Spring break
With school vacations falling on different weeks around the region, some youngsters already have experienced this year’s Spring Break Safaris at area tourist attractions. There’s still plenty of fun to be had the week after Easter, when kids can take part in these behind-the-scenes adventures. Participating are Bluff View Art District, Chattanooga Zoo, Creative Discovery Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, Lake Winnepesaukah, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Southern Belle, Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee Valley Railroad and Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Festival fun
Some of our favorite festivals take place this month, celebrating everything from Volkswagens to fine art to cornbread. Mark your calendars for Bugapaluza at Camp Jordan on April 16-17, Four Bridges Arts Festival at First Tennessee Pavilion on April 17-18 and the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg on April 24-25. (See calendar for more festival dates.)
Returning favorites
It’s almost time to put out the welcome mat for some popular warm-weather pastimes. The Chattanooga Lookouts will make their debut with an exhibition game against the Chattanooga State Tigers on April 6, followed by the opening game against the Huntsville Stars at AT&T Field on April 8 (see calendar for more game days). Opening weekend for Lake Winnepesaukah is April 9-10, and vendors will be ready for business at Chattanooga Market on April 25.
Concerts
The month features two rock concerts at Memorial Auditorium: Heart on April 15 and Alice in Chains, with special guest Shooter Jennings, on April 28. Country fans get two shows at the Tivoli Theatre: Jamey Johnson on Thursday (details on Page ??) and a night of acoustic music on April 7 when seven singer/songwriters, including Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) entertain at Six Strings at Sunset, a benefit for the Kidney Foundation. And movie composer George S. Clinton, a Chattanooga native, returns for “Hooray for Hollywood” with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera on April 10.
New attraction
Ruby Falls will offer a scenic view from the treetops with the debut of its ZipStream Aerial Adventure this month. Designed by The Adventure Guild, the 30 high-wire challenges include ladders, nets, walkways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines on three courses of varying difficulty.