Austin Anthony
In a varied and vibrant city like Chattanooga, you'd expect to find many varied and vibrant ways to celebrate any holiday, let alone summer's biggest celebration of all:
The Fourth of July. AKA Independence Day.
Where in the world would you rather be on the Fourth of July than relaxing with friends and family, partaking in an ice cold beverage and watching fireworks burst along the night sky over a beautiful river? That’s right, Chattanooga is the place to be to celebrate our nation’s birthday.
Fire up the BBQ because the Fourth of July is right around the corner. Next Wednesday we celebrate our independence, not only as a country but from the confines of the work week as we enjoy a hump day out of the office.
In addition to cold beer and bottle rockets, the Fourth of July is a fantastic time to experience some exciting community events. In appreciation of Independence Day, we all enjoy lounging on the couch watching super-charged action films. But who wants to watch Yankee Doodle Dandy while listening to Uncle Billy talk about the good ol’ days? As patriotic as this may be, it's also a yawn fest.
So, without further ado, here are the five things you should be doing to celebrate the holiday:
Chattanooga Lookouts
This Fourth of July, the oohs and ahhs won't just be directed at the sky. Join your Chattanooga Lookouts for their Independence Day Celebration capped off with the biggest fireworks show of the year! Throughout the game AT&T Field will be filled with patriotic spirit and the postgame fireworks will be set to the cadence of patriotic music. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the first pitch set for 6:15 p.m. For more information, check out their season schedule, or call 423.760.4333.
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
You may feel that restaurants with a scenic view in Chattanooga are a dime-a-dozen. But, few offer an amazingly decorated waterfront that serves delicious meals atop a stunning outdoor patio. For this kind of experience, you have to visit the Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar. From raw to deep fried Southern goodness with a splash of Cajun-nicity thrown in, Boathouse offers a wide selection to meet all your hunger needs. Looking for oysters? It's one of the best known oyster bars in not only the city but the surrounding area. Also, if you dine during Pops on the River, not only will you be able to enjoy a radiant sunset, but experience the glorious fireworks display – all while induldging in a Bloody Mary from the full cocktail bar. For further inquiries, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.
Brewhaus
If you're chomping at the bit for some of that colorful aerial action, let a fireworks appetizer (or beer) hold you over at our local German watering hole, Brewhaus. Brewhaus, a German-American gastropub in Chattanooga's Northshore neighborhood, offers massive Bavarian pretzels, brats, schnitzel, spaetzle and crispy German potato cakes. There's also a large selection of domestic and import brews on draft to enjoy on the back patio. If you are in a 'brat-ty' mood and want a ‘hoppy’ Fourth of July experience – you should head to Brewhaus and grab you a beer, munch on a brat and enjoy the fireworks extravaganza in Coolidge Park. For hours or further information, visit their website, or check out their Twitter or Facebook page.
TNT Fireworks
TNT Fireworks, the nation's largest fireworks distributor, has all the sparklers you need this year and plenty of sales and deals available at their Chattanooga location at 482 McBrien Rd. TNT Fireworks guarantees no duds, or your money back. So keep your receipt and bring anything back for a free replacement. For more information, visit their website. Be sure to check local ordinances before launching fireworks on your own.
Chattanooga Riverboat Company
There are plenty of spots where you can get a stellar view of Pops on the River. But few compare to the majestic experience of the Chattanooga Riverboat Company. Over the Tennessee River at Coolidge Park each Independence Day, the city lights up the skyline with a gorgeous fireworks display. Discover a more relaxing way to spend the Fourth of July with a breathtaking cruise on the Southern Belle—Chattanooga’s premier sightseeing adventure. The Dining Cruise is a relaxing, luxurious experience that helps put an exclamation point on any Independence Day! Grab a glass of wine or a beverage of your choice from the concession stand and kick back and relax while taking in the stunning magnificence of the fireworks display and the majestic beauty of the Tennessee River. Fireworks over the Tennessee River Dining Cruise will be Tuesday, July 3, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website, or check out their Facebook page.
