Happy Thursday!
I hope everyone is surviving the cold weather and staying bundled up! It looks like there is another chance for snow this weekend?!
Despite the cold weather, there’s still plenty going on!
Let’s get to it!
P.S. If you’re a business owner looking to get in front of an engaged, local audience. I’d love to chat! Just fill out this form and I will be in touch!
TOGETHER WITH SWEET AND SAVORY CLASSROM
❤ Plan the Perfect Valentine’s
Looking for a fun and memorable Valentine’s Day idea? The Valentine’s cooking classes at The Sweet & Savory Classroom are a perfect way to celebrate together!
This year marks their 10 year anniversary, and they are bringing back some favorite Valentine’s menus for a hands-on, side-by-side cooking experience. You’ll cook, laugh, learn new skills, and enjoy a delicious meal you create together in a warm, welcoming kitchen.
Class options include Charleston Southern (Feb 10), Savannah in Style (Feb. 11), Tuscan Nights (Feb. 12), Rustic Italian (Feb. 13), and French Connection (Feb. 14).
Book ahead before classes sell out and use code Explorer for $20 off.
P.S. Want to partner with us in 2026 and reach thousands of Chattanoogans every week? Fill out this form and I will be in touch!
Local Snapshots
🚂 Chattanooga Choo Choo Listed For Sale
The Chattanooga Choo Choo, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, has been listed for sale.
The historic 1909 train terminal turned mixed-use destination recently appeared on the market through Berkley Capital Advisors Group, with the listing valuing the property at more than $1.3 million.
The 7.38-acre site includes existing businesses and offers future development potential, with zoning that allows buildings up to eight stories. Current tenants say they hope any new owners appreciate the building’s deep history and role in Chattanooga’s Southside.
💧 Hamilton County Approves New Splash Pad
Cold weather may be settling in, but Hamilton County is already planning ahead for warmer days. The County Commission has approved $350,000 for a new splash pad in Lookout Valley, set to open later this year at the John A. Patten Recreation Center.
Built next to the existing playground, the splash pad will give families a place to cool off during hot summers while also serving nearby visitors exploring attractions like Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway.
The project is funded through hotel-motel tax revenue and honors the legacy of longtime community leader Jimmy Long. County leaders say it’s a family-focused investment that brings visitor dollars back into the neighborhood.
🕰️ Antiques Show and Sale Brings Vintage Finds to Town
Chattanooga’s premier Antiques Show and Sale returns February 20–22, 2026 at The Signal, celebrating 52 years of benefiting the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts.
The weekend begins with a Preview Party on Friday, February 20 from 7–10 PM, followed by the public show on Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
More than 22 antique dealers from across the South and beyond will be on hand, offering timeless antiques and unique vintage pieces for the home. It’s a favorite winter tradition and a great way to support local arts while discovering something special.
Single day tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
🚀 TOGETHER WITH OUR RIVER CITY EXPLORER PARTNERS
The Sweet and Savory Classroom: Make Valentine’s Day extra special with a fun, memorable night together as you laugh and cook a meal together. Use code Explorer for $20 off!
Closets By Design: Start the New Year with a clean slate and a home that finally feels organized. Book a free consultation today.
P.S. Want more info on becoming one of our partners? Fill out this form and I will be in touch!
Weekend Game Plan
Friday, January 30
Candle Making 101 at The Chattery: Craft your own scented candles in this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop perfect for a creative evening!
Savannah in Style at Sweet and Savory Classroom: Create a dish that honors the southern googness and culinary flare of Savannah, GA! Use code Explorer for $20 off!
80’s Skate Party at Hamilton Skate Place: Dust off your leg warmers and roll back in time to the 80’s!
Silent Book Club at Avondale Library: A relaxing opportunity to enjoy reading in peaceful solitude!
Friday Night Game Night at Plant Bar: Grab your friends or come solo for a night of games!
Danny Jolles at The Comedy Catch: Laugh with Danny Jolles' sharp, relatable stand-up comedy!
August Wilson's King Hedley II at Chattanooga Theatre Centre: Experience August Wilson's powerful drama King Hedley II!
St. Owsley: Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead Experience at The Barrelhouse Ballroom: Jam to an authentic tribute recreating Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead's iconic sound and spirit!
Saturday, January 31
2026 Chattanooga Skillet Curling Championship at First Tennessee Pavilion: Watch teams slide skillets on ice in this quirky, fun curling championship!
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium: Watch Star Wars: A New Hope on the big screen with a live orchestra performing John Williams' iconic score!
Book Binding 101 at The Chattery: Master basic book binding techniques to create your own handmade journal or notebook in this creative workshop!
Sandhill Crane Kayaking Adventure at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge: Paddle through serene waters to view thousands of migrating sandhill cranes!
Otherworldly Affair Intuitive Arts Market at Bud’s Creative Arts Center: Discover a curated selection of handmade, ethically sourced arts and crafts!
Sip & Savor at the Tennessee Aquarium: Enjoy creative mocktails and tasty small bites as you drift through the River Journey building!
Noah Guthrie at Songbirds: Guthrie's sound has been described as possessing Chris Stapleton’s country/rock grit with the authenticity of Jason Isbell!
Grunge Fest at the Barrelhouse Ballroom: Rock out to 90s grunge hits from tribute bands in this high-energy evening celebrating the era's iconic sound!
Hustle Souls at Hi-Fi Clydes: a unique and captivating sound blending retro-soul, New Orleans brass, and Americana!
Sunday, February 1
Valentine Tea Towel Portraits at Townsend Atelier: Create adorable custom tea towel portraits of your pet or loved one!
Two Year Anniversary Party at The Bohemian Village: Celebrate with an afternoon of live music, local vendors, new menu items, giveaways, and more!
Concerto Concert with Symphony Orchestra at Collegedale Church of Seventh-Day Adventists: Enjoy an afternoon of stunning concerto performances!
Chattanooga Bach Choir: Cantata Concert at Christ Church Episcopal: Experience the beauty of Bach's cantatas performed by the Chattanooga Bach Choir!
Romance at Ruby at Ruby Falls: A one-of-a-kind date night that includes an after-house Lantern Tour for two!
John Delony at The Comedy Catch: The Dr. John Delony Show is a wildly popular podcast where he helps people when their lives have fallen apart!
Looking Ahead
🏹 Adult Archery
Tuesday, February 3 | 5:30 PM | Coolidge Park | Free | More Info
A free indoor class that offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery!
🧀 Art of the Board Charcuterie Class
Tuesday, February 3 | 6 PM | Sweet and Savory Classroom | $99 | More Info
Dig into the art of charcuterie and learn how to slice and display hand-picked artisan meats and cheeses! Use code Explorer for $20 off!
🏀 UTC Men’s Basketball vs Mercer
Thursday, February 5 | 7 PM | McKenzie Arena | $13+ | More Info
Enjoy a night of college basketball and cheer on the boys as they take on Mercer!
🛥 2026 Chattanooga Boat Show
February 5-8 | Chattanooga Convention Center | $16.99 | More Info
Compare hundreds of new boats from local Chattanooga area dealers and get ready for a fun summer on the water!
🤼♂ Micro Wrestling
Friday, February 6 | 7:30 PM | The Signal | $25 | More Info
This a high-flying, professional wrestling ring supported by an entire cast under five feet tall!
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