2014

#LovingtheLocal: The Longhorn Restaurant

April 4, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

Not too long ago, our friend @ModernSauce posted a photo of The Longhorn Restaurant on Instagram. That got us thinking about how many awesome local businesses there are in Chattanooga, and how they get overshadowed by the chains so often. Everyone knows about The Waffle House, right? But not nearly so many people know about The Longhorn Restaurant. You’ve probably driven past it on North Market:

photo credit: ModernSauce

You may be wondering what’s so great about The Longhorn? Here are just a few things we love about it:

The look — the vintage decor sets the mood for an excellent diner meal.
The food — it’s just GOOD.
The service — friendly and thorough.

The Longhorn is only open for breakfast and lunch, and is located at 129 North Market Street — in the same plaza as Taco Mamacita and ClearSpring Yoga. You can’t miss the oddly shaped building.

In an effort to share some of our other favorite local spots, we are starting a new series called Loving the Local. Each week, we’ll feature a business, organization, or citizen who helps make Chattanooga a great place to live. Our friends at Pearl & Associates Real Estate have decided to show some local love, too. They are giving away a $25 gift certificate to The Longhorn Restaurant (plenty for breakfast for two!) on May 1. There are two ways to enter the drawing:

1. Subscribe to the Pearl & Associates newsletter. You’ll get emails once or twice a month about all sorts of local real estate topics — how to sell a home faster, what kind of credit score and savings you need to buy a home, special programs, taking care of your house, and much more.

2. If you are already subscribed, you can still enter the drawing. Simply forward the Pearl & Associates newsletter to a friend.

Do you have a favorite locally owned business that you’d like us to feature? Let us know in the comments!

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: 'Nooga, awesome, breakfast, Business, CHA, chattanooga, eats, family friendly, food, local, lovingthelocal, yum

The Mega Post of Things To Do in April

April 2, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

Spring is most definitely in the air! Spring in Chattanooga is great — especially if you don’t suffer from allergies (if you do, it’s still pretty nice, but you need to keep the antihistamines close at hand). It seems like the warmer the weather gets, the more fun things there are to do in the Scenic City.

April in Tennessee

Here are a few options you may want to consider for April:

The Chattanooga Lookouts season opener is April 3! An evening at AT&T Field in the springtime is a fine way to spend some time.

Also on April 3, you can hear some fantastic live music at Track 29 during Scenic City Roots. The show will feature Billie in the Woods, Sarah Portenza, John Oates, The Dirt Daubers, and Mountain Heart. Tickets are only $10, unless you are a student, then they are just $5.

Throughout the month of April, you can enjoy and learn about jazz by attending one or many of the events of Jazzanooga. Events are scheduled at various venues all over the city and headliners include such notable musicians as Lalah Hathaway and Gregory Porter, among many others. Check out their master schedule to learn more about ticket prices, venues, and times for events.

The Chattanooga Film Festival will be held at multiple venues downtown April 3-6. This event is being held to support film as part of the growing Chattanooga arts scene. Filmmakers, film lovers, and the general population is invited to attend, learn, and enjoy!

The Spring Break Safari Hunt is taking place all over the city. It started on March 15, and lasts until April 20. Various businesses are offering two scavenger hunts: one outside their doors, and another inside the establishment (usually with a paid admission). Participants use clues to find particular objects, then take photos of the object to claim prizes. Check out this guide for all the details!

For folks who want to combine music appreciation and camping, the Back Porch Hootenanny at Cherokee Farms on April 4-5 will be just the thing. Tickets are $50 through Thursday, April 3, and $65 at the gate, and that price includes your camping spot.

Until April 6, you can see Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None at the Chattanooga Theater Centre, and from April 11-May 4, The Pump Boys and the Dinettes will be performed. Check out their Dinner and a Show promotion for a special deal!

Rock City’s newest show is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves magic and fairy tales. Fairytale Nights began on March 28 and will run through April 20. Check out the video for a taste of what to expect!

The Creative Discovery Museum hosts a free family fun night each month, and in April it is on Thursday the 10th. From 5:30 until 8 pm, families can check out the exhibits free of charge.

The 4 Bridges Art Festival is a crowd pleaser! This year it will be held April 11,12, and 13 at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Artists are selected from across the country (competition is fierce!) and 12,000 visitors are expected to attend. One day tickets are $7, and two day tickets are $10.

VW enthusiasts will not want to miss Bug-a-Paluza 16 on April 12 and 13 at Camp Jordan in East Ridge. This annual festival has grown to become one of the largest VW events in the region. Spectator tickets are just $4 and all proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga.

The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County present the second annual Master Your Garden Expo on April 12 and 13 at Camp Jordan. Tickets are $5 for adults, and there will be free lectures, door prizes, demo booths, and plenty of activities for kids.

On April 17, as part of the Film Noir Series at the Heritage House Arts and Civic Center in Chattanooga, you can see The Most Dangerous Game (1932). The movie starts at 2pm, and is sure to be entertaining.

Record Store Day, on April 19, is for owners, employees, and customers of independently owned record stores around the globe to celebrate the unique position of record stores within the community. There are several participating stores in Chattanooga.

The Bun Run is a free flash mob 1 mile fun run and 5K. It’s not a race, just a fun run. The idea is to be silly while being active and having fun. So get out your pastels, your bunny ears, and your running shoes!

Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine will be April 26 and 27, as well as May 3, 4, and 10, at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. For everyone older than 2, tickets are $22 on Saturdays, $20 on Sundays. Group discounts are available when arrangements are made in advance.

Fans of locally grown produce will celebrate on April 27, opening day of the Chattanooga Market for the 2014 season. Shop for local foods and crafts and enjoy live entertainment by Louise Mosrie and Jennifer Daniels from 11-4.

Have we left out anything? Let us know in the comments if you are hosting or aware of an event you’d like to share!

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings, Uncategorized Tagged With: 'Nooga, baseball, cars, CHA, entertainment, family, family friendly, fun, lookouts, music, rock city, spring

Orchard Knob History

March 26, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

Anyone interested in history should find Chattanooga fascinating. From the ancient artifacts discovered around Moccasin Bend to the more recent Civil War, the area has a rich and broad history. Many neighborhoods can tout historical significance as well, including Orchard Knob.

Orchard Knob was the site of a minor — but critical — skirmish in the larger Battle for Chattanooga. Compared to Lookout Mountain, or Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob may not seem like a big hill but during the Civil War the rise provided a comprehensive enough view of the area to be of vital importance.

From November 23 to 25 in 1863, the rocky hill was the focus of fighting. In the end, the Union was victorious, though that outcome was certainly not assured at the time. Chattanooga as a whole was viewed as the “gateway to the Deep South” and the fight at Orchard Knob was the opening of a long, bloody battle to secure the city. Today, the site is officially part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

After the Civil War, in the 1880s and 90s, the area was divided into parcels, streets were paved. According to the Orchard Knob Neighborhood Watch Association, the area became one that “provided housing for middle and working class people” after being annexed by the city of Chattanooga in 1905.

Today, Orchard Knob is still an area where middle class people can afford to live. It is within walking distance of many businesses, and is attractive to people looking for affordable housing near downtown. There are active neighborhood associations, churches, and a growing sense of civic pride.

Here are a few photos of the area today:

Filed Under: 'NOOGA Neighborhoods Tagged With: 'Nooga, CHA, chattanooga, civil war, history, neighborhoods

Curious about Renewable Energy?

March 20, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

Our friends at Pearl & Associates have once again put together an informative, interesting infographic. It includes details about various sources of renewable energy and how some of them are being implemented in the Tennessee Valley. Do you use any forms of renewable energy in your home?

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: energy, families, home, house, money, renewable

Weekend Planner: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

March 13, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

This year, March 17 falls on a Monday, so many of the events and celebrations will be on March 15. It seems like there are more fun activities every week in Chattanooga. Here are just a few for the upcoming week/weekend:

The Rump Run — Be active and have fun while raising money for a great cause. The Rump Run helps to raise awareness of, and funds to research colon cancer. One hundred percent of the proceeds stay local.

Great Southern Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention — On Saturday, March 15, at noon, at the Lindseay Street Hall, a foot-stompin’ good time will begin! Musicians from all over will converge to compete for cash prizes. Admission is $10 for adults, and free for children under 12. No electric instruments or mics allowed, just old-fashioned fun.

St. Pawtrick’s Day Dog Walk & Yappy Hour — Dog lovers in Chattanooga will dress themselves and their dogs in green, gather together in Renaissance Park at 10 am on Saturday, March 15, and take a walk together. Then, they will enjoy some time together in the Whole Foods Courtyard promoting responsible pet ownership. It’s sure to be a barking good time.

St. Chatty’s Day Parade — After the dog walk, you may want to check out a parade being organized by The Chattanooga Shamrock Society on the North Shore. Everyone will meet up at Renaissance Park at noon and the parade will head down Frazier Avenue.

Shamrock City at Rock City — Music, dancing, food, beer…and a green water fall! Celebrate at Rock City for some family fun.

If St. Patrick’s Day = pub crawl for you, there are lots of options. Pints & Pedals will be cycling from pub to pub — with a leprechaun on board! Ride the Chattanooga Double Decker Bus for St Paddy’s on the Parkway with stops at Hair of the Dog, Terminal Brewhouse, and the Honest Pint.

The Georgia Winery will host St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour, featuring $3 glasses of (green) wine, music and fun.

However you choose to spend your weekend, we hope that you have a great time!

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: 'Nooga, CHA, chattanooga, family fun, holidays, weekend

2 New Options for Family Fun in Chattanooga

March 7, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

Chattanoogans have two new options for active fun. A new climbing and fitness center in the heart of downtown, and a jump park on the rapidly growing southside. Both offer a chance for kids and adults to have fun while getting in a good workout.

High Point Climbing Gym opened on December 3, 2013. Local real estate agent Brandi Pearl Thompson visited in February with her family and says, “It’s beautiful and so much fun!”

The gym is visually stunning as well as being fun. Special lighting makes the building appear to glow at night, and the exterior is constructed of extra-strong, translucent plastic — so climbers can look out across the plaza around the Tennessee Aquarium. Kids as young as three are welcome to use any of the climbing rooms except the bouldering room (where people climb without the same safety gear).

High Point offers more than just climbing; it’s a complete fitness facility that includes a weight room, a yoga room, and an aerobic room with treadmills, a stair climber, and spin bikes. High Point also hosts a climbing school where students of any level learn, practice, and become better climbers.

Across town, The Jump Park opened in February 2014, giving us all a place to jump around. A trampoline park, featuring over 50 connected trampolines (18,000+ square feet!), The Jump Park also has a game room and a foam pit. There are no age restrictions, and kids and adults alike can enjoy a jumping good time. Parents/guardians are welcome to simply observe the kids jumping, but why would you want to do that? The fun’s in the jumping!

The Jump Park can be rented for birthday parties and other events. While no one on thenoogalife team has visited the park yet, we are all eager to do so. Have you been to either facility? What did you think?

Filed Under: for 'NOOGA parents Tagged With: activities, climb, family, fun, jump

Chattanooga Shopping, Adventure, Films, and More!

February 25, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

A week of wonderful weather had Chattanoogans out enjoying the beautiful city. The good news: there’s more warm weather and fun stuff to come. The bad news: spring in the Tennessee Valley is wildly unpredictable. In the past month we’ve had snow, thunderstorms, rain, ice, sunshine, high winds, and temperatures over 70 degrees! Local meteorologists

Signs of spring!

do their best, but spring time offers them a true challenge when it comes to predicting the weather.

Whatever the weather does, there will be plenty to keep you busy around town for the next month or two, as outdoor events crank up. One exciting announcement last week is that the Chattanooga Market will be open on Wednesdays this season. Beginning May 7, the market will be open from 4-7pm on Wednesdays. Look for a round-up style post about all of the local markets in ‘Nooga in the near future.

If you are interested in Stand Up Paddleboarding, or you enjoy stories and photos detailing exciting adventures, you may want to go hear Ben Friberg speak at Outdoor Chattanooga. Ben paddled the Yukon (238 miles!) and will be sharing stories about that trip and others at an indoor event this Wednesday, February 27 (that’s TODAY!). Bring your own chair if you attend!

Film buffs will want to be sure to attend the Chattanooga International Film Festival, from February 28 to March 2, downtown. Registration is at the Sheraton Read House, and events will be held at both Carmike Majestic Theater and at the Tivoli.

On March 1, the Hart Gallery will host a fundraising event that includes a five course meal. This unusual gallery provides a venue for homeless people to sell their artwork.

These events, and many others, are featured on a few websites. We like to check The Pulse calendar for events, as well as Chattanooga, Take Me There, and the Times Free Press Community Section. If you know about a local event that you’d like to share with our readers, please send me an email (davaleestewart at gmail dot com) and we will be happy to feature it here on thenoogalife.com!

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: chattanooga, entertainment, events, family friendly, fun, spring

Are You Suffering from a Heart Hangover?

February 19, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

After Halloween, there is too much candy around the house, the office…everywhere! After Thanksgiving, most people are tired of turkey, and afterValentine’s Day, you might be suffering a heart hangover. Too many candy hearts, too many declarations of love and affection might have you feeling ready for something different. Maybe you are ready for some physical activity.

Chattanooga has some wonderfully walkable neighborhoods!

This weekend is the Scenic City Half Marathon, 5K, and Charity Challenge. Online registration will remain open until Wednesday, February 19, and people can register in person at the packet pickup location on Friday. Although there will be no in person registration for the half marathon on race day, participants in the 5K run/walk are welcome to register Saturday before the event begins. A portion of each registration fee goes to one of a number of charities.

If yoga is more your style, check out the Chattanooga Community Yoga group on meetup.com. The group posts inexpensive or free yoga events on their page. This Saturday there is a restorative yoga workshop with free wine and chocolate! Focus on breathing and moving and balancing.

Maybe the path to recovering from your heart hangover involves a little less exercise and a little more science fiction, horror, fantasy, anime, or convention-prone genre? In that case, you should definitely check out Chattanooga’s Multi-Fandom Convention, ConNooga. From February 21-23 the Convention and Trade Center and the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex downtown will be packed with exhibitors, authors, filmmakers, gamers, and fans of all stripes.

Whatever you do this weekend, take advantage of the beautiful vistas and excellent atmosphere in Chattanooga!

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: 'Nooga, CHA, family friendly, fun

Valentine’s Day Factoids

February 14, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

Our friends at Pearl & Associates have put together this infographic with a few interesting facts about Valentine’s Day. Love it or hate it, the history of this holiday is interesting! We hope you enjoy the day, however you choose to spend it.

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: fun, Valentine's Day, winter

5 Things to Expect When It Snows in Chattanooga

February 11, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

1. (Kind of) Joking Panic – Chattanoogans laugh at ourselves while we are at the grocery store buying bread “just in case.”

2. Schools will close – Officials in Chattanooga generally prefer safe over sorry. Sometimes the forecast of a possibility of snow is enough for schools to be closed.

3. Speculation – When there is the slightest chance of snow, or if a stray flake is spotted, it becomes the main topic of conversation as residents discuss the likelihood of another blizzard like the one in ’93.

4. Businesses will close – Either because kids are out of school, or because people are really afraid to drive (even as they joke about how other people can’t drive in the snow), employees and business owners will stay home when it snows.

5. Muddy snowmen – The barest inch of snow is enough for kids in Chattanooga to build snowpeople, even if there are patches of mud helping hold the snowy constructions together.

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: fun, snow, winter

5 Chattanooga-Only Valentine’s Day Activities

February 5, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

There are lots of reasons you might want to do something big for Valentine’s Day this year. Parents of young children, couples who have overcome some major life obstacle, and singles who prefer to pamper themselves all might find V-Day the perfect time for a little luxury and/or extravagance. Chattanooga is a fun place to live, and local attractions have unique, interesting activities planned for February 14 and 15.

If you are ready to go all out, book a stay at the Mayor’s Mansion to enjoy their Valentine’s Day Package. You get chocolates, rose petals, champagne, breakfast, and more! Your partner will smile.

From a carriage ride to a river cruise, you can get it all in one package with the Southern Belle Valentine’s Package. Get started with a carriage ride around Chattanooga, then enjoy either a lunch or dinner cruise on the Southern Belle, and end your evening at the Courtyard by Marriot downtown.

Have you ever dreamed of traveling across the country in an old-fashioned train car? Well, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum isn’t offering that, but you can have a four course dinner aboard a fully restored 1924 dining car as it travels around the area with a ticket to one of the Special Valentine Dinner Trains.

For something uniquely Chattanooga, and also just plain unique, check out Romance at Ruby. The special tour includes lantern light, hot chocolate, a gift, and the romantic story of the man who discovered a beautiful, underground waterfall and named it after his wife.

If the commercialism of Valentine’s Day annoys you, but you still want to do something fun, check into the Broken Hearts Ball presented by the Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults. The ticket price includes drinks and hors d’ oeuvres. Couples and singles are welcome to come, have a good time while doing good for the community.

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: 'Nooga, chattanooga, entertainment, holidays, love, Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Is in 2 Weeks – What’s Your Plan?

January 24, 2014 by 'Nooga Life Leave a Comment

This post is a friendly reminder that Valentine’s Day is coming up quick. Now is the time to make reservations at your sweetie’s favorite restaurant, if going out is what you prefer to do. It’s also a good time to go ahead and buy cards for kids’ school parties, and supplies to decorate the shoe box. (Is that still a thing? Do kids still decorate shoe boxes for cards to go in?)

To get the ball rolling here are a few ideas for you:

Make dinner reservations, and confirm that your babysitter will be available. It’s a bad idea to procrastinate on either of these things. Waiting in line while hungry is not particularly romantic — especially if you have fidgety kids along!

Start researching recipes for a romantic dinner cooked at home. Cooking and eating together can be more romantic than a restaurant and night out. Make sure you have candles and that you can get all the ingredients you’ll need for a special meal. (You may still want to check in with the babysitter!)

Place your order. If you are planning to order a gift online, now is the time! You’ll have plenty of time to make sure your order is correct, wrapped, and perfect.

Buy tickets. This year V-Day falls on a Friday, which means there will be plenty of live entertainment options around town to keep you busy! For example, the Chattanooga Symphony and Orchestra presents vocalist Valerie Duke that night, and The Odd Couple will be performed at the Chattanooga Theater Center.

Plan a weekend getaway. A quick trip may be the perfect way to celebrate your coupledom. If so, now is the time to decide where to go, reserve a room, and arrange all the details.

Create the perfect playlist. Everything is better with music, so take the time to gather some songs that are special for you and your partner. A soundtrack for the night, whether it plays while you roast potatoes, or drive to your destination, can create the right tone and mood for your evening.

Of course there will always be those who don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. A zombie movie marathon might help you forget all about the the hearts, flowers, and chocolates you can’t seem to escape in the middle of February!

Filed Under: the 'NOOGA Happenings Tagged With: 'Nooga, CHA, chattanooga, fun, love, romance, Valentine's Day