Outdoor Chattanooga
Caving. Rafting. Sky diving. If any of those trigger your lust for adventure, then you should definitely check out outdoorchattanooga.com for information about any of Chattanooga’s recreational activities on land, in the water or air. Don’t miss out on your chance to try everything the Scenic City has to offer — from disc golf and clay shooting to rock climbing and hang gliding.
When you live in a city with near-perfect weather, scenery that belongs in a magazine and an incalculable amount of outdoor pastimes, staying inside is a crime. But an even worse infraction is staying inside during the summer months - even if the weather can be a little moody - when the days are longer and the list of things to do grows to the point of overtaking any calendar.
If you're having a little trouble getting off the couch this summer, here's a quick reminder of some of the best outdoor activities Chattanooga has to offer to get you itching for a trip past your porch.
MOVIES:
1) First Things First's Movies in the Park
Coolidge Park, 150 River St.
There's nothing better than gathering up the family, grabbing a couple lawn chairs and having a movie night under the stars. And that's exactly what First Things First, a nonprofit devoted to strengthening families, offers in Coolidge Park every Saturday in July. Bring the whole crew out at sundown for family-friendly box office hits like Minions and Star Wars when you have a chance. It's sure to be a night they'll never forget.
When: Every Saturday in July
Cost: Free
2) First Things First's Movies in the Park
Coolidge Park, 150 River St.
There's nothing better than gathering up the family, grabbing a couple lawn chairs and having a movie night under the stars. And that's exactly what First Things First, a nonprofit devoted to strengthening families, offers in Coolidge Park every Saturday in July. Bring the whole crew out at sundown for family-friendly box office hits like Minions and Star Wars when you have a chance. It's sure to be a night they'll never forget.
When: Every Saturday in July
Cost: Free
3) Movies in the Park at Dark
Heritage Park, 1428 Jenkins Road bridgechristian.org
Each year, Bridge Christian Church doesn't just offer locals an opportunity to watch a family feature in the park; it also offers fathers a chance to teach their daughters bocce on the nearby court, gives mothers a chance to snap pictures of their son's first trip down a slide on the playground and allows the whole family to share their experiences together as the film begins. In short, this movie experience combines a day at the theater with a day at the park.
When: Aug. 12 and other dates to be announced
Cost: Free
NATURE:
1) Carriage Rides
Reflection Riding
400 Garden Road
reflectionriding.org/visit-4/new-carriage-rides
Whether it's meant as a romantic escape for you and your special someone or planned as an educational treat for the kids, the new horse-drawn carriage rides at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center won't disappoint. The leisurely tour takes nature lovers through the center's 317 beautiful acres, including its botanical gardens for a glimpse of native wildflowers along the serene trails. With drivers serving as trained guides, the tour highlights the land's history and beauty while relieving stress.
Good to know: Reflection Riding offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Rent a canoe, hike on the trails or drop by to view wildlife before the days grow cold again.
When: Thursday-Sunday
Cost: $10-$15
(Photo: Reflection Riding)
2) Wildlife Viewing
Audubon Acres
900 N. Sanctuary Road chattanoogaaudubon.org
Whether you prefer to stand or float, Audubon Acres provides a great view of Chattanooga's wildlife. Take pictures and leave footprints as you hike through one of the sanctuary's numerous trails, peeping for rabbits and woodpeckers along the way. Or swim, tube and kayak in the South Chickamauga Creek, dutifully on the lookout for wood ducks and dragonflies. Bring the whole family out for a day of fun and fascination before the species seen exclusively during the summer - like ruby-throated hummingbirds and Cerulean warblers - have finished making their rounds.
When: All week
Cost: $3-$6
ON THE WATER
1) Standup Paddleboard Yoga
One Joyful Yoga
9220 Sunny Shore Lane
When summer begins and the days grow warmer, you have a choice: You can stay cooped up in your air-conditioned yoga studio or you can meditate on the waters of Waconda Bay, perfecting your high lunge pose as the sun glistens off the lake. One Joyful Yoga offers aspiring yogis the chance to use rented paddleboards as a mat, a trend that can not only improve your core stability, but also help you take full advantage of the great outdoors.
Good to know: If you're not really into yoga, One Joyful Yoga also offers fitness, sunset and full-moon paddles.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, weekends by appointment
Cost: $20-$45
2) Standup Paddleboard Yoga
One Joyful Yoga
9220 Sunny Shore Lane
When summer begins and the days grow warmer, you have a choice: You can stay cooped up in your air-conditioned yoga studio or you can meditate on the waters of Waconda Bay, perfecting your high lunge pose as the sun glistens off the lake. One Joyful Yoga offers aspiring yogis the chance to use rented paddleboards as a mat, a trend that can not only improve your core stability, but also help you take full advantage of the great outdoors.
Good to know: If you're not really into yoga, One Joyful Yoga also offers fitness, sunset and full-moon paddles.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, weekends by appointment
Cost: $20-$45
2) Dragon Boat Racing
Erwin Marine Sales
3001 Kings Point Road
facebook.com/chattanoogadragonboatclub
If you're looking for something a little more challenging than a gentle canoe ride down a creek, then this team sport may be just what you need. The Chattanooga Dragon Boat Club invites anyone, whether beginner or expert, to hop into a 46-foot-long canoe and then "Shut Up and Paddle" alongside 19 other teammates, plus a drummer and steerer. This anaerobic activity may administer just enough competition and adrenaline to kick your summer into high gear.
When: Mondays and Thursdays
Cost: Free
DRINK
1) Pints and Pedals
1818 Chestnut St.
We here at Chatter have no tolerance for drinking and driving but we will turn a blind eye to drinking and pedaling. And so will Pints and Pedals, Chattanooga's ultimate bike pedal tour/bar crawl/party on wheels. Explore downtown and the Southside like never before (through beer goggles) with your closest group of friends (or increasingly attractive acquaintances), or just take in the sights while burning some carbs with a leisurely pedal.
When: All week; reservations required
Cost: $25-$325
2) Southern Brewers Festival
Ross's Landing
100 Riverfront Parkway
The title of this much-anticipated summer event sells itself, but there's plenty more than beer to sweeten the pot. This year's festivities include musical performances from JJ Grey & Mofro, Mike Farris, Perpetual Groove and The Gimmix - and, as always, a great view of Chattanooga's waterfront from noon to midnight. With all that and an excellent selection of beer flowing from more than 50 different breweries, you'll get a taste of what the South is all about.
When: Aug. 20 | Cost: $18-$30
Chattanooga Zoo
301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.
Lions and pork loins and beer. Oh my. That's the summer trifecta the Chattanooga Zoo busts out during its annual barbecue and beer tasting event every July. Bring the whole family to visit the zoo's cuddly creatures and sample some of the Scenic City's tastiest barbecue, helping crown one vendor "Best BBQ in the 'Noog." Then kick it all back with a cold one and live country music from Brian Milson.
When: July 16 | Cost: $7-$15
MUSIC
1) Nightfall Concert Series
Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.
For just shy of 30 years, this summer-long concert series has drawn a diverse crowd to the heart of Chattanooga with a unique selection of artists from numerous genres. Celebrate Chattanooga's comprehensive musical culture with beats that embody folk, punk, hip-hop-bluegrass and more. With a mission to introduce the Scenic City to artists who have never graced its stage, Nightfall also treats attendees to local gems like Nora Jane Struthers, as well as more well-known performers like Gina Chavez, Austin's 2015 Musician of the Year, and Maroon 5's PJ Morton.
When: Friday nights May-August
Cost: Free
2) Cambridge Square Night Market
9453 Bradmore Lane
chattanoogamarket.com/cambridge
Just like the Chattanooga Market, you may go to this spinoff event for the live music, but you'll stay for the handmade crafts and delicious options. This weekly event is all about art - whether it takes the form of music, crafts or food - and serves as an introduction to Cambridge Square, Ooltewah's beautifully designed destination for recreation, relaxation and entertainment.
When: Friday nights
Cost: Free
3) Riverfront Nights
Ross's Landing
100 Riverfront Parkway
There may be no better way to end a summer evening than jamming to live rock, blues or jazz while watching the sun set on the Tennessee River. But Chattanooga's Riverfront Nights concert series is not just about the music. For the 10th year, the multi-week event will emphasize healthy living, organizations that promote sustainable development and, of course, an intense love of the outdoors. Come out to catch some of the Southeast's best up-and-coming artists while sampling a variety of ever-changing outdoor activities.
When: Saturday nights July-September
Cost: Free