Mr T’s Pizza and Ice Cream, Chattanooga, TN

Mr. T's Pizza!

by Melissa Carrick | July 26, 2010

Mr T’s Pizza and Ice Cream, Chattanooga, TN

Mr T’s Pizza is probably my favorite place for pizza in Chattanooga. One it is a locally owned place, they really do make fresh pizza’s right behind the counter at the register and they have a great tasting pizza. I know some people are more crust people and less sauce, Mr T’s does have less sauce, but the crust is just right, not too much …

Knitting Mills, Chattanooga, TN

Antiques on the North Shore

by Melissa Carrick | July 23, 2010

Looking for a good place to chill, besides a standard retail store or a packed out fast food joint?

Knitting Mills is a nice breath of fresh air from all the congestion of everyday retail, traffic, people and a good place to stop and enjoy the past times of life. Knitting Mills was of course originally a sewing factory.  The building was out of service for a long period of time, until it …

Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga, TN

Come and Play!

by Melissa Carrick | July 19, 2010

The Creative Discovery Museum is a must place to be for the family. This museum is one of the best in the region to attend. They have so much hands on going on in the museum for kids and adults as well. The Creative Discovery Museum is open to all, they have a ticket stand right as you walk through the doors, usually there is no line. The tickets are good for all day, …

The Georgia Winery, Chattanooga, TN

Travel a few minutes South for some flavor!

by Melissa Carrick | July 15, 2010

The Georgia Winery, Chattanooga, TN

Travel a few minutes south for some flavor

I’m  not sorry to report that Chattanooga is not much of a winery country, the ones we do have are make up the slack, most definitely.

The Georgia Winery has been an established part of the area since 1983. The family owned and operated business has produced award-winning wines. They offer complimentary tasting of all their wines at …

Clumpies Ice Cream, Chattanooga, TN

Summer Favorite

by Melissa Carrick | July 12, 2010

Clumpies Ice Cream, Chattanooga, TN

During our summer heat what better way to cool down than to grab a cool ice cream treat at Clumpies! They serve some of the best ice cream in Chattanooga. Located on Frazier Ave this is just in front of Coolidge Park. Parking is available in front of Clumpies, if you are lucky enough to catch a spot. But majority of parking is available in the …

Broad Street Film Festival, Chattanooga, TN

Film Festival

by Melissa Carrick | July 09, 2010

Broad Street Film Festival, Chattanooga, TN

Although this has already taken place, one can always plan ahead for the Broad Street Film Festival. This Festival started in 2005, when a Bryan College film class hosted a festival on campus in Dayton, TN. Since the festival was a success, the college decided to try expanding. They moved the festival to the Tivoli Theatre, located downtown in Chattanooga, where awards were held for …

Blue Skies, Chattanooga, TN

Unique Little Shop

by Melissa Carrick | July 05, 2010

Blue Skies, Chattanooga, TN

I will admit to loving the old snail mail and old fashioned way of things that life used to be. There seems to be some more of class about the elegance of script and sending a personal note or two to old friends via the postal service. As little as I receive in the mail other than standard junk mail, it feels like Christmas whenever I receive a letter in …

Pops on the River, Chattanooga, TN

Coolidge Park for the Fourth!

by Melissa Carrick | July 02, 2010

Pops in the River July 3rd, 2010

Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, TN

This is a great place to spend the Fourth of July. They have fireworks shooting from a barge on the TN River, it's free. Bring a blanket and some snacks and hang out to watch the show!

Since Coolidge Park is located right behind Frazier Ave, you could spend the day all around downtown winding your way in the evening …

Fishing Spot, Chattanooga, TN

Tennessee Valley Fishin

by Melissa Carrick | June 28, 2010

Tennessee Valley Fishing Style, Chattanooga, TN

The Tennessee River provides ample opportunities for fishing in the Chattanooga area.

TVA has been a presence since the 1930’s or 1940’s and has constructed an extensive damming system. This system also includes campgrounds and many boat ramps to provide ready access to the water, there is no charge for boat ramp access. They have several boat ramps including; Watts Bar, Raccoon Mtn, Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee …

Dogwood Hills Golf Resort and Gardens, Chattanooga, TN

Atop Sand Mountain for a round of golf.

by Melissa Carrick | June 25, 2010

Dogwood Hills Golf Resort and Gardens, Chattanooga, TN

A lush and beautiful golf course located on the top of Sand Mountain in Jackson County is a few minutes from downtown Chattanooga, but definitely worth the drive. This course provides a true view of a southern landscape, the Cumberland Plateau is north across from the Tennessee River as it winds by the towns of South Pittsburg and Jasper.

I’ll be honest; I don’t …

Ruby Falls Zipstream Adventure, Chattanooga, TN

Adventure in the Trees!

by Melissa Carrick | June 24, 2010

Last week I had the awesome opportunity to try out Ruby Falls’ latest attraction, the Zipstream.

Built by the Adventure Guild, the Zipstream is like a huge playground in the trees. The Adventure Guild built three different courses. The smallest course is for kids under the age of 11; parents walk alongside the young ones for adventure support.

The other two courses are truly fun to go through:  Blue and Green Courses. …

Grandview Chattanooga, TN

A grand wedding it will be!

by Melissa Carrick | May 30, 2010

Grandview, Chattanooga TN

A grand wedding it will be!

Positively one of the top spots to get married is atop Lookout Mtn, overlooking the Chattanooga Valley. The Grandview can host ceremonies as well as receptions for couples. Their amenities include; a brick patio, croquet lawn (great for small weddings, under 100 guests), historic English-tudor style home and a spacious pavilion (located right next to Rock City Gardens).

Listed on the …

Riverbend Music Festival, Chattanooga TN June 11-19 2010

Music Fest! Oh Yes!

by Melissa Carrick | May 29, 2010

Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga, TN

Music Fest! Oh Yes!

9 Days, 5 Stages, 100+ Bands: June 11-19

One of the biggest southern musical festivals is finally here once again! This year is jam packed with many big names on the stages, including; Alison Kraus and Union Station, Waybacks, Third Day, Darius Rucker, Billy Currington, Charlie Daniels Band as well as George Clinton and P-Funk and yes! Sheryl Crow! This is truly going …

Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno, Chattanooga, TN

More BBQ!

by Melissa Carrick | May 28, 2010

Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno, Chattanooga, TN

Yes, this small lunch place serves from a International Harvester Airstream Trailer. As looks can be deceiving, they do have some very delicious menu items including a BBQ Smoked Chicken Quesadilla, Fish Tacos, Gin’s Juicy Burger and some other items for a great lunch. Myself, I have enjoyed their quesadilla a couple of times and found the sweet tea absolutely awesome, as most southern restaurants have it.

…

Natural Body Spa Chattanooga, TN

Natural Body Spa

by Melissa Carrick | May 08, 2010

So many spas, how does one choose? I can’t really. Don’t get me wrong, there are many awesome ones in the Chattanooga area. My pick for Mother’s Day is Natural Body Spa and Shop located in downtown Chattanooga right on Broad Street.

Natural Body has special offers for Mother’s Day specials, including a “Flowers for Mom” Facial (60 min, $110) , using Jurlique products and a “Mother and Me” special (60 min, $185; …

Riverdance, Chattanooga, TN

It's back in town!

by Melissa Carrick | May 08, 2010

Riverdance is coming to Chattanooga!

There will be 3 farewell performances at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in downtown Chattanooga, May 18 thru 20, 2010. Tickets are on sale now for the event, ranging from $30.00 - $76.50 which you can purchase through Chattanooga on Stage, or in person at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office or by phone with (423) 642-TIXS (8497). 

Once again, Riverdance is back …

HillBilly Willy’s BBQ Chattanooga, TN

Oh yes, it's a good time for BBQ

by Melissa Carrick | May 01, 2010

When in the South, who doesn’t want BBQ? And the best the town has to offer at that. Don’t get me wrong; many places in Chattanooga have good and delicious BBQ. Some on the list include The Purple Daisy and Sweeney’s (3147 Broad St.).

Located at the foot of Lookout Mountain, right down the road from Ruby Falls and Rock City in Lookout Valley is HillBilly …

Whipped Cupcakes, Chattanooga, TN

Yummy Desserts

by Melissa Carrick | April 25, 2010

Many visitors to Chattanooga have discovered the North Shore district of town, maybe because Chattanoogans want you to see a sweet another sweet side of town

If you are staying in downtown, maybe at Bluff View Inn or the Hilton, near the Tennessee Aquarium, it is a nice walk across the pedestrian Walnut Street Bridge. It is easy to spot the …

Chattanooga Lookouts, Chattanooga, TN

Baseball, Chattanooga Style

by Melissa Carrick | April 24, 2010

A new year and spring is here!

The Lookouts are back in the field!

The Chattanooga Lookouts are our minor-league baseball team, affiliated with the L.A. Dodgers. As a Chattanoogan, I think it should be tradition for everyone to attend a game. I remember attending many ballgames at Engel Stadium as a kid, but now the Lookouts are at AT&T Field, which is located right off Hwy 27, inside downtown Chattanooga …

Cove Methodist Church, Chickamauga, GA

Lovely Church

by Melissa Carrick | April 09, 2010

This is truly a lovely Southern church. The Cove Methodist Church, located south of Chattanooga is one of the greatest treasures around the area. After 138 years of ministry, the church was set to close its doors in 1983, but the community of Chickamauga heard of the closing and with enough funds was able to fully restore the building, inside and out. Since then the church has only been open for special occasions …

Easter in the Park, Chickamauga National Military Park, Chickamauga, GA

Outdoor service at a historic battlefield

by Melissa Carrick | March 28, 2010

Located about 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, right over the Georgia border, is Chickamauga. Home of the first and largest Civil War battlefield turned into a National Military Park, Chickamauga is a beautiful place to visit anytime. The park has over 5,500 acres to explore and all throughout the park, plaques can be read giving a glimpse of the past battle. Monuments and cannons are placed in the park as well. A great …

Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain, GA

Classic vacation!

by Melissa Carrick | March 28, 2010

One of the most famous sites to see in Chattanooga is Rock City Gardens. The natural rock formations that are on top of Lookout Mountain were transformed into trails by Frieda Carter in the 1930s. The gardens officially opened to the public as Rock City Gardens in 1932. The advertisements for Rock City are well known in the South: Barns painted “See Rock City” can be found as far away as Michigan and …

4 Bridges Art Festival, Chattanooga, TN

Arts and Fun

by Melissa Carrick | March 27, 2010

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the 4 Bridges Art Festival in Chattanooga! The festival takes place the weekend of April 17 and 18 at the First Tennessee Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga.

This is a big deal! Last year the festival had over 15,000 people in attendance! In 2009, more than 550 artists applied for the select 150 spots in the show. Exhibits from the artists ranged from jewelry, paintings, glasswork, …

Chocolate Fling, Chattanooga, TN

For the Chocolate Lovers

by Melissa Carrick | March 22, 2010

Are you a chocolate lover? Chances are the answer is yes. Love a good cause?

This year on April 11, Erlanger Health Systems is hosting Chattanooga’s 3rd Annual Chocolate Fling for benefit of the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee. This event also includes a silent auction, which takes place at The Mill on 1601 Gulf Street. Chocolate Fling has several local restaurants competing: Market Street Tavern, P.F. …

Cherokee National Forest, Tellico Plains, TN

No beach, but mountains for spring break in Chattanooga!

by Melissa Carrick | March 22, 2010

Chattanooga is a good few hours from the beach, so the place many go for spring break is in the mountains of the Cherokee National Forest. To get there, take 75 north, then Hwy 64, to Hwy 411 north which will take you to Etowah, TN, then take 310 to Tellico Reliance Road, which will bring you to Tellico Plains. This is a windy route, so take a map with you and always …

Hair of the Dog Pub, Chattanooga, TN

Irish Pub in Town

by Melissa Carrick | March 09, 2010

The place to be for celebrating the Irish holiday is without a doubt Hair of the Dog Pub. This is the happening place to be for the drinks and for the good times. This is the 5th year of the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party. It is located on Market St. just south of the Tennessee Aquarium.

This has been the home of good times since 2004 and definitely is …

Snooty Hooty, Ringgold, GA

Girl's Day Out just outside Chattanooga

by Melissa Carrick | March 09, 2010

Located just 15 minutes from Chattanooga is a small, exquisite shop full of designer clothing and jewelry. Snooty Hooty has an excellent petite selection of blouses, jackets, dresses and jeans. The jewelry is tasteful and in season for any occasion. Accessories can also be found: belts, delicate pocket books and elegant clutches. This is not an outlet store, this is a retail shop. The prices are retail, but very reasonable, often accompanied by a few …

Lee University, Cleveland, TN

College Days

by Melissa Carrick | March 02, 2010

Chattanooga is home to a few colleges, University of TN at Chattanooga, Covenant College, and Tennessee Temple, as well as Bryan College located in Dayton, TN. But the best one, of course in my biased opinion, is Lee University, located in Cleveland, just 30 miles north of Chattanooga. As a typical American, I had my eyes opened to the world that I wanted …

The Blue Plate, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Great Southern food in modern style

by Melissa Carrick | February 26, 2010

The Blue Plate is located in downtown Chattanooga on Chestnut Street, looking out onto the Tennessee River. This is a great place to enjoy lunch on the patio across from the Tennessee Aquarium. Also located to the south of the building is the I-Max 3-D Theatre.

They have a good selection of sandwiches, salads, and excellent dinner plates. One of my favorite meals are the stuffed chicken breast …

The Pickle Barrel, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga's classic pub

by Melissa Carrick | February 20, 2010

Every town in the South has one, well, probably more than one classic pub. The Pickle Barrel is located on 1012 Market Street, in the very corner of the building. Once inside you should get the feeling of those old college days or the ones to come. Words of the past crowd the wooden walls, crooked tables, old sideboards, and even on the inside of the bathrooms. Who knows, maybe you might recognize someone …

Travel Guide to Chattanooga

Why you should visit Chattanooga, Tennessee

by Melissa Carrick | February 16, 2010

So many things, so little time.

Is there such an existence of quaint small town in a big city? Right in Chattanooga there is. Downtown is filled with colorful restaurants, chic local coffee shops and new experiences waiting to happen. The Bluff View Inn is an awesome place to stay in Chattanooga; it is actually three early 20th Century homes turned into a hotel. The Bluff View Art District is …

Aretha Frankenstein’s, Chattanooga, TN

Breakfast in Chattanooga

by Melissa Carrick | February 13, 2010

One of the best places to have breakfast in Chattanooga would definitely be Aretha Frankenstein's. If you are looking for a great place to eat breakfast before heading to Tennessee Aquarium or the Discovery Musuem, this is a great start to a great day.

Aretha's is located in the North Shore area of Chattanooga, across from the Tennessee River, off Tremont Street. A small dining area is located …

Murphy’s Hollow, Chattanooga, TN

A brisk motorcycle ride for the day.

by Melissa Carrick | February 07, 2010

Today was a cold one for us Chattanoogans, the temperature never reached above 35 it seems. Regardless of the dreary outlook of the day the boyfriend and I ventured out into the wilds of Sand Mountain this afternoon. This scenic route is a good local ride to take on motorcycles and have a nice view of the local mountains and the Cumberland Plateau for a little day trip just outside Chattanooga. We started in the west …