We love visiting Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's a quick getaway from Atlanta and very affordable to stay. The city offers numerous festivals and events throughout the year along with beautiful Cooledge Park to play with kids that's located beside the Tennessee river. There's an incredible antique carousel in the park that all ages can ride and we've done so many times over the years and it's only about $1.00 to ride!.
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Our kids played for hours one hot summer day at the splash pad and fountains in the park. Connecting the park from the North Shore to downtown is the Walnut Street Bridge and it is one of my favorite places in the city.
It is one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges and the views are wonderful. Strolling, biking, jogging, or simply sitting on one of the benches to look out over the river are all joys. You can sometimes catch a bride or wedding party posing in a photo session on the balcony of the Hunter Museum located across from the bridge on a sheer drop of a hillside.
The Chattanooga Market is always a good time.
– the region’s largest producer-only marketplace
Frommer’s has named us as one of the Top Ten Best Public Markets in America
* chattanoogamarket.com
The last weekend in October we checked out the Halloween market. Families and vendors were decked out in costumes and booths were decorated with spooky items. Candy was given out at lots of booths and gave families the chance to trick or treat early. It's a pleasure to walk among the various booths to shop for fresh produce, artisan foods, hand-made soaps, and locally made goods. Years ago, I bought a painted Dr. Seuss the Lorax wooden sign that now hangs in our upstairs den. This time I found Harry Potter “Butterbeer” soap.
I found the soap due to a giant pink unicorn selling it at one of the central booths. A very nice guy was inside the unicorn suit and he told us about the unique soaps made from beer, wine, or spirits. Pretty cool. Check out High Road Soap Company to read about how these ingredients help your skin. We didn't know this was a thing. Their products are cleverly marketed using pop culture references and fun themes.
We found Amanda Arp's booth Aartcreations and there's a lot to choose from for your home or gifts. She was enthusiastic about her work and nice enough to pose for a picture to feature here. There are literary character prints – Where the Wild Things Are and Harry Potter – to Star Wars to Edward Scissorhands paintings. We liked her tree ornaments too – Shrek!
We love places that allow dogs and the market did not disappoint. Quite a few were in costume.
The holiday season is in full force at the market. Upcoming events include:
Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival
Saturday, Nov. 09, 2019
6:00PM – 9:00PM
Don't miss this festive event! Sample cocktails, photos with Santa, festive music AND this event supports Chattanooga Market, so every sip gets you closer to the nice list! It will be a sell out, get your tickets now!
Sunday, November 10, 2019
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Come enjoy the music of Sweet Georgia Sound on the EPB stage for another free performance (last one until next season). The 20+ band is well known for a variety of ballroom dance music that includes classic and modern big band, swing, Latin, and waltz tunes. In the Chattanooga area, Sweet Georgia Sound has earned the favor of accomplished ballroom dancers!
Thanksgiving Market
Begin your preparations for this season’s holidays at the Chattanooga Market! We’ll have plenty of local meats, cheeses, breads, produce and homemade/homegrown foods for your family gatherings.
Giving unique, handmade gifts supports our local artisan community and this weekend is the kick-off for holiday shopping! It’s also the last chance for market-goers to enjoy us outdoors for the season. We’ll be closed next Sunday for Thanksgiving and then we will be moving indoors to the Chattanooga Convention Center for our Holiday Market the first 3 weekends of December!
Local gift giving is better!
Find us indoors during December weekends at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Our Holiday Market features 200+ local food vendors, artists and crafters each Saturday & Sunday in December offering unique gifts and festive preparations – everything you’ll need for the holiday season!
Shoppers will be able to find one-of-a-kind pottery, custom pieces of art, handcrafted jewelry, local foods, natural bath and body products, locally designed and made apparel, wood furniture, and so much more. Ask vendors about commissioned pieces for that special touch.
Chattanooga Holiday Market has become a shopping tradition with festive daily entertainment for the whole family:Sweet Georgia Sound and several other acoustical performers capture the holiday spirit. Don’t miss good ‘ole Santa Claus from 12-3pm for a free photo opportunity the LAST 2 WEEKENDS. Hot cocoa, warm lunch and spirits are also available to make the shopping occasion a special one.
Holiday Market Hours – Admission is FREE
Saturdays in December 10a-5p
Sundays in December 11a-5p
….through December 16!
Whatever your reason for visiting the city, make time to visit the Chattanooga Market. Time well spent and you might find fantastic gifts and who isn't looking for those?
