summer The Great Outdoors guideWe Can Work It Out
W
hat we know about the Great Outdoors you could put on the top of a gnome hat. Let’s just say that our idea of “roughing it” is the cheap suite at the Four Seasons. With that in mind, we decided to consult the expert, Ruth Thompson at
Outdoor Chattanooga, for her picks for outdoor fun this summer. When you’re through with these events, join us at any one of the patio bars around town we’ve selected as your reward. We’ll keep the beer cold for you! Enjoy your summer—and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Real Outdoors
its elevated place as a premier multisport event in the Southeast in the past three years. Info: team-magic.com
Splash Into Spring Saturday, June 9 11 a.m.-4 p.m. TVA Chickamauga Reservation • This is the free annual watersport celebration and introduction day gives you an overview and hands-on experience with all of the various resources Outdoor Chattanooga has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing and paddle board with techniques and how-to basics covered in the all day session. Info: (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com Battlefield Bicycle Tours June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 9:30 a.m. Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. • The Chickamauga Battlefield is a perfect setting for cycling. These free tours will give you an introduction to the road trails of the historic site and some favorite routes.
12 • The Pulse • MAY 24-30, 2012 • chattanoogapulse.com
Info: (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com Nickajack Bat Cave Trips Fridays 7-10 p.m. June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 14 Nickajack Cave in New Hope, Tenn. Cost: $35 for adults and kids ages 14 and older Limit: 12 people Minimum: 6 people • Setting out across the lake, you arrive at the mouth of Nickajack Cave at dusk when thousands of endangered grey bats exit the cave for their nightly feeding. Some paddling experience is required. Info: (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon Sunday, July 8 Sports: 1.5k swim, 42k bike, 10k run Riverfront Parkway Downtown • The Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon has a 25-year history, but has found
Our Outdoors Terminal Brewhouse The beer garden at the Terminal is a convivial place to enjoy cold craft brew, people-watch and stare at the back wall of the Choo Choo. Mellow Mushroom Hop on the free shuttle anywhere around town and sooner or later it will deliver you right at MM, where you can take your pick from 40 drafts on tap and all sorts of bottled beer to enjoy on the patio. Blacksmith’s Bistro Our favorite location in St. Elmo to mix whiskey and beer. Nice patio, cool
drinks, co’ beer. If we sneak out early enough, we get waxed and ride the Incline after a dozen or more and wander around Rock City muttering “gnome sayin’” and laughing uproariously. AT&T Field Nothing says summer like baseball and co’ beer, so you can often find us in the beer garden getting hammered on Big River brew, rootin’ for the home team and yelling, “You suck!” to the challengers. Top of the Dock Some of the more mature, worldly and refined editors at The Pulse reside in Hixson and are fans of Top of the Dock, Chattanooga’s own slice of Margaritaville. On the deck you’ll find cold beer and cool drinks, live music, and locals gathering to imbibe and relax.