Happy Tuesday, Neighbor!

This week we’ve gotta real simple mission for you: come on out and be a person with other people.

Between Roundabout and Be My Neighbor Day, Chattanooga’s gently tappin’ us on the shoulder and sayin’, “Now’s your chance to come on out and meet the city!”

We spend a whole lotta time scrollin’, plannin’, and thinkin’ about showin’ up, but I think this week’s invitin’ us to actually do it.

No big agenda intended or pressure to be anything other than what you already are: a good neighbor.

Lucky for us, we’ve got a couple real good places to start 😉

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: 1440 News

• What's Happening Around Town with Roundabout

• This week’s Community Spotlight: A Be my Neighbor Day EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Amy Walls!

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Online Hubs for Real Life Hellos

• Clementine’s Corner: Just thinkin’ about ice cream.

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Mister Rogers · You Are Special · 1992

Neighbors are people who are close to us, and friends are people who are close to our hearts. I like to think of you as my neighbor AND my friend.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: 1440 News

This week’s Front Porch Partner is 1440, and they’re kinda like that one friend who always shows up with the full story after everyone else has been guessin’.

Now they ain’t local-local, but every time you give their link a little click, it sends $1.31 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. No hoops or sign-ups required. Just a quick tap that helps keep this porch swing creakin’ in the best way.

Alright 1440, take it away!

Every headline satisfies an opinion. Except ours.

Remember when the news was about what happened, not how to feel about it? 1440's Daily Digest is bringing that back. Every morning, they sift through 100+ sources to deliver a concise, unbiased briefing — no pundits, no paywalls, no politics. Just the facts, all in five minutes. For free.

Read the newsletter trusted by 4.5 million fact-seekers.

Today (Tuesday April 14)

AAF Chattanooga Presents: The Makers of Advertising
6PM - 8PM | UTC College of Business

A speaker event featuring four Chattanooga creatives discussing sustainable freelance careers in advertising and marketing. Panelists will share insights on freelancing vs. full-time work, the realities of independent creative careers, and building a living in Chattanooga.

Check it out on Roundabout

Wednesday April 15

The Creative Exchange & Vinyl Swap
6PM - 9PM | Atmosphere Lounge

An evening of connection, creativity, and community for Chattanooga's creative professionals! Features a special vinyl swap hosted by Dallos Vinyl Love where attendees can trade records, spark collaborations, and meet new people in the local creative scene.

Check it out on Roundabout

Artsweek Artists Speak: Open Mic Comedy Night
7PM | The Comedy Catch

A high-energy open mic comedy night featuring local performers from the Scenic City, including Executive Director Kim Jackson and other favorite comedians. Part of Arts Week Chattanooga & Hamilton County, this event celebrates local artists stepping up to the mic in a new way.

Check it out on Roundabout

Thursday April 16

Ugly Duck's Vintage Market Vol.3
11AM - 6PM | First Horizon Pavillion

A vintage market featuring 75+ vintage clothing vendors, handmade goods, shoes, music, jewelry, giveaways and more. Hosted by our pals Ugly Duck Vintage at the First Horizon Pavilion!

Check it out on Roundabout

Book Swap with Petal Party Co.
7PM - 8:30PM | Coolidge Park, Downtown Chattanooga

A fun book swap event featuring Petal Party Co.'s DIY bloom bar and book-themed floral arrangements available for purchase. Attendees can swap books and take home custom arrangements.

Check it out on Roundabout

Friday April 17

Coffee and Connections
9AM | Community Gains, 1645 S Holtzclaw Ave

A networking event for women in business hosted and sponsored by Community Gains. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other women entrepreneurs, share their work, and build relationships in a supportive, welcoming community!

Check it out on Roundabout

Art-A-Nooga
6:30PM | Stove Works

Seven minutes to do whatever you want. That's the event. Enjoy!

Check it out on Roundabout

Saturday April 18

Day Out With Thomas & Friends
9AM | Tennessee Valley Railroad

The Day Out With Thomas: Let's Rock, Let's Roll Tour is pulling into the Tennessee Valley Railroad on April 18! Ride along with Thomas, snap photos, explore the Music Corner, and check out the exclusive gift shop.

Check it out on Roundabout

Be My Neighbor Day
10AM - 2PM | Bessie Smith Cultural Center

WTCI PBS is bringing their "Be My Neighbor Day" celebration to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center this year! This all-ages community event, inspired by Mr. Rogers, features character meet-and-greets with Daniel Tiger, Lyla, and Carl the Collector, along with music, discovery activities, and fun for the whole family.

Check it out on Roundabout

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk with neighbors about something cool that you’re doing? Or just want to find things to do without scrolling across every website known to man?

We’ve been building Roundabout North Chatt to take care of just that, and have loved every second these past ten months have been. Now, it launches publicly tomorrow!

If you’re reading this and wanna hop in now, you can by clicking any of the links above, or signing up down below if ya wanna know a bit more about what we’ve been cookin’ up behind the Chattynooga curtain.

This week’s Community Spotlight: A Be my Neighbor Day EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Amy Walls!

Happy Tuesday y’all, Clementine here!

Last week, I heard a rumor that the one and only Daniel Tiger was coming to town, and I just couldn’t believe it. That’s right, Clementine McBride is a proud PBS Kid!

Apparently, there’s a shindig going on this Saturday called Be My Neighbor Day and I was intrigued. So, as any smart kid journalist would do, I called my local PBS station for confirmation and information.

They transferred me to Amy Walls, the teacher-family-community-lady at WTCI (and a super good friend of Chattynooga, if you know what I mean). While I had her on the line, I asked the hard questions and got all the answers we need for our dear readers on what they need to know for Be My Neighbor Day.

Q: When and where is Be My Neighbor Day?
A: This year we are hitting the road! Be My Neighbor Day will be Saturday, April 18 from 10AM–2PM at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

Q: Is it true that Daniel Tiger be in attendance??
A: Yes! You can expect to meet Daniel Tiger along with Carl the Collector and Lyla from Lyla in the Loop! Bring your cameras!

Q: What else can I expect at Be My Neighbor Day?
A: We’ll have a Touch-a-Truck, face painting, a petting zoo, reading, dancing, a drum circle, magic, sweet treats, and more!

We have more than 40 partners joining us to celebrate our community. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is also celebrating the iconic Miss Bessie’s birthday and will be giving free museum tours all day long! There’s something for everyone at Be My Neighbor Day!

Q: What’s the catch? How much does it cost?
A: Be My Neighbor Day is free and open to all of our neighbors in and around Chattanooga! We hope you’ll join us!

I, for one, can’t WAIT for Saturday. You don’t wanna miss this one. You can check out the event page for all the details here.

We will be there bright and early ready to experience all that Be My Neighbor Day has to offer. Bubby’s excited to get Carl’s autograph and I’m hoping the face painters can do a Chattynooga-themed design on me.

It’s going to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood! See you there!

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Online Hubs for Real Life Hellos

Meemaw caught me on the computer the other night and gave me that look she saves for when the dog gets into the trash.

"I’m Community buildin’ Meemaw, it’s best if ya just don’t ask" I spat her way before she could even finish her sentence. She rolled her eyes playfully and returned to her post (the couch) for rewatch #529 of Gunsmoke.

To be fair, this ain’t an abnormal occurrence around our house. I’ve always been an internet kid. Not an iPad Kid, an internet kid. Big difference, bucko.

We’re talkin’ forums, Discord servers, subreddits, if there’s strangers talkin’ about things they love together, I prolly got an account on there. The whole planet is connected online, and yet the most neighborly areas I ever felt connection was in some tiny corner of shared interests that folks geeked out and most importantly belonged.

Steve Burns (the Blue's Clues guy) did a podcast episode recently about how those little corners of the internet scratch a real itch. I heard it and was like... you know what Mr. Steve, that's exactly what I was lookin' for this whole time. What Mr. Steve didn’t didn't realize was that you could build the same thing to solve this feelin’ of digital isolation that folks are feelin’ all too well.

That’s why we started Chattynooga, 'cause we wanted Chattanooga to have its own little corner where neighbors could geek out about this city the same way strangers online geek out about stuff they love. Y'all showed up, and this dream got bigger than our teeny porch could handle, but enough to make somethin’ really magical happen that we think might be the answer to social media gettin’ us down in the dumps: Roundabout North Chatt.

We’ve been testin’ and tweakin’ what a real online community hub for Chattanooga could look like with events, real neighbors, and anything you’d need to connect with the city all in one place.

Go make an account, poke around, and find your neighbors. The whole thing only works if folks actually show up, and if Chattynooga has taught me anything, it's that y’all know exactly how to do that.

Clementine’s Corner: Just thinkin’ about ice cream.

Last week, Chattanooga did something really cool. It was Burger Week and the whole city got in on the action with deals, special burgers, and even a fancy app. It was every burger lovers dream!

But here’s the deal. I don’t like burgers.

I know Chattanooga does plenty of weeks for plenty of foods - burgers, tacos, pizza… but here’s the one I want to suggest that I think it would be a hit: 

I propose… Chattanooga Ice Cream Week! 

Come on, we know we’re a city with a major sweet tooth! I want sky-high cones and cherry topped delights! I want Clumpies and Scoop Around and Dubs and Mr. T’s! Who do I talk to so we can make this happen???

What do you think? Did you have a favorite burger last week? What food do you think needs a spirit week of its own? Let me know… I’m hungry!

I reckon that’s all the time we got today, pal.

The real good stuff ain’t in this email, it’s out there waitin’ on ya! We just make it a little easier to find it.

Chattynooga, Roundabout, heck even Be My Neighbor Day are all just open doors. Little invitations to step out, look around, and say “Hey uh… whatcha got going on here?” to the folks you’ve been passin’ by all this time.

No need to overthink it, just show up and see what happens.

You might leave with a full heart (or at the very least a story worth tellin’ us next Monday!).

If you see us out and about, don’t be shy and say howdy neighbor!

— Bubby & Clementine

Why HellOoOoOoOoO, Neighbor!

Meemaw cracked the kitchen window this mornin' and, I kid you not, the bugs had a whole conference scheduled at our sink within about four minutes flat. Catering and err’thing. She just looked at 'em, looked at me, shrugged, and said, "Well, that's spring for ya."

This week, we've got indie bookstores bandin' together for a citywide crawl, a catch up with a familiar face with a new approach to health coaching, and the issue couldn’t be complete without Clementine giving her opinionated report on baseball.

It's a full porch neighbor, and we saved you the good seat.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Roku

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: And Then Books is looking for Indie Bookstore Day vendors!

• Whatcha Up to Now: Regina Gee

• Clementine’s Corner: Baseball is BACK!

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

WHY (Feat. Luke Combs)

Jon Bellion · Father Figure · 2025

Why love anything at all?

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Roku

Y’all ever sit down to watch somethin’ and suddenly forget every show you’ve ever loved? Roku’s been helpin’ me outta that rut, makin’ it easy to find somethin’ good without all the fuss.

This ain’t local-local, but it does help keep the Chattynooga porch swingin’. Even better, just clickin’ the ad tosses $3.75 into our piggy bank, no sign-up needed. Worth a quick peek if you’re feelin’ curious and wanna support local fellers like us too!

Alright Roku, take it away!

How Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie brand grew sales 40% with CTV ads

The DTC beauty category is crowded. To break through, Jennifer Aniston’s brand LolaVie, worked with Roku Ads Manager to easily set up, test, and optimize CTV ad creatives. The campaign helped drive a big lift in sales and customer growth, helping LolaVie break through in the crowded beauty category.

Learn more

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• 3rd Annual Spring Flea

  Saturday, April 11 @ Electric Crocodile | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Electric Crocodile’s annual spring flea is back with a fantastic lineup of local vendors, live music, and food trucks that’ll keep you finding new-to-you treasures all day long. Who knows what marvelous treasures are waiting for you to discover!

  🌈 Good times and groovy vibes

• Spring into STEAM

  Saturday, April 11 @ UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

  UTC’s Challenger Center is turning a Saturday morning into a science extravaganza with rockets, chemistry, art, and more brought to life by local partners. Kids can bounce from one activity to the next and stay curious the whole way through.

  🚀 BLAST OFF!

• Chattanooga Vintage Market Vol. 9

  Sunday, April 12 @ First Horizon Pavilion | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  Chattanooga Vintage Market is pulling together dozens of vendors with racks full of vintage finds, sneakers, and handmade pieces worth digging for. Come shop jewelry, art, home decor and more. With piles as low as $5, you’re sure to find something you adore!

  👕 No bad weather allowed this time around

Music & Entertainment

• Smarter Than a Local: CHA Trivia Night

  Wednesday, April 8 @ Wanderlinger | 7:30 PM

  Chattamatters is bringing back its local trivia night with questions that dig into what you actually know about this city. Think you know more about Chatt than anyone in town? You’re in luck! It’s free to play so now’s your chance to prove it!

  🧠 Do you know the Noog?

• One Direction Night (18+)

  Friday, April 10 @ The Signal | 8:00 PM

  The Signal is throwing it back to simpler times with a full night of forgotten 1D anthems, solo hits, and singing at the top of your lungs like you’re 14 again. Relive the glory days; I promise, you still know every word. Tickets required.

  🎤 We’re gonna dance all night to the best song ever

• Much Ado About Nothing

  Select dates April 11–April 26 @ Chattanooga Theatre Centre

  Chattanooga Theatre Centre takes on Shakespeare’s sharp-tongued comedy full of misunderstandings, meddling friends, and a whole lot of romantic chaos. The timeless tale is starting it’s run this Friday, so make plans to see it before it’s gone! Tickets required.

  🎭 O, WHAT MEN DARE DO!

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Bike Camp 2026

  April 10–April 12 @ Reflection Riding

  This spring break camp for grownups leans into the fun side of cycling with rides, music, workshops, and plenty of time to hang out along the way. You’re in for a full weekend of biking, surprises, and fun with neighbors in nature. Registration required.

  🚲 Rolling right along

• Autism Celebration Walk

  Saturday, April 11 @ Coolidge Park | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Autism Acceptance Month is in full swing and the Autism Celebration Walk brings the community together in support of Chattanooga’s autistic neighbors. You can sign up a team or donate to the Chattanooga Autism Center as they push toward their goal.

  💙 Different, not less

• Chattanooga Outdoor Festival

  Saturday, April 11 @ Choo Choo Gardens | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Spend the day at the Chattanooga Outdoor Festival with hands-on demos, workshops, live music, food, community partners, and plenty of ways to try something new. You can watch, try, ask questions, and leave with a few ideas for your next day outside.

  🌿 It’s a good day to touch grass

Bonus!!

• Chattanooga Burger Week

  April 6–April 12 @ Various Locations

  Chattanooga Burger Week is back with $8 burgers popping up all over the city, each spot putting their own spin on it. Take a look at the full lineup of special offerings around town and make plans to try a few out!

  🍔 This IS a tasty burger

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

This week’s Community Spotlight: And Then Books is looking for Indie Bookstore Day vendors!

This is yer official heads up: INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY IS COMING!

Saturday, April 25th, our pals Jazmine and Shae from the ELLA Library/And Then Books over in Rossville (400 Spring Street) is throwin' a HYUGE Indie Bookstore shindig from noon 'til 7pm. If you’re a bookworm like Clementine, this is gonna be quite possibly the best way to spend a Saturday.

But here's the even cooler part: there ain't just one bookstore celebrating the occasion, the whole Scenic City indie bookstore crew consisting of Winder Binder, Reve Coffee and Books, our new pals Pennington's and Mystique Bookshop, The Book and Cover, Book + Barrel and more have organized the Indie Bookstore Crawl 2026. Stamp cards went live yesterday , and on April 25th you hop around town collectin' 'em, then turn in your completed card for a chance to win a sweet merch/coupon/book basket. 🏆

Look at all of those bookstores that we have in our city 😍 hubba hubba!

These are small, scrappy, wonderful local bookshops — several of 'em pretty new to the scene — and they're tryin' to get the word out about their cool book hubs. So go buy a book and slap a stamp on your card while showing 'em some Chattanooga love!

Got somethin' to sell? And Then Books is lookin' for vendors for the market on the 25th. Applications are open now, but don’t wait! The deadline is April 17th.

Whatcha Up to Now: Regina Gee

If y'all were with us back in Issue Six, you already met Regina Gee: the big-hearted health coach behind Wellspring Coaching who went from studyin' neuroscience in Pittsburgh to healin' folks in Northern India and eventually landin' right back here in Chattanooga with a whole new mission. If you missed it, go read it real quick, I'll wait.

…Back? Good. Here's the update: Wellspring Coaching has grown into somethin' brand new. Regina teamed up with her husband Logan to combine his personal training with her mental health coaching, and together opened Community Gains inside the Clearstory Arts Plaza at 1645 S Holtzclaw Ave.

Oh, and their baby Cleo is there too as a “not so silent” business partner, as Regina mentions. I’m prettyyy sure she works there as the Chief Happiness Officer, though.

Here's how they put it:

These new Red Bank residents moved to Chattanooga three years ago because they wanted a city where folks would know their names at the grocery store. Now they're out here makin' sure other people feel that same way. That's what I'm talkin' about!

Wanna meet 'em in person? Coffee Break Chattanooga is hostin' their monthly meetup right at Community Gains this Friday from 8:30 - 10AM!

Can't make it Friday? Hop into their Roundabout North Chatt "Meet Your Neighbor" thread and say howdy ‘cause they're answerin' questions all week long!

Clementine’s Corner: Baseball is BACK! ⚾️

Good news, y’all. After an incredible showing at spring training, Braves baseball is BACK, baby! And the boys have been showing up and showing off. They’ve started the season strong with a 6-4 record, and the boys are off to a fantastic start. We’ve got a new manager (🙌), a couple of fresh faces, and a whole lot of promise this year. As a lifelong Atlanta sports fan, I’m cautiously optimistic that this is the beginning of a beautiful season.

Speaking of beautiful seasons, I can’t be the only one excited for some local Lookouts ballgames to kick off tomorrow! They’re on the road in Birmingham this week, but you can catch them at home in that AMAZING new stadium all of next week! I can’t wait!

It sure is a good time to be a baseball fan, Chattanooga. Play ball!

This city is blossomin’ because of y’all!

Between the bookstores, ballgames, and all these neighbors buildin' somethin' new, I think spring's tryin' to tell us that Chattanooga's always got more good things brewin' than we got time to holler about, and that's a mighty fine problem to have.

Go stamp a bookstore card, say hey to Logan and Regina, and if you make it to the Lookouts game after alla that — holler at us!

— Bubby & Clementine

Well look who showed up, hi buckaroo!

Something's growin' around here after last week’s shenanigans, y’all.

Last week we talked seeds that sometimes take a little longer than a ten-year-old has patience for. This week we're checkin' in on a few of 'em, including one we planted all by ourselves.

Pull up a chair if you’re wantin’ to settle in, otherwise grab you a tool or two from Meemaw’s shed. It’s gardening time.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: The I Hate it Here Newsletter!

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Community Gains needs YOU for a video shoot this week!

• Rooted Thoughts with Bubby: Share our Seed!

• Clementine’s Corner: Easter eggs are better deviled

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Younger You

Miley Cyrus · The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special · 2026

Hey you, it’s younger you.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: The I Hate it Here Newsletter!

If you’ve ever had a manager that made you question our life choices (or texted your bestie three days before they were lettin’ ya go), this one's for you.

I Hate it Here is the newsletter for anyone who's ever survived a workplace and lived to tell about it. Written by Hebba Youssef — an actual Chief People Officer who's been in the trenches — it's a weekly dose of real-talk HR advice with zero buzzwords and zero sugarcoating. Navigating a tricky boss, messy policies, or just the general chaos of working with humans? She's got you.

And here's the sweet part: just checkin' out the link below puts $1.31 in the Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-ups required, just a peek!

The free newsletter making HR less lonely

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

Sign Up Free

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• World Autism Day Celebration
  Thursday, April 2 @ White Duck Taco | 5:30PM

  White Duck Taco is turning into a full-on celebration for World Autism Day, with games, exhibits, and live music bringing the energy all evening long. Swing by for a exciting evening with community partners that gives back while keeping things fun (and yes, there will be tacos).

  🌮 Taco Tuesday on a Thursday

• Hug A Bunny

  Friday & Saturday, April 3-4 @ Chattanooga Zoo | 9:00AM–5:00PM

  Celebrate the Easter season with a special visit to the zoo, where you can spend time with rabbits, meet the Easter Bunny, and explore hands-on activities throughout the day. There will be crafts, games, and animal encounters as well as a few fun surprises tucked in along the way! Regular admission is included with each Hug a Bunny ticket.

  🐰 Bunny business only

• 13th Annual Westside Easter Egg Hunt

  Sunday, April 5 @ River Park | 3:00PM

  A local neighbor is continuing a beloved Easter tradition, hosting this annual egg hunt in honor of his brother and the joy it’s brought to families over the years. Come on out for an afternoon full of egg hunting, candy-filled baskets, and kids running wild in the best way.

  🐣 This one’s a good egg

Music & Entertainment

• Ramen Bowl Painting Class
  Saturday, April 4 @ And Then Books | 1:00–3:00PM

  Join Ayda Fisher of Home Brew Pottery for a hands-on class where you’ll learn a bit about surface design before painting your own ramen bowl to take home. You’ll leave with a finished piece all your own that will make every noodle dish a little more special. Tickets required.

  🍜 Good soup bowl

• Fandom Fusion!
  Saturday & Sunday, April 4–5 @ Chattanooga Convention Center | 9:00AM–5:00PM (4:30 on Sunday)

  This two-day convention is all about the good stuff: trading cards, anime, gaming, cosplay, and collectibles galore. It’s free to attend and packed wall-to-wall with vendors, so you can browse, trade, and maybe finally find that one thing you’ve been hunting for.

  🎮 Fandom nerds, unite!

• Campfire Concert Series: Fresh Mind
  Friday, April 3 @ Reflection Riding | 5:30-10:00PM

  Reflection Riding’s spring concert series is back, kicking things off Friday with live music set against one of the best backdrops in town. Come settle in by the fire and spend the evening outside with good music and a crowd that knows how to do a Friday night right.

  🔥 Let’s gather round the campfire and sing our campfire song

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Full Moon Adventure Series: Pink Moon Night Hike
  Wednesday, April 1 @ Greenway Farm | 6:30–9:00PM

  Head over to Greenway Farm for a guided hike to mark the start of spring under April’s full Pink Moon. Come see the trails in a different light and connect with nature like never before. Registration required.

  🌕 I see a pink moon rising

• Chattanooga Roller Derby Home Opener
  Apr 4 @ Camp Jordan Arena | Doors 3:00PM

  Chattanooga Roller Derby is rolling into its first home game of the 2026 season with a double-header, bringing fast hits and even faster footwork to the track. One ticket gets you two matchups, with a portion of proceeds benefiting La Paz and a silent auction happening during the event, all part of a big night for roller derby. Tickets required.

  🛼 Rollin’ with the homies

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Community Gains needs YOU this week!

Our pals Regina and Logan at Community Gains are workin' on a snazzy new website, and they need some real, live Chattanooga faces to help bring it to life!

They're filming on Wednesday, April 8th and are lookin' for volunteers to be part of it. No experience required, just show up actin’ as yourself and help tell the story of what Community Gains is all about.

If you've been around the Chattynooga porch for a while, you already know these folks are doin' something special here in town. By blending personal training with mental health coaching, Community Gains gives a full-circle wellness experience that meets people where they are.

Interested? Good, I knew you’d be! Head to their Instygram or shoot Regina a note directly at regina@communitygains.net

Deep Rooted Thoughts with Bubby: Share our Seed!

Last week, I told ya about the National Park City Seeds campaign that’s currently goin’ on, with neighbors plantin' ideas all over Chattanooga and hopin' somethin' good takes root.

We didn’t wanna feel left out obviously, so we planted our own seed for Roundabout North Chatt so folks know what we’ve been buildin’! When I got to readin’ about what the campaign is actually asking, "What does this city need more of?" a calmer, neighbor-run corner of the internet for folks in our neighborhood felt like a pretty honest answer.

Y'all already know what Roundabout is, and some of y'all have been in the beta for a while now (thank ya kindly for your support!) Submitting it to the Seeds campaign felt like a way of declarin’ out loud: “YOOHOO, WE GOT SOMETHIN’ COOL THAT YA OUGHTA TAKE A LOOK AT”

If you wanna go show it a little love on the city’s Seeds platform, we’d be mighty grateful for it. You can also hop into Roundabout right now and see it with your own eyes before it launches publicly in just a couple of weeks!

Clementine’s Corner: Easter eggs are better deviled.

Guys, I’m getting real excited. There’s a big holiday coming up on Sunday… EASTER!

You may have heard of it. Now there are lots of reasons to enjoy Easter. I know how my family is gonna celebrate; we’ll start the day at church, have an Easter egg hunt with all the candy I can eat, and then… LUNCH. Easter lunch just hits different, and this year I’m gonna make my Mama’s deviled eggs for the potluck.

Want the recipe? You’re in luck! It’s time for Clem’s Cookbook Club!

Now the best part of this recipe is that there’s no real measuring. I know, I know. Bubby says a recipe is a recipe for a reason, but I prefer to wing it. So, you’ll need:

• A dozen eggs

• Mayonnaise

• Yellow mustard

• Salt

• Paprika

• And because this is a Clementine McBride classic, pickles. Dill salad cubes are preferred, but you can chop up some kosher dill pickles if you don’t have those. You can also make this recipe with sweet pickles, but you shouldn’t.

Boil your eggs for exactly 11 minutes, then transfer them to a big ol’ bowl of ice water. You can also add a little bit of white wine vinegar to the boiling water to make the eggs easier to peel. Once they’re boiled and chilled, peel the eggs and cut them in half long ways. Scoop the yellows into a bowl and mush ‘em up til you can’t mush ‘em any more.

Now this is where it gets a little tricky. You’re gonna want four biiiiig spoons of mayonnaise, a little more than half as much mustard, and a lil splash of pickle juice to start. Mix it all together really well and do a little taste testing.

If it’s too thick, add a little pickle juice. Too tangy? Add a little mayo. For a little extra zip, add a bit more mustard. Add salt to taste. Then mix in the pickles (it’s very important that you measure this with your heart). Spoon the yellows into the empty egg halves, sprinkle them with paprika, and arrange on a dish. Voila! Deviled eggs!

Let me know if you try the recipe out. But be warned, these puppies will go fast, so grab one while you can!

Happy Easter! 🐰 

That’s what we got growin' this week!

Seeds take time, but they don't tend themselves.

Whether that's showin' up on camera for Community Gains, supportin' a neighbor's idea on the Seeds platform, or finally makin' your way over to Roundabout — every little bit of showin' up counts for somethin'.

Thanks for spendin' your Monday mornin' with us! We'll see ya next week as always.

— Bubby & Clementine

Gooood mornin’, Starshine!

The Earth says hello!

It’s finally that time of year where Chattanooga starts stretchin’ its arms a little wider, and folks like me get way too confident about startin’ new projects.

This week’s issue is all about that springtime energy, and we’ve got a porch full of stories worth sittin’ with, along with a few seeds you might just feel like plantin’ yourself.

So grab somethin’ fresh, sweep that last bit of dust out the backdoor, and let’s see what’s growin’ around town this week!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Inflow

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: It’s Statemint week, y’all!

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Get to Plantin’

• Clementine’s Corner: I’m mad at the weather… again.

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

City of Ocala

A Day to Remember · Common Courtesy · 2013

This is what made us, who we became, there’s not another place quite the same.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Inflow

If your brain’s ever felt like it’s runnin’ 100mph while the rest of you’s still tyin’ your shoes, you ain’t alone pardner.

Inflow is like Duolingo, but for ADHD. Quick, 5-minute daily tools to help with overwhelm, burnout, and actually gettin’ things done.

And here’s the sweet part: just checkin’ out the ad below sends $1.65 to the Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-ups, no fuss.

Go on, take a peek 👇

ADHD management designed for how your brain actually works

Most ADHD apps are just glorified timers. Inflow is different - built by people with ADHD, backed by clinical psychologists, using CBT-inspired strategies. Learn to manage time blindness, burnout, overwhelm, and procrastination in 5-minute daily modules. Real tools, real change.

Take the free quiz

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Terrible Two Birthday Market
  Saturday, March 28 @ Verre Noir | 12–6PM

  Verre Noir turns two with a dark little birthday bash full of local artists, pop-ups, and hands-on workshops. Step into their world for the afternoon, celebrating two years of art, atmosphere, and a space that’s made its own kind of magic here in Chattanooga.

  🖤 Party on the dark side

• Trans Day of Visibility

  Saturday, March 28 @ Stove Works | 12–5PM

  Chattanooga Queer Empowerment and Chattanooga Trans Liberation Collective are bringing Trans Day of Visibility to Stove Works for an afternoon of vendors, performances, resources, and community. Stop by to support local organizations, spend time with good people, and join in celebrating trans folks right here in Chattanooga.

  🏳️‍⚧️ Seen in the Scenic City

• Morning Bee Soft Opening

  Saturday, March 28 @ 1743 Dayton Blvd | 7AM–1PM

  Did you know our pals at BeCaffienated have a sister company? Morning Bee Bakery and Bagelry is opening its doors for the first time with a morning full of fresh bagels, pastries, and a few treats you can only get in-house. After years behind the scenes, they’re finally front and center, so now’s your chance to see what they’ve been baking up!

  🥯 Are you bready for it?

Music & Entertainment

• Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Watch Party

  Tuesday, March 24 @ Mean Jeen’s | 7PM

  Hannah Montana is back and if you grew up switching between your normal life and your secret pop star dreams, this one’s for you. Mean Jean’s is hosting a watch party where you can relive the chaos, the outfits, and the absolute grip this show had on us. Bring a friend who gets it, grab a grown-up drink, and lean all the way into the nostalgia!

  ✨ Start pumpin’ up the party now

• Art Show: Big Birthday Bash

  Saturday, March 28 @ Wanderlinger Brewing | 6–8PM

  Wanderlinger Art Gallery is kicking off its first show of the year with a group exhibition featuring local and regional artists. There’ll be new work on the walls, drinks flowing, and even a few birthdays to celebrate. It’s the perfect night to check out what Chattanooga’s art scene is up to!

  🍻 Where pints meet paint

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Hixson’s Egg-Streme EggsPEDITION: Easter Egg Hunt

  Saturday, March 28 @ Hixson Community Center | 3–6PM

  The City of Chattanooga’s Department of Community Development is bringing an afternoon of egg hunting, games, and family fun to the Hixson Community Center. With lots of space to run and play and plenty of eggs to find, kids are sure to leave with enough candy to keep the sugar rush going all weekend.

  🐣 The hunt is on

• Pollinator Hands-On Family Workshop

  Thursday, March 26 @ Tennessee Aquarium | 6–8PM

  Outdoor Chattanooga and the Tennessee Aquarium are teaming up for a hands-on workshop all about bees, butterflies, and the tiny creatures that keep everything growing. You’ll dig into how pollinators actually work, try out a few interactive stations, and pick up easy ideas you can take back to make your home a little more pollinator-friendly.

  🐝 Hit ‘em with a little Flight of the Bumblebee

• Swing Into Spring at McDonald Farm

  Saturday, April 12 @ McDonald Farm | 10AM–2PM

  Hamilton County Parks is welcoming spring with a full day out at the farm, complete with live music, a petting zoo, vintage baseball, and plenty to explore. There’s something for everyone at this spring soiree!

  🌷 A little spring never hurt anybody

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: It’s Statemint week, y’all!

Now this one’s a familiar face that we love to see on our porch! You can tell when it’s really Spring in Chattanooga when the Statemint sale is kicking off!

Statemint’s been rockin’ with us since day one, and this week they’re back with their annual Spring Consignment event that’s bigger than ever! So big, in fact, they’ve officially outgrown downtown and are settin’ up shop over in East Ridge at the GAWRGEOUS Venue 1921.

Here’s the quick scoop:

Main Sale Starts Wednesday, March 25 – Saturday, March 28
Venue 1921 in East Ridge
9AM - 7PM (Saturday hours are 9AM - 4PM)

And to sweeten the pot, they’re kickin’ things off with their charity presale tomorrow, with the proceeds supportin’ the Kidney Foundation of Chattanooga. Talk about a shopportunity that the group chat will remember!

P.S. Ya can’t sign up anymore to sell your clothes at this event, buuuuuttttt their Cleveland sale is a month away if you can make the drive 👀 

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Get to Plantin’

I knew it was officially spring when Meemaw opened the kitchen windows and started talkin’ to her window sill succulents about her Gunsmoke recap from last night.

“Now don’t y’all embarrass me this year. Yer gonna look gorgeous come Summer,” she said to a row of dirt-filled pots like it could hear her.

It’s probably just me, but there’s somethin’ about this time of year that makes everything feel like it’s wakin’ up a little slower than you’d expect it to. I ain’t got TIME for that, neature. A ten-year-old’s got ten-year-old ambitions, and in 2026 you’d of thunk that we’d be able to just plop seeds into the ground and spray it with somethin’ like a science potion that’d instantly turn those seeds into a vegetable medley overnight.

But noOoOo. Instead, I’m out here crouched over a patch of dirt like a Farmer’s Almanac book cover, pokin’ the ground every ten minutes like, “Y’all doin’ anything yet or can I go grab a snack…?”

Turns out, seeds don’t care about your timeline. How disrespectful is that, y’all?

So I did what my combined successful knowledge of Meemaw’s Farmville plot and my Stardew Valley farm would obviously do… I planted more. And more. And MORE.

Figured if I just covered the whole yard, somethin’s gotta grow, right?

Wrong. Oh Lawrd, so wrong.

Ya see, now I’ve got 47 “prized crops” and enough water in this waterin’ can for about ten at a time before I gotta waddle back to the hose alllll the way on the other side of the house.

Meemaw took one step outside, took one look at my marathon-disguised-as-a-garden, and let out one of her ‘This boy ain’t right’ chuckles.

“What are ya, a rain cloud?”

And y’know what, I ain’t. But sometimes I get HYUGE ideas that, in hindsight, are way too big for my britches. I wanna grow everything all at once. Fix this, start that, help here, build there… just scatter seeds like Johnny Appleseed’s disciple or somethin’.

Somewhere between overplantin’ and under-waterin’ though, a third brain cell sprouted to let me know: some of the best things that have ever grown (👋🏻🤠) started small… and stayed small for awhile. An’ I been thinkin’ on that ever since.

‘Cause this city right now has got seeds everywhere: ideas, plans, “what if we combined this with this?” kinda things floatin’ around like pollen in your eyeballs. And some of the folks apart of the National Park City crew have been scoopin’ a whole bunch of ‘em into one big ol’ greenhouse with their “Seeds” campaign.

It felt like peekin’ into a future Chattanooga where folks are plantin’ libraries in parks, stretchin’ greenways, makin’ spaces safer, and solvin’ food deserts right in our backyard. It really is just regular neighbors sayin’, “Hey… I think we could grow somethin’ good really sturdy together.”

The fun part? You can just join in. Pick a seed that makes your heart do a lil’ hop, create an account, and ‘Support a Seed’ by clicking the sun button at the top of each idea. Or you can plant your own if you don’t see something that fits your vibe!

One thing I’ve learned from both my IRL gardening attempts (and the budding ideas that I got to admirin’ from the seed program) is that you don’t gotta chase every idea, sometimes the best thing you can do is pick a few… and love ‘em real good. Show up for ‘em. Stick with ‘em long enough to see somethin’ actually bloom.

The other seeds that you’re worried about? Another neighbor’s got it under control, or you can always hop in once you’ve cultivated your section and see what beautiful innovations might come bloomin’ from that.

It all starts with digging in the dirt and worrying about the messy later.

Clementine’s Corner: I’m mad at the weather… again.

I’ve got bad news, folks. It seems that despite the long-awaited arrival of spring, Mother Nature has completely lost her marbles.

Seriously. Last week I think we had every single type of wild weather in one week:

Tornado watch? Check.
Snowstorm and freezing temps? Yep.
Winds that’ll knock your socks clean off? Oh yeah.
Heat that’s almost record breaking?  Yeah, we had that, too.

Seriously, what’s up with this weather lately? You know how banks have those signs that tell you the temperature? Yesterday, that sign had the audacity to read 87°.

NO!!!!! 

I renounce that heat and demand that mild conditions continue throughout the spring season: 65°, partly cloudy, slight breeze… yeah, that would be perfect.

How are you enjoying the first few days of spring? I think the earth is listening because the weather is actually supposed to be nice this week. Make sure you get outside and enjoy it before the heat dome graces us with its presence!

Welp, that’s all that’s sproutin’ this week!

Whether you’re plantin’ big ideas, or just tryin’ to keep one lil’ thing alive this week (we’ve all been there), we’re mighty glad you stopped by the porch to get a little bit of Vitamin C(hatt).

If somethin’ in this issue sparked your curiosity, follow it. Ya owe it to yerself.

— Bubby & Clementine

Top o' the mornin' to ya, pals!

I know I know, it’s Saint Paddy’s day this week and you wanna peench people as much as I do. However this week’s issue is our porch-side celebration of the strength, creativity, and “can-do-itism” we see from women all around Chattanooga.

We’re spotlighting our friend Amanda and her Behind the Business Chatt podcast, where she’s been sharing the stories behind some of the city’s most passionate entrepreneurs. Clementine’s also talkin’ about Dolly Parton and the magic of the Imagination Library, and I’ve got a few thoughts about the everyday superpowers I’ve noticed women carry around with ’em.

So grab a warm drink and settle in now that this thunderstorm has passed us. Let’s see what’s cookin’ on the porch this week!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: CBDistillery

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Behind the Business Chatt with Amanda Collins

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: The Thang about Girls

• Clementine’s Corner: Queen Dolly in the House

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Supergirl

Krystal Harris · Me & My Piano · 2001

This song from the Princess Diaries Soundtrack is a certified bop, and had to include it in this week’s issue!

This week’s Front Porch Partner: CBDistillery

Between chasing stories, writing newsletters, and keepin’ on keepin’ on, sometimes our brains run a little faster than the rest of us can keep up.

That’s where CBDistillery comes in, offering CBD products designed to help folks relax, rest easier, and take the edge off a busy day.

And here’s the sweet part: just checkin’ out their ad below sends $2.25 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. No forms, no fuss. Even if it ain’t your thing, that quick peek helps keep this newsletter rollin’.

Go on and give ’em a look! Take it away CBDistillery!

Why Burned-Out Professionals Are Turning to CBD

Long hours, heavy workloads and frustrating coworkers: job burnout is on the rise. Savvy professionals are turning to CBD and its sister compound, CBG, to manage work stress and burnout without losing focus.

Like CBD, CBG is a non-intoxicating compound found naturally in the hemp plant that is known for helping to manage mild/temporary anxiety. And these benefits are backed by science: participants in a 2022 CBDistillery study who took CBD + CBG reported:

• Reduced mild or temporary anxiety and tension

• Increased focus and mental clarity

• That CBD + CBG was more effective than other treatments they tried in the past

When it comes to quality CBD products, CBDistillery is leading the way. Non-GMO, US-grown hemp, 100% clean ingredients, and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee give you one less thing to stress about.

Special Deal for Our Readers: Use code FOCUS to save an additional 20% on your first bundle order!

Stress Less, Focus More

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Hair Love

  Thursday, March 23 @ Hunter Museum of American Art | 2–4PM

  The Hunter is hosting an afternoon inspired by artist Althea Murphy-Price’s work exploring the cultural stories and significance of Black women’s hair. Come on out for live music, a contemporary dance performance, and creative stations where guests can try out colorful beaded designs of their own.

  ✨ This is a good hair day

• Vintage & Art Market

  Saturday & Sunday, March 21–22 @ Studio Ours | 11AM–4PM

  Calling all vintage lovers and handmade treasure hunters! Studio Ours is teaming up with Wayfinder Thrift for a weekend market packed with incredible secondhand finds, handmade art, and unique pieces you’ll love.  Come by and see what you find!

  🛍️ Hey Chattanooga, can we go thrift shopping?

• Dread Hollow: Scream Break

  Saturday, March 21 @ Dread Hollow | Tickets required

  Spring break gets a little spooky this Saturday as Dread Hollow opens up for Scream Break, a one-night return to the haunt. Whether you’re going for the haunted house, the escape room, or the Behind the Screams lights-on tour, you’re in for a fright!

  🧟‍♂️ Because your spring break needs a jump scare

Music & Entertainment

• Disco Always: Harry Styles Dance Night

  Friday, March 20 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 9PM

  Harry Styles fans, this one’s for you! Barrelhouse Ballroom is throwing a dance party dedicated to the king of pop himself, from 1D to today. Grab your friends and your best sparkly jumpsuit and hit the dance floor. 18+, tickets required.

  🎶 Ready, steady, go!

• Riverside 11 Car Show and Food Truck Festival

  Fri. & Sat., March 20-21 @ Finley Stadium/First Horizon Pavilion | 6-10 PM / 12-6 PM

  Riverside 11 is rolling into town for a two-day celebration of cool cars and the people who love them. Explore a lineup of impressive builds on display along with food, music, and the OuttaLuck Market. There’s plenty to admire for car fanatics and casual onlookers alike.

  🚗 A whole lotta horsepower

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Roots to Shoots: A Tree Care Workshop
  Tuesday, March 17 @ Outdoor Chattanooga | 6–8PM

  Outdoor Chattanooga is hosting an evening workshop with certified arborist Tyler Meroney from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division all about the basics of keeping trees healthy. The session covers planting techniques, pruning, soil care, and how to spot common pests and diseases that affect urban trees. Come ready to learn how to care for the trees in your own yard!

  🌳 Plant a seed inside the earth, just one way to know its worth

• Fast & Furriest 5K & Mile Run
  Sunday, March 22 @ Greenway Farms | 10AM

  The Humane Educational Society is hosting the Fast & Furriest 5K and one-mile run, a race where dogs are very welcome and tail wags are practically guaranteed. Runners, walkers, and four-legged teammates can hit the trail together while supporting HES programs and services. Register to run and get moving with your pup!

  🐾 The dogs aren’t the only ones with zoomies

• Maximize Your Microbes
  Sunday, March 22 @ Alter Eco Farms | 1–4PM

  Join Southeast Tennessee Young Farmers and our friends Krisi and Nick at Alter Eco Farms for a hands-on afternoon digging into the science of soil. You’ll learn how to turn finished compost into powerful amendments and get a closer look at the tiny microbes doing the real work underground. Come ready to get nerdy about dirt!

  🌱 Trust me, nematodes are cool

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Behind the Business Chatt with Amanda (AKA @ExploringChatt)

If you’ve spent any time wanderin’ around Chattanooga, you’ve probably crossed paths with Amanda, the friendly explorer behind ExploringChatt on Instygram. She’s been showin’ folks the Scenic City’s trails, small businesses, and hidden corners for years now, and lately she’s been tellin’ even deeper stories through her podcast, Behind the Business Chatt.

The show pulls back the curtain on the folks buildin’ things around here, from the crew at Awakening Adventures, a peaceful forest retreat near Spring City, the gluten-free magic maker Lezli at Carving Rock Kitchen, flower farmers over at Lorenzen Farm, and the fantastic sisters behind Statemint’s sustainable consignment pop-ups. Each conversation shows just how thoughtful and community-minded Chattanooga’s entrepreneurs really are.

And shoot, wouldn’t ya know it, this week she’s wrappin’ up part one of the series with a conversation featuring y’all’s truly from Chattynooga! We got to talkin’ about how this little newsletter porch got started, along with the growin’ Roundabout North Chatt community and why bringin’ neighbors together still matters a whole bunch in our growing city.

The new episode drops this Thursday this Friday at midnight (thanks for the catch Amanda!), so make sure you subscribe to whatever you enjoy listenin’ to podcasts through so you don’t miss it!

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: The Thang about Girls

The other day I was sittin’ at the kitchen table watchin’ Meemaw fix a wobbly chair with one hand while talkin’ on the phone with her gal pals, waterin’ the plants, while also remindin’ me that my shoes do not belong in the middle of the hallway (which, for the record, they were near my bedroom and just didn’t quite make it when I karate kicked ‘em off) without breakin’ a sweat.

An’ I thought to myself, “Good gravy… how do women do all that?”

Now I know Women’s History Month usually talks about big famous folks in history books. Those women are mighty impressive, and we can’t forget about ‘em.

But truth be told, I see that same kinda power show up in regular ladies around Chattanooga too. The obvious example is Amanda, runnin’ around and telling everybody’s stories including her own.

And then there’s Clementine.

I remember the first day she showed up at school after movin’ up from Georgia. She walked into class with this big ol’ notebook tucked under her arm like she had important ideas already waitin’ to be written down. Most new kids are kinda quiet on the first day, but Clementine raised her hand with a quickness in the middle of class and asked a question that had the teacher scratchin’ his head for a minute.

Before long she was helpin’ folks with their homework, startin’ little creative projects with her classmates, and started turnin’ regular ol’ afternoons after school into lively adventures on the way home together.

She’s younger than most folks we talk about in this newsletter, but don’t let that fool ya: that girl’s got curiosity and more ideas per minute than a popcorn machine at full blast at a Marvel midnight premiere. Watchin’ her move throughout life reminds me that our generation’s already cookin’ up ways to make the world brighter.

And sure, people always say women are beautiful, which is true (Meemaw is the most beautiful woman I know), but I don’t think folks talk enough about the other stuff that women can also be: strong, wise, and full of what I like to call can-do-itism.

When life feels like a bowl of week-old soggy, uneaten Froot Loops, women still find the will to take a deep breath, roll up their sleeves and declare, “I guess it’s time to do the dishes.”

Sometimes the things that women can achieve can be world-changing, other times it can be just quietly encouraging one another and holding things together during a hard day.

On that note, what’s one hidden superpower that you think women have? Feel free to share it in a reply or in the comments, we’d love to hear what incredible capabilities that the women in your life (or yourself) are able to do.

Clementine’s Corner: Queen Dolly in the House

I don’t know if I’ve said it lately, but y’all know my hero of all heroes is Miss Dolly Parton. She’s a small town Tennessee girl that made good on all her big dreams and became the queen that she is today. Well, you wouldn’t believe my surprise when Chattynooga reader Brianna sent in this photo of Miss Dolly herself! Can you believe?! I knew I should have checked out Dollywood’s opening weekend!

Miss Dolly Parton herself welcoming folks to Dollywood’s opening day this past weekend! Thanks to our reader and friend Bri for this shot!

Maybe I didn’t get to see her in the flesh, but we do have ways to feel Dolly’s magic here in Chattanooga! Did you know that we have Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library right here in town? The Imagination Library is dedicated to providing every child enrolled in the program with a free picture book every month from birth to 5 years old! Here in Chatt, you can contact Signal Centers to sign up and get reading!

Man, isn’t Dolly a doll?? Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a stack of Dolly CDs and some serious listening to do!

Welp, time to pick those shoes up I reckon!

Whether it’s a storyteller highlighting local businesses, a country music legend putting books into kids’ hands, or the everyday women in your life quietly holding things together when life gets a little messy, there’s a lot to appreciate this month.

If this issue reminded you of someone who deserves a little shoutout, maybe send it their way or tell ’em thanks next time you see ’em. Sometimes a small bit of encouragement goes a long way.

Until next Monday, keep being kind to your neighbors, and do your taxes!

— Bubby & Clementine

C’mon in, door’s open bud!

Don’t mind the mess, we’ve been cookin’ up a storm with Meemaw since this morning!

March has rolled into town, which means two things around the Chattynooga porch this week. First, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by lookin’ back at some of the remarkable women we’ve had the joy of yappin’ with over the past year. And second, we’re gettin’ mighty excited about this Friday’s community potluck with our pals at Roundabout and The Garden House.

If you’ve ever brought a casserole to a potluck and wondered where that tradition came from, Bubby did a little diggin’. Turns out there’s a whole story behind the phrase “luck of the pot.” So grab a coffee and pull up a porch seat, let’s see what the city’s been cookin’ up lately.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Inflow!

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Chattynooga’s Leading Ladies

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: The Luck of the Pot

• Clementine’s Corner: Operation Try Something New

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Glow

Being as an Ocean · Waiting for Morning to Come · 2017

“No matter who has told you differently, you are worth everything.”

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Inflow!

If y’ain’t noticed, ADHD runs amok throughout our tiny team of two (say that 200 times in a row without slippin’ up, I dare ya). Ain’t a bad thing, just sometimes causes us to get things done longer than we originally guesstimate, things pull us in 10 directions at once, and we’re always going 0 to 100.

Inflow is a science-based app that can help ya better understand prickly brains like ours (or yours too if it applies!), while helping you develop skills to keep in check when you need it. The best part? Just clickin’ their ad tosses $1.68 right into Chattynooga’s piggy bank: no sign-up required if it ain’t your cup of tea, but you’ll walk away supportin’ local creators like ourselves in the end.

Anyway, get to flowin’ Inflow!

Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: How This App Can Help

For many with ADHD, a simple "no" can feel like a world-ending nightmare. This is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and it makes navigating daily life painfully hard.

Developed by clinical psychologists, Inflow helps you understand and navigate RSD triggers using science-backed strategies.

In just 5 minutes a day, you can learn to prevent unhelpful thoughts and build deep emotional resilience. Stop spiraling and start reframing your thinking with a custom learning plan designed for your brain.

Take the free assessment today

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Coffee Break Chattanooga
  Friday, March 13 @ White Duck Taco on McCallie | 8:30–10:00 AM

  Start your morning with Coffee Break Chattanooga, a monthly meetup with free coffee, pastries, and a room full of folks working on interesting things around town. You might even spot our pal Logan sharing a little about the next project he’s got up his sleeve!

  ☕ Mornings are for coffee and contemplation

• March Community Potluck & Gathering
  Friday, March 13 @ Soddy-Daisy Community Center | 5:00–7:00 PM

  The Garden House and Roundabout are hosting a community potluck and gathering in Soddy-Daisy, bringing neighbors together to share a dish, swap ideas, and learn more about the work they’re doing in North Chattanooga. There will even be a free pop-up pantry and closet available for anyone who needs it. Come hungry and ready to chat!

  🥗 Good food, good neighbors

• Nooga Leprechaun Crawl
  Saturday, March 14 @ Downtown, Northshore & Southside | 3:00 PM–3:00 AM

  Chattanooga’s hottest Leprechaun Crawl is back with more than 20 stops around town, plus drink specials, DJs, live music, and plenty of reasons to wear something aggressively green. Pick your starting spot and see how far your luck takes you!

  🍻 It’s 5:00 somewhere over the rainbow

Music & Entertainment

• Bloch and Brahms
  Tuesday, March 10 @ Hunter Museum of American Art | 6:30 PM

  This chamber music program from String Theory at the Hunter Museum pairs Bloch’s From Jewish Life with Brahms’s Piano Quartet No. 2, performed by an acclaimed group of international musicians. The performance brings powerful, expressive music into one of Chattanooga’s most beautiful concert spaces. You don’t want to miss this!

  🎻 Listen to the music of the night

• Heated RivalRAVE
  Friday, March 13 @ The Signal | 9:00 PM

  Club 90s is bringing its Heated RivalRAVE to The Signal, inspired by the hockey drama that’s been taking over everyone’s group chats lately. This party is all about throwback pop, big sing-along moments, and a dance floor full of people who definitely know why they were watching that show.

  🏒 IYKYK

• Holi: Festival of Colors
  Saturday, March 14 @ Creative Discovery Museum | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

  Celebrate the arrival of spring at Creative Discovery Museum’s Holi Festival of Colors with live dance and music, hands-on art activities, and a vibrant color display to close out the day. You can also check out the museum’s Sensory Night on March 12, a quieter evening designed for families who benefit from a more relaxed museum experience.

  🎨 Now everything is technicolor

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Nocturnal Nature: A Friday the 13th Night Hike
  Friday, March 13 @ Greenway Farms | 8:00–10:00 PM

  Outdoor Chattanooga is hosting a Friday the 13th night hike at Greenway Farms where a naturalist will guide the group through the trail using sound, touch, and night vision to explore how animals navigate after dark. It’s more wonder than spooky, with hands-on activities and stargazing along the way.

  🌙 Take a walk on the night side

• The Free Tree ReLeaf Program
  Saturday, March 14 @ Reflection Riding | 9:00 AM
  Free Tree ReLeaf returns this Saturday with the City of Chattanooga, EPB, and Reflection Riding giving away two free trees to residents in EPB’s service area. Stop by Reflection Riding’s nursery early and bring grab yours while supplies last!
  🌳 We say let it grow

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Chattynooga’s Leading Ladies

March is Women’s History Month, and ‘round here at Chattynooga we’ve had the joy of sittin’ down with some truly remarkable women during our Yap Sessions over the past year. From scientists helping us understand the soil beneath our feeties, organizers building stronger community for rural parts of Chattanooga, and young artists and entrepreneurs adding color and creativity to their daily lives, each conversation has been a reminder that Chattanooga runs on the care and dedication of people who show up for their neighbors.

Take a look at just a few of our previous Yap Sessions if you’re curious:

• Krisi Olivero, Soil Scientist at Alter Eco Farms

• Alicia Conboy, Founder of Cleveland TN Community Resources

• Daisy Bruce, Creator and Owner of Daisy’s Jewels

• Dorothy Demure, Founder at Scenic City Burlesque

• and Tiffany Grandstaff, founder of Full Circle Refillery

This month, we wanna open this pit widen the circle a little by asking no one better than you, our lovely reader: Who’s a woman in your world that deserves a shoutout? 

Maybe it’s a mentor, a neighbor, a small business owner, a teacher, a mom, or a friend who’s quietly doin’ big things around town. Reply to this email and tell us who she is and why you’re proud to know her, and throughout March we’ll highlight a few of these community heroes right here on the porch.

The best stories in Chattanooga usually start with someone simply showing up and caring, and the women in this town sure know how to be there for one another.

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: The Luck of the Pot

Has your brain ever made ya stop mid-bite at a get together with yer buds and force you to wonder, “This sandwich didn’t come from a pot, it came from the Publix Deli folks. So why in the world have we stuck with the word ‘potluck’?”

Well wonder no more, Bubby’s got the scoop to put your goofy mind at ease. I got curious about it the other day while thinkin’ about this Friday’s big community dinner — which you’re invited to, by the way — and it turns out the phrase has been kickin’ around for a mighty long time.

Way back in the 1500s, folks used to say you were eatin’ the “luck of the pot” which, when translated into normal-people talk, basically meant this: if you showed up hungry at somebody’s house, whatever happened to be bubblin’ in that kitchen pot… well partner, that was your supper (for better or worse back then).

You didn’t really get the luxury of orderin’ ahead, or even seein’ the menu to make sure they had something ya liked, just a bowl and spoon, and hopes that whoever was in charge of food that night knew what they were doing.

As crazy as it sounds, I gotta say that I kinda enjoy the chaos.

We’re running back another Potluck with our pals at The Garden House and Roundabout North Chatt!

Despite technology getting better (and food hygiene practices becomin’ more widely accepted), potlucks still work pretty much the same way today: One neighbor shows up with mac ‘n cheese that could make a grown man cry, somebody else walks in balancing a crockpot they swear is their grandma’s secret recipe, and suddenly the table looks like Thanksgiving showed up and the whole dang city got an invite

And that right there is the real luck of the pot, if you ask me. It ain’t really abouut what’s in the dishes (‘cause it all tastes good on one plate), but the folks who bring ’em through the door.

Oh, which reminds me…

This Friday, Roundabout North Chatt and The Garden House are hostin’ a community potluck over at the Soddy-Daisy Community Center, and it’s shaping up to be exactly that kind of evening, plus learning how we can all stay connected as neighbors and help one another!

Bring a dish if you’ve got one handy, or just bring yourself and an appetite. Either way, there’ll be a seat waitin’ for ya.

Clementine’s Corner: Operation Try Something New

One thing about Clementine McBride, as much as I love a good adventure, I’m a creature of habit. A chocolate chip cookie before bed every night. A bubble bath and a book to unwind. And that means that no matter how hard I try, I find myself going to the same places all the time.

Bubby and I love our local faves: BeCaff, Reve, Winder Binder, the ever-classic Clumpies. But listen, I know Chattanooga has the coolest people and places in the whole world. So as much as I love my staples, I wanna try some new places this spring.

So I ask you, Dear Reader, your favorite hang in town? Coffee shops, thrift stores, taco trucks, I wanna hear ‘em. Maybe we can meet up and check out the scene together one day! Because right in our backyard, Chattanooga is a whole world ready to be explored.

And that’s the scoop for this week, neighbor.

Whether you’re nominatin’ a woman in your life who deserves a little spotlight, checkin’ out what’s happenin’ around town, or plannin’ what dish you might bring to Friday’s potluck, we’re mighty glad you stopped by the porch to catch up with us.

If you do make it out to the Soddy-Daisy Community Center this Friday, come say howdy. There’ll be good food, and a whole lotta community packed into one lucky pot for us all to enjoy.

Until next Monday, keep lookin’ out for your neighbors bud.

— Bubby & Clementine

Well happy March, neighbor! 🌸

Does it feel different to you too? It’s somethin’ in the air I think.

This week’s issue is about that small turn toward the door: Steppin’ back outside, gatherin’ around tables with your friends and neighbors, and remembering that community is something we choose to participate in, even when we’re absent from it for a hot minute.

Let’s ease into spring together, shall we?

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Beehiiv

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: The Garden House and Roundabout North Chatt’s Community Potluck!

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: The Courage of the First Step Outside

• Clementine’s Corner: The Planets have Aligned

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Mr. Blue Sky

Electric Light Orchestra · Out of the Blue · 1977

“Morning, today’s forecast calls for Blue Skies!”

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Beehiiv!

We ain’t playin’ when we tell y’all how much we enjoy Beehiiv, it’s what we use to talk to all our pals every single week! If you’re curious about yapping with yer friends (or your customers work too I suppose), then you should give Beehiiv a gander if you’re on the fence about sending emails for a hobby.

Even if ya don’t end up signin’ up, just clickin’ the ad throws $2.25 in the ol’ Chattynooga piggy bank, so thanks for at least takin’ a look!

Anyway, get to buzzin’ Beehiiv!

Why is everyone launching a newsletter?

Because it’s how creators turn attention into an owned audience, and an audience into a real, compounding business.

The smartest creators aren’t chasing followers. They’re building lists. And they’re building them on beehiiv, where growth, monetization, and ownership are built in from day one.

If you’re serious about turning what you know into something you own, there’s no better place to start. Find out why the fastest-growing newsletters choose beehiiv.

And for a limited time, take advantage of 30% off your first 3 months with code GROW30.

Start building for 30% off today.

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Chattanooga River Market
  Opens Saturday, March 7 @ Tennessee Aquarium Plaza | 10:00AM–5:00PM
  River Market season is back at the Aquarium Plaza with local arts and crafts, live music, and plenty of good eats. Shop, snack, stay awhile! It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday.
  🧺 Better find your market bag

• LIT Brunch
  Saturday, March 7 @ Coolidge Park – Walker Pavilion | 12:00–3:00PM
  The 2nd Annual LIT Brunch is back with books, brunch, music, and plenty of fun for little learners. Come on out for free carousel rides, book giveaways, storytime moments, interactive Basics stations, live DJ vibes, and brunch while it lasts,  all designed to celebrate literacy in a big way.
  📚 Brunch, books, and bright futures

• Mystical March at the Chattanooga Choo Choo
  Saturday, March 7-Sunday, March 8 @ Chattanooga Choo Choo | 10:00AM-5:00PM / 11:00AM-4:00PM
  Shop the Market is taking over the Choo Choo for a two-day shopping fest with vendors, food, and live tunes woven in throughout the weekend. Think handmade goods, seasonal sips, and a little Celtic flair for your weekend shopping.
  ☘️ March Market Madness

Music & Entertainment

• anything goes.
  Friday, March 6 @ Clearstory | 6:00–9:00PM

  This open-call exhibition hands the mic to artists without a theme or boundaries, resulting in a wide-ranging mix of styles, mediums, and perspectives under one roof. Stop by for an evening reception, see what’s new in the studios, and spend your Friday surrounded by work that refuses to stay in a box.
  🖼️ Art with no rules

• AMUSEUM & AMUSEUM Jr.

  Saturday, March 7 @ Creative Discovery Museum | 9:00AM-12:30PM (Jr.) / 6:30PM

  A Secret Garden–inspired day at the Museum starts with a family adventure in the morning, then shifts into an evening fundraiser celebration for adults. The whole day fuels the exhibits, the programs, and the kind of hands-on magic kids carry with them long after they leave. Tickets required.

  🎨 For tiny explorers and big supporters

• Trap Karaoke
  Saturday, March 7 @ The Signal | 7:00PM
  Trap Karaoke is pulling up to The Signal for a full crowd-powered night of rap anthems and main-character energy. It’s part concert, part karaoke party, with fans taking the stage to perform their favorite tracks word for word.
  🎤 Drop the mic

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Spring Wildflower Hike
  Saturday, March 7 @ TVA Little Cedar Mountain | 9:30AM–12:30PM

  Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a moderate four-mile hike through limestone outcroppings, boulder fields, and scenic overlooks above Nickajack Reservoir. With about 350 feet of elevation gain, this leisurely-paced trek offers early spring wildflowers, wide mountain views, and a peek at the wildlife that calls this trail home. Pre-registration required, no fee, recommended for ages 8 and up.

  🌼 Wildflowers + wide-open views

• Weed Wrangle Chattanooga
  Saturday, March 7 @ Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

  Roll up your sleeves for this one-day volunteer effort focused on removing invasive plants from local parks and green spaces. Guided by experts, participants help protect native habitats while learning how to maintain healthy ecosystems right here in Chattanooga.

  🌿 Pull weeds, plant good

• Traffic Garden JAMZ
  Saturday, March 7 @ Red Bank Traffic Garden | 11:00AM–1:00PM

  Head to Dayton Blvd in Red Bank for a family-friendly day of biking fun at the Traffic Garden. Kids can practice their riding skills in a miniature street park setup while enjoying live music from The Randy Kiles Band, with bikes provided by White Oak Bicycle Co-op. All events are free and open to the public.

  🚲 Pedal, practice, party

• Critter Walk w/ Circle N Stables
  Saturday, March 7 @ Audubon Acres | Times vary

  Take a guided stroll through the trails with an animal companion by your side during this unique Critter Walk experience. Participants may walk with one of Circle N Stables’ island goats while enjoying a relaxed outdoor adventure suitable for all ages. Registration required, $12–$35.

  🐐 Walk on the wild side

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: The Garden House and Roundabout North Chatt’s Community Potluck!

What says Spring more than getting together with yer neighbors over a hot meal after the end of a crazy Winter? Nothin’, that’s what. Which is why we’re super-duper excited to announce our first of many pop-up events throughout North Chattanooga with Roundabout North Chatt, North Chattanooga’s newest community platform that’s built by locals (us) for locals (y’all).

Next Friday (March 13 for those with their calendars already out) from 5 – 7PM at the Soddy-Daisy Community Center on 190 Depot Street, we’re teaming up with our new friends at The Garden House for a good old-fashioned Community Potluck & Gathering.

While ya eat and get to know some new faces, you’ll also get a chance to learn how Roundabout North Chatt and The Garden House are working to serve North Chattanooga through intentional connection and putting community as the backbone.

If y’ain’t food motivated like Clementine’s dog Pickle, I’ll sweeten the pot even more for ya: The Garden House will have a free Pop-Up Pantry and Clothing Closet on-site. So if you need a little extra support, come grab what you need with no questions asked or judgement passed. Just neighbors bein’, well, neighbors! Everyone’s welcome, y’all.

RSVP and bring a dish to pass below, ‘cause we’d love to see your smilin’ face. If you can’t make it, not a problem! We’ve got a few more events between now and April for our official big Public Launch event that we’re plottin’ and scheming on, and will be revealed in due time, buds. You can also join Roundabout and see what we’re building right now if you’d like!

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: The Courage of the First Step Outside

Can I tell ya somethin’ honest, friend?

February was good to us. We celebrated one whole year of this little porch, hugged necks and clinked coffee mugs with our pals at BeCaffeinated. We said “Can ya believe it?” about a hundred times (mostly because I still can’t).

And even still… I felt like I was kinda tucked into a soggy burrito when I came home.

I wasn’t sad or nothin’, it just felt like I’d built myself a little blanket fort in my own head and forgot to bring snacks to keep me sustained.

Winter has a way of doin’ that to me (and apparently many others) sometimes: The days get shorter than me, and the sky turns the color of dishwater. Even when good things are happenin’, I start movin’ slower on the inside. Quieter. A little more protective of my energy. If you follow us on our Instygram, you’ve probably seen we haven’t been postin’ cause of that.

It’s strange celebratin’ out loud while feelin’ reclusive underneath.

But here comes March, and the world just moves a little differently already with only two days in. And here’s what I’ve realized: steppin’ (back) into community takes courage.

I ain’t talkin’ standing up to a bully kind of courage, just small steps of bravery through your routine. To me, that feels like:

• Puttin’ on real pants (arguably the hardest part)

• Meetin’ up with friends after a long period of Hermit Mode™

• And getting back into the groove of showin’ up for what i’m passionate about

It’s easier to stay home sometimes and cheer from a distance, but good things don’t build themselves. Sometimes you have to be the one to pick up the hammer and start thwackin’ hard enough for others interests to be piqued and join in (or annoyed because it’s 10PM).

If Winter made you pull back a little too, that’s A-Okay. But maybe this is the season we open the door to the outside world together so it ain’t a little scary when ya have a friend to do it with.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do ain’t startin’ somethin’ new, but getting back on the saddle of what’s normal for you again.

Clementine’s Corner: The Planets have Aligned

I can’t believe it, but it’s finally March! For the shortest month of the year, February sure felt long, didn’t it? But man oh man am I excited for March!!

March feels like a fresh start and so many great things happen in March! It’s Women’s History Month, which is one of my very favorite history months. Did you guys see the planetary parade the last couple of nights?? I saw THREE PLANETS AT ONCE, right from my backyard. Incredible. And tomorrow morning there’s gonna be a Blood Moon Eclipse… I don’t totally know what that is, but it sounds cool and if I can get my booty out of bed in the morning, I know it’s gonna look cool, too. 

What else… March Madness, of course, if you’re into that kind of thing (I’m not). Farmer’s Market Season finally kicks off again! Only five more days til the Chattanooga River Market opens and I, for one, am pumped.

We’ve also got the Ides of March, I think. We’re supposed to beware them, right? Side note: what the heck is an Ide? Why are we scared of March’s Ides specifically? Inquiring minds want to know. And of course, it’s the Season of the Leprechaun! I’m gonna find me a four leaf clover before St. Patrick’s Day. I could use a little luck.

Yep, March is looking peachy keen, jelly bean. I’m exhausted, but one of my unironically favorite poets, Sylvia Plath, said it best:

That’s the goal, folks. Get ready, Chattanooga, March is about to be amazing!

Well, guess that’s that bud.

If winter tucked you in a little tighter than you meant to be, maybe this is your gentle nudge. Just try crackin’ the door open and let some of that sunlight in!

Come to the potluck and say hey, and bring the store-bought cookies if that’s whatcha got. Community has nothin’ to do with perfection, but showin’ up and making it our own together.

See you around town (or on Roundabout if not!) 🫶

— Bubby & Clementine

Happy Monday, Sunbeam. 🌞

February’s been a little… soggy. Not quite the fireworks-start we imagined back in January.

But here’s what I’m learnin’: showers don’t just make puddles, they wake up the soil.

So this week, we’re leanin’ into the reroutes, the small wins, and the superpowers that only show up after a little rain. Pull up a chair. Let’s see what’s bloomin’.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Acadia Learning

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Punk Goes Publishing — Meet the new Walnut Street Publishing!

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Rejection is Redirection

• Clementine’s Corner

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Human

Jon Bellion · The Definition · 2014

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Acadia Learning

[Intro for FPP here] It’s what we call a Front Porch Partnership, meanin’ it ain’t local-local, but it does help keep this digital printing press clackin’ along and allows us to do even cooler things with Chattynooga and our buddin’ community in the future!

Even if ya don’t end up signin’ up, just clickin’ the ad throws a dollar in the ol’ Chattynooga piggy bank, so thanks for at least takin’ a look! I wouldn’t put it in here if I didn’t think my buds wouldn’t enjoy it either. Anyway, take it away 1440 Media!

Tutoring for parents who forgot algebra

You care deeply about your kid's education. But caring doesn't mean you remember how to factor polynomials.

Watching them look to you for help you can't give? That feels like failing them.

Acadia Learning gives families unlimited tutoring for $40/month:

• Your kid gets help from someone who remembers

• No more guilt about what you forgot

• Being a great parent doesn't require 7th grade math

Already helping 10,000+ families who care deeply but can't remember everything.

Book your first session by the end of the month and get 50% off your first month.

Book your session

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Unveiling the Past: Chattanooga Lynchings
  Thursday, February 26 @ Bessie Smith Cultural Center | 6:00PM

  A new historical marker will be unveiled tis Thursday when our community will gather at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to honor the lives lost to racial violence in Chattanooga. The evening will be an opportunity for reflection and conversation with local historians, creating space to remember, learn, and move forward together.

  🕊️ A moment to remember

• Black History Month Night Market
  Friday, February 28 @ The Chattery Downtown | 6:00–9:00PM

  Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of shopping, food, and music at The Chattery’s Night Market. Browse local vendors, discover artwork and home goods, and spend your Friday night supporting Black creatives and small businesses in the heart of downtown.

  ✨ Shop local… at night!

• Scenic Stitches Fiber Festival
  February 28–March 1 @ Chattanooga Convention Center

  Scenic Stitches is back for year two, bringing 90+ vendors, hands-on classes, live demos, and interactive stations to the Convention Center. Whether you knit, crochet, weave, felt, or just love a good handmade moment, this weekend is all about celebrating fiber arts in every form.

  🧶 I got 99 problems but a stitch ain’t one

Music & Entertainment

• Paint & Sip with Brush Hour Parties
   Thursday, February 26 @ The Big Chill and Grill | 6:00-9:00PM

  Grab a seat, a drink, and a paintbrush for a guided paint night featuring everyone’s favorite cow muse. Your $35 ticket covers all supplies and step-by-step instruction, plus happy hour specials rolling through 8PM. No experience required, just a willingness to sip and see what happens.

  🎨 Paint outside the lines

• No Man’s Land Film Festival
  Friday, February 27 @ 1673 S Holtzclaw Ave | 7:00–9:00PM

  Chattanooga Queer Climbers is hosting No Man’s Land Film Festival, a powerful collection of adventure films centered on women and gender-queer climbers. The festival uplifts bold storytelling in sport and the outdoors while championing equity, representation, and real change through film and community!

  🧗 Roll that adventure reel

• Spring Gallery Opening Receptions
  Friday, February 27 @ Stove Works | 6:00–8:00PM

  Stove Works is kicking off its spring season with three new exhibitions, including Paradise, Friend of a Friend, and Techno-animism. Wander the galleries, take in fresh perspectives, and spend your Friday night with artists and friends.

  🎨 Three shows, one night on the town

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Do Portugal Circus
  February 26–March 1 @ Northgate Mall

  Do Portugal Circus is bringing high-flying acrobatics, aerial artistry, and full big-top spectacle to Chattanooga. From the Human Cannonball to soaring trapeze acts, it’s fun for the whole family, so bring the kids (and your inner kid!).

  🎪 In the center of the ring just like a circus

• Boats ’N Bonfires Festival
  Saturday, February 28 @ 1117 Dayton Blvd | 10:00AM–4:00PM

  Southeastern Adventure Tours is kicking off outdoor season with a free, family-friendly day packed with live music, bonfires, food, yard games, and adventure vendors. Head to Red Bank, follow the tents through the tunnel, and make a day of it with friends, family, and neighbors.

  🔥 Time to kick off campfire season

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Punk Goes Publishing — Meet the new Walnut Street Publishing!

Y’all ever watch somethin’ grow up right in front of you? I ain’t talkin’ about those pills you put into water and it turns into a little sponge animal or somethin’ crazy like.

Real change, progress, and growth just bloomin’ in your eyes.

Back in 2020, when the world felt like it was tiltin’ sideways, Walnut Street Publishing quietly set out to reimagine what publishing could look like in Appalachia: No trend-chasin’ or algorithm-huggin’, just real stories from real people who deserved to be heard.

WSP has never been about polish for polish’s sake, but providing a platform when others would not for creatives, and picking at buildin’ a foundation sturdy enough for voices that don’t always get a microphone.

And now, five years later, they’ve stepped into a new era.

Aaron Quinn, founder of Walnut Street Publishing Punk Press Collective

Aaron Quinn, the creator behind WSP, said it best through the campaign itself: Punk is about goin’ against the grain and speakin’ the truth of your experience. When you really think about it, elevating underrepresented Appalachian voices is punk. Choosing depth over trends is punk. Building something slowly, on purpose, when the world wants instant everything? Extremely punk.

And if you’re wonderin’ what this new era of Walnut Street Publishing looks like in real life, not just on a mood board?

It looks like 50 local artists under one roof, food trucks, handmade goods, and folks showin’ up for each other’s work. Chattanooga’s creatives are buildin’ their own table instead of waitin’ for a seat.

Walnut Street Publishing is bringin’ that same punk energy straight into the real world with their Art Friends Market this Saturday at 11AM, along with our pals at Studio Ours!

Go support the punks and be a friend, maybe we’ll see you there!

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Rejection is Redirection

Imma be honest witcha… February has just not been the month to match that “New year, new me” momentum that we started off with in January. I been sleepin’ more, gettin’ crankier than a 14-year-old chihuahua who just heard the mailman knock on the door, and just straight up not havin’ a good time.

The last straw was this past Friday: Meemaw an’ I were doing some eBay Arguin’ online auctioning, and were in a crazy bidding war with a certain @beanjuice2 for a bag of porch goose outfits. We thought Meemaw had this in the BAG, and then all of a sudden, stinkin’ beanjuice2 slapped just enough dollaroonies down to take the whole gander of beautiful outfits we were’ admirin’ for Fannie Mae’s Spring debut.

I hung my head in disappointment before just hollerin,

Now, Meemaw was havin’ nonea that. She plucked my lil’ behind up by the suspenders and plopped me onto the couch for one of her “stern talkin’ tos”.

She crossed her arms, looked me square in the eyeballs, and said, “Bubby Tallant, you are not defined by porch poultry couture. I raised you better, darnit.”

I blinked twice.

“You don’t get every yes. That don’t mean you ain’t good. It just means that it ain’t yours.” That line stuck like biscuit dough in my ribcage.

Truth is, it wasn’t just about funky goose outfits. It was the emails that didn’t pan out, and the doors that didn’t open like I thought they were gonna.

In the same month that we started this newsletter situation last year, this February had me wonderin’ if I’d already lost my spark.

But then, in the middle of my temper tantrum, Meemaw snapped me right out of that negative self-talk.

What if rejection ain’t a verdict? Just a nudge that the world’s quietly telling ya, “No-no, not this one. This way.”

It rarely feels graceful in the moment. Sometimes it feels like losin’ by 75 cents and yellin’ at a laptop. But maybe the redirect is the point. To try a new angle. To make the goose outfit ourselves.

So if this month’s knocked you sideways a bit on your New Years Resolutions, just know you’re not fallin’ behind. Ya just gotta find the beautiful scenic route.

And for the record? Fannie Mae’s Spring debut is gonna be iconic.

Beanjuice2 can keep the Busch’s Baked Beans Chains Wallet.

Clementine’s Corner

This weekend, I had an idea. A revelation, if you will. A conscious lifestyle choice that I think is gonna make every day a little more magical. It’s called, “EVERYDAY IS A GREAT DAY TO HAVE AN ADVENTURE!”

Now hear me out, I know you can’t go off hunting for treasure or galavanting across the country every day. Probably not all that often, in fact. But that’s why you gotta look at every single day as a beautiful opportunity for something amazing to happen to you.

We asked about your weekend shenanigans to see what you lovely folks were up to lately. Our buddy Paul went on adventure to a rock and roll concert in Atlanta this weekend. Our pal Candace stayed home and relaxed, which feels like an adventure in self care and I’m so here for it.

As for Bubby and me, we had an everyday adventure that ended with a surprise! We went down to visit my family in good old Chestnut Mountain, Georgia, and the whole way home, Bubby was yammering on about some monument he wanted to see. So, we drove exactly zero minutes out of our way to see the masterpiece that is the Squidbillies Monument in Ellijay. IYKYK. It sure was… something.

So this week, that’s my advice to you. Whether you’re keeping it lowkey or doing something thrilling and new, enjoy the adventure! We’ll see ya back here next week!

Time to rinse off and head out, Pal.

And just like that, we’re closin’ out February with clearer skies ahead.

If this month felt slower or heavier than planned sometimes the growth’s underground. Thanks for ridin’ out the drizzle with us. March is peekin’ around the corner, and I’ve got a feelin’ it’s bringin’ a little extra sunshine.

See ya next week, porch pal. ☀️

— Bubby & Clementine

Big Yawn Heya, Neighbor!

Happy President’s Day if you celebrate it (however you figure out how to do that?) If February’s already feelin’ like it needs a snack and a nap, you sure ain’t alone. It’s that strange start of the year where the sparkle’s worn off, spring’s playin’ hard to get, and we’re all just sorta doin’ our best.

So this week, we’re leanin’ into places that know how to hold steady. The kind of spots where you can wander a while and remember that this city’s got more heart than it sometimes lets on.

Let’s get into it pals.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Pique Life

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: The Library!

• Not-So-Deep Thoughts with Bubby: February is Long

• Clementine’s Corner: I’m Tired

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Sleeptalk

Dayseeker · Sleeptalk · 2019

If an issue could give off “I’m super sleepy” vibes, I think this one would be it.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Pique Life

This week’s Front Porch Partner is Pique Life! They ain’t local-local, but they help keep this little digital printing press hummin’.

Here’s the sweet part: every single click on their ad sends $2.50 straight into the ol’ Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-ups required. Just one lil’ tap helps us keep buildin’ this cozy corner of the internet.

If you’ve gotta second, give it a peek. Alright Pique Life, take it away!

The Drink Everyone’s Reaching For This Spring 🍸✨

Spring doesn’t have to mean a packed schedule and another drink you regret tomorrow.

This season, I’m reaching for something different: Vesper by Pique.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials. Vesper might be my favorite yet. It’s a non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif that delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail. Without alcohol or the next-day fog.

It’s what I pour when I want something special in my glass on a bright spring evening. Each sip feels celebratory and uplifting. Relaxed body. Clear mind. No haze. No sleep disruption.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous.

If you’re ready for a new kind of happy hour, try Vesper here. 🌿✨

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Community Gains Grand Opening
  Monday, February 17 @ 1645 S Holtzclaw Ave, Suite 125 | 6:00–8:00PM

  Community Gains is opening the doors to its new space with an evening built around connection, creativity, and care. Designed to support the mental and physical health of local business owners, this space exists to help the people who serve our city avoid burnout and keep doing what they do best. Stop by to tour the space, make art, and enjoy local food while celebrating a new chapter for Chattanooga’s entrepreneurs.

  💪 Stronger together

• The Book(ery) Fair
  Friday, February 21 @ Bradley Square Mall | 10:00AM-5:00PM

  The Book(ery) Fair brings back that unmistakable Scholastic Book Fair magic, but this time for grown-ups. Browse 30+ local authors and bookish vendors, catch live readings and signings, hunt down photo-op moments, and rediscover the joy of walking out with a stack of books you cannot wait to crack open (and maybe a sparkly pen).

  📚Take a look, it’s in a book

• Lunar New Year Weekend Celebration
  Friday–Saturday, February 21–22 @ Studio Ours

  Studio Ours is celebrating Lunar New Year with a full weekend of workshops, food, movement, and community. The proudly Asian-owned space is hosting everything from DIY Korean dumpling making and sakura tree crafting to lunar flow yoga, K-pop crafting, drink specials, and goods from 30+ makers. Preorder kimbop, grab a matcha, and spend the weekend honoring the Lunar New Year!

  🌙 Lunar New Year, Chattanooga style

Music & Entertainment

• Bookmark Bedazzle Craft Night
  Wednesday, February 19 @ Plant Bar | 6:00PM

  Make a cute, customized bookmark and enjoy a relaxed social hour with Bookanooga at Plant Bar. All supplies are provided, and the event is donation-based; just come ready to craft and unwind.

  ✨ Add some sparkle to your TBR stack

• The Emo Night Tour
  Thursday, February 20 @ The Signal | 8:00PM

  The Emo Night Tour hits The Signal with a high-energy tribute to the tracks that defined your teenage soundtrack. You’ll find yourself screaming along to the deep-cuts in a room full of people that know it was never a phase.

  🖤 Sugar, we’re goin’ down swinging

• Con Nooga
  Thursday–Sunday, February 20–22 @ Chattanooga Convention Center

  Con Nooga returns with a massive weekend of fan-driven programming. From cosplay and gaming to panels and vendors, Con Nooga is over 700 hours of events across every corner of pop culture. It’s a come-as-you-are, all-fandoms-welcome celebration where Chattanooga’s geek community shows up big.

  🕹️ Level up your weekend

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• The Seed Drive Gathering
  Tuesday, February 18 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 5:30–7:00PM

  Chattanooga is heading into year two as America’s first National Park City, and this gathering is all about what comes next. The Seed Drive is a chance to hear updates, learn how community-led ideas can take shape in the year ahead, and connect with others interested in building a greener, more livable city.

  🌿 Big ideas start small

• Evolution Archery’s Team Award Ceremony

  Thursday, February 20 @ Evolution Archery | 6:00PM

  Our friends at Evolution Archery are hosting a public awards night to celebrate their students, complete with archery bingo, food, and a full red-carpet-style ceremony. It’s a great chance to cheer on the team, see the space in action, and learn more about the classes and programs they offer.

  🎯 Hit the bullseye

• Cassette Skate Shop Pop-Up Plaza Grand Opening
  Saturday, February 21 @ Cassette Skate Shop | 11:00AM–7:00PM

  Cassette Skate Shop is throwing a pop-up plaza party to celebrate construction kicking off on their new skate space. The shop will be open, music will be going, and the ribbon cutting happens at noon. It’s a gnarly, all-day hang built around supporting Chattanooga’s local skate community.

  🛹 Later, skaters

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: The Library!

You know who doesn’t get enough love around here? Local libraries. In the wise words of one Arthur Read, “having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card,” and boy oh boy was he right. My friend (and faithful Chattynooga lifer) Bri got me thinking about our local libraries this week. I asked her what was going on around town and she spouted off a whole list of amazing things going on at several of our local libraries. Makes sense, she is the Little Free Library lady, after all.

But I digress. After talking to Bri, I went on a deep dive of the events at libraries in the area. And man, our libraries are STACKED! Get it? Stacked? Like stacks of books? Oh forget it.

Now I’ve been to a lot of libraries in my day (that’s right, I’m a check-out-the-local-library-when-I-go-to-the-beach type of kid). And I can say with the utmost confidence that Chattanooga’s library game is PEAK. The Chattanooga Public Library has five branches all over town. Every branch is busy all day, every day. I’m serious. You wouldn’t think you could do all these things at the library, but you absolutely can. Mahjong, dancing, junk journaling, story time, writing classes, silent book clubs, cooking classes, and I’m not kidding, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

My favorite part of the library is the 4th floor at the Downtown branch. It’s like Disney World, but way cheaper, and right downtown. Seriously, you can make just about anything on the 4th floor: Stickers, t-shirts, buttons (Bubby loves the button maker), Zines, sewing projects. You can record podcasts and develop photographs and 3D print whatever your little heart desires. It’s pretty amazing.

And that’s not all! In addition to the public library system, Chattanooga is fortunate enough to have a bunch of independent libraries that serve their communities intentionally. The Katie Lamb Public Library in Collegedale has story times every week. This week, they’re celebrating Mardi Gras at the library on Tuesday, February 14! Seriously, Kings Cake, books, and beads? Sounds like a party to me. The Soddy Daisy Community Library is extra special because it’s open to everyone (even if you don’t live in Soddy Daisy!). They really just love people and love books, and that’s what it’s all about. They have exciting programming every week, too, like ukulele classes, movie nights, baking classes, Lego dumps, and more!

Who says libraries are boring? Definitely not our Chattanooga-area libraries! If you needed a sign to get out and grab a good book, let this be your sign. Reading is power, people! And our libraries make reading about more than just a story; it’s about community and togetherness. So go!

Wander the stacks and stacks of books. Sign up for the weird class you’ve been eyeballing. Check out five books instead of one.

I’ll see you out there!

Not-So-Deep Thoughts with Bubby: February is Long

I sat down to write somethin’ profound this week and instead just stared at the screen.

February’s been… long.

That said, not every season is full of fireworks. Some are like a crockpot in that it’s quiet, slow, and bubblin’ underneath the surface.

If this month’s felt heavy or weird (or just plain exhausting), you ain’t alone.

We’ll keep the porch light on and ride it out together.

Clementine’s Corner: I’m Tired

This weekend was slow. I was tired. Bubby was tired. From where I’m sitting, we’re all tired. This seasonal-depression-pit seems to hit everyone this time of year. I’m feeling it a little extra this season and if I’m being honest, it stinks. I’m ready for warm sunshine and longer days. But, since right now we’re stuck in the pre-spring slump, I decided to make the most of it.

I didn’t do anything all weekend long. Seriously! And I’m telling you what, that’s self-care! I read two books (and I’m 19% through my reading goal for 2026!). I binged watch a whole TV show (The ‘Burbs on Peacock, y’all. I’m telling you.). I took Pickle to the park and I played around with some pasta sauce in the kitchen. I napped. And I napped some more. I sat outside even though it was cold and gloomy. And I just let myself exist for a minute. No stress, no worries. Hakuna Matata and all that.

Then Monday morning came around, and guess what. I’m still tired. Maybe that’s just February for ya. But my heart is full knowing spring is coming and it won’t feel this way forever. Be kind to yourself this week, friends. We’re gonna be okay.

That’s our little bundle of Chattanooga for the week

Whether you’re checkin’ out a book, fillin’ out a sign-in sheet, or checkin’ in on yourself, we hope you find something that you enjoy getting into this week. February might be long, but so are library aisles, and both are meant to be wandered through at your own pace.

Thanks for spendin’ a bit of your Monday with us. We’re gonna go take a little nap now.

— Bubby & Clementine

Well hey there, Neighbor!

Well… would ya look at that: Issue 50 falls right on our one year anniversary of Chattynooga!

One year in, fifty issues deep, and somehow this little porch still has folks showin’ up. Tomorrow, we’re celebratin’ it together in real life, so if you haven’t RSVPed yet, consider this your friendly reminder. We’d sure love to see you.

This week feels just right for the moment. We’re diggin’ into generational conversations with Robert Rickman, and Clementine’s takin’ a thoughtful look at the past week of shtuff goin’ on in the world around. Let’s hop on into it!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: CBDistillery

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: HAPPY ONE YEAR OF CHATTYNOOGA, Y’ALL!

• Introducing The OK Boomer Podcast with Robert Rickman!

• Clementine’s Corner: On Current Events

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

DtMF

Bad Bunny · DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS · 2025

Debí tirar más fotos de cuando te tuve, Debí darte más besos y abrazos las veces que pude 🫂

This week’s Front Porch Partner: CBDistillery

This week’s Front Porch Partner is CBDistillery. Not local-local, but they help keep this lil’ digital porch glowin’. They make clean, well-loved CBD goodies for folks lookin’ to unwind, rest easier, or just takin’ the edge off.

Here’s the sweet part: just clickin’ their ad drops $2.25 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-ups, no checkout, no funny business. Just a quick tap that helps us keep tellin’ Chattanooga’s stories. If you wanna help us celebrate our one year by clickin’ that thang, we’d super appreciate it!

Alrighty CBDistillery — come on up and grab a rocker.

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Coffee Break + Soft Opening of Chattanooga Culture
  Thursday, February 13 @ Chattanooga Culture | 8:30–10:00AM

  Coffee Break, our favorite monthly, local networking hang, pops up at Chattanooga Culture with free coffee, pastries, and friendly faces. Come by in the morning or swing through later since Chattanooga Culture will be open all day long to explore the new space and soak up the vibes in the Kombucha Lounge!

  🤝 Coffee + Kombucha for the win

• From Rag Dolls to Role Models: The History of Black Toys
  Thursday, February 12 @ Bessie Smith Cultural Center | 6:00PM

  Take a deep dive into the evolution of Black toys with a curated exhibit and a screening of Black Barbie, celebrating the makers, stories, and representation that shaped generations. Stick around to explore the history on display and connect with a community conversation rooted in creativity and culture.

  🎥 History with heart

• WSP Launch Party & Pop-Up Exhibit
  Friday, February 13 @ Studio Ours | 6:00–8:00PM

  Celebrate Volume 5 of The Walnut Branch with a one-night exhibit featuring visual art from over 100 local creators, a mysterious secret reveal, and surprise artist performances throughout the evening. Doors open at 5:30PM if you want to browse Studio Ours before the main event kicks off.

  🎨 Art, mystery, magic

Music & Entertainment

• The Sound of Music
  February 10–15 @ Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium

  The beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic returns to Chattanooga with all the singing, twirling, and heart you remember. Whether you know every lyric by heart or just want a joy-filled night at the theater, this show is for you.

  🎶 A classic done right

• Justin Bieber Night (18+)
  Friday, February 13 @ The Signal | 9:00PM

  Sing your way through every era of Bieber at this all-out dance night packed with throwback hits, purple nostalgia, and plenty of chances to lose your voice. This one’s a must for anyone who once knew every word to Baby (and maybe still does).

  🎤 I’m a Belieber

• The Upside Down Bash
  Sunday, February 15 @ The Woodshop | Doors 5PM, Show 6PM

  The Woodshop flips St. Elmo upside down for a Stranger Things-themed Valentine’s bash packed with live music, themed cocktails, and all the weird, nostalgic chaos you can handle. Saturday sold out fast, so grab your Sunday tickets before they disappear into the void.

  📺 I’ve seen stranger things

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Witch Walk: a Friday 13th Market
  Friday, February 13 @ Frazier Ave | 1:00–6:00PM

  Almanac Supply Co. and Verre Noir team up for an afternoon of witchy vendors, crystals, plants, curiosities, and magical finds all along Frazier Avenue. A perfect stroll for anyone who loves charm, lore, and a little Friday-the-13th mischief.

  ✨ Magic in the air

• SeaLight Festival

  Thurs–Sun, ongoing @ Sculpture Fields | 6:00–10:00PM

  The glowing lantern festival that kicked off last week returns each weekend with handcrafted Chinese lanterns, live acrobatics, and vibrant art installations that transform the gardens into a nighttime wonderland. It’s a beautiful way to spend an evening outdoors and experience something truly unique in Chattanooga.

  🌙 Light up your evening

Don’t forget to check out our curated (and updated!) list of Galentine’s and Valentine’s events happening all over town this week!

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: HAPPY ONE YEAR OF CHATTYNOOGA, Y’ALL!

Y’all, tomorrow will be exactly one rootin’ and tootin’ year that we’ve been blowin’ up neighbors inboxes with shenanigans and stories. We made the realization yesterday that our anniversary will always be revolvin’ around the Superbowl, which if that ain’t the most American thang I dunno what else is.

It’s been a beautiful journey of curiosity, connecting with neighbors intentionally, and lettin’ life take us on a ride for our lives that we never saw comin’ from it. From folks at Harvard writin’ about us, launchin’ a community platform for our North Chatt Neighbors as a cozy alternative online space for our city to connect, and celebrating all of the unique personalities, communities, and talents that the Scenic City brings through our Yap Sessions.

We’re so excited to be meeting everyone whose tagged along for the ride, and can’t wait to see you at (Be)caffeinated Northshore tomorrow for our community potluck at 6PM! Make sure you RSVP in the link below so we can prepare for your arrival!

Introducing The OK Boomer Podcast with Robert Rickman!

We’re real tickled to shine a porch light on our friend Robert Rickman, our 73 year old “adopted Grandpa” who proves that curiosity doesn’t wrinkle with age, but only gets louder and funnier.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a seasoned broadcaster mixes decades of radio wisdom with a playful willingness to ask “Wait… why do y’all do it like that now?”, that’s OK Boomer in a nutshell.

Robert’s got a wonderfully chaotic charm about ‘im that’s equal parts thoughtful storyteller, curious grandpa energy, and guy who’s absolutely not afraid to laugh at himself. Each episode feels like sittin’ down for coffee with someone who’s lived a lot of life and still wants to learn what makes people tick today.

The show brings Boomers and younger generations together for honest, funny, and surprisingly tender conversations. We sat down with Robert to talk about Chattynooga, and give further proof that we don’t need to agree on everything to enjoy listenin’ to one another.

Do us a kindness and subscribe to Robert’s newsletter and Podcast for bi-weekly catchups from Ole Grandpa Robert.

OK Boomer with Robert Rickman

OK Boomer is a fun video podcast hosted by veteran broadcaster Robert Rickman, bringing Boomers and younger generations together for candid conversations where no one has a monopoly on the truth.

Subscribe

Clementine’s Corner: On Current Events

Alright guys, Bubby says I gotta keep my word count down but y’all know I’ve got a lot to say!! This week’s been a busy one, so here are my thoughts on three fabulously fantastic things that happened in pop culture this weekend:

1. Starting off the list strong with the Winter Olympics Ceremony: This shindig had it all: music, color, dancing, bobble heads of Italian opera composers.  Every country stepped out with their most iconic team uniforms. My heart just about exploded from excitement and pride when I saw Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to carry the US flag in the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. I mean, there‘s a lot going on in the US of A, and not all of it’s great, but this is something to celebrate. And is it just me, or is Snoop Dogg everywhere lately? I don’t know when he became the unofficially official US Olympics spokesdude, but I’m here for it.
   

2. Last night was Super Bowl LIX, and honestly, it had everything: football, commercials, a halftime show. I guess that’s pretty standard… but I LOVED it. I don’t really watch football, so I decided to cheer for the Seahawks because I love Taylor Swift, who’s engaged to Travis Kelce, whose brother Jason Kelce used to be a Seahawk. Yep, that was my exact logic. And turns out, I picked pretty well because they ran all over the Patriots.
   
   I mostly tune in for the commercials and the halftime show, and the commercials did not disappoint. Lady Gaga covering “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” while a neighbor returned a little girl’s dog? Immediate tears. Then realizing that was not “just a guy” but GUY FLIPPIN’ FIERI? Iconic. The BSB karaoke ending with a Coinbase jumpscare? I did not want it that way. Still, overall, I was a fan.
   
   And ay, Dios mío, the halftime show. Bad Bunny said I didn’t need to know Spanish to have fun, and he was absolutely right. I was dancing around watching pure JOY explode off my screen. There was a literal wedding in the middle of it. When he said “God bless America” and started naming all of America? I nearly lost my mind. Through music and dance, he made it clear: love is stronger than hate, and “Together, we are America” isn’t just a slogan. I don’t know what’s going on with half the world lately, but I do know this, Benito gets it.
   

3. Last and CERTAINLY most important, Star Search featured a lil music comedy duo from Atlanta, by way of Chattanooga (more specifically, they met in good ol’ East Ridge). They’re called Good Cop/Rad Cop and they made a movie about hand sanitizer among other things. I’d give ‘em 5 stars for the punk rock enthusiasm, and 5 stars for the comedy… actually, 5 stars for all of it, really. 🎸Chaaaattyyyynooga is.. PUNK ROCK!!🤘 
   
   Anyway, that was amazing and awesome and cool, but the best part of the whole set was something Jellyroll said. “Are y’all sure y’all aren’t from Soddy Daisy?” UMMM. SIR?! Put some respect on our name, Mr. Roll. After all, if you ain’t from Soddy you ain’t nobody!!

Alright, that’s all, folks! God bless Chattanooga and God bless America!!

Welp, time to burrow in for six more weeks of Winter!

From sage ADHD wisdom to kid-level clarity, this week’s stories remind us that listening across differences still matters to our community. Thanks for being part of this first year, for reading along, and for helpin’ make this porch feel like home.

Here’s to fifty more. See you tomorrow, neighbor!

— Bubby & Clementine

Happy February Neighbor, I love ya!

February’s here with heart-shaped everything and all of that lovey-dovey shenanigans. This week, we’re lookin’ beyond just Valentine’s cards and leanin’ into community for Black History Month also beginning this month!

Quick reminder before we dive in: Chattynooga turns one year old on February 10th 🎉 We’ve got a lil’ anniversary shindig comin’ up soon, and we’d love to celebrate it with you! Send an email if you haven’t already RSVP’d, we’ll be sending out details as soon as tomorrow to your email & on our socials!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Acadia Learning

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Clementine’s Galentines Galore (Featuring Valentine’s Events too!)

• A mini-chat with our pal @BlerdChattanooga

• Clementine’s Corner: On Groundhog Day

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

These Words

Natasha Bedingfield · Unwritten · 2004

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Acadia Learning

Y’ALL GONE LEARN TODAY! This week’s Front Porch Partner is Acadia Learning. They ain’t exactly local-local, but it does help keep this little digital porch light burnin’. It’s also a platform full of cozy, curiosity-sparking courses for folks who like learnin’ at their own pace.

And here’s the fun part: just clickin’ their ad puts $2.60 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-up needed, no hoops to jump through. Just a tap-tap and you’re helpin’ us keep tellin’ Chattanooga’s stories.

Alrighty, Acadia — step on up to the porch!

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Phoebe & Jay FREE Screening

  Wednesday, Feb 4 @ Chattanooga Public Library | 11:00AM

  Bring your littles to the library for a free preview of a brand new PBS KIDS series! Phoebe & Jay is all about functional literacy—noticing words in the world around us. Clementine is extra excited about this one, and y’all know you can trust her taste.
  📺 This one’s for viewers like you

• Dog Adoption Event

  Saturday, Feb 7 @ Starbucks Northshore | 10:00AM–12:00PM

  Starbucks Northshore teams up with McKamey Animal Shelter for a feel-good adoption event full of sweet pups, kittens, and pup cups all around. Stop by for coffee and stay awhile—you might leave with a new best friend.

  🐶 The cutest coffee break in town

• Puppy Bowl

  Sunday, Feb 8 @ Mean Jeen’s | 12:00–3:00PM

  Kick off Super Bowl Sunday watching the Puppy Bowl while meeting adorable, adoptable pups from the Humane Educational Society. Enjoy drink specials, good food, and warm fuzzy feelings knowing a portion of proceeds supports local pets in need.

  🐾 Puppies for the win

Music & Entertainment

• Mortal Fragments: The Art of Becoming Whole

  Friday, Feb 6 @ Creative Arts Guild | 5:30–7:00PM

  This solo exhibition by Steven L. Griffin explores memory, loss, and restoration through intricately carved and painted wood reliefs. The opening includes an artist talk and marks the start of a show on view through Feb 27. Thanks Steven for your submission!

  🪵 Where fragments find meaning

• Community Day

  Saturday, Feb 7 @ Bessie Smith Cultural Center | 10:00AM–3:00PM

  Kick off Black History Month with a free Community Day featuring the opening of the Community Art Contest exhibit. Enjoy complimentary museum access and activities designed for all ages.

  🎨 Black creativity on full display

• Ramen Bowl Painting Class

  Saturday, Feb 7 @ And Then Books | 6:00–8:00PM

  Learn the basics of surface design and hand-paint your very own ramen bowl in this cozy, small-group class just over the state line. You’ll paint now, pick it up later, and immediately have a new favorite bowl.

  🍜 Because your ramen deserves the best

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Chattanooga Boat Show

  Thursday–Sunday, Feb 6–9 @ Chattanooga Convention Center

  Browse the latest boats, gear, and lake toys all under one roof at the region’s biggest boat show. Whether you’re seriously shopping or just dreaming about summer on the water, this is the place to do it.

  🚤 Just add water

• 40th Anniversary Wauhatchie Trail Race

  Saturday, Feb 7 @ Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | 9:15–11:30AM

  Celebrate 40 years of this classic trail race with a 6.7-mile course winding through the lower slopes of Lookout Mountain. Hosted by the Chattanooga Track Club, this race is equal parts challenge and local tradition.

  🏃‍♂️ Hit the trail

• Hike Through History

  Saturday, Feb 8 @ Pleasant Garden Cemetery | 10:00AM

  Join a free, guided hike that offers a chance to learn about Chattanooga’s past while moving through one of its most meaningful historic sites. This partner program highlights African American history while reimagining cemeteries as cherished green spaces.

  🥾 Step into the past

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Clementine’s Galentines Galore (Featuring Valentine’s Events too!)

Well folks, love is in the air! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and all over Chattanooga, people are getting ready to celebrate. Whether you’re on the hunt for celebrations for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or even Palentine’s, we’ve got you scattered smothered and covered. Check out my helpful guide below for all the happenings around town during this season of love!

A mini-chat with our pal @BlerdChattanooga about the importance of black community and belonging

I’ll go ahead and point out the elephant in the room: I am not the expert here. If lived experience came with a color wheel on this topic, mine would be whiter than Casper the Friendly Ghost. So when Black History Month rolled around and I started thinkin’ about what it really looks like to show up with intention, I knew the worst thing I could do was pretend I already understood.

So insteada talkin’ about Black community in Chattanooga, I figured I’d do what ‘ole Bubs does best and pull up a chair for someone who’s actually livin’ it.

That’s how I ended up yappin’ with Bri from @BlerdChattanooga, a local creator and community-builder who’s been creating space for Black nerds, creatives, and culture lovers across the Scenic City. Anime, gaming, cosplay, pop culture, parties, and connection. If you’re lookin’ for it, BlerdChattanooga’s got the deets all wrapped up in a place where folks don’t have to explain themselves in order to belong.

When I asked what Black community in Chattanooga feels like to them, the answer surprised me in the best way: A little family. 

So without further ado, let me introduce you to some of that ‘family’ that continues to show up for each other and the rest of the Chattanooga community through their own unique personality and talents:

• First there’s Money Mane Gaming, holdin’ it down in the gaming space and bringin’ folks together through their love of video games, from retro to modern day.

• K Desiree LLC, creatin’ upscale celebrations with intention and care.

• Theremlap Productions captures joy and memory through the lens.

• The Bohemian Village on North Chamberlain, a delicious cafe rooted in wellness and community.

• Therapy 423, a lounge space on the historic Southside where connection happens over conversation.

• The Scenic City Run Crew, a running group for all folks.

• Darryl Eubanks Fitness, building confidence and strength inside and out with others.

• And last but not least, there’s other great event curators like WydChatt and Noir Nooga, makin’ sure folks know where to show up and how to plug in.

For me, this conversation was a reminder that Black History Month isn’t only about lookin’ back at how far we’ve come, but also payin’ attention to what’s bein’ built right now. If you’re curious, consider this your nudge. Follow ‘em, show up, and support the work!

Clementine’s Corner: On Groundhog Day

Guys, guess what. It’s cold. It’s Groundhog Day. And thanks to one rascally rodent in Pennsylvania, it’s not going to let up anytime soon. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, signaling six more weeks of winter. This is obviously a historically accurate scientific prediction, and I have some feelings about it.

I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up, but I AM SICK OF BEING COLD ALL THE TIME. Since I can’t change the weather, I’m doing the next best thing—writing a strongly worded letter to a literal groundhog. I sure hope he writes me back!

Welp, time to burrow in for six more weeks of Winter!

Turns out, love usually shows up quieter than we expect. In shared spaces, familiar faces, and people choosing to show up for one another.

Thanks for spendin’ a piece of your week with us, neighbor. We’re real grateful you’re here and can’t wait to celebrate one year together real soon.

— Bubby & Clementine

Hello there, Chattanooga! Stayin’ thawed out?

This week felt like Chattanooga threw every kind of weather at us except actual snow, so we decided to make our own forecast: cloudy with a big ol’ chance of stories. Between gatherin’ your Snowmagedddon photos and sittin’ down with our friends at ELLA Library, it’s been a week full of neighbors remindin’ each other what community looks like when it’s bundled up warm and close.

Without further ado, let’s get on into it! This email looking a little off? Click the ‘Read Online’ option at the top of this email to read it on our website instead.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Acadia Learning

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Got Snow? We wanna see!

• A Yap Session with Jazmine and Shae of the ELLA Library!

• Clementine’s Corner: My List of Joy

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Heavy Foot

Mon Rovîa · Bloodline · 2026

Our good bud and Chattanoogan Mon Rovîa just dropped his new album Bloodline, and this is one’a my favorites! A perfect feel-good to accompany this issue.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Acadia Learning

This week’s Front Porch Partner is Acadia Learning. They it ain’t exactly local-local, but it does help keep this little digital porch light burnin’. It’s also a platform full of cozy, curiosity-sparking courses for folks who like learnin’ at their own pace.

And here’s the fun part: just clickin’ their ad puts $2.60 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-up needed, no hoops to jump through. Just a tap-tap and you’re helpin’ us keep tellin’ Chattanooga’s stories.

Alrighty, Acadia Learning — step on up to the porch!

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• INTL Café: Mardi Gras Style

  Jan 29 @ Tap House | 6–8PM

  Celebrate Mardi Gras with food, drinks, and conversation at this lively language exchange hosted by ChattLanguage. King Cake fans of all language levels welcome!

  ⚜️ Laissez les bons temps rouler!

• Chatty Brunch Babes

  Jan 31 @ McCormick Center | 4:30–6:30PM

  The only thing better than brunch for dinner is when it comes with books and crafts. The Chatty Book Babes are hosting a cozy hang with snacks, stories, and light crafting chaos. Bring a brunchy treat or your tastiest board to share and get ready to chat.

  🥂 It’s brunch time

• Headshots & Hops

  Jan 29 @ White Duck Taco | 6PM – 8PM

  Come as you are, network, enjoy a drink & get a new portrait! Our pal Sydnee is doin’ some solid portraits from 6-8pm at White Duck Taco (backdrop & lights all included for the whole shebang). Whether you're coming straight from work, wanna get dolled up and ready to pose, or walk-up for a 'just because' portrait – all are welcome!

  🦆 Duck Faces Allowed

Music & Entertainment

• Brush Hour Paint & Sip

  Jan 28 @ The Big Chill & Grill | 6–9PM

  Brush Hour Parties is back with a guided paint night that’s perfect for beginners, besties, and anyone in need of a crafty night out. Grab your tickets and a friend and get your sip on!

  🎨 Let’s paint the town

• Sousa 120th Anniversary Concert

  Jan 30 @ Bradley County Courthouse Plaza | 1PM

  It’s been 120 years since Sousa brought the band to town and Cleveland’s keeping the tradition alive. Celebrate the March King’s historic visit with a free outdoor concert featuring the Lee University Wind Ensemble and Cleveland High School Band.

  🎺 Ain’t no party like a marching band party

• Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert

  Jan 31 @ Memorial Auditorium | 7PM

  See the film that started it all, with a live orchestra bringing the score to life as it plays on the big screen. You know the story, but you’ve never experienced it like this.

  🌟 May the force be with you

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Annual Skillet Curling Championship

  Jan 29–Feb 1 @ First Horizon Pavilion

  Chattanooga’s coolest winter tradition returns with teams tossing cast‑iron skillets down the ice in a playful twist on curling. Bring the whole crew for a spectacular skillet shindig. We take our cast-iron serious around here!

  🍳 Bring on the cast-iron chaos

• “Bad Outdoorsman” Hike

  Jan 31 @ Blue Blazes Trail | 1–3PM

  Come on out for a group hike with featured artists from the Hunter Museum, followed by a low-key creative session.. You’ll reflect on the walk through video or writing, then stick around to share and chat. Open to all, no gear or outdoorsy skill required.

  🥾 Take a hike!

• Snow Moon Mindfulness Hike

  Feb 1 @ Big Soddy Gulf | 2–4PM

  Part of Outdoor Chattanooga’s Full Moon Adventure Series, this peaceful guided hike invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature under February’s Snow Moon. Free to join and open to anyone with a warm coat and an open mind.

  🌕 There’s a snow moon rising

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Got Snow? We wanna see!

Alright, alright. I know some of us folks were keepin’ our eyes peeled on the weather updates all weekend, cause we weren’t sure if we were about to share a space with the Abominable Snowman for a weekend or not.

Sadly, us in the valley didn’t get a lick. Just muddy grass and disappointment to follow. So, if you’re one of the lucky folks who got to see snow in your neck of the woods:

• Send a picture our way if ya don’t mind, Clementine is sufferin’ big from FOMO. Even if you aren’t in Chattanooga, that’s alright too!

• Stay safe if it’s still around ya! It’s a beautiful sight but it can also be a doozy!

We’ll include your photo (with your permission of course) in a social post we’re craftin’ together later this week.

A Yap Session with Jazmine and Shae of the ELLA Library!

I sat down with Jazmine LeBlanc and Shae Cardona at Stone Cup Coffee’s comfy lounge upstairs, where we spent most of the time talkin' about a place near and dear to them that they’ve been building alongside the Chattanooga community. Somewhere between the steam of our mugs and the soft hum of folks chattin’ downstairs, they handed me a new word I’d never heard before: athenaeum.

Turns out, it describes a library that’s shaped by the folks who use it, and books and community share the same heartbeat. And once they said it, everything about ELLA clicked into focus.

ELLA Library in East Lake is a community library that empowers neighbors through books and storytelling. It's a place where kids pull their favorites off the shelf for the third time in a week, and parents spot a story they haven't seen since they were young and get to read it out loud to their own kid for the first time. That's what neighbors find when they walk into this unique resource that feels right at home.

Jazmine co-founded ELLA and directs the whole operation. Shae manages And Then Books, the community bookshop and art studio tucked right inside. Together with the rest of the staff, they’ve built an athenaeum in every sense of the word, that’s grown gently from the people who gather there.

Donations become inventory → inventory becomes funding → funding becomes programming. Nothin' wasted. Everything connected.

And Then Books started because ELLA had too many books. Not a metaphor: people kept donating, events left stacks behind, and eventually there was nowhere left to put 'em. So instead of turnin' folks away, they opened a bookstore where those books could keep movin' and groovin’ in new homes, while also helping fund ELLA's programs in the process. We love us a good closed loop system!

What makes ELLA special, though, is their intention and care that the team puts behind it.

Jazmine talked about how carefully they build the collection. There's kids' favorites, but also a strong regional section that allow children and adults to see Chattanooga reflected back at them. Books in multiple languages, including Guatemalan dialects that are incredibly hard to find. Sometimes a parent will spot a book they haven't seen since childhood and get to share it with their kid, which they both agreed those moments alone are worth all the effort.

Language is a big part of ELLA's mission. Lots of kids are growin' up movin' between languages — speakin' one at home, another at school — without ever gettin' enough support in either. ELLA works to break that cycle by honoring home languages and building English literacy in a way that feels affirming instead of corrective. Reading together might start in Spanish and slide gently into English conversations. Over time, kids build confidence in both, and nobody's makin' them feel small for how they got there in the first place.

ELLA isn't a quiet academic sanctuary, as they believe literacy shows up everywhere. From bilingual comic projects to big community events like their annual Fiesta. Shae's art studio inside And Then Books takes it even further with workshops like Altered Artist Books, where people take old books and transform them with paint, collage, and imagination. It's less about perfection and more about permission.

That creative approach spills into how they collaborate, too. Jazmine mentioned how many organizations around Chattanooga are doin' similar work, and how ELLA tries to support artists while makin' sure families can actually access what's being offered. It's not just "Is this cool?" but also other important questions like "Can people get here? Can kids participate? Does this feel welcoming to everyone and not just our community?" Even their community fridge fits that philosophy, because it's hard to focus on reading (or anything else for that matter) if you're hungry. Care starts with the basics sometimes.

When I asked what they're reading lately, the answers felt right on brand. Jazmine just finished The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a story about a small town and the ways different communities intersect around one shared place. Shae's gearin' up to read Things Fall Apart, knowin' full well it's gonna hit deep.

Builders of community, readin' about community.

Are you curious on how you can help out such a cool local resource? It’s as easy as donatin’ any of your gently used books! Those puppies stock And Then Books’s shelves and ELLA’s programs, which you can also support by showing up to (they’re pretty darn fun, like this Paint Your Own Ramen Bowl event that got rescheduled to this weekend!)

ELLA feels like the kind of place a kid can grow up visiting if they’re looking to plug into their community through a great story.

And that to me friends is a pretttttty rare book to have on our shelves if ya ask me.

Clementine’s Corner: My List of Joy

I might just be a kid reporter, but I’m also a well informed citizen. Unfortunately, that means I’ve been having a hard week. I don’t have a lot to say this week. I’m really sad, and I’m mad. There are a lot of bad things happening right now in our world and it’s not okay. I’ve seen some really hard things this week, and I’ve also seen brave people refusing to be quiet. I’ve been feeling a lot of heavy feelings. Maybe you have, too. I’ve been thinking about how joy in the face of adversity is an act of quiet rebellion. You’re allowed to find the happy things and feel them, share them. We’re in this together. I’m deeply delighted that I live here in this community, this family, of Chattanooga.

In light of that, here’s a short list of little things that made me happy this week. Lemme know what you’d add to your happy list. We could all use a little bit more joy today. 🫶

1. The Dr. pepper jingle (iykyk)

2. Bubby’s wild berry muffins with sugar on top

3. Space heaters and fuzzy robes

4. My Wordle streak (solved in five today 😎)

5. Cuddling Pickle and watching the dumb sleet fall outside

6. Andruw Jones is gonna be in the Hall of Fame

7. Taylor Swift is gonna be in the Hall of Fame

8. The whole thing with Guy Fieri’s new look 🔥

9. Owl impressions (Chatta-WHOOO-ga!!)

10. Mon Rovia’s new album… Magic

Time to venture out into the artic tundra this week.

Thanks for warmin’ up with a cup of coffee together before ya head out! Whether you send in a snow pic, share a book, or just took a quiet moment to breathe between paragraphs, you're helpin’ stitch together this cozy little corner of Chattanooga one week at a time.

— Bubby & Clementine

Happy Martin Luther King Day, neighbor!

Today, we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who reminds us that community is something practiced, over and over again, in what can look like small, ordinary gestures. It can look like showing up, listening more than you speak, and making room at the table for others even when it’s uncomfortable.

The work of love and justice is long, but it’s made lighter when we walk it side by side. Thanks for walking with us even if ya legs and feet hurt, neighbor.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Pique Life

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Winder Binder’s 2026 Reading Challenge is here!

• A Yap Session with Steve and Shirley of Steve’s Toys Plus in Hixson

• Clementine’s Corner: Clementine on Being Cold

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read (this one’s a screamer). Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

No Place to Breathe

Silent Planet · Everything Was Sound · 2016

Make every breath a protest in a world where your neighbors cannot breathe.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Pique Life

This here’s Pique Life! They might not be local-local, but they help keep this whole thing runnin’ with their partnership. And even if you don’t sign up for their liver detox deal, just clickin’ the ad sends $2.25 into the Chattynooga piggy bank!

Alright Pique Life, take it away.

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• DateChatt January Singles Mixer

  Jan 21 @ Atmosphere | 6:30PM

  DateChatt is hosting a January singles mixer that does things the old-fashioned way, by trading endless swiping for real conversation! With craft cocktails, casual icebreakers, and a room full of people actually open to meeting someone new, it’s a reason to put the phone down and say hello.

  ✨Like a dating app but in real life

• Chicks Get Crafty Vision Board Party

  Jan 21 @ Whiskey Cowgirl | 7-9PM

  Girl Chat kicks off the year with a cozy, creative craft night all about looking ahead. Make a vision board for 2026, grab a bingo card for the year to come, and take a moment to slow down with gratitude and reflection prompts provided for everyone. It’s a nice excuse to sit down and get crafty with friends while you think about what you want this year to look like.

  ✂️ Got a vision, oh snap!

Music & Entertainment

• Father–Daughter Dance

  Jan 24 @ Collegedale Commons | 5:30-9:00PM

  YMCA Camp Ocoee’s Winter Wonderland Father–Daughter Dance is a classic feel-good night built around dinner, dancing, dessert, and making memories that last forever. Dads and daughters ages 4–14 are invited to dress up, hit the dance floor, snap a photo, and enjoy a special evening together. And even better, you’ll be helping support camp scholarships for kids who need them.

  💃May I have this dance?

• The Little Short Film Festival

  Jan 25 @ Walker Theatre | 12:00PM

  Chattanooga Film Club hosts its very first film festival screening, bringing a lineup of one-minute short films to the big screen for a full afternoon of storytelling in miniature. This free, all-ages event moves fast, is full of fun, and keeps you on your toes!

  🎬 Big screen, small stories

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• OC Hike Series: Rock Creek Loop

  Jan 24 @ Rock Creek Gorge | 10AM–3PM

  Outdoor Chattanooga leads a guided hike along the Rock Creek loop of the Cumberland Trail, a classic route with big views and a solid challenge. This roughly 5.5-mile hike is rated moderate to strenuous and is best suited for experienced hikers. Lace up your boots and hit the trail!

  ⛰️It’s the cliiiiiiimb

• Micro Wrestling

  Jan 24 @ The Signal | 7:30–11PM

  The Micro Wrestling Federation brings a high-energy, over-the-top night of professional wrestling to The Signal, complete with big personalities, wild stunts, and all the entertainment. With skilled athletes and fast-paced matches, this is a show meant to be enjoyed live.

  🤼 Live, loud, locked in

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Winder Binder’s 2026 Reading Challenge is here!

Our pals over at Winder Binder Books on Frazier are kickin’ off their 2026 Reading Challenge, and it ain’t about speed, consistency, or proving anything. It’s just a friendly nudge to pick up a book you might’ve walked past before and spend some time with it. The kind of thing that fits in your bag, your nightstand, or that one chair you always end up in when the house finally gets quiet.

You stop by the shop, grab a challenge booklet, and let your reading wander a bit with all the different challenges inside. If ya read enough, they’ll send you home with a little swag on your next check-in. If you complete ten of them, you get another swag bag AND a chance to win a gift card! Everybody wins, especially the part of you that’s been meaning to read more.

If that sounds like your speed, Winder Binder’s Instagram post has all the details laid out nice and easy. Go take a look, see what they’re cookin’, and maybe let 2026 be the year a few good stories find you when you need ‘em most.

A Yap Session with Steve and Shirley of Steve’s Toys Plus in Hixson

I knew I was in trouble the moment I walked through the door. The kind where your eyes don’t know where to land first, and your brain starts yellin’, “MEEMAW CAN I HAVE THAT?” over and over again.

Steve’s Toys Plus sits right here in Hixson, not far from Berean Academy, lookin’ like a regular ol’ storefront from the outside. But once you step in, it’s like somebody cracked open the locks and let that giraffe that used to own

There’s action figures standing at attention like they’ve been waitin’ on you specifically. Shelves full of trading cards that smell like hope, luck, and maybe a little cardboard dust. Board games, puzzles, backpacks, dolls, Hot Wheels tracks that look like they could absolutely launch a car straight into the sun if you weren’t careful.

This ain’t one of those toy stores in the mall where everything feels rushed or too shiny or like you’re supposed to hurry up and buy somethin’ before a beep goes off. This place feels patient.

Ya think they gotta teleporter built into these too?

Steve and Shirley were behind the counter when I came in, both grinnin’ the kind of smiles that stick around even when nobody’s talkin’. Steve started tellin’ me about the shop; a story he’d been carryin’ around for a long time and finally got to set down on a shelf.

Steve's Toys Plus didn't come from a big plan, but from survivin'. Steve beat cancer and woke up one day knowin' that if you get a second chance, you probably oughta spend it doin' somethin' that makes you feel alive. For him, that was toys.

I call this “The Star Wars Wall”

As we walked around, Steve pointed out different sections like he was introducin’ old friends. Star Wars figures lined up like a tiny rebellion. Marvel heroes frozen mid-pose, ready to save the world again for the first time. Model kits stacked neat and careful, just waitin’ for someone with steady hands and a free afternoon. And then there’s the stuff for littler kids too. Bright boxes, friendly characters, things meant to be loved hard and maybe chewed on a little by accident.

Shirley chimed in with details, prices, and gentle reminders about what kids are into these days. You could tell they’ve been payin’ attention. Not just to trends, but to people.

What stuck with me most wasn’t how much stuff they had (though it is a lot and it rules), but how much they cared about who walks through the door. Steve talked about kids comin’ in wide-eyed while their parents rediscovered things they forgot they loved. Collectors takin’ their time, talkin’ lore, swappin’ stories, and not feelin’ weird about it.

This store feels like permission to be ten years old again, or seven, or sixty-two. To like what you like without explainin' yourself, and be able to slow down and remember that play isn't somethin' you grow out of.

There's a warmth to the place that don't come from the lights or the shelves, but Steve and Shirley’s presence. This store exists because somebody said, "If I get to keep goin', I wanna fill my days with joy."

And now, Hixson’s gotta toy store because of it.

Clementine’s Corner: Clementine on Being Cold

Friends, I’m in my tortured poets era. By that, I mean that it’s cold and I’m getting dramatic about it. When I get big feelings I like to write about them, so enjoy my chilly musings and try to stay warm! Then go take a nap… it’s what I’m doing.

It’s cold, Chattanooga.
It’s so, so cold.
And it’s only getting colder,
or that’s what I’m told.

I know spring is coming,
warmth will come to us again,
but what am I supposed to do
with myself until then?

I could run to the top
of a mountain and back,
but that would mean running,
I’d rather have a snack.

Hot chocolate from Reve,
A mug of tea from Sleepyhead,
Something warm in my belly,
I’m nicer when I’m fed.

The cold of winter
will surely not last,
so I’ll enjoy wearing twelve layers
Til the tundra time has passed.

Anyway, that’s all I got for y’all this week. What’s your favorite winter poem? Drop a line (or stanza if you want) in a reply!

That’s all for this Monday, neighbor!

Before you head back out into the world, we just want to say thanks for spending part of this meaningful Monday with us.

May we keep Dr. King’s legacy alive not just in words, but in how we show up for one another today, and the day after that… and the one after that too.

And now, on a much more ✨ rhinestone-covered ✨ note…

Happy Birthday to Dolly Parton, our patron saint of generosity, grit, and mind-your-own-business wisdom. May we all strive to give like Dolly, love like Dolly, and mind our hair like Dolly would want us to.

— Bubby & Clementine

Brrr, who left the A/C on outside?

Anyway, happy Monday neighbor!

This week marks our first Yap Session of the year, which always feels a bit like the official, “Okay, we’re really doin’ this” moment. We’re stoked to be back with new stories, and another chance to sit down with folks who make this city feel alive!

And as if that weren’t enough, we’re also buttonin’ up the details for our upcoming birthday shindig. Pull up a chair, ‘cause we’ve got updates to share!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Beehiiv

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: The Official Chattynooga One Year Anniversary Details!

• A Yap Session with: Alex Edwards of Evolution Archery

• Clementine’s Corner: Treat Yoself!

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

Whistle Stop

Roger Miller · 1973 · Disney’s Robin Hood Sountrack

Did ya know that the Hamster Dance song is just this diddy sped up? Mind blown, but felt mighty appropriate for this issue.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Beehiiv

Beehiiv is the platform we use to write, send, and grow Chattynooga every single week. It’s the behind-the-scenes printing press that helps turn our goofy thoughts into real stories in your inbox.

They might not be local-local, but they help keep this whole thing runnin’. And even if you don’t sign up to make your own newsletter (it’s a ton of fun), just clickin’ the ad sends $2.25 into the Chattynooga piggy bank!

Alright Beehiiv, take it away.

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Community Care Meet Up

  Tuesday, Jan 13 @ ClearStory Arts | 6:30PM

  This one-of-a-kind Queer Tea Party is a calm, cozy meetup for folks who want an easy night out without the noise. Drop in, settle down, and spend some unhurried time around friendly faces. Bring a snack, craft, book, or just yourself.

  🫖 Pinkies up

• CDM Sensory Night

  Thursday, Jan 15 @ Creative Discovery Museum | 5:30–8:00PM

  This after-hours museum experience is designed with sensory-sensitive families in mind. Expect a calmer environment, reduced noise and distractions, and plenty of space to explore comfortably. This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

  🫶 Curiosity meets calm

Music & Entertainment

• Altered Artist Books

  Jan 15, 22 & 29 @ And Then Books | 5:30–7PM

  Turn an old hardcover into something entirely new in this three-week, hands-on art class led by Chase Guajardo. Cut, layer, transform, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that’s part book, part artwork, all yours.

  ✂️ Not your average book club

• Lookout Wild Film Festival

  Jan 15–18 @ UTC Fine Arts Center

  This multi-day celebration of outdoor adventure films from around the world brings big landscapes, bold stories, and the people behind them to the big screen. Come check out the lineup of films featuring everything from quiet moments outside to full scale adventures.

  📽️ Putting nature front and center

• Kinky Boots

  Jan 16–18 @ Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium

  This Tony-winning musical brings big personalities, bold fashion, and a story rooted in friendship and change to the Chattanooga stage. It’s upbeat, full of joy, and definitely makes for fun night on the town.

  👠 Everybody say yeah

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Map It Outdoors: A Mapping Workshop

  Jan 15 @ Philip Grymes Center | 6:00–8:00PM

  This hands-on workshop with Outdoor Chattanooga digs into how trails, waterways, and outdoor spaces make their way onto the maps we use every day. You’ll get a beginner-friendly intro to GIS, try out mapping tools, and see how outdoor data turns into real-world maps.

  🗺️ Putting the outdoors on the map

• City of Red Bank MLK Day Cleanup

  Monday, Jan 19 @ Red Bank City Park | 10:00AM–2:30PM

  Join GreenSteps for a community cleanup honoring MLK Day with a few hours of pitching in together. Meet at Red Bank City Park, lend a hand, and help keep the neighborhood looking its best.

  🗑️ All hands on deck

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: The Official Chattynooga One Year Anniversary Details!

If ya missed last week’s issue, we were in the middle of plotting and scheming a little get-together to celebrate one whole year of Chattynooga. Well, after pullin’ some strings and calling in some favors, we were able to secure us a spot! Thanks to the folks at BeCaffeinated, we’ve got the whole dang patio to ourselves at their Northshore location!

As of right now, details are as follows:

• When? Tuesday, February 10 at 6PM

• Where? Becaffeinated Northshore (14 W Kent St)

• What? Honestly, we ain’t got that far yet, but if ya RSVP below we will keep you posted as soon as we do! We just wanna celebrate together with y’all and thank you for showin’ up every week.

Note: If ya already RSVP’d from last week’s issue, we already gotcha down, so no need to double dip (LOOKING AT YOU MEEMAW).

We look forward to seeing you around! We’ll touch base closer to February so we ain’t boggin’ ya down with our party stuff.

A Yap Session with Alex Edwards of Evolution Archery: Chattanooga’s first Indoor Archery Range!

If you’ve ever driven down Dayton Pike while thinkin’ to yourself, “I REALLY wish there was something fun I could do around here besides doin’ donuts in the Soddy-Daisy Walmart parking lot,” well neighbor… I’ve got news that might just hit the bullseye and save you a bit of gas.

Tucked away inside a cozy warehouse conversion off Industrial Park Drive in Soddy-Daisy is Evolution Archery, Chattanooga’s very first indoor archery range. It’s run by a fella who genuinely believes that if you start with passion and being open to trying something new, folks will find their way to it.

That person is Alex Edwards, and after sittin’ down to yap with him for a spell, I can confidently say that if you’ve ever had a hankering to try learning archery, or just wanna let some arrows fly for an hour, he’s the one you’ll wanna talk to.

Alex didn’t set out to build some intimidating, chest-puffin’ “pros only” kind of space. No siree bob, quite the opposite actually. Evolution Archery was born from the idea that there’s a whole lotta kids, teens, and grown-ups alike who don’t quite fit into the usual sports or hobby mold (I mean I’m writin’ a newsletter for crying out loud), but they still deserve a place to move their bodies and learn somethin’ new while feeling like they belong at the same time.

Archery, as Alex puts it, is an individual sport with a built-in community. You’re focusing on your own target, but you’re doing it alongside other folks who are cheerin’ on progress made that day instead of sizing you up.

Inside the range, you’ll find lanes that stretch out to a full 20 yards, the standard competition distance, which means beginners and seasoned shooters alike are learnin’ on common ground (no problem if you wanna start at ten yards though!). It may’ve been just ‘cause I got there right when they opened, but the lack of music in such a large place added to the calm and focused experience of it all. Nothin’ fancy, just you and the satisfying thwack of your arrow hitting the target like Robin Hood minus the tights.

Tights visualizations aside, if you’re sitting here thinkin’, “Bubby, I ain’t never held a bow in my life,” Alex would probably grin and say, “Perfect.” Evolution Archery is set up for newcomers first. Rental bows are available with quick instructions baked into the experience, and nobody’s gonna look sideways at you for asking weird questions because I already asked the weirdest ones I could think of. That said, the whole point is to try, adjust, and try again.

Lookit that big ‘ole trophy!

That mindset comes honestly, as Alex is no stranger to the competitive side of archery. He’s both competed and coached several youth teams, winnin’ titles in regional circuits and the National Archery Scholarship Tour, which pulls competitors from more than twenty states. But you’d never know it from the way he talks. He’s far more interested in helpin’ someone hit their first decent shot than boasting about his own medals, which are proudly on display from last year’s competition.

What really stuck with me was how intentional he is about kids and families. Evolution Archery has already become a favorite spot for homeschool families, especially since archery can even count toward Tennessee physical education requirements. Alex sees it as a chance to give kids somethin’ structured with social and confidence-building skills without the pressure cooker that sometimes comes with traditional sports.

Pricing’s refreshingly straightforward too. Range time runs $15 per hour, with that rental equipment available at an additional cost, which makes it one of those rare activities you can actually try without your wallet begging for mercy before pulling out your debit card. Whether you wanna pop in solo, bring a kiddo or two, or even have a unique corporate outing with your work pals, they’ve made it approachable by design.

Alex’s long-term hope is to keep growin’ this thing steady and right by the community he’s been apart of his whole life. More youth programs and homeschooling hours, memberships with 24-hour access to the facilities, and they’re currently in the process of building a second floor for folks looking to practice during hunting season can have a tree stand angle. Our pal Sensei David even hosted a free Tatsumaki swordplay class yesterday! Above all else, he just wants folks to walk through their doors and think, “Dang, that was actually a fun time.”

What Evolution Archery offers Chattanooga isn’t noise or short-lived novelty, but space: Space to breathe, learn, and miss a few times without feelin’ foolish.

It’s a reminder that community don’t always show up in uniforms and grandstands at the big game. Sometimes it’s you and your lane, and good friends encouragin’ you to “thwack that thang” as I always say.

Clementine’s Corner: Self Care Season

Well folks, we are officially twelve days into 2026. Anyone else exhausted already? Between the weather, the news, and whatever the heck my sleep schedule has been up to, I am plum tired!

But never fear, because I’ve got a solution to avoid crashing out like season one Joyce Byers this year (side note, I don’t even want to talk about the Stranger Things finale unless you’re still talking Conformity Gate… in which case, I’ve got thoughts).

You may recall that last week I wrote about my New Year’s resolution, which was to cook more. Well, I’m at it again this week with resolution number two. A life-hack of a resolution, if you will. And it’s called… ✨SELF CARE.✨

Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. Everyone and their granny’s been talking about self care for basically forever. But lemme ask you something. Are you actually doing it? Like every day, on purpose, going out of your way to take extra special care of yourself??

That’s what I thought. Me either! Because I’m too dang busy! So every day I’m doing something big or something small just for me. I’m talking bubble baths with twelve candles lit. Hot chocolate for breakfast, even though I know the sugar will have me yappin’ Bubby’s ear off incessantly all day. Totally worth it. I’m making time for things that make me happy, too! Like reading. I didn’t reach my reading goal last year and that’s a-okay. I’m four books into my 2026 goal, though! And boy, it feels good!

So if you need someone to tell you this, I (Clementine McBride) hereby give you, (your name here), permission to take care of yourself like never ever before this year! Rest! Adventure! Play! Treat yo’ self! Make this year the best because YOU deserve the best!

And with that, I am off to find a face mask and a jar of pickles to snack on. Maybe I’ll slap on an audiobook and get started on book number five. You take it easy, Chattanooga!

Alright friends, that’s this week’s catch-up in the books. 🎉

Between kickin’ off our first Yap Session of the year and finally settlin’ the plans for our birthday celebration, it’s feelin’ like a great kickoff to the year so far. None of this happens without y’all showin’ up and being part of the conversation.

So mark your calendars, tell a friend, and keep that porch spirit close. We’ll see you soon, whether it’s at the shindig, in a reply to this email, or right back here next week.

— Bubby & Clementine

I ain’t seen ya since last year, neighbor!

Okay, okay, corny joke I know. That said, this is our very first porch sit of 2026, and we’re comin’ in with just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

We’re lookin’ ahead to a big ol’ birthdayversary, yappin’ with you about where this thing is goin’ next, roundin’ up what’s happenin’ around town, and lettin’ Clementine loose in the kitchen. New year, same porch, even more to celebrate.

Let’s get to catchin’ up!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Attio

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Chattynooga’s turnin’ ONE YEAR OLD next month!

• A Yap Session with YOU: We’d love your Feedback!

• Cooking with Clementine: Clem’s Famous Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

So Good Right Now

Fall Out Boy · So Much (For) Stardust · 2023

Clementine’s a BIG fan of Fall Out Boy, so we had to start the year off with a feel good banger from ‘em (pun fully intended and you’re welcome)

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Attio

We’ve gotta mighty helpful Front Porch Partner back again this week buds, Attio! Their ad helps keep our digital porch lights on, and here’s the real kicker: every single click sends $2.25 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. 

No sign-ups, no hoops, just one lil’ tap that makes a big difference. No need to click each lil’ section though, just one teeny click is enough!

If you’ve gotta second, give it a look and help us keep our cozy corner of the innernet runnin’. Take it away, Attio!

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• More Than a Cup: Local Voices from the Coffee Industry

  Thursday, Jan 8 @ The Ultra Club | 7:30-9:00AM

  Mornings are for caffeine, contemplation, AND conversation at this panel discussion featuring Chattanooga coffee roasters and retailers! They’ll be sharing insights on the local coffee scene. Come for the networking, stay for the stories, and leave… very awake.

  ☕️ Have a cuppa

• Craft Cafe Grand Opening

  Thursday, Jan 8 - Sunday, Jan 11 @ Studio Ours

  Studio Ours is opening the doors to Chattanooga’s very first Craft Cafe, a drop in crafting experience! Come make something with your hands, hang out, and ease into January the crafty way.

  🧵 Let's get creative

• Chattanooga ModelCon

  Friday, Jan 9 - Saturday, Jan. 10 @ Chattanooga Convention Center | 1:00PM

  Scale modelers from near and far are taking over for a weekend of epic builds, friendly competition, and serious craftsmanship. Get ready for models of every kind, vendors, raffles, and plenty of time to admire tiny masterpieces up close!

  🛠️ Models and makers and builds, oh my!

Music & Entertainment

• Synesthesia: Silver Linings Edition

  Thursday, Jan 8 @ The Hunter Museum | 6:00pm

  Close out the Silver Linings exhibition with an evening that blends art, sound, visuals, and thoughtfully inspired treats inside the museum. Free and open to all, this multisensory night invites you to experience the collection in a whole new way.

  👂Listen on the bright side

• Goldn Dance Party

  Saturday, Jan 10 @ The Signal | 5:00PM

  This is one dance party that just won’t stop, with K-pop icons and anthems spinning all night long. All ages welcome, so come ready for your main character moment.
  🌟We’re goin’ up, up, up

• Silent Book Club

  Sunday, Jan 11 @ Reve Coffee and Books | 1:00PM

  Bring yourself and whatever you’re reading for a quiet hour of cozy, communal reading. No discussion required, just good books and good coffee. It’s one of several book clubs Rêve is hosting this January, so be sure to take a peek at the rest while you’re at it!

  📖 Shh… I’m reading here!

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Enchanted Garden of Lights: Afterglow

  Monday, Jan 5 - Sunday, Jan 11 @ Rock City | 4:00-8:45PM

  The holiday lights stick around a little longer with Afterglow, offering one extra week to wander illuminated paths and take in sparkly displays after dark. It’s your last chance to catch the display before the season wraps up!

  ✨ Light ‘em up

• World of Wheels Auto Show

  Friday, Jan 9 - Sunday, Jan 11 @ Chattanooga Convention Center

  Custom cars, bikes, and builds fill the floor all weekend long, with special guest appearances, costumed characters, and more. It’s a full-scale auto show packed with flashy displays, maximum horsepower, and plenty to take in.

  🚗 Vroom, vroom

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? 

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Chattynooga’s turnin’ ONE YEAR OLD next month!

Well would ya look at that… we’ve really been doin this for almost a year on February 10. 🎈We can hardly believe it ourselves.

If ya missed our Year in Review post on Instygram last week, we’ve had almost an entire year of stories, community conversations, neighborly yappin’, and buildin’ somethin’ special together right here in the Scenic City. We couldn’t let that pass by without sayin’ thank you the proper way.

So we’re thinkin’ about gatherin’ up a small group of pals for a cozy lil’ birthdayversary shindig. Nothin’ fancy, just good company and conversations, and a chance to celebrate an incredible first year with some of the folks who have made it possible.

If that sounds like your kinda fun, raise your hand below. We’ll share more details real soon if you wanna hang out in person!

A Yap Session with YOU: We’d love your Feedback!

Heya friend! Usually I save this space to yap about what’s on my mind, but this week I really wanna pick your brain instead, so I’m shuttin’ my trap and keepin’ it short.

We’re super excited to letcha know that we’ve already got three Yap Session interviews lined up for this month with some mighty awesome Chattanoogans that are doin’ cool things in our community. But before we sprint headfirst into 2026 with a pocket full of ideas, Meemaw reminded me to slow down just a smidge and hear from y’all first.

We put together a short lil’ feedback survey to ask what you’ve been enjoyin’ about Chattynooga: what you look forward to each week, what parts of Chattanooga you wanna explore next, and where we could do a bit better as we start sprucin’ up our newsletter with exciting new gizmos and gadgets.

We ain’t askin’ a lot, just honest porch talk and a few more minutes outta your day. It’d mean the world if you filled it out, so thanks so much if ya do!

Cooking with Clementine: Clem’s Famous Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Happy new year! I love this time of year, it’s a time to reflect, but especially a time to look forward. And I love, love, love making New Year’s resolutions. You might remember that I made them in July as well, but I am of the firm belief that every day is a chance to do something to make someone’s day, your little spot of the world, or even just yourself a little bit better. We also asked in last week’s issue if you had any questions for us that you were curious about, and our reader Gwen wanted to know if we had any recipes that we could share that we liked to eat, and I’ve got just the one for ya.

This year, I’ve decided to learn how to cook. And I’m excited to tell you my very first recipe! As you may know, I love pickles. I named my dog after pickles, I love them so much. I love pickles like Oprah loves bread, y’all, and I’m telling you, if you like pickles, this recipe is for you.

For this recipe, you’re going to need: 1 box (16 oz) of little bitty spiral pastas (my favorite are rotini), 2 cups of lil baby dill pickles (kosher or nothing), 1 block of diced up cheese cubes (Colby Jack or sharp cheddar), and 1 small white onion diced super duper fine. For the dressing, you need 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/3 cup pickle juice. You’ll also need salt, pepper, and a couple tablespoons of chopped dill (get the real deal, not the stuff in the shaker. It’ll make you feel fancy, I promise).

Start by cooking the pasta. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it with cold water. Put the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a healthy splash of pickle juice. Let it sit there for a bit and soak up all the pickley goodness.

Get a grownup, because the next part involves a knife. Go full hibachi choppy choppy on the pickles, cheese, and onion. The pickles and cheese should be cut into small cubes, but the onion should be hacked up until it’s just a pungent whisper of an onion.

Now you’re gonna get the pasta salad all dressed up. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, salt, pepper, and fancy chopped dill. Drain the pickle juice off the pasta and put it in a bowl with the pickles, cheese, onions, and dressing. Mix that mess together. Really go to town so everything is combined and cozy.

Next comes the hardest part… you put it in the fridge and WAIT. You wait and wait and think about pickles and wait. Ask Bubby—the congealing and cooling in the fridge is where the magic happens. After an hour or so (or however long you feel like waiting, ten minutes is good too), it’s ready to eat!

—

So that’s my first dish, I hope you like it as much as Bubby does. Seriously, after he ate one bite, he was hooked. He might’ve cried actual tears. All I know is that it’s seriously that good.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Let us know so we can cheer you on! Oh, one more thing… Bon appétit!

And just like that, we’re off and runnin’.

Thank you for kickin’ off the new year with us and being the best part of Chattanooga! We know this week was a bit of a lighter issue, but we appreciate ya showin’ up curious and ready to help shape what 2026 looks like on this porch.

From feedback and festivities to the best pasta salad this side of the Northshore, we’re mighty excited for what’s ahead. Keep them ideas comin’, and we’ll see ya right back here next week with our first special guest of the year! Any guesses? 👀

— Bubby & Clementine

Happy New Year, Neighbor!

Here we are at the very last Monday of 2025, and it feels right to slow our steps just a bit before the calendar flips. This week we’re lookin’ at how Chattanooga’s ringin’ in the New Year, reflectin’ on the word guiding us into 2026, and teasin’ somethin’ special we’ve got comin’ your way tomorrow. Whether you’re celebratin’ big or keepin’ it cozy, we’re mighty glad you stopped by the porch for one last visit this year. Let’s not keep ya waiting any longer!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: EverQuote

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: @Webbchatts’s Big Ole New Years Eve Event List!

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Choosing Depth

• Clementine’s Corner: Wrap it Up

• Wrap Up

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue for increased vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen as you go!

I Wanna Get Better

Bleachers · 2014

I didn’t know I was broken ‘till I wanted to change. 🫶🏻

This week’s Front Porch Partner: EverQuote

This week’s Front Porch Partner is EverQuote. They ain’t local-local, but they do help keep this lil’ digital porch hummin’ along and allow us to keep showin’ up here each Monday for y’all.

Here’s the real sweet part: even if you don’t sign up, just clickin’ the ad sends $1.60 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank. No forms, no fuss, just a quick tap that helps keep the porch lights on and the stories comin’.

Alright EverQuote, take it away!

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Whether you’re hauling gifts, driving through snow, or gearing up for the new year, now is the perfect time to ensure your coverage keeps you protected—and your holiday budget comfortable.

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Sis, You Sparkle New Year’s Party

  Friday, Jan 2 @ Reagan’s Retro Bar | 6:00–9:00PM

  Get ready for a glitz, glam, and glow-up kind of night with music, dancing, and all the sparkly main-character energy. This is a New Year’s celebration with hair tinsel, permanent jewelry, and plenty more that you don’t want to mis!

  ✨Get your shine on

• Opening Reception: The Inexpressible Contained

  Friday, Jan 2 @ ClearStory Arts | 6:00–8:00PM

  A unique gallery exhibition featuring art inspired by local anonymous letters, highlighting how creative expression gives voice to what words alone can’t carry. Presented by Unsent Letter Mailbox and ClearStory Arts, this is a project that’s worth checking out.

  ✉️ Quiet art from the heart

Music & Entertainment

• New Year’s Eve with Landry

  Wednesday, Dec 31 @ The Comedy Catch | 7:00PM & 10:00PM

  Ring in the New Year with a night of sharp, no-filter comedy. The late show includes a champagne toast, party favors, and post-show entertainment, and tickets from New Year’s Eve can be reused to catch the show again on Friday or Saturday, Jan 2 or 3.

  🥂Laugh your way into 2026

• A Tribute to Sun Records

  Saturday, Jan 3 @ The Woodshop Listening Room | 7:00PM

  A live tribute celebrating the roots of rock ’n’ roll, honoring legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison. Grab a front row-seat and jam along to the sounds that changed music forever, performed by Emerald Butler, Jhett Black, and Jad Tariq.

  🎶Let’s rock ’n’ roll, y’all

• Club Rewind: 80’s Party

  Saturday, Jan 3 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 8:00PM

  Dance it out to nonstop ’80s hits as Club Rewind turns the night into a full-on throwback party. Break out your brightest neon and bring your best dance moves for a party that won’t stop.

  🪩Preoccupied with 1985

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Rink in the New Year

  Tuesday, Dec 31 @ Ice on the Landing | 10:30PM–12:30AM

  Glide into the New Year with a late-night skate session featuring a live DJ, party favors, and a champagne or sparkling cider toast at midnight. The Hot Cocoa Cabin will be open for snacks and warm drinks, and the celebration is open to all ages.

  ⛸️ Ice, ice baby

• Full Moon Adventure Series: The Wolf Moon

  Saturday, Jan 3 @ Outdoor Chattanooga | 10:30AM–2:30PM

  Welcome the January Wolf Moon with a grounding daytime experience that blends reflection, nature, and intention-setting. The program includes a guided visit with the red wolves at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center and a gentle forest bathing mindfulness walk designed to help you step into the new year with clarity and calm.

  🌕 Got that wolf in ya

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

This week’s Community Spotlight: @webbchatts’s Big Ole New Years Eve Event List!

Honestly, we were this close to makin’ our own New Year’s Eve roundup… but then we saw our pal Shayna Webb (AKA @webbchatts) dropped a list so thorough and downright helpful that we decided the best move was to just scoot on over and share hers instead!

Shayna rounded up 35+ New Year’s Eve happenings and shindigs across Chattanooga, all sorted by vibe and budget. From family-friendly fireworks and early celebrations at Coolidge Park, to under-$100 dance parties like The Yule Ball at Unknown Caller, all the way up to splurge-worthy soirées at The Read House or a rooftop countdown at The Edwin, it’s all in there. Bars, live music, karaoke, neon dance floors, champagne toasts, and even safe ride reminders to so nobody starts 2026 with a bad decision.

If you’re starin’ at your group chat askin’ each other back and forth, “Okay butttttt what are we actually doin’?” this list is your answer.

Head to Shayna’s Instagram post for the full 35+ event breakdown, details, and links. Pick yer vibes, and let the new year meet you right where you are (or where ya wanna be heading!)

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Choosing Depth

I think that New Years resolutions are kinda… bologna, if ya ask me. Mostly ‘cause if I tell myself somethin’ like, “Bubby ya gotta do Zumba with Meemaw at least once a week if you’re gonna lose that baby fat this year,” then I already know I’m settin’ myself up for failure. So instead, I just picked myself a word to sorta align myself towards. That word was intention.

At the time, it felt like a lifeline more than a slogan. I wanted to be more present, show up on purpose, and try things that scared me a little. I also wanted to make sure I wasn’t just rushin’ past moments so I could get to the next one.

And truth be told? Intention did right by me.

It led me to so many conversations that turned into friendships, nudged me into rooms I might’ve talked myself out of before, and helped me notice when I was actually in the moment. Heck, we wouldn’t even be readin’ this newsletter if it wasn’t for me intentionally showing up every week to write the dang thing (even if it releases a little later than usual sometimes).

This past year felt like plantin’ seeds and seein’ what grows from it. Some of ‘em sprouted quicker than I expected, others are still takin’ their sweet time underneath fertile soil, but all of ‘em have sure taught me somethin’ nonetheless.

But now that those roots are in the ground, I don’t feel called to scatter more seeds just yet. I feel called to go deeper.

So with that, my word for 2026 is Depth.

Not depth as in heavy or serious all the time, but depth as in stayin’ with things long enough to understand ‘em. Ask better questions. Listen past the first response. Let conversations wander instead of rushin’ ‘em toward a conclusion.

Depth looks like stronger friendships that aren’t built on convenience alone, talkin’ about the real stuff and laughin’ till your stomach hurts, and buildin’ something slowly with care, instead of stackin’ up moments just to say you did it.

Depth also means tendin’ to this porch a little more intentionally, which is why in 2026 I really wanna make Chattynooga not just a place to find events, but a place to feel more connected with the city even as it grows. A place where stories linger, neighbors recognize one another for their accomplishments no matter how small, and the city feels a little smaller in the best way.

I don’t need more noise or more half-finished plans. What I’m lookin’ forward to is deeper conversations, stronger relationships, and a steadier hand on the things that already matter most.

If you’re headin’ into this new year with a word of your own, I hope it’s one that invites you inward instead of rushin’ you forward. And if you ain’t picked one at all, that’s alright too. Sometimes depth starts with simply stayin’ put long enough to notice what’s already growin’.

To get a head start on building depth, what’s a question ya might have about Chattynooga that you’re curious about? It could be about Clementine or yours truly, what Meemaw’s favorite kinda pasta shape is (Rigatoni), or somethin’ out of the blue that’s on yer mind! Reply to this issue and we’ll be happy to answer!

Here’s to diggin’ in a little deeper together.

Clementine’s Corner: Wrap it Up

Well folks, here we are. The last Monday of 2025. I gotta say, it’s been a pretty darn fantastic year, if you ask me. Bubby and I started this little newsletter on a whim, but man are we glad we did. Chattynooga has made 2025 the best year in so many ways, and we’re glad you were along for the ride with us!

We’re taking a look back at 2025 with Chattynooga this week. Keep an eye out on our Instagram for Chattynooga Wrapped, coming soon!

Thanks for being here with us, Chattanooga. We love you, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings us! 🎉

See ya next year, friend!

As 2025 slips on out the back door, we hope you’re proud of the ground you covered and the seeds you planted along the way. Here’s to goin’ a little deeper in the year ahead: in our conversations, our connections, and the way we show up for one another.

Thanks for spendin’ your Mondays throughout 2025 with us as we built this cozy community, neighbor. We’ll see ya right back here in 2026, porch light on and chair pulled up.

— Bubby & Clementine

Well Merry Monday to ya, Pals!

Y’all, we are gettin’ SO close to Christmas. Like, for real Christmas. And I’m gettin’ giddier than Meemaw when she gets another one’a her bear figurines to add to her seemingly never-ending family of cubs.

This is the week where loved ones pull up a little closer, and slow down just enough to notice how special it all is. We’re so excited that we can hardly sit still, but we’re real glad that we get to settle in and catch up together before we gotta go do all our family travelin’ and all that shenanigans.

Anyway, settle on in and grab somethin’ warm, top off your mug with your preferred warm beveragino, and let’s see what’s in store for our get-together today!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Riverside

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This Week’s Community Spotlight: The Garden House

• Bubby’s Cheerful Thoughts: First Christmases

• Clementine’s Corner: We Wish You a Wordy Christmas

• Wrap Up

Make sure ya tune the radio to this week’s song, it’s a perfect accompaniment to the issue (or so we like to think.)

When Love Is Found/It Feels Like Christmas

The Muppet Christmas Carol · 2005

Wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas. 🫶🏻 Happy Holidays neighbor, from our quirky Chattanooga family to y’all’s.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Riverside

This week’s Front Porch Partner is Riverside. They ain’t local-local, but they’re good porch company.

And here’s the real gift: even if you don’t sign up, just clickin’ the ad below tosses a dollar and some cents into the ol’ Chattynooga piggy bank and helps keep this porch glowin’. Thanks for takin’ a peek, neighbor.

Riverside, take it away.

Your Entire Studio, Right on Your Laptop

Record, edit, and publish your best content without needing a crew, studio, or complicated setup.

With Riverside, you capture high-quality video and audio, edit it instantly with AI, and turn one recording into clips, posts, and podcasts ready to share. All so you can spend less time troubleshooting tech and more time creating the content your audience actually wants.

Imagine finishing your session by lunch and sharing finished clips before your afternoon coffee. Riverside puts the power of a full studio right on your laptop so you can create faster, sound better, and look professional anywhere.

Use code BEEHIIV at checkout for 1 month free.

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Christmas Eve Pajama Party

  Wednesday, 12/24 @ First Horizon Pavilion | 11:00AM - 4:30PM

  Slip into your coziest Christmas PJs and make this festive skate session part of your holiday tradition. Glide under twinkling lights, soak up jolly vibes, and warm up with hot cocoa before Santa comes to town.

  ❄️ The chillest way to spend Christmas Eve

• North Georgia Holiday Spectacular

  Runs through 12/27 @ Colonnade Theatre (Ringgold, GA)

  Check out this high-energy holiday musical filled with big voices, bold choreography, laugh-out-loud moments, and classic Christmas magic. Featuring dazzling numbers, dancing elves, toy soldiers, and a heartfelt nativity, it’s a festive night the whole family can enjoy.

  ✨ Big Christmas energy

Music & Entertainment

• Mia Jackson

  Friday, 12/26 & Saturday, 12/27 @ The Comedy Catch | 7:00PM

  Comedian Mia Jackson is bringing her stand-up to The Comedy Catch for a night of smart, seriously funny comedy. Come on out for a relaxed night with plenty of laughs and good company.

  😂 A classic comedy night out

• Tell Me Lies - The Fleetwood Mac Experience with The Essentials

  Saturday, 12/27 @ The Signal | 8:00PM

  Tell Me Lies brings the music of Fleetwood Mac to The Signal for a full-scale live show, with support from The Essentials. Get ready for a night of the music you love and vibes that are unmatched.

  🎸 Classic rock done right

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Holiday Family Swim Days

  Mon./Tues., 12/22-23 and Mon./Tues., 12/29-30 @ Ooltewah Swim Center | 12:00-2:00PM

  Holiday Family Swim Days are back at Ooltewah Swim Center with open swim in a covered, heated pool. It’s perfect for burning off some holiday energy! Bring the kids (or bring the whole fam) and enjoy a relaxed couple of hours together, complete with music, games, concessions, and pictures with Santa.

  🎅 Santa’s got a brand new splash

• Open Gate Day

  Saturday, 12/27 @ Lula Lake Land Trust | 9:00AM

  Take advantage of Open Gate Day at Lula Lake and enjoy a full day to explore one of the region’s most beautiful natural spaces. Enjoy miles of trails, sweeping bluff views, and the iconic waterfall, which is well worth the trip in itself!

  🥾 Take a hike

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

This Week’s Community Spotlight: The Garden House

This week’s Community Spotlight shines on The Garden House, a heart-forward local effort organized by Jess Meroney and others in the community that’s been quietly doin’ the good, steady work of feeding bellies and taking care of neighbors across their corner of Chattanooga!

This past Friday, The Garden House hosted a Holiday Potluck Dinner at the Soddy-Daisy Community Center, welcoming neighbors to come together for a good hot meal just days before Christmas. Folks were invited to bring a dish (or simply themselves), and tables filled up with warm meals and shared conversation.

A lil’ photo that our reader James snagged while at the potluck. Thanks pal!

Kids were treated to small gifts, and get THIS: Santa, the big guy himself, made a special stop to spread a little magic ahead of the big day. Talk about a lucky coincidence that we got to see him in Soddy-Daisy of all places!

At its heart, The Garden House exists to make sure everyone has a seat at the table, especially during seasons when needs can feel heavier. If you’d like to support their future community meals, events, and outreach, you can follow them on Facebook, or reach out directly to see how you can get involved.

It truly takes a village to feed the village, and we’re mighty grateful for folks like The Garden House who keep that spirit alive right here at home!

Know someone doin’ something awesome in the community? Let us know by replying with more deets so we can feature them in a future issue!

Bubby’s Cheerful Thoughts: First Christmases

Remember your first Christmas growin’ up?

I mean the feelin’ of it. When ya got all snug into your Christmas jammies with your family on Christmas Eve, ate all of the holiday sweets followed up by an endless flow of hot chocolate, and then forced to boil in your sugar rush gently tucked into bed with the promise of Santa arriving overnight. Then, randomly openin’ your eyes after your imminent crash to finally realize in your head, “Mother of Jonny Cash, today’s the day,” so you jump outta bed in order to make it everyone else’s problem. Ahh, I remember it like it was yesterday (it was, I was rehearsin’ for later this week.)

That said, I was catchin’ up with all the trendy stuff on TikTok, and came across this particular feller’s vidya talkin’ about first Christmases that really put things into a different perspective: Christmas never really stops givin’ us firsts. They just change shape as we get older.

For example, this is Clementine’s first Christmas with Pickle under the tree, watchin’ the lights like they’re doin’ magic tricks just for him.

Maybe it’s your first Christmas in a new place, a new job, or maybe even a season where you’re still figurin’ things out as you go. And sometimes, it’s your first Christmas missin’ someone who used to be right there with ya, deckin’ the halls in tandem.

Those firsts can feel excitin’, tender, or a little bit strange all at once. But I also think they’re a sign of somethin’ good too, and that life’s still movin’. Love’s still findin’ new places to land, and you’re still showin’ up even when things look different than they used to.

Christmas has a real special way of holdin’ all that together. The old memories, new beginnings, and the joy and aches that come with it all, just sittin’ side by side without rushin’ each other off so it can all be felt and acknowledged.

So if this Christmas feels different for you, that’s quite alright.

You’re not doin’ it wrong, just livin’ through one of this year’s firsts. It’s our first year together as a community, and that is something worth Ho, Ho, Ho’ing about.

Clementine’s Corner: We Wish You a Wordy Christmas

I love Christmas. I really, really do. And I love words. I really, really do. So it won’t come as a shock to you that I really, really, really, really, really love Christmas words.

I’m serious, Christmas carols have their own language. You can’t just say these things just any time of year or people will think you’re stuck in the Muppets’ Christmas Carol. No, the festive verbiage of the holidays is something special, and I’m excited to tell you my five favorite phrases you can only get away with uttering this time of year.

5. Figgie Pudding: Can you believe this is a real thing? My great aunt Myrtle used to make figgie pudding every year for the holidays and you wouldn’t believe, but that stuff SLAPS.

4. Tidings: Okay, what the heck is a tiding and why is everyone bringing the good ones with them this Christmas?? Tidings are just lil bits of news, and there are plenty of good tidings this time of year. Maybe we should change call ourselves a Good-Tidings-letter instead of a plain old newsletter… I’ll see what Bubby thinks.

3. Tannenbaum: Yeah, this is just the German word for “fir tree,” but if you ask me, we are underutilizing the Tannenbaum title. “Wow, I like your Christmas tree.” Boring, basic. “What a totally terrific Tannenbaum!” Flashy, magical. I mean, it makes sense to me.

2. Upsot: The iconic second verse to Jingle Bells tells the story of a guy that goes for a sleigh ride with Ms. Fanny Bright and they wind up getting yeeted from the sleigh. That goofy horse got into a drifted bank “and then we got upsot.” Upsot?! But upon further research, I can confirm that upsot IS in fact a real but rare past participial form of the word upset. I’m pretty sure they just picked it for Jingle Bells for the rhyme and I can appreciate that.

1. Wassail: MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. It derives from an old English greeting (Waes Hail, which means Be Ye Healthy), but it’s basically a fancy way to say “what’s up, my merry homie?” This one even comes in a verb variety, where you go door to door wassailing and they give you something warm to drink. Catch me wassailing round town, how ‘bout that.

Words are so wonderful all the time, and I love these weird little wonders of words that make Christmas a tiny bit more special. My challenge for you this week is to use your words to tell the people in your corner how thankful you are for them! Like this:

“Bubby! Wassail, my dude? Don’t get upsot, I bring happy tidings and figgie pudding! It’s Tannenbaum time!”

However you choose to celebrate (and whatever words you use to do so), I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Well Neighbor, Time to Deck the Halls.

The lights are glowin’, the good words are floatin’ around in the air, and Christmas is nearly here. Whether your days ahead are full of wassailin’, figgie puddin’, new traditions, or quiet moments you didn’t see comin’, we hope you find a little bit of joy tucked into each and every one.

If this season feels familiar, we hope it feels comforting. And if it feels different, we hope it still finds you gently, with room for both the old memories and the brand-new ones you’re makin’ along the way.

However you celebrate. Whatever words you use. Whoever you’re holdin’ close (or carryin’ with you in your heart), know there’s a seat saved for you right here.

From our cozy porch to yours, we wish you a Christmas full of warmth, wonder, and words worth holdin’ onto.

We’ll see you on the other side of Christmas, friends! Don’t be afraid to show off whatcha get from Santa by emailing us at howdy@chattynooga.news, we might feature ‘em in next Monday’s issue if you do 👀

— Bubby & Clementine

Happy first day of Hanukkah, neighbor! 🕎

If your family lit that first candle last night, I hope it brings a little warmth and peace into your home. I’ve always loved how Hanukkah starts small with one light that’s quiet and intentional, but the most important of ‘em all.

This season in Chattanooga is full of moments like that. Folks are celebratin’ all kinds of holidays right now: Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, good ole Christmas, and even some traditions that don’t come with decorations at all. Different ways of markin’ the same long nights, together.

So this week, we’re slowin’ down and lookin’ around at all the lights our neighbors are sharin’ in the neighborhood. Every candle counts here.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: EverQuote

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• Hand-Picked Community Spotlight: Community Menorah Lighting at the Jewish Cultural Center

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Not All Lights Shine the Same

• Clementine’s Corner

• Wrap Up

I Have a Little Dreidel

Barenaked Ladies · 2004

Y’all ever spun a Dreidel before? It’s like the original Beyblade, I swear. Also just a fun little toy to have ‘round for the holidays!

This week’s Front Porch Partner: EverQuote

This week’s Front Porch Partner is EverQuote. They ain’t local-local, but it does help keep this little digital printing press hummin’ along and dreamin’ up even cozier things for Chattynooga and our growin’ community.

Here’s the real sweet part: every single click on the ad below sends $2.25 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank, even if you don’t sign up for a thing. No forms, no fuss, just a quick tap that helps keep the porch lights on and the stories comin’.

EverQuote, take it away!

The Best Gift? Better Insurance Rates

While winter brings lots of good cheer, it can also mean new risks: icy roads, unexpected storms, and increased holiday travel. That makes now the perfect time to ensure that you and your family are fully protected. Your home, your vehicles, and your peace of mind all deserve coverage that fits your current life—not outdated premiums from years past.

EverQuote lets you compare personalized quotes for bundled home and auto policies, multi-car coverage, and more—all in one simple dashboard. Whether you're prepping for long drives to see family or keeping your home secure through the colder months, our tools help ensure your protection stays strong and your money works smarter.

See your savings today!

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Chattanooga Jazz Fest’s Holiday Free Market
  Tuesday, December 16 @ Wanderlinger Brewing Company | 6:00-9:00PM

  Swap gently used items for new-to-you treasures at this community-powered holiday free market. Free to shop, good for the planet, and full of surprises - just don’t forget to bring a tote bag!

  ♻️ Free finds, festive vibes.

• girlCHAT Presents: Chicks Christmas Crawl

  Saturday, December 20 @ Chattanooga Zoo (to start!) | 6:00PM

  GirlChat’s festive holiday crawl returns with stops at some of Chattanooga’s best Christmas spots, kicking off at the Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival and hopping through downtown for drinks, lights, and cheer. Ticket includes entry to the lantern fest and ugly sweaters are highly encouraged.

  🍸 Jingle, mingle, repeat.

• A Holiday Market + Ugly Sweater Contest
  Sunday, December 21 @ Starbucks Northshore | 10:00AM-4:00PM

  Shop a festive lineup of local makers, snap Santa photos, and show off your ugliest sweater for a chance at a cash prize. Expect community giving, cheerful chaos, and peak holiday vibes throughout.

  🎁 Shop small, dress loud.

• Wrapping Party

  Sunday, December 21 @ Full Circle Refinery | 12:00-3:00PM

  Bring your gifts and wrap them sustainably at this family-friendly holiday wrapping party. Craft supplies are provided, hot drinks will be flowing, and a small suggested donation helps spread holiday cheer a little further.

  🌿 Sustainable wrapping for the win.

Music & Entertainment

• Nooga Holiday Cocktail Trail

  Monday, December 15-Sunday, December 21 @ Various Locations

  Sip your way through Chattanooga with $8 featured cocktails and mocktails, plus $6 desserts at participating bars and restaurants. Come on out for a festive excuse to sample seasonal drinks and treats all across the city.

  🥂 Festive sips at every stop.

• Broads Who Read Holiday Book Swap

  Tuesday, December 16 @ Broads Lounge | 6:00PM

  Bring a wrapped book you love (or would love to receive) and swap stories with fellow readers at this festive book exchange. With author readings from Lynn Thorne and Khalil Elayan and flash tattoos from Lunar Tattoo, you’ll come for the books and stay for the besties.
  ✨ A cozy night for book people.

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Red Bank Godsey Ridge Trail Groundbreaking Ceremony

  Tuesday, December 16 @ Red Bank Community Center | 4:15PM

  Celebrate the start of the Godsey Ridge Trail, a new multi-use path designed for walking, biking, and outdoor fun for all ages. City leaders, community partners, and neighbors will gather to mark a major step toward expanded outdoor access in Red Bank.

  🚶 New trails, new possibilities.

• An Afternoon of Holiday Cheer
  Saturday, December 20 @ Miller Park | 12:00-4:00PM

  Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors invites families to a free afternoon of seasonal fun, including photos with Santa, story times, hot chocolate, arts and crafts, and special character appearances. Wander the Festive Forest, enjoy holiday music, and soak up some classic community cheer.

  🎄 A park day full of holiday spirit.

• Not Your Basic Elf Hunt Wrap Up

  Saturday, December 20 @ Downtown Library | 2:00-4:00PM

  Keep your eyes peeled as mischievous elves pop up at local businesses, community centers, and attractions all around town throughout the week. The hunt wraps up Saturday with a downtown celebration featuring photos with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, music, and more.

  🏁 A festive finish to the elf hunt.

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

Hand-Picked Community Spotlight: Community Menorah Lighting at the Jewish Cultural Center

Photos captured by Times Free Press Photographer Robin Rudd

As reported by our friends over at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the first night of Hanukkah was marked this past Sunday with a community menorah lighting at the Jewish Cultural Center here in Chattanooga.

Photos captured by Times Free Press Photographer Robin Rudd

Their coverage shows neighbors of all ages gatherin’ close as the first candle was lit, officially kickin’ off the eight-night observance. Kids leaned in with wide eyes, adults helped guide the ritual, and tables filled up with conversation, food, and familiar faces, the kind of togetherness that feels especially meaningful this time of year.

Photos captured by Times Free Press Photographer Robin Rudd

The photos captured by the Times Free Press tell the story best. Steady hands lighting candles, families sharing the moment, and a room full of people showin’ up for one another. It’s a reminder that so many of the season’s traditions, no matter how different they may look, are rooted in the same simple things: memory, community, and light carried forward.

We’re mighty grateful for local journalism that takes the time to document moments like this, and for a city where so many traditions are honored out in the open, with care and intention!

What are some other winter holidays that you or your family celebrate together this year? Drop a reply mainly because we’re curious and love learnin’ how to spend the holidays differently.

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: Not All Lights Shine the Same

I’ll be the first to admit it, neighbor: I love Christmas.

I love the music, the lights strung up a little crooked, the smell of somethin’ sweet bakin’ at all times when it’s already dark outside.

I love how folks in Chattanooga will go all out with twinkle lights, yard inflatables that look like they might take flight with one strong wind, and front windows glowin’ like little beacons sayin’, “Come on in neighbor, I just started a kettle of tea.”

However, as the years have gone by, I’ve found myself wonderin’ more and more about all the other lights showin’ up around town this season. They don’t quite look like Christmas decor, but they sure do give off the same lovin’ energy.

Some lights don’t blink or play music on the radio, but rather start small and grow night by night. Meemaw says that they mark history, resilience, reflection, and togetherness in ways I didn’t grow up with, but have come to appreciate by watchin’ my neighbors carry them with care.

Across Chattanooga right now, folks are lightin’ candles, gatherin’ family, tellin’ old stories, honorin’ ancestors, and welcomin’ winter in ways that don’t all look like mine, and that’s somethin’ I’ve come to see as real special. There’s ddifferent traditions, sure, but the same human need to push back the dark a little and remind ourselves we ain’t alone in this frigid Winter season comin’.

And y’know, I reckon that’s what ties all these winter holidays together. Whether it’s a porch strung with lights, a menorah on the table, a fire lit on the longest night, or a quiet moment shared with people you love, it’s all a way of sayin’, “We’re here together. We made it this far.”

So this season, I’m still enjoyin’ my Christmas lights just the same. But I’m also keepin’ my eyes open to noticin’ the other ways my neighbors shine and get together. I might ask some querious questions like, “Huh, I ain’t ever heard of Diwali before. What y’all do for that?” And learnin’ when I can, while respectin’ when I don’t fully understand yet.

The more I look around, the more it feels like this city is glowin’ from a whole lot of different places at once.

Clementine’s Corner

I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but, uhh… it’s kinda gotten cold lately. Like, frozen arctic tundra right here in Tennessee cold. And even though I spend my days bundled up like a Christmas present, the cold lingers and follows me home at night. So, I’ve been rising to the chilly occasion. We don’t have a fireplace, but that hasn’t stopped me from making the house cozy and warm when I get home. That’s right, I learned about the best kept secret on the internet - themed digital fireplaces.

I’m being so serious when I tell you that these little Youtube yuletide screens have changed the game for Christmas forever. Not only can you play the normal kind with a fire in the fireplace and crackling noises to boot, but they’ve got some really fun ones out there. Bluey’s Christmas Fireplace, A Pixar Fireplace, The Grinch’s Cozy Christmas Fireplace… They’ve even got the North Pole live this year! Seriously, you can watch Santa and Mrs. Clause and the elves getting ready for the biggest day of the year right from the comfort of your own living room. Incredible.

The cold isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but I sure am glad I found the coziest fireplaces on the internet to keep warm this winter! Does your favorite character have an online holiday hearth? Send it our way!

All this talk of Menorahs makes me want a bagel real bad.

So I suppose that’s our little winter check-in for the week, neighbor.

As the nights stretch long and the air settles in, we hope you find a bit of comfort in whatever traditions are lighting up your home right now. Whether that’s candles on the table, lights in the window, a fire on the screen, or just the familiar glow of folks you love nearby, we’re glad you brought it with you to the porch.

This season holds a whole lotta stories, and they don’t all look the same. But they all carry the same hope: warmth, remembrance, and the quiet promise that we’re not walkin’ through winter alone.

However you’re celebratin’, however you’re resting, know there’s a seat here for you. We’ll keep the lights on.

— Bubby & Clementine

Well howdy, Nutcrackers!

Come on up and shake off that Chattanooga chill. The porch is feelin’ extra glowy this week, partly because December’s coziness is rollin’ in… and partly because a certain lil’ fella’s birthday is fast approaching. Yep — Bubby’s turnin’ one year sillier, and we’re more grateful for all the pals who’ve gathered ’round this porch with us to celebrate!

While we’ve been keepin’ our hands warm on mugs of cocoa, we’ve also been busy buildin’ somethin’ special for y’all: a full-blown Chattanooga Christmas Lights Guide! Whether you’re drivin’ slow through the suburbs or wanderin’ downtown under those crisp winter stars, we rounded up the best ways to soak up the season’s sparkle and tucked it neatly onto one shiny lil’ page. Can’t wait for you to have a peek at it!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Livelong Media

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• Hand-Picked Community Spotlight: IT’S LIT! Chattynooga’s 2025 Christmas Light Guide

• A Birthday Wish Come True, Tenfold

• Clementine’s Corner: Treat Yo' Self

• Wrap Up

Make sure ya hop into this week’s theme song as ya listen, the whole album is a great medley of Covers to vibe along to!

Feeling This — Blink 182 Cover

Alex Melton · 2025 · Pop Punk Goes Caroling, Vol. 1

Caroling Versions of Pop Punk bangers? Sign me UP. A fresh twist on the holidays that I’m all here for.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Livelong Media

This here’s a little corner of the newsletter where we feature a partner who helps keep this digital porch swing movin’. It ain’t local-local, but every click on their ad helps support the work we do and lets us keep buildin’ somethin’ special with y’all.

Even if ya don’t sign up, just tappin’ the ad tosses a dollar in the Chattynooga piggy bank, so thanks for helpin’ us keep the lights on.

Alrighty Livelong Media, take it away!

Looking for unbiased, science-based advice to live longer?

Subscribe to Livelong and get current, clinically grounded insights on diet, exercise, supplementation, and restorative sleep—pulled from the latest research and turned into do-this-now checklists. For serious health enthusiasts, Livelong makes longevity practical, measurable, and real.

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Burlaep Winter Market

  December 13 @ Burlap Print & Press | 11 AM–4 PM

  Shop a fun mix of local artists, then stick around for the clay workshop, food truck, and live music. Come ready to browse, snack, and make something cool while you’re at it.

  ✨ Handmade for the holidays.

• Nooga Santa Pub Crawl (21+)

  December 13 @ Multiple Locations | 3 PM–3 AM

  A twelve-hour Santa takeover hits more than 20 bars across Chattanooga, all benefiting Toys for Tots. DJs, karaoke, live music, and holiday spirit(s) keep the crawl going all night long.

  🍻Have a cup of cheer.

• Chattanooga Queer Empowerment Collective Holiday Market

  December 14 @ St. Andrew’s Center | 12–5 PM

  Shop handmade gifts and stocking stuffers from independent local makers. All proceeds support mutual aid work in the community.

  🎁 Shop small, give big.

Music & Entertainment

• Chattanooga Ballet’s The Nutcracker

  December 12–14 @ Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium

  A classic holiday production featuring live music from the Chattanooga Symphony and over 200 local ballet students. Join Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy as they dance their way through a fantastic adventure.

  🩰 Let the magic begin.

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Vinyl Party

  December 13 @ North Paloma | 5–9 PM

  A holiday hang curated by Yellow Racket Records with classic vinyl spinning all night. Grab your best sweater and a Santa hat and get ready to party.

  🎄 Rock around the record player.

• Cirque du Slay

  December 13 @ The Boneyard | 8 PM

  Aerials, drag, burlesque, and (of course) a costume contest come together for a holiday show that’s anything but traditional. Expect glitter, glam, and all the fa-la-la-fabulousness you can handle.

  💋 Tis the season to slay.

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Christmas with Alpacas

  December 13 @ Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm | 10 AM–6 PM

  Meet the alpacas, check out a huge lineup of local vendors, and grab snacks and treats from the food trucks. And you definitely don’t want to miss Santa Jeff!
  🦙 Have yourself a wooly little Christmas.

• Christmas in the Country

  December 13 @ McDonald Farm | 10 AM–4 PM

  A full day of winter fun with local makers, crafts, treats, and festive farm vibes. Carolers, lights, and holiday activities make this a sweet, small-town way to celebrate the season.

  🤠 It’s Christmastime in the country.

• Christmas Canvas & Cow Cuddles

  December 13 @ Blessing Creek Farms | 2–5 PM

  Spend a cozy afternoon painting a Highland-themed Christmas canvas with snacks, drinks, and plenty of farm charm. You’ll also get photos and cuddles with Coco, the cutest Highland calf and real star of the show.

  🐮 COWS!!!

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

Hand-Picked Community Spotlight: IT’S LIT! Chattynooga’s 2025 Christmas Light Guide

Clementine here with a SPECIAL Report this week! 🎄

Y’all have officially unlocked one of my proudest creations of the whole holiday season. I’ve been clickin’, scrollin’, and ho-ho-HUSTLIN’ to round up every light display that the Scenic City has to offer! Instead of stuffing all that sparkle into your inbox like a Christmas stocking about to burst, we built something even better:

A full, dedicated Christmas Lights Guide that’s live on our website right now!

It’s got the whole shebang:

• Big-ticket light shows from folks at Ruby Falls and Rock City

• The cozy neighborhood displays perfect for evening drives

• Some hidden gems folks whispered over to us

• The local homes goin' full Clark Griswold

• And so much more!

If you wanna find something magical this month that hasn’t quite ignited that Holiday Spark quite yet — whether you’ve got kids in the backseat, a hot cocoa in hand, or just need a lil’ joy after a long day — this guide’s your new best friend.

A Birthday Wish Come True, Tenfold

Well… here we are, pals. Another December, another swirl of twinklin’ lights and holiday cheer. December’s always been my favorite month, because all of the awesome get-togethers happen all within one month: including my birthday!

Truth be told, I been sittin’ on the porch thinking harder than a squirrel tryin’ to do calculus about what this past year’s meant to me. The more I think, the warmer my chest feels, like somebody tucked a fresh-baked muffin right behind my ribs.

Because this year… this one right here… might just be the best one I’ve ever had.

Not ‘cause of big milestones or shiny trophies or anything fancy. But because somewhere along the way between typing out my first “Heya, Neighbor!” and postin’ whatever stream of consciousness came up on our social outposts, y’all just kinda… showed up.

One by one, porch seat by porch seat, until suddenly this curious kiddo from Soddy-Daisy had friends scattered all across Chattanooga… and beyond.

And goodness gracious, what a gift that’s been to share with you.

Truth be told, I used to think adventure meant packin’ a bag, runnin’ off to faraway places like Disney World, maybe climbin’ a mountain or wrestlin’ a raccoon (don’t try that last one, Meemaw says). But as it turns out, the biggest adventure I ever went on was simply steppin’ outta my backyard and sayin’ hello.

Hello turned into conversations. Conversations turned into community. And community turned into somethin’ I didn’t even know I was missin’ until it landed right in my lap like a sleepy stray cat.

This lil’ corner of the internet we’ve built to just come together and catch up each week gave me new pals from every direction. Folks who read along during their morning coffee, who reply with stories of their own, and ones who wander back here week after week to laugh, cry, and say “Hmm, y’know what? That’s a very interesting take Bubby.” alongside me.

And I mean you, too. Yep, even you readin’ this sentence right now. You’re a part of the magic.

So as I blow out the candles this year, here’s what I’m wishin’ for:

That the porch keeps growin’, while remaining true to the southern hospitality and intentionality that got us here in the first place. If we can stay true to that, then the stories we continue to create together will write themselves.

Thanks for coming back while allowing me to grow up — and continuing to stay small a little — together.

Now let’s see what next 2026 has got cookin’. I’ve got a feelin’ the best adventures are just gettin’ warmed up. 🫶🏻

Clementine’s Corner: Treat Yo' Self

Even though I can’t believe there are only three of ‘em left in 2025, I had a pretty dang good week, y’all. I taught Pickle a new game, Fannie Mae got a new Christmas outfit, and Bubby and I watched both Zenon: The Zequel AND Wicked: For Good (man, I love a good colon-happy movie masterpiece). And yesterday Meemaw took me and Bubby to the Soddy Daisy Christmas Parade! Those Shriners and the Tractor Gnome stole the show.

And when we got back home, Meemaw had made MY favorite holiday treat, Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. I looked at Bubby immediately and said “My guy, you’re such a Christmas Tree Cake.” Weirdly, he didn’t get it. So, I figured I’d explain to him (and all of you), what your favorite Christmas treat says about you (according to me, Clementine McBride).

Now that you’re picking up what I’m putting down, which one would you say you are? Drop in the comments your Christmas Treat Personality (mainly because I’m curious and like to read ‘em while I’m snacking on a little snack after a long day.)

Thanks for comin’ over, friend. See you next Monday!

That’s the whole cozy bundle for this week. As we stroll deeper into December, we hope ya catch a few bright moments of your own, whether it’s a warm drink on a cold morning, a neighbor’s yard glowing just right, or a simple quiet minute that settles your spirit.

If you head out explorin’ with our Christmas Lights Guide, take us along in your pocket. Tell us what you find, what made you gasp, what made you grin like a kid who spotted Santa early!

Stay warm out there, take good care of your people, and meet us back here next week. We’ll keep the cocoa warm and the porch light glowin’ for ya.

— Bubby & Clementine

It’s what? December Already?!

Well hey there, Neighbor! Pull up a chair, and welcome to the coziest corner of the internet this side of the Scenic City.

Ya might notice things lookin’ just a tad different ‘round here today. Yep… we’ve been quietly hammerin’, paintin’, pokin’, proddin’, and sprucin’ up our website behind the scenes! It’s still very much a work in progress (so if you spot any weird little quirks, just consider ’em part of the charm for now). But goodness gracious, we’re mighty excited to keep shapin’ a home that feels just as warm and neighborly as this porch aims to be.

And what better time for a fresh lil’ glow-up than the start of the holiday season? The lights are twinklin’, the cocoa’s steamin’, and the whole town’s hummin’ with that soft winter magic once again. We’re real glad you’re here to step into December with us: stuffy noses and all.

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week’s Front Porch Partner: Flowkey

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• This week’s Community Spotlight: Nooga Lights — Soddy-Daisy’s Sparkly Holiday Spectacle

• Deep Thoughts with Bubby: “Why the Holidays Hit Different When You’re Grown”

• Clementine’s Corner: My Saturday Shopportunity

• Wrap Up

Make sure ya crank the tunes for this week’s theme song if ya wanna little song to pep along to while ya read!

Go Tell it on The Mountain

Penny and Sparrow · Christmas Songs · 2016

This album is one’a my favorite Christmas Albums, so felt it appropriate to plop one in here to get into those soulful sangin’ vibes with your loved ones.

This week’s Front Porch Partner: Flowkey

Our Front Porch Partners help keep our lil’ digital porch lights on, and this week’s is an extra helpful one — every single click on their ad puts $1.65 straight into the Chattynooga piggy bank, no sign-up needed!

If ya got a second to tap it, it truly goes a long way in keepin’ this cozy corner hummin’. Take it away, Flowkey!

Learn to play the songs you love on piano - with 70% off

flowkey gives you everything you need to play the songs you love on piano – whatever your level.

Start learning from scratch with step-by-step courses, or dive right into the sheet music library and choose from thousands of pieces across all genres, including Classical, Film & TV, Pop, and Jazz. You can follow along with a professional pianist, practice each hand separately, and play sections on repeat until you’ve mastered them – flowkey listens to your playing and waits for you to find the right notes.

Wherever you’re starting from and whatever your learning style, you can make real progress on the piano – and you only need 10 minutes a day. Take advantage of their biggest sale yet and start learning today with 70% off.

Unlock 70% Off

What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Community Potluck

  Thursday, 12/4 @ La Paz Chattanooga | 6–7:30PM

  Bring a dish and share a meal with friends and neighbors at this community dinner. Enjoy a special ballet performance and other family-friendly activities. Pantry donations are welcome!

  🥘Everyone’s welcome at the table.

• Mindful Mornings
  Saturday, 12/6 @ Reve Coffee & Books | 8:50–10AM

  Start your morning on the mindful side with a warm treat and a workshop from Waves Wellness Counseling. This 60-minute guided mindfulness session explores breathwork and simple grounding techniques. Take a moment to slow down, breathe, and be fully present.

  🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness is brewing.

• MAINx24

  Saturday, 12/6 @ Main Street/Southside | All Day

  Get ready for a full day (and night) of fun on the Southside. Kicking off with the iconic morning parade and plenty of pancakes, the party keeps going with a chili cook-off to taste-test, vendor markets to shop, and music to enjoy all day long. This community tradition is free and open to everyone!

  🎉 This party don’t stop.

Music & Entertainment

• CHA Jazz Fest: A Christmas Jazz Concert

  Wednesday, 12/4 @ Barking Legs Theater | 7:30–9:30PM

  This festive soiree is packed with local jazz talent and holly-jolly tunes. Featuring a lineup of Chattanooga favorites, this is one party you don’t want to miss!

  🎷Smooth jazz and warm vibes.

• Annie

  Dec 5–21 @ Chattanooga Theatre Centre | Various Showtimes

  The feel-good production of the holiday season opens this weekend! With timeless laughs and classic songs you know by heart, this joyful show is fun for the whole family!

  🎭 Leapin’ Lizards!

• Jerry Seinfeld Live

  Friday, 12/5 @ Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium | 7PM

  The comedy legend is taking the stage and bringing the laughs. For one night only, Seinfeld is sharing witty stories and cracking hilarious jokes. Get tickets below!

  🤣 What’s the deal with Chattanooga?

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Hamilton County Christmas Tree Lighting

  Monday, 12/1 @ Courthouse Lawn | 4:30–7:30PM

  Join Santa and the Chattanooga Elf on the courthouse lawn to light up the official county tree! There will be food trucks, crafts, and holiday activities to celebrate the spirit all night long!

  🎄 Light up the Chattanooga night.

• Cold Moon Night Hike

  Wednesday, 12/4 @ Stringer’s Ridge | 5:30–7:30PM

  Take a calm and mindful evening stroll beneath the final full moon of the year. Join guides on a trek through Stringer’s Ridge with starry skies and stories of history and nature.

  🌕 Winter is coming.

• Get Calfeinated + Christmas Market

  Saturday, 12/6 @ Blessing Creek Farms | 3–8PM

  Kick off the holidays with Highland cows, hot cocoa, and some local holiday shopping. Santa himself has plans to make an appearance (with an extra special “reindeer”)! The farm is ready for Christmas!

  🐮Moo-ey Christmas, cowpokes.

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to holler@chattynooga.news!

This week’s Community Spotlight: Nooga Lights — Soddy-Daisy’s Sparkly Holiday Spectacle

Hey neighbor, grab yer mittens and maybe a lil’ packet of Swiss Miss, because we’re heading just up the road to one of the shiniest corners of the county: NoogaLights in Soddy-Daisy!

If you’ve never made the trek north for this one, imagine drivin’ straight into a Christmas card; except the card is alive and synchronized to music, and occasionally features a glowing forest that makes Clementine yell in awe, “THIS IS ART!!!”

Anyway, it’s nestled right off Dayton Pike, and is (in my humblest opinion) Tennessee’s Ultimate Holiday Light Show, and buddy… we ain’t lyin’.

This year, they’ve got two ways to experience the magic:

• A Drive-Thru Light Show: Roll the windows down, crank the holiday tunes they sync the displays to, and let the whole evening wash over ya in twinkles and color. Perfect for folks who wanna stay cozy in the car or certain kiddos who refuse to wear jackets (lookin’ at you, Clementine).

• Or the Walk-Thru Light Show: If you wanna fully immerse yourself in the glow of the tunnels, shimmering sculptures and neon forests, and the giant cubes, then the walk-thru is a whole different kinda wonder. You’ll feel like you got dropped into Chattanooga’s own Christmas dimension. (And yes, Clementine said the cubes made her “feel like a magical data packet traveling through Santa’s Wi-Fi.” I do not know what that means.)

NoogaLights runs select nights between November 21 thru December 31, with both drive-thru and walk-thru options clearly marked on their calendar. Most weeknights go 6–9pm, with weekend hours stretchin’ all the way to 10pm!

Deep Thoughts with Bubby: “Why the Holidays Hit Different When You’re Grown”

I used to think the magic of the holidays came from big shiny stuff. Y’know, like gifts, parades, that one uncle who insists on wearin’ a Santa suit even though he gets mistaken for a mall employee every year.

But the older I’ve been gettin’, the more I realize the magic lives somewhere else entirely: in the moments that feel borrowed or shared.

Sometimes it’s carrying a paper bag of oranges to a neighbor who ain’t been feelin’ too spry. Hearin’ Christmas music drift out of a Weigel’s at 10PM. Gettin’ a text from an old friend you haven’t talked to since last December, or just sittin’ on the couch in mismatched socks, drinkin’ cocoa you forgot you even made earlier for a surprise treat.

When yer little, the season is loud and cheerful. But when ya get grown, the season is soft. But soft ain’t lesser — soft is sacred.

Maybe that’s why the holidays hit different now, because we finally realize how fleeting those moments are.

So here’s my question this week: What soft moment found you lately? What’s a gentle thing you wanna hold onto?

Tell us in the comments or reply directly to us in yer email, I think we could all use a lil’ reminder that softness counts too.

Clementine’s Corner: My Saturday Shopportunity

This weekend was Small Business Saturday, so Saturday morning, Bubby and I headed out to do two of my favorite things, eat local and shop local!

We started out at Hungry Mother where I had some of the best cookies of my whole life. I had three of them. Seriously, two double chocolates and a snickerdoodle. I talked about those cookies all weekend. Bubby and I both had the fancy ham sandwiches with the fancy pickle relish, too. Top it off with a coffee for Bubby and a tasty tea for me and we had ourselves a delightful lil lunch.

With our bellies full, we headed over to a brand new spot downtown - Studio Ours. Our friend Chan just opened up this space as a makers mart and creative space for local artists in the community. The curated mart has jewelry, snacks, home decor, art, toys, and so much more! They even host classes and workshops in the studio. This place is a true one-stop wonder.

While we were there, we got to say hey to our pal Mallory! She was there signing copies of her poetry book and coloring book, both of which are for sale at Studio Ours. But books are just the beginning. The shop has candles, crafts, musical instruments, Labubu costume, and about a hundred more magical must-haves. There’s something for everyone! We got a handmade Christmas ornament that’s going on the tree (just as soon as we get it up).

I love this time of year more than any other, and I’m excited to check out all the holiday happenings around town. If you’ve got a lead on something good, loop me in! Clementine McBride never skips a good local shopportunity!

Welp, looks like it’s time for another pot of coffee!

Whether your week ahead is full of errands, quiet moments, twinkly lights, or just tryin’ to keep your fingers from freezin’ on the steering wheel, we hope you carry a spark of sweetness with you. And if our freshly revamped lil’ website gives ya any trouble, don’t worry — we’re right here patchin’ things up as we go, just like any good Southern fixer-upper.

Thanks for spendin’ a moment on the porch with us today. Stay warm, stay gentle, and keep an eye out for the tiny bits of magic hidin’ in the week ahead.

— Bubby & Clementine