I’m ashamed to say it, but I haven’t been back to Jack’s Alley and the North Broad area since I moved here. Other than a brief exploratory morning, the area is still new to me, even though it’s packed daily with locals, families and visitors alike. This month, I took an afternoon to find out why and found myself enamored with the variety of businesses that call this little corner of Chattanooga home. All the buzz about new businesses moving in and growth has this area excited – and I’m excited to add it to my list of favorite haunts.
Backstreet Betty’s
421 Market Street, Suite A
423-755-8867
I’m of the belief that a girl can’t have too many dresses, so no one twisted my arm to get me into Backstreet Betty’s. The only local business on Jack’s Alley, the shop is celebrating 10 years in the location and is as happy as ever to see visitors and locals alike. I’m always happy to find another boutique option for my closet, and as we approach spring, I’m drawn to the dresses that have a classic shape with a fun twist. If you’re out for a day of shopping and exploring, make sure you stop by to pick up something special for your next spring date.
MoonPie General Store
429B Broad Street
423-877-0592
Don’t shoot me, but I haven’t always been the greatest fan of MoonPies. Maybe it was the bad experience of trying a banana-flavored one or a really old one found in a concession stand, but they haven’t struck me as my favorite sweet treat. But it turns out I just needed a fresh one to transport me back in time. Relieved as I am to be fond of the regular chocolate MoonPies, the General Store on Broad Street is a neat shop to find anything from lunchboxes to a variety of mustard. From Cheerwine to old-time candy, this matchbook-sized stop is the place to find your vintage favorites and trinkets galore.
All Books
410 Broad Street
423-266-0501
When I first came to Chattanooga, I wandered into All Books to get out of the cold. On that freezing December day, I wandered through rows and rows and rows of used books. I stepped over boxes of yarn in search of the book I never knew I needed. From behind stacks and piles of yarn and knitting needles, the proprietor shared her feelings about the city with me as I nodded along. If you can disappear for hours in a dusty old book store, this is it. It’s hardly organized, but that, I’ve heard people say, makes every find a great discovery.
Ignis Glass Studio
409 Broad Street
423-265-2565
Jekyll Island features a treasure hunt each winter in which dozens of glass orbs are hidden around the island for visitors to find. Since my childhood and my family’s exploratory walks on the beach, I’ve held a fascination with smooth glass. At Ignis, blown glass artistry is on full display. Whether you catch one of the glass blowing sessions or just stop in to see what’s on display, Ignis is a great studio and a Chattanooga treasure.
Don’t Miss:
- Greyfriar’s Coffee & Tea
406 Broad Street
423-267-0376
- Lupi’s Pizza
406A Broad Street
423-266-5874
- Sticky Fingers
420 Broad Street
423-265-7427