I recently wrapped up a semester long internship at a magazine in downtown Chattanooga. The experience was fun, beneficial and definitely made me ready to get out into the real world. But it also gave me something else: a desire to explore every nook, cranny and unique boutique in downtown Chattanooga.
You see, most of my internship was spent sitting at a desk, but all around me I heard, read and even got to write about some great things going on in Chattanooga, and I’ve been dying to check them out for myself. I’ve lived 30 miles from the city for three years now, and even though I have spent tons of time down there, my internship opened my eyes to new things to do in Chattanooga that I had never ventured before. So this past weekend, my roommates and I traded our books for boutiques and went exploring through the beautiful Scenic City!
We Started at Tupelo Honey in Warehouse Row for lunch. I’d heard TONS of amazing things about this place, and I was definitely not let down. I ordered my first sweet tea there since I finished the Whole30, and it was absolute heaven. The fried okra and grilled cheese sandwich was incredible too, and the sweet southern but modern style of the restaurant, topped off with a supremely hospitable staff, made the experience perfect. I already can’t wait to go back!
Next we spent some time exploring Warehouse Row, which is seriously a hidden treasure trove. The boutiques, spas and even office spaces were all beautiful, and walking through the romantically lit shopping center had us all dreaming of a metropolitan life in the city.
Warehouse Row
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ext we headed across the Tennessee River to the North Shore, which is one of my favorite places in the city. Every time I’ve been before had been in the evening, however, so this time I wanted to spend the day exploring the artsy, locally owned boutiques that thrive in this area. We wandered through Luxe Boutique, Go Fish, River City Apparel and Blue Skies. Each new place had a personality of its own, and even though I wasn’t planning on actually buying anything, the merchandise was too gorgeous to resist. So…I walked away with a new pair of pants, a top, earrings and sunglass. Whoops!
Sweet boutique finds {I didn’t end up getting that dress from Luxe, but I did find a new pair of sunglasses from there that I’m in love with}
Our next stop was Milk & Honey, a North Shore gelato and coffee shop. Again, absolute heaven {although this trip was definitely NOT Whole30/paleo approved}. If you’ve never tried avocado gelato, I now HIGHLY recommend it. Who would’ve thought? We took our gelato (and latte, in Haylee’s case) and headed back across the river for a little rooftop photo shoot. Haylee’s aunt has a great apartment looking over the river, and she let us use the roof for the day! Connections are the best. Here are a few (okay, a lot) of my favorite shots {get ready for a some adorable roommate love…and a little bit of crazy}.
Not a bad view!
We took a little stroll on the Walnut Street Bridge {A.K.A. the walking bridge} before heading home. It definitely wasn’t out first time on the bridge, but when it’s so beautiful, how can you resist? We also couldn’t resist taking a few more shots….
Have you had enough pictures yet? I just couldn’t help but show off what an incredible day we had in our small city. The lesson from today’s post is this: wherever you are, there is something to explore, and fun downtowns have so much to offer. Even if you have to drive 30 miles to get to the closest city, do it! Visit new places, eat new foods and if you can, frolic around on a rooftop. I promise that it will be a beautiful day.
What cities do you love exploring? I’d love to hear your stories!
PS – my lovely roommates are also bloggers! Check them out at Hashtag Haylee (who took most of the pictures) and Caroline’s Cup (yes, we have the same name!)
The College Cosmopolitan 