🌍 Experience Italy in Chattanooga

An Italian experience is coming to the Creative Discovery Museum, Red Bank secures $4 million in federal funding, and a new indoor pickleball facility!

Author

Andrew Smith
January 08, 2026

Happy Thursday!

I have missed you all! It’s hard to believe we haven’t spoken since last year!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that your 2026 is off to a good start!

As we head into the new year, we’ve taken on a few local partners. Be sure to show them some love for supporting our newsletter!

Let’s get to it!

P.S. If your business would like to partner with us in 2026, fill out this form. We’ve got limited spots left.

TOGETHER WITH CLOSETS BY DESIGN

🚀 Start 2026 Off Clutter Free

Feeling the post-holiday clutter? Start the New Year with a clean slate and a home that finally feels organized.

Closets By Design can help you transform any space, from closets and pantries to garages, laundry rooms, and more. Their custom storage solutions make it easier to reset, recharge, and enjoy a fresh start in 2026.

Whether you want to simplify your daily routine or finally tackle the spaces you’ve been avoiding, their team designs everything around your home and lifestyle.

Begin the year organized and stress-free. Book your free consultation with Closets By Design today!

Local Snapshots

🇮🇹 Explore Italy Without Leaving Chattanooga

Ciao Bambini! is coming soon to the Creative Discovery Museum, bringing a playful, hands-on journey through Italy for kids and families.

Opening January 17, 2026, the immersive exhibit invites visitors to explore Italian culture through pretend play and discovery, all designed at a child’s scale.

Families can cook pasta and pizza in a ristorante, scoop treats in a gelateria, build ancient columns, ride a red Vespa, and learn Italian words and Roman numerals in a school setting.

Created by The Magic House in St. Louis, Ciao Bambini! runs through May 3, 2026 and is included with museum admission.

🚗 Red Bank Secures Over $4 Million to Improve Roadway Safety

The City of Red Bank has secured $4.15 million in federal funding to improve roadway safety through a new Bike Lane and Roundabout Demonstration Project.

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program, supports Red Bank’s Vision Zero commitment to safer streets for all users. The project includes temporary protected bike lanes and roundabouts along Dayton Boulevard and Morrison Springs Road, along with safety studies focused on sidewalks, crossings, and roadway markings.

City leaders say the demonstrations will provide real-world data to guide long-term improvements and help reduce crashes while making it safer to walk, bike, and drive throughout the community.

🏓 A New Indoor Pickleball Club

Ace Pickleball Club is coming soon to Hixson, bringing a new indoor pickleball option to the growing Highway 153 corridor.

The 46,000-square-foot club will open at 5450 Highway 153. Designed for flexibility, the club offers unlimited open play all day, every day for a flat monthly membership, with no court reservations or extra fees.

The Hixson location is locally owned and will feature climate-controlled courts, clinics, tournaments, and social play for all skill levels.

To thank the community, the first month of membership will be free ahead of the grand opening!

🚀 TOGETHER WITH OUR RIVER CITY EXPLORER PARTNERS

Closets By Design: Start the New Year with a clean slate and a home that finally feels organized. Book a free consultation today.

The Sweet and Savory Classroom: Looking for a fun night out? Our January classes are filling up fast. Book your cooking class today!

Want to become one of our partners? Fill out this form and we will be in touch!

Weekend Game Plan

Friday, January 9

  • World of Wheels Auto Show at Chattanooga Convention Center: Admire custom cars, hot rods, and classic vehicles at this premier automotive show!

  • Chattanooga ModelCon 2026 at the Chattanooga Convention Center: Bring a model plane to be judged or just come check out the displays!

  • Graham Kay at The Comedy Catch: You might know him from his sets on Jimmy Fallon and Steven Colbert!

  • Elvis Up Close and Personal at Barking Legs Theatre: Celebrate Elvis’ 91st birthday with a one-of-a-kind show!

  • Pretty Tied Up: A Tribute to Guns N' Roses at The Barrelhouse Ballroom: Rock out to Guns N' Roses' greatest hits with Pretty Tied Up's tribute performance!

  • Bowie Birthday Bash at JJ’s Bohemia: Celebrate David Bowie's birthday with classic Bowie hits in a tribute-filled party!

Saturday, January 10

Sunday, January 11

Looking Ahead

⛰️ Homeschool Bird Hike & Egg Painting

Wednesday, January 14 | 10 AM | Chattanooga Audubon Society | $12 | More Info

Calling all homeschoolers! Enjoy a guided bird walk followed by a unique painting session with the Chattanooga Audubon Society!

📽️ 14th Annual Lookout Wild Film Festival

January 15-18 | UTC Fine Arts Center | $40+ | More Info

Enjoy an exhilarating weekend filled with the spirit of exploration and the thrill of the wild. The festival will be showing the most captivating outdoor adventure and environmental films from across the globe!

🎶 Spafford

Thursday, January 15 | 8 PM | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $31 | More Info

Spafford is known for their astonishing improvisational ability and off-the-cuff extended jams, painting a picture in real-time each night with a musical palette known only to each other.

🕯️ Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Friday, January 16 | 6:30 PM | First Cumberland Presbyterian Church | $32+ | More Info

Hear some of Fleetwood Mac’s most popular songs under the gentle glow of candlelight!

😂 Chris D’Elia: Go For It!

Friday, January 16 | 8 PM | The Signal | $30+ | More Info

Enjoy an evening of laughter with Chris D’Elia’s Go For It Tour! You may recognize him from his Netflix specials Incorrigible, Man on Fire, and No Pain!

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