Above the Ridge co-owner Nina Shirey stands beside Hydro Flasks sold in the store. With the store’s move across the street in downtown Ringgold, to the former Go Georgia Arts location, the Shireys have been able to expand their selection of merchandise.More Info
If you goAbove the Ridge can be reached at 706-935-2658, via AbovetheRidge.com, or by searching “Above the Ridge” on Facebook. The store is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Above the Ridge has moved into the former Go Georgia Arts location to expand its offerings.
“We outgrew the other location,” said Above the Ridge co-owner Brandon Shirey. “Our new spot is the first spot we wanted. We jumped at the opportunity since it was vacated. It’s a historic building that has been there for over 150 years. It’s about 2,300 to 2,500 square feet.”
This marks the second time in the store’s nearly 10-year history that it has grown to the point of changing locations. The first move took it from the theoretical location of the Internet to the original storefront two years ago.
Shirey said there was a great turnout – people came from Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Cleveland and Dalton – for the grand reopening.
The store offers backpacks, tents, hammocks, men’s and women’s clothing, hydration packs, sandals, shoes, and gear and accessories for rock climbing and water sports, including standup paddleboarding and whitewater kayaking. Gear for dogs can also be found in the store.
According to Shirey it was in early 2005, while he was snowboarding Bridger Bowl in Bozeman, Mont., that Above The Ridge began. Snow was covering the mountain and the view from the ridge was great, he said, hence the name. But it was more than that. It was the fact that his whole family had all the gear they needed to share in a great day outdoors.
“My wife Nina and I like to hike and camp,” he said. “We do paddling. I do a lot of mountain biking and road biking. I use the Darn Tough socks and I use sandals and shoes we have. I hike in Oboz hiking shoes. We use Ruffwear gear for our dogs.”
When camping – in Pisgah, N.C., along the Ocoee, at Little River Canyon in Alabama or at Cloudland Canyon – the couple uses a Mountainsmith tent, he added.
“Getting out for a hike or a walk in a state park reduces stress,” Brandon Shirey said. “You get natural exercise. A lot of the companies that we offer their products are smaller companies. It’s more smaller companies that truly have a passion for the outdoors. We sell Yeti cup handles made in Ringgold. We sell climbing gear and shirts from local manufacturing in Chattanooga.”
He noted that all dogs can come in the store to shop with their owners.
“We are just happy to be here serving the community between Dalton and Chattanooga,” said Shirey. “I’m on the committee for Ringgold Health and Wellness. It’s a committee for the community. We are trying to encourage more people to get outside.”