Date Archives: August 2020

At Fletcher Bright Realty, our real estate agents are always keen to introduce clients like you to everything Chattanooga has to offer. From the delectable dining scene to the strong economy to the Tennessee Aquarium, it truly has something for everyone.

But one aspect to Chattanooga homes for sale is special: You won't find it by looking in our bustling downtown or checking your spacious backyard. It's our night sky, and plenty of pro and amateur stargazers spend their time enjoying it every season of the year.

While summer is the high time for stargazing, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, every month you can find plenty of places all around Chattanooga perfect for appreciating the night sky. Whether you want backcountry camping far away from city lights or would prefer the view from a world-class telescope, your opportunity awaits.

Let's take a closer look at five outstanding opportunities for stargazers:

1. Tamke-Allan Observatory – 334 Caney Creek Road, Rockwood, TN 37854
   Situated on the grounds of Roane State Community College an hour and a half north of Chattanooga, Tamke-Allan Observatory hosts celestial observations twice a month on Saturdays. Events begin at 7:30 and typically end at 11, but can run later due to sky conditions. Hands-on classes are held on telescoping making and mirror grinding: These are open to students, hobbyists, and visitors of all experience levels.
2. Clarence T. Jones Observatory – 10 North Tuxedo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37411
   The meeting place of the Barnard Astronomical Society, Clarence T. Jones Observatory is one of Chattanooga's top free attractions: It sits a mere 12 minutes from the city center! The Observatory has been a major landmark since 1936. It sits in a premier location just east of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Campus. Group tours are available, and many area stargazing clubs make it their home away from home.
3. Pickett State Park – 4605 Pickett Park Highway, Jamestown, TN 38556
   Part of the 120,000 acres Pickett State Forest, Pickett State Park, is one of less than 40 parks in the world that has been certified as a "dark sky park" by the International Dark Sky Association. Combining a remote location with strict lighting restrictions once the sun sets, Pickett is dark enough for the Milky Way to be clearly visible on an average night. It's approximately 2.5 hours north of Chattanooga, near the state line.
4. Land Between the Lakes – 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
   Land Between the Lakes is found just over the border with Kentucky (3.5 hours to the northwest of Chattanooga) and sprawls across 170,000 beautiful acres. There are many flat areas that provide ideal viewing conditions on a clear night. You'll find meetings of the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers taking place at the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory and educational programs offered almost every day.
5. Obed River Park and Clear Creek – 24 Obed River Park Drive, Crossville, TN 38555
   About an hour and a half north of Chattanooga, Obed River Park has the distinction of looking very much the same today as it did when the first European settlers explored its banks in the 1700s. The river has been known for its abundant fishing and hunting ever since. The rugged terrain offers plenty of chances for adventure. And, like Pickett above, Obed River Park is an official International Dark Sky Park.

The sky is the limit when it comes to real estate opportunities here in Chattanooga. To find out more about local homes with enough yard space to set up a telescope, contact us.

Who said going out to eat only meant sitting inside a restaurant? Food trucks present a unique opportunity to grab a quick bite while enjoying the outdoors. Best of all, food trucks usually pull up to some of the coolest breweries, events, and gathering spaces in Chattanooga. If you're looking for a cool way to taste the most interesting local foods in town, our real estate agents encourage you to hunt down one of these Chattanooga food trucks.

1. Rolling J's Mobile Bistro - Comfort Food, Sandwiches
   The Rolling J's Mobile Bistro has been parked along the streets of Chattanooga since 2013 to serve up some of the best sandwiches in the area. Southern comfort food is the star and is prepared fresh daily. Keep up to date with where the truck is parked by following their Facebook page. 
   
   
2. Fat Boy's Roadside Eats - BBQ, Sandwiches
   When you hear that Fat Boy's Roadside Eats has been voted as a local favorite food truck for the last 4 years, you know the food has got to be good! If you haven't had a chance to check out this local favorite you're in for a real treat. The menu is very extensive for a food truck and options range from burgers, BBQ, sandwiches, and more. Come hungry and see for yourself why this truck is a local favorite! 
   
   
3. Chew Chew Chattanooga – Sandwiches, Sliders, Vegan
   Thinking about where you want to eat out? Chew it over with Chew Chew Chattanooga. They've got a full-bodied menu ready to satisfy any craving. Comfort foods and street foods line the menu, with favorites like meatball subs, philly cheesesteaks, and po'boys sit alongside vegan "chix" tenders, vegan tacos, and vegan phillies. With something for everyone on the menu, Chew Chew Chattanooga is a great truck to pop by with your family and friends.
   
   
4. Chick-N-Nooga – Comfort Food, Fried Chicken
   Chick-N-Nooga knows what Chattanooga residents love to eat. They are one of the leaders in the Chattanooga food truck scene and serve up some cluckin' good eats. Chicken tenders and beer-battered waffle fries are calling your name – don't chicken out! Head over to Chick-N-Nooga on the weekend and help yourself to some of the best chicken in the state.
   
   
5. Greg's Sandwich Works – Sandwiches, Soups
   Who doesn't love a good sandwich paired with a cup of hot soup? Greg's Sandwich Works is whipping up downright delicious sandwiches every day of the week. Using the freshest ingredients in every sandwich, you'll find everything from soups and sandwiches to wraps, hot dogs, potato salad, and coleslaw in their food truck. Order the Greg's Special with turkey, pimento, cheese, and jalapeno and add a Frito Pie to have the ultimate lunch break.
   
   
6. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. – Ice Cream, Frozen Treats
   Of course, you can skip dinner completely and head right for dessert at Clumpies Ice Cream Co. This handcrafted ice cream shop has been a Tennessee favorite since 1999, and now they're taking their sweet treats to the streets. The Clumpies Ice Cream Co. food truck is ready to sweeten up your night with one of their amazing ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, or traditional scoops. We suggest trying the Firecracker, a Clumpies original, which loads pop rocks onto a few scoops of their Tutti Frutti ice cream.

Click Here to Read More...

Based on data from the National Association of REALTORS®, existing-home sales bounced back at a record pace in June, showing positive signs for a recovery from the pandemic-influenced downturn. If you are looking to buy right now, chances are you'll be met with some competition. Luckily, there are several ways you can make your offer a stand out. Beat the competition with these tips for making a winning offer on Chattanooga homes for sale. 

Click Here to Read More...

Whether you're paging through a well-worn hard copy with notes in the margins or pulling up the latest release on your smartphone, there's still nothing like finding a quiet, peaceful place to enjoy your favorite books. National Book Lovers Day, which takes place every year on August 9th, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your love of reading, and our real estate agents are happy to report that there are plenty of great places around Chattanooga to enjoy a day of reading outdoors. Get to know 5 beautiful local spots, with our guide to some of the best parks for reading near Chattanooga.

1. Coolidge Park – 150 River St., Chattanooga, TN 37402

   Located downtown with easy access from Chattanooga homes for sale, you'll find that Coolidge Park has everything you need for a relaxing day of reading or an afternoon of family fun. Coolidge Park is home to a lovingly restored historic carousel, with hand-carved animals created by a team of local artisans. There's tons of open space in the park so that you can find a quiet place to read, along with a host of activities and a busy schedule of special events to enjoy when you're done reading.

   Click Here to Read More...