99 things to do

Thursday, July 2, 2009
By: Staff Report

JULY

n DOWNTOWN

1 Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert calls his AmeriCone Dream ice cream a "sweet taste of liberty." Get the scoop at Ben & Jerry's, 201 Broad St. 423-265-8606

2 A macaroni penguin chick has hatched, and four gentoo eggs are incubating at the Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Look for more little ones to join the brood in July. 800-262-0695

3 Just try to keep the theme song from "Gilligan's Island" out of your head when you make reservations for the new extended sunset cruises aboard the Tennessee Aquarium's River Gorge Explorer. It's a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour. Catch this high-tech vessel at Ross's Landing. 800-262-0695

4 David Cook, the season seven winner of "American Idol," will rock the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1154 Carter St., in a concert on his Declaration tour July 8. Needtobreathe will open the show. 423-756-0001

5 Colorful kites supply the decor inside Out of the Blue Cafe at the Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. The Tennessee River provides the scenic views outside. 423-698-4839

6 You can walk, jog, skate or bike the Tennessee Riverwalk, which stretches from Chickamauga Dam to Ross's Landing and eventually will link to Moccasin Bend. 423-643-6888

7 Celebrity chef Paula Deen, above, and fashion expert Stacy London provide the star power for She: An Expo for Women, coming July 11-12 to the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. The TV divas will trade off days, with London appearing that Saturday and Deen on Sunday. Hundreds of vendors will add their wares to the mix both days. 423-756-6900

8 The eclectic lineup of Nightfall artists continues with JJ Grey & Mofro (July 3), Dan Baird & Homemade Sin (July 10), Ben Sollee (July 17), Eleni Mandell (July 24) and Daby Toure (July 31). Local bands open at 7 p.m. at Miller Plaza, intersection of M.L. King Boulevard, Market and Cherry streets. 423-265-0771

9 Let the Uptown Big Band put some swing in your lunch hour during the midday Rhythm & Noon concert July 10 at Miller Plaza, intersection of M.L. King Boulevard, Market and Cherry streets. Later shows in the weekly series spotlight Morgan Bracy (July 17), Noah Collins (July 24) and Brian Ashley Jones (July 31). 423-265-0771

10 Soccer fans can gather at Finley Stadium, 1826 Chestnut St., at 7 p.m. July 4 for Chattanooga Football Club's final home game. The team has drawn some 6,000 fans to home games in its inaugural season.

11 Fireworks cap off the Chattanooga Lookouts games on July 3 and July 10. Catch the action at 7:15 both nights at AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. 423-267-4849.

12 Feel lucky? Two Chattanooga Lookouts games in July dangle a grand as a grand prize in a random drawing. Other guests win discounts at AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. The $1,000 Thursday games start at 7:15 p.m. July 9 and July 23. 423-267-4849

13 Take home team souvenirs at back-to-back Chattanooga Lookouts games this month. The first 1,000 guests through the gates receive a Lookouts hat on July 11, a baseball bat on July 10. AT&T Field is at 201 Power Alley. 423-267-4849

14 Chattanooga Lookouts fans have two ways to buy one ticket and get one free at the July 21 game against the Mobile Bay Bears. Either show your Bi-Lo Bonus Card, or present a Kraft Singles package wrapper for the two-for-one deal. AT&T Field is at 201 Power Alley. 423-267-4849

15 Let BirdZerk tickle your tail feathers at the July 24 Chattanooga Lookouts game at AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. 423-267-4849

16 You can show your team spirit for your favorite gridiron gang at the Chattanooga Lookouts game on July 25 at AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. It's College Football Night, and appropriate attire is encouraged. 423-267-4849

17 Expect a memorable stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, 200 Chestnut St. General manager Andrea Anderson earned top honors, General Manager of the Year (medium property, 101-300 rooms), from the American Hotel & Lodging Association at the recent Stars of the Industry Awards in Chicago. 423-755-0871

18 Hear live jazz every Friday and Saturday night at The Foundry, a martini bar inside The Chattanoogan hotel, 1201 S. Broad St. The July lineup features Bill Hackler, Dexter Bell, Star Atkins, Dave Pope and Kathy Tugman. 423-424-3700

19 The wait staff at The Station House don't just tend the tables. They'll take the stage to sing for your supper. Let them entertain you while you dine on mouthwatering steaks, ribs and seafood. 423-308-2481

20 The green bags protecting the trunks on new tree plantings downtown are courtesy of Take Root Chattanooga, 900 E. 11th St., which has committed to planting 1,500 trees in 33 species. 423-643-6952

21 See a free performance by Dance Alive/Dance Elite and Ballet Tennessee Summer Intensive performers at 6 p.m. July 24 in the UTC Fine Arts Center, corner of Vine and Palmetto streets. 423-821-2055

22 Learn about "The Life Plan," described by one critic as "a screwball comedy for the 21st century," when novelist Sybil Baker addresses the Chattanooga Writers Guild. They'll meet at 7 p.m. July 14 at the Bicentennial Library, 1001 Broad St. 423-757-5310

23 Library director David Clapp will screen five of his favorite "Films From the '30s" in the next Flicks Cafe series at the Bicentennial Library, 1001 Broad St. Titles include "Bringing Up Baby" on July 21 and "Dodsworth" on July 28. Doors open at 6 p.m.; movies start at 6:30. 423-757-5310

24 "Flag," the story of a symbol of peace in a modern-day war, is the next title in the Anime @ The Library series at the Bicentennial Library. See it at 2:30 p.m. July 11 in the downtown auditorium, 1001 Broad St. 423-757-5310

25 There's a new kid in town. Chattanooga Zoo is home to a baby cotton-top tamarin. Born May 5, the little primate is a rare success story for monkeys in captivity. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 423-697-1322

26 Enrichment Day at Chattanooga Zoo, 1254 E. Third St., stimulates learning on both sides of the cage. The animals get special toys and treats. Visitors learn how zookeepers enhance the lives of the animals in their habitats. Take part 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 11. 423-697-1322

27 Join caller Tamara McGovern for the Chattanooga Traditional Dance Society's contra dance 8-11 p.m. July 25 at All Saints Academy, 310 E. Eighth St. Newcomers can learn the moves in an introductory class at 7:30. 423-876-7359.

28 Grab dinner, a cocktail and the karaoke mike at The Big Chill & Grill, 427 Market St. 423-267-2445

29 Put some South in your mouth at Southern Star, 1300 Broad St. Specials change weekly, but make sure you try the lacy cornbread. 423-267-8899

30 The July schedule for the Southern Belle riverboat offers six or seven outings most days, ranging from 90-minute sightseeing trips to 2.5-hour dinner cruises. Board at Ross's Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway. 423-266-4488

31 Two of the exhibits on view this month at Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View, have a Wild West theme. "Window on the West" is composed of 64 paintings. "Night Visions" examines night scenes, called nocturnes. 423-267-0968

32 The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, 201 High St., has added two lines of jewelry to its gift shop. Denise McMillan uses mostly glass in her pieces, above. Eleanor Goodson will showcase freshwater pearl pieces. 423-267-7176

33 Houston Museum, 201 High St., rolls out a royal revue of "Doulton Delicacies" for its summer exhibit. 423-267-7176

34 "The Untold Story of the Great Black Jockeys" explores the earliest days of America's thoroughbred racing industry through July 10 at the Chattanooga African American Museum, 200 M.L. King Blvd. 423-266-8658

35 Every Tuesday is an extra adventure during "Curious George: Let's Get Curious" at Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. On July 14, learn more about worms. On July 21, visit with zoo animals. 423-756-2738

36 Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St., celebrates the Honey Harvest in two sweet days, July 25-26. 423-756-2738

n SOUTHSIDE

37 Three young country artists -- Mark Wills, Jeff Bates and Trent Willmon -- will bring their summer tour, the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party, to First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Carter St., on July 18.

38 Top off Independence Day weekend with a cool treat at Chattanooga Market on July 5. The Ice Cream Social lasts 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Carter St. 423-648-2496

39 Watercraft of all sorts will be docked at First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Carter St., for Chattanooga Market's Fun in the Sun Boat Show on July 12. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 423-648-2496

40 Amanda Varnell brings her "Cooking Live" culinary expertise to Chattanooga Market the third Sunday of each month. Featured food for July 19 will be dishes inspired by the day's Chattanooga Peach Festival theme. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at First Tennessee Pavilion. 423-648-2496

41 Chattown Skate Park is equipped with ramps to challenge skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders. It's at 1801 Carter St., adjacent to First Tennessee Pavilion. 423-757-2076

42 Celebrate the dog days of summer with an event sure to please your canine companion: the Bone Appetit Dog Day at Chattanooga Market. Activities are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Carter St. 423-648-2496

43 What's up with all the Alabama band memorabilia on the walls at Zarzour's? Get the story between bites of some of the best home-style cooking in town. 1627 Rossville Ave. 423-266-0424

44 The Imax Theater, 201 Broad St., will beam three films on the six-story screen in July: "Star Trek: The Imax Experience," "African Adventure 30" and "Under the Sea 3D." 800-262-0695

45 A nature walk, swamp critters and recycling fun are in store for elementary-age children this summer at Kids Time. These free Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department programs take place July 9, 16 and 23 at Shelter No. 4 at the Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. 423-842-6748

n ST. ELMO

46 Umbra Essence Candles and Gifts, 3913 St. Elmo Ave., offer candle-making workshops for $5 and free tours of the studio every 30 minutes from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays in July. 423-821-4902

47 Moccasin Bend Brewing Co., 4015 Tennessee Ave., has tours and tastings at 1 p.m. Saturdays in July. The brewer makes small-batch specialty ales and lagers in kegs of various sizes. 423-821-6392

48 Blacksmith Bistro, 3914 St. Elmo Ave., is giving away $3 microbrewery draft beers in July for those who show an Incline Railway ticket. 423-702-5461

49 Lookout Mountain Gallery is settling in at a new location, 3535 Broad St. Join them for a Wine Down reception 6-9 p.m. the first Friday of each month. 423-580-8117

50 You'll have several chances this month to enjoy World Music Summer, part of a Summer of Saturdays in St. Elmo. Enjoy bands the weekend of July 4 and July 11, 18 and 25 at the Incline Railway's Lower Station, 3917 St. Elmo Ave. 706-820-2531

n LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

51 Get your fill of toe-tapping music from the New Binkley Bros. and barbecue from the Seven States Bar-B-Que Tent during Summer Music Weekends at Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain. Both are offered noon-4 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday and holiday in July. 706-820-2531

52 The birds are back in town for their fifth year of entertaining audiences at the Rock City Raptors shows. See these majestic animals up close in shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with an extra show at 4:30 p.m. each Saturday. 706-820-2531

53 See James Walker's 13- by 30-foot painting "Battle of Lookout Mountain" and other exhibits at the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center. Go July 18-19, and get free admission, a summer bonus from the National Park Service.

54 Explore the deeper recesses of Ruby Falls with limited illumination in Lantern Tours, held every Friday and Saturday night in the summer. 1720 S. Scenic Highway. 423-821-2544

n LOOKOUT VALLEY

55 Join the Motown Dance Party at Ballet Tennessee, 3202 Kellys Ferry Road, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 17. A dance instructor will teach basic steps to get you in the groove. $5 adults, $2 children. 423-821-2055

56 With milkweed flourishing along the banks of Lookout Creek, the lower meadow at Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Road, has become a haven for butterflies and bees. A patch of red clover has been planted to attract dragonflies, too. 423-821-9582

n NORTH SHORE

57 Creative types are invited to an Artist Mixer 5-7 p.m. July 8 at the Association for Visual Arts Gallery, 30 Frazier Ave. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and a preview of the "Accessing the Artist's Brain" exhibit, a group show of works on paper. 423-265-4282

58 Picnics, pyrotechnics and patriotic music mark the Pops on the River concert at Coolidge Park on July 4. The Dismembered Tennesseans will play a set with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, and father/daughter duo Tim and Sara King will sing songs from Disney animated movies. 423-265-0771

59 Pops on the River attendees can get free bicycle valet service 6-11 p.m. July 4 at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. 423-643-6888

60 First Things First settles in at Coolidge Park, 150 River St., the last three Saturdays in July for Movies in the Park, a seven-year tradition of sunset picnics and free family flicks. The movies follow the adventures of a panda who becomes a kung fu master (July 11), a Kansas girl with ruby-red slippers (July 18) and escaped New York zoo animals who land in Africa (July 25). 423-267-5383

61 There's a luau every night, sand not included, during the run of "Pyscho Beach Party" at Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. Performances of this adults-only romp run weekends through July 18. A luau precedes each 8 o'clock show. 423-267-8534

62 Hope for a fairy-tale ending in "Ring Around the Moon," a satire of upper-class pretension and lower-class ambition, ending July 12 at Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.

63 Let the stone horses, lions and sea turtles give you a squirt at Coolidge Park, 150 River St. 423-757-7629

64 Ride the ponies or just relax in a rocking chair at the Coolidge Park Carousel, 150 River St. 423-757-7629

n RED BANK

65 Litespeed Bicycles and River City Bicycles will bring a fleet of demo bikes to the Chattanooga Bicycle Club's Red Bank ride on July 28. Take a test-ride from 5 to 8 p.m. from the old Bi-Lo parking lot off Dayton Boulevard. You'll need a helmet, shoes and pedals, along with a driver's license for collateral.

n SIGNAL MOUNTAIN

66 A community parade helps put Signal Mountain residents in the mood for the town's Independence Day celebration. Barbecue cooked up by the Lions Club seals the deal. Fireworks end the daylong party at the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club, 809 James Blvd. 423-886-2177

67 The iconic space house on the side of Signal Mountain is open for events and overnight guests. Check vrbo.com for rental information.

68 "Guys and Dolls," a Tony Award-winning musical, is the summer production at Signal Mountain Playhouse, corner of James Boulevard and Rolling Way. Shows start at 8 p.m. over three weekends (July 10-11, 16-18 and 23-25) in the outdoor amphitheater. 423-886-5243

69 Pickin' and grinnin' is a long-standing tradition at the Mountain Opry. Musicians gather 8-11 p.m. every Friday at the Walden's Ridge Civic Center, 2501 Fairmount Pike, on Signal Mountain. 423-886-3252

70 Southern Star Take-Away on Signal Mountain, 1210 Taft Highway, offers the same great food as the downtown Chattanooga location, but it's packaged for grab-and-go. 423-886-7004

n SODDY-DAISY

71 Soddy-Daisy residents can celebrate not just Independence Day but the town's 40th anniversary on July 4. Festivities at Kids Park on the north end of Highway 27 end with fireworks over Soddy Lake. 423-332-5323

72 Grab a watermelon for your Fourth of July picnic, or stop by on a Friday night for all-you-can-eat catfish at Polly's Produce & Deli, 11210 Dayton Pike. 423-332-4171

73 Jan's Drive-In, 11320 Dayton Pike, is the little landmark by the lake. Try the burger deal with seasoned potato wedges and find a picnic table with a view of Soddy Lake. 423-332-6133

74 Steve's Landing, 1145 Poling Circle, is known for its ribs, but the Kickin' Chicken is a good compromise for lesser appetites. Dine on the deck when weather permits. 423-332-4098.

n HARRISON

75 Relax to the music of 2nFro every Wednesday in July at Fox Cay Restaurant at Island Cove, 6701 Highway 58. Or make a Saturday date with Convertibull on July 18. 423-648-2800.

n MISSIONARY RIDGE

76 A sunset walk along Missionary Ridge shows off historic markers, cannons, grand homes and -- oh, yes -- the view of the sun setting behind Lookout Mountain.

n EAST RIDGE

77 The New Leash on Life thrift store in East Ridge helps animals and people live better lives. Check out the merchandise at 3829 Ringgold Road. 423-475-6922.

78 Get a look at a wedding canopy, dressings dating from the 1940s, photographs and stories of traditional and not-so-traditional weddings in "Tying the Knot" on display through July at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace. 423-493-0270.

n BRAINERD/EAST BRAINERD

79 Comedian Pat Dixon is said to be a little off-kilter. Judge for yourself at his comedy shows, July 3 and 5 at the Comedy Catch, 6224 Brainerd Road. 423-629-2233

80 Killer Beaz is back at the Comedy Catch, 6224 Brainerd Road, with the best buzz in town July 9-11. 423-629-2233

81 He has a machine-gun-style delivery, animated expressions and, well, there's that Kramer-esque hairstyle. See him July 16-19 at the Comedy Catch, 6224 Brainerd Road. 423-629-2233

82 Kristin Key seems like a sweet but sexy preacher's daughter until she opens her mouth. Then watch out. This fearless comedian, "The Preacher's Kid Gone Wild," will make you a believer July 23-26 at the Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Road. 423-629-2233

83 Ripple Theatre, 3264 Brainerd Road, bookends the month with "Pilgrim's Progress," a contemporary, musical drama based on John Bunyan's classic work, on July 3, and "Screwtape," based on C.S. Lewis' novel "The Screwtape Letters," on July 31.

84 Two actors play all the roles in an energetic adaptation of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," a children's theater production, at Ripple Theatre, 3264 Brainerd Road. Six performances are scheduled July 16-19 and 24-25. 423-475-5006

85 Get a bite-size train ride and a trip through the Missionary Ridge tunnel on Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's hourlong excursions. First train leaves Grand Junction Station, 4119 Cromwell Road, at 10:40 a.m., the last at 3:35 p.m. seven days a week in summer. 423-894-8028

86 Try the Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill for just $5 every Wednesday, 2115 Gunbarrel Road. 423-892-3175

87 Two can dine very well for $40 at P.F. Chang's, 2110 Hamilton Place Blvd. The four-course meal offers two cups of soup, one starter, two entrees and two mini desserts. 423-242-0045

88 Gather the family at center court at Hamilton Place every Wednesday in July for a free Summer Kidz Flickz presented by Comcast on the Comcast Stage. 423-894-7177

89 The Piccadilly Cafeteria inside Hamilton Place will help you bag the bag at lunch with a $4.99 lunch special, offered 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Choose between two daily special entrees, two sides and fresh baked bread. 423-892-4909

90 The American Cafe inside Hamilton Place serves up lunch specials with a theme depending on the day. Try a burger and fries Monday, pizza Tuesdays, soup and salad Wednesday and pasta Thursday. Prices range from $5 to $7 and include a drink. Eat in from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 423-855-8454

91 Dress like a cow and get free chicken at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants on July 10. The Hamilton Place location also offers games, crafts, face painting and product samples from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 423-894-3181

92 Abuelo's, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., serves up authentic cuisine of coastal and interior Mexico. Most popular appetizer? Chile con queso. 423-855-7400

n NORTH GEORGIA

93 Chattanooga is home to the largest hang-gliding school in the USA. At Lookout Mountain Flight Park, you can fly tandem or learn on the "bunny slopes." 7201 Scenic Highway, Rising Fawn, Ga. 800-688-5637

94 LaFayette, Ga., artist Deloris Avans Turner donated a 14- by 18-inch oil painting of Chattooga Academy, also called John B. Gordon Hall, to help raise funds to establish a museum on-site. See it on display and buy $1 chances to win at LaFayette City Hall, 207 S. Duke St., July 6-19, and Bank of LaFayette, 101 W. Patton St., July 13-17. 706-639-1519

95 Chattanooga dance band The Bel-Aires and Atlanta classic rock band The Rockerz will add the musical soundtrack to the LaFayette Freedom Festival, scheduled 5-11 p.m. July 3 at municipal park, 638 S. Main St. (South U.S. 27). 706-639-1590

96 Harness your horseback skills in summer riding camps at Wild Moon Ranch & Resort, 1379 Newsome Gap Road, Rising Fawn, Ga. Weekly sessions, including such specialties as roping and barrels, run July 12-Aug. 8. 877-600-4694

97 Two acts making waves in country music will headline concerts at Lake Winnepesaukah this month. Keith Anderson ("I Still Miss You") is up July 12. The Lost Trailers ( "Holler Back") follow July 26. The amusement park is at 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville. 706-866-5681

98 You never know what you'll find at Gateway Antiques Mall, 4103 Cloud Springs Road, Ringgold. Come window-shop from dozens of dealers. 706-858-9685

99 Check out the historic firepower contained in the Visitor Center of the Chickamauga Battlefield in Fort Oglethorpe. Then drive the seven-mile auto tour for major points of interest during the battle. 706-866-9241

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