Things are really starting to heat up in Chattanooga. With summer finally upon us, there is no better time than now to get out and splash into some of the area’s best blue hole spots! Whether you’re looking for adventure or fun with the kiddos, we have you covered with our top five picks:

1. North Chick Blue Hole

Hike Distance: <1 mile
Hike Difficulty: Easy 
Location: 297 Montlake Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379

For only a 20 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga to Soddy Daisy area, the North Chick Blue Hole feels like a serious oasis. North Chickamauga Creek is nestled between Signal and Mowbray mountains and features several deep swimming holes along the way. For an easy mile hike in, you can find a small secluded pool or one of the larger spots…

Need a last minute gift for Father’s Day? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our picks for local shops with gifts for every kind of dad (even the one who has everything). 

For the fashion dad:

Hanover Blue
1100 Hixson Pike #112, Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 531-2120

If your dad is the type who likes to look put together, a safe bet for gift shopping is Hanover Blue. With everything from Southern-style Collared Greens bow ties and Euro chic Billy Reid shirts, there are options for whatever his style. Hanover Blue also offers beautiful leather accessories, fun sunglasses and Yeti products. Bonus, this Riverview shop neighbors Alice Blue and Verde Boutique, in the event that you need to do a little shopping of your own. 

For the foodie…

Check out our list of upcoming Chattanooga area events happening locally from Friday, June 9 to Friday, June 16. 

June 10-11

30th Annual Spring Garden Tour

When: June 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 11 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: See below. 
Cost: $15 for both days; purchase at any one of the gardens

The 30th Annual Spring Garden Tour, sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, features seven public and private gardens located around Chattanooga, Hixson and East Brainerd. The tour benefits educational programs sponsored by the Master Gardeners and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. The tour gardens include: Jo Keeler, 1018 Olde Mill Lane, Hixson, TN 37343; Sally Wencel & John Turgeson, 1909 Windy Oaks Lane, Hixson, TN 37343; Jim &…

8 Days. 5 Stages. Nearly 100 Artists. Tons of Traffic. 

It’s that time again! Love it or hate it, tonight's the night when Tennessee River at Ross’s Landing will start it's eight-day shut down for the Riverbend Festival. Whether you're planning on going or planning on avoiding it, we've got everything you need to know! 

Celebrating more than 35 years, this annual music festival features a wide variety of artists covering almost every music genre. With five stages and nearly 100 performing acts, the schedule can get a little crazy. We've included a breakdown below, as well as a link to a downloadable PDF version. Speaking of crazy, don't forget about Riverbend Traffic! Check out the info below for all of the road closures you need to know about. 

The Chattanooga area is home to so many trails, and on June 3, it’s time to celebrate them in honor of National Trails Day!  

Whether you want to visit a trail to volunteer and do maintenance work or go as an appreciative user, here are five places and activities perfect for celebrating the day.

Bring Fido for a hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Hit the trails with your favorite furry friend on this easy 2 mile round trip hike. There will be some opportunities for your dog to play in the streams along the way. Meet at the Backcountry Camping parking area. All dogs must be on a 6-foot leash and a $5 park fee applies unless you are a season pass holder. Trail maps and driving directions to the event will be available at the park Visitor's…

If you missed the Chattabrewga craft brew festival this past weekend, don’t worry. You don’t need a special event as an excuse to check out some of the Scenic City’s best breweries. We started out with Big River Grille and Brewing Works as our only brewery back in the early ‘90s, and now the city is bursting at the seams with new brewing companies (and more on the way!). Now that our city is becoming such a hub for brews, we’re serving up a round of some of our favorites for you to try.

Mad Knight Brewing Company 

BASEMENT of: 4015 Tennessee Ave.
madknightbrewing.com

This St. Elmo brewery is so new, we’re not even sure the paint’s totally dry yet. Mad Knight Brewing Company just opened it’s doors to feature their beers including the Crazy Otto…

Check out our list of upcoming Chattanooga area events happening locally from Friday, May 12 to Friday, May 19. 

May 13-14

Tennessee Medieval Faire

When: 10 am. to 5 p.m.
Where: 500 Fiske Rd., Harriman, TN 37748
Cost: $9 - $17

The 3rd annual TN Medieval Faire allows guests to escape to a more innocent time with chivalry and gallantry while meeting King Arthur and Queen Guinevere as they celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary with a market-day festival. Enjoy live jousting tournaments, warriors’ chess matches, trick shows, interactive comedy, Irish and Celtic music, folk and belly dance and numerous artisans selling original wares made of leather, metal, wood, glass, fabric and more. Food at the event will include turkey legs and beer, of…

She gave you life, taught you everything you need to know and has had your back since day one! Now’s the time to show your mom some appreciation this May 14 in honor of Mother’s Day and in honor of all she’s done for you. But we say, don’t stop there! Here are some of our favorite ideas for celebrating Mom all month long in Chattanooga: 

1. Take her shopping at a local boutique or gallery

If you don’t know what to get your mom for Mother’s Day, why not take her out shopping and just pay attention to what she likes. If you can make it out this weekend together, you’ll still have plenty of time to sneak back to the store before next weekend. We recommend checking out Sophie’s Shoppe for beautiful home furnishings and jewelry by local artisans,…

Have you been impatiently awaiting locally grown produce, handmade crafts and the epic deep-friend sugary goodness served by the bucketful at Monkey Town Donut Company’s food truck? 

That last part may be just us, but in general, we’re really excited for the return of the Chattanooga Market opening Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30th for a full weekend start to kick off the season. 

A local staple, the market blends a farmers and artists market with community ties. Every Sunday, Chattanooga Market features farms and food artisans selling produce, meats, cheeses, breads and specialty prepared foods, keeping the selection varied and fresh. There are also local and regional artists and crafters offering unique finds such as pottery, jewelry,…

Chattanooga Easter Event Round-Up

It’s Easter time again! Break out the egg dying kits, colorful baskets and pastel dresses. If you are looking for a way to celebrate the holiday, we have you covered with our list of the best Easter events (for both kids and adults!) happening this year in Chattanooga. 

April 8, 9, 14 & 15

Tennessee Valley Railroad Bunny Train

When: The train runs at 10:40 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:25 p.m.
Where: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd
Cost: $22 for everyone age 2 & up.

Hop Aboard for a new adventure: The Bunny Train! Trains will depart from Grand Junction and travel toward East Chattanooga where passengers will disembark for special activities. Storytelling, temporary tattoos, coloring…