LISA DENTON: Barry, I got pretty excited the other day when I saw a sign advertising a Pirates and Princesses Party. Turns out it was just Kids Night at Chick-fil-A, and I was a little overdressed. Next time I'll know better.
One thing I do know for sure is that strawberries are front and center this week. Dayton is celebrating my favorite fruit at the Tennessee Strawberry Festival through Saturday. And I can get a second helping Sunday at Chattanooga Market's EPB Strawberry Festival.
BARRY COURTER: I bet you looked a little out of place crashing that kid's party in your princess outfit.
LISA: Aaargh. It was a little bit of both actually, a tiara and a pegleg. Just what I could find in the car last minute. But I digress.
BARRY: You're going to have to give me a minute to get past the princess with a wooden leg image.
OK, I'm back. We had some strawberries from the market last Sunday, and they were good. You can't beat veggies and fruits that were literally picked that morning. Speaking of fresh and local, I just learned this week that on the first Sunday of the month, several local beer brewers will offer samples of their work at the market. For $25, you get to try five beers and some tapas-style food pairings. Could be a long day at the market for me.
LISA: That reminds me of the Chattanooga History Center's next adventure downtown, "The Historic Pub Crawl: Southside Edition." Starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, separate groups will start at The Social at Warehouse Row and Alleia on Main Street and explore the "ambiance, architecture and history" of several hangouts in the district, ending up at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. You pay $35 for a guided tour, $20 if you go it alone. The ambiance (food and beverages) costs extra. You have to register by Tuesday though (265-3247, ext. 10).
BARRY: I've never needed a guide to find a pub. I've needed one to find home after being overserved too much ambiance. I'm kidding, of course, but that sounds like a lot of fun. The idea of picking up some local knowledge while walking around the Southside while enjoying some good food and drink is pretty neat.
LISA: All that walking ... I'd better leave the pegleg in the car.