresh-baked bread, it’s a place designed for lingering over a pastry or catching up with a friend over brunch.

Known primarily for their bread—baked daily using traditional European methods—Niedlov’s has also built a reputation for seasonal specials and solid breakfast + lunch offerings. Their Avocado Toast is a long-time favorite, served with a soft-boiled egg on rye and topped with pickled onions and a house-made seed mix. Other standouts include their breakfast sandwich featuring house focaccia and the roasted chicken salad sandwich.

And don’t skip over the pizza. If you’ve only been in the morning, Niedlov’s has extended hours on Fridays for their Pizza Night menu, which features naturally fermented crusts and creative toppings. It’s a relaxed, BYOB kind of vibe—perfect for ending the week with a low-key dinner on the Southside.

What to Know Before You Go

Address:
215 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 7 AM–6 PM
Friday: 7 AM–9 PM (Pizza Night starts in the evening)
Saturday: 7 AM–4 PM
Sunday: Closed

Parking:
There’s limited street parking along E Main, plus additional spots behind the building and in nearby public lots. It’s also walkable from other Southside spots, so it pairs easily with a market visit or stroll through Sculpture Fields.

Website:
https://www.niedlovs.com/

Menu and Ordering:
They do take online orders, which is great if you’re in a hurry. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, but Saturdays usually fill up fast—expect a short wait during brunch hours.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Pizza Fridays are BYOB and run until 9 PM. Grab a bottle of wine or some local beer to enjoy with your meal!
- Interested in sourdough baking? Niedlov’s occasionally offers workshops and classes—sign up for their email list to stay in the loop.
- The pastries rotate often, so keep an eye out for limited-run favorites like the Kouign-Amann or cardamom buns.
- Nearby stroll: After brunch, walk a few blocks to the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park or swing over to Velo Coffee for a bag of beans to take home.

Final Thoughts

Niedlov’s is the kind of place you end up recommending to people again and again. It’s consistent, welcoming, and local to its core—just one of those spots that makes Chattanooga feel like home. Great for travelers starting their Southside exploration with a hearty breakfast, or locals catching up over coffee and toast. If you haven’t been yet, now’s the time to see what all the quiet hype is about.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
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Whitewater Rafting the Full Ocoee River with Outland Expeditions

If you're anywhere near East Tennessee this summer- whether you're local to the Chattanooga area or road-tripping in from Nashville or Atlanta- whitewater rafting the Ocoee River should seriously be on your list. It's high-energy, wildly scenic, and a perfect excuse to get your crew together for the kind of outdoor adventure you’ll all be talking about for years.

We recently rafted the full Ocoee (including the Olympic section!) with Outland Expeditions, and it was easily one of the most fun things we’ve done this season. Adrenaline rushes, mountain views, refreshing swim breaks, and a surprisingly good riverside BBQ lunch—there honestly wasn’t a single part of the day we didn’t enjoy.

The Experience

Outland Expeditions has been family-owned and operating since 1981, which shows in how smoothly everything runs and how friendly the staff is. From the moment you arrive at their Benton outpost, you’re greeted by guides who clearly love what they do.

The full Ocoee River trip is a 10-mile guided run that includes both the Upper and Middle sections of the river. The Upper features the Olympic whitewater course used in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games- yes, it's the real deal. Expect Class III and IV rapids that keep things thrilling but totally doable for first-timers willing to paddle a bit. It's intense in the best way, with enough breaks for swimming and catching your breath between the splashes.

Our guide, Kyle- who’s been leading trips for 13 years- was a total pro and made sure we felt safe and had a blast the entire time. Every boat gets its own guide, so don’t worry about having to figure it all out on your own.

Midway through the full trip, you break for lunch, and we were honestly impressed. Blue Hole BBQ caters the meal, and it hits the spot after a few hours on the river. Pulled pork, sides, and lemonade/sweet tea helped recharge us for the second leg of the trip.

The atmosphere overall? Laid-back, high-energy, and welcoming, whether you're showing up with a group of teens, your adventurous partner, a bachelorette trip (what we did!) or your college buddy crew reuniting for a weekend.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: Outland Expeditions is located in Benton, TN- about 40 minutes northeast of Chattanooga. It’s a pretty drive along the Ocoee Scenic Byway.

Trip Options:
- Middle Section: 5 miles, $35–$46 (a great place to start if you’re new to rafting)
- Upper Olympic Section: 5 miles, $50–$58
- Full Ocoee Combo Trip (Upper + Middle): 10 miles + BBQ lunch, $81–$95

All trips include a guide and necessary gear (helmet, paddle, and life jacket). You’ll need to bring a swimsuit, secure footwear (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes for afterward.

Group Discounts: Extra savings kick in for groups of 11 or more. A great reason to plan that big reunion or team outing.

Booking: Reserve online at www.outlandexpeditions.com and use the code “WEBBCHATTS” for 10% off.

Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 12 years old to raft the Ocoee.

Season: Trips run Memorial Day through mid-October on weekends, with expanded weekday availability in summer.

Parking: Free and available on-site.

Extra Tips or Bonuses

- Outland has budget-friendly group cabins that sleep up to 150 people. Ideal if you’re planning a big family reunion, youth group trip, or bachelor(ette) weekend.
- Pack a towel and an extra trash bag to store wet clothes post-trip.
- They have super cute hats in their giftshop! My sister and I each got one and love them haha
- Photo packages are available if you want to relive your rafting faces later- they’re taken by a pro setup along the river.
- Plan a weekend trip around rafting with nearby hikes, waterfalls, or a visit to Parksville Lake!

Final Thoughts

Whitewater rafting the Ocoee River with Outland Expeditions is hands-down one of the best ways to get outside and make memories this summer. The Full Ocoee Combo Trip is a full-day adventure that doesn’t just deliver on thrills- it’s also well-run, scenic, and genuinely fun from start to finish. Between the experienced guides, Olympic-level rapids, and that delicious BBQ lunch, it’s the kind of back-to-nature experience that locals and visitors alike will love.

Whether you’ve rafted before or are looking to try it for the first time, this East Tennessee classic is one of those “must-dos” that lives up to the hype. And hey- don’t forget that 10% off code while you're at it!!

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Breathe Deep and Relax: Inside Chattanooga Salt Cavern in St. Elmo

Tucked right into the base of Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Salt Cavern offers one of the most calming and restorative experiences in the city — and if you haven’t been yet, it’s well worth a visit. This is Chattanooga’s only salt cave, nestled in St. Elmo, and brings the benefits of halotherapy (dry salt therapy) in a truly peaceful setting. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, breathing issues, or just need a mental reset, spending time at the Salt Cavern is a quiet way to recharge — and yes, you may even find yourself dozing off in a zero-gravity chair.

The Experience:
Chattanooga Salt Cavern isn’t just visually impressive — it’s an active salt cave, which means it features a halogenerator that disperses microparticles of dry salt into the air. That salt-rich environment may help reduce inflammation, clear sinuses, and support overall respiratory health. You’ll notice it right away: the air is crisp and dry, and the softly glowing walls set the mood for instant calm.

Most visitors spend their 45-minute session reclining in one of the zero-gravity chairs, covered with a cozy blanket. You can meditate, nap, stretch, or simply talk quietly with friends. The environment naturally encourages your body to shift into a parasympathetic state — that’s the deep rest-and-reset mode that’s increasingly hard to come by in daily life.

Community sessions are open to anyone and incredibly peaceful, but if you’re hoping for a more private moment — or want to bring a small group — private sessions are available and easy to book online.

In addition to the regular salt therapy sessions, the Salt Cavern hosts special events like yoga classes inside the cave, sound baths, and even drum circles, blending wellness and community in a really unique space.

What to Know Before You Go:
Location:
Chattanooga Salt Cavern
3924 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409  
Located in St. Elmo, about 10 minutes from downtown, right near the base of Lookout Mountain.

Hours:
Open Tuesday through Sunday, with appointments available throughout the day. Closed Mondays. (but always check their website before you go!)

Pricing:
Sessions start at $25 for adults, with special pricing for kids, groups, and event offerings. You can book online via their website: https://www.chattanoogasaltcavern.com/

Parking:
Free on-site parking is available when you book a session.

Session Info:
Sessions last 45 minutes. Community sessions are open to the public, while private sessions must be booked in advance. Event sessions (like yoga) are posted on their website and Instagram.

Extra Tips or Bonuses:
- Bring or wear cozy clothes — you’ll be reclining in a cool, quiet cave.
- With Lookout Mountain just around the corner, consider pairing your visit with a ride on the Incline Railway (currently closed as of May 2025, opens in July 2025 after repairs are done!) or a stroll around St. Elmo’s walkable neighborhood.
- Looking for a nearby café? Head to The Tap House for craft beer and lunch bites, or grab a coffee and visit with cats at the Naughty Cat Cafe just down the street.
- Check their event calendar for special experiences like Prenatal Yoga, Chakra Balancing, or seasonal workshops.

Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re exploring new wellness treatments or just craving a calm hour away from your to-do list, Chattanooga Salt Cavern is a peaceful spot to breathe easier — literally and figuratively. It’s a great experience for individuals, couples, or even small groups looking for something low-key but special. A lot of locals swear by it for allergy season relief, while others consider it their go-to reset between busy weeks.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!