Google recently released the top-trending searches in 2022 on the internet search engine, including the most-searched-for terms in the Chattanooga area.
After two years spending most of their time indoors during the pandemic, it's no surprise that several of Chattanooga residents' top Google searches involved outdoor activities. But a few of the outdoor pursuits that piqued Chattanoogans' interest are unique to the Scenic City.
The Chattanooga area is the only place in the country where "petting zoo" was a top-trending "near me" search, according to Google.
Bagby's Critter Corral, a Chattanooga-based mobile petting zoo, has seen an increase in interest in its services during the past year, owner Sandra Bagby said by phone.
"I honestly believe it was because of everybody being locked in because of the virus for so long," she said. "Once we had some freedom to get out and start getting together again, we had an increase (in business) when people wanted to be outside and do things instead of being cooped up."
She has also noticed adults have been just as interested as children in petting animals -- maybe even more interested.
"It's kind of like therapy," Bagby said.
Furry creatures popular in petting zoos are not the only animals Chattanoogans are searching for.
The Chattanooga area is the only place in the U.S. where "hairless guinea pig" was the top-trending animal, according to Google data. Also known as "skinny pigs," hairless guinea pigs have become trendy pets that are known for their resemblance to tiny hippos.
It's unclear why hairless guinea pigs are more popular in Chattanooga than other areas, but hairless animals of all kinds are getting more attention from Google users across the country. Searches for "hairless animals" increased by 170% in the U.S. in 2022, according to Google.
[READ MORE: Local wildlife rescue cares for rare naked raccoon found in Chattanooga]
Chattanoogans were also especially interested in making their own hummingbird nectar, which Google data indicated was the most-searched-for recipe in the area.
The surge in searches for hummingbird nectar recipes also could be attributed to the pandemic, when feeding hummingbirds became a popular activity along with other pastimes such as sewing and raising chickens that fit into the category of "cottage core." The concept, which idealizes rural and farm living and traditional skills practiced by cottage-dwelling folk in the English countryside, took the internet by storm during the past several years.
[READ MORE: Raising chickens a popular pandemic pastime in Chattanooga area]
Hummer's Galore, a brand owned by Chattanooga-based Bacon Products Corp. that offers locally made hummingbird feeders and nectars, had an increase in sales of its products this year, office manager Deb Price said by phone.
"It's just because it entertains people," she said of the increased interest in feeding and watching hummingbirds, which captured people's attention when they were looking for simple activities to do from home during the pandemic.
Chattanooga residents who lack their own pools know there's no shortage of natural swimming holes and public pools to choose from in the area, particularly if they were among the many local Google users who searched in the past year for "places to swim," a top-trending "near me" search in just four places in the country, including Chattanooga.
[READ MORE: A guide to the Chattanooga area's nine coolest swimming holes]
Country is the top music genre city residents are searching for on Google, according to data released by the search engine. The genre's popularity in Chattanooga seems only natural, considering the city's proximity to Nashville and the success of country music stars such as Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina, who claim Chattanooga as their hometown.
Top 10 trending “near me” searches in the Chattanooga area for 2022:
1. drivers license office near me
2. power outage near me
3. 24 hour pharmacy near me
4. car shows near me
5. cheap gas near me
6. petting zoo near me
7. japanese restaurant near me
8. gas prices near me
9. buffets near me
10. places to swim near me
Contact Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6508.