10 Ways to Experience Fall in Chattanooga

Fall is here again, and whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Chattanooga, the beautiful colors and refreshing temperatures of our East Tennessee fall are invigorating to the mind, body and spirit year after year. Whether you like to explore in nature, find ways to be festive, or enjoy the flavors of the season, here are our top 10 ways to experience fall in Chattanooga.

Have a Picnic at Coolidge Park

Enjoy the fall colors against the contrast of our world-famous Walnut Street Bridge in Downtown Chattanooga. Pack a picnic lunch for Coolidge Park, ride the carousel, walk along the longest pedestrian bridge in the U.S. over to the Hunter Museum and enjoy a meal or dessert in the Bluff View art district. There are always inspiring views around Chattanooga, but perhaps no more than during Fall.

Savor the Best Pumpkin Latte Around at Milk and Honey

It’s a seasonal favorite, but in our opinion, you’ve not experienced real pumpkin latte bliss until you enjoyed one of these beloved seasonal drinks from Milk and Honey. The locally owned sweet shop and cafe boasts an array of Fall treats sure to inspire your taste buds. Choose from Pumpkin Cheesecake gelato, an assortment of caramel and pumpkin baked goods (including some gluten free options), and a Pumpkin Latte that’s out of this world, crafted from local Cruze dairy milk and whole ingredients. If you love fall and are obsessed with all things #PumpkinSpice this is a great place to kickoff the season.

Hike Cravens Trail to Sunset Rock

Ready to feel like a true Chattanoogan? The Scenic City has become well known for its outdoor beauty. For a view that will really take your breath away, and not just during the two hour hike, start at Craven’s House and hike to Sunset Rock for a panoramic view of incredible fall colors against the majestic Tennessee River. The hike is actually fairly easy to moderate, just dress in layers, wear good shoes, and bring your camera.

Fly a Kite at River Rocks at Sculpture Fields

There’s one phrase that best describes River Rocks and that is “so Chattanooga”. River Rocks is an annual event that celebrates so many of the things Greater Chattanooga residents like best, including but not limited to the outdoors, live music, fitness, competition and fun. This year’s River Rocks is a partnership with River City Kites and adds to the mix another favorite local element – art – since the event will take place at Sculpture Fields. Kites as large as 20 feet long will fill the fields for an inspiring day of color. There will be activities for kids, food trucks, a beer tent and more.

Get Inspired at Startup Week Chattanooga

This week of events may not be about pumpkins or Halloween, but as a resident around Gig City, there’s a good chance you’re excited about the area’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startup Week has been going for five years strong and boasts an array of events that inspire innovative thinking with takeaways for virtually any industry. New seasons are always a great time to take a page from nature’s book and do some shedding of the old to make way for the new, and this week is filled with “hacks” to help participants live, work and play in a more meaningful way. Startup Week is filled with local and visiting experts in their fields, thought leaders, founders, venture capitalists, tech gurus and beyond. If you’re new to Chattanooga, it’s a great way to get connected, literally and figuratively.

See Rock City and Take a Hayride at Rock City’s Enchanted Corn Maize

Even if you’re new to the area, you probably saw “See Rock City” on barn rooves at some point somewhere in the United States. Fall is a great time to “see seven states” and see them bathed in breathtaking jewel tones. At the foot of Lookout, you’ll find Blowing Springs Farm, the home of Rock City’s Enchanted Corn Maze.

Get Goosebumps at Ruby Falls Dread Hollow

If you’re looking for some frightful fun this fall, Ruby Falls Dread Hollow will take visitors on an interactive journey through 20,000 square feet of chills and thrills. Designed by the creators of Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern, it’s sure to get you in the Halloween Spirit. Beware: This “extreme haunt experience” is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Celebrate Weird Wildlife During ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium

Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction. Younger children and people of all ages can get a close encounter with the wild, weird and wonderful real life creatures at the beautiful Tennessee Aquarium. Each week of October showcases different “odd” residents of the deep. Learning more about these animals can remove fear and inspire wonder. Every Saturday, Scuba Divers carve a pumpkin underwater! (How cool is that?!)

Board a Train for a Haunted or Historic Trip

All aboard! Jump on a train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and take in the beautiful sights on any one of the regular trips, or checkout the Halloween Eerie Express for a Halloween take on Chattanooga’s rich “choo-choo” history. You’ll be on the right track to experiencing the best of fall, headed full-steam ahead into a festive mood for the holiday season.

Take a Bite of Fall at the Cleveland Apple Festival

Looking for something more low key? Discover the sights and sounds of the The Cleveland Apple Festival. After all, Fall isn’t just about pumpkins. Enjoy apple ciders, pies, turnovers and more at this much-loved festival. With an abundance of free activities for kids (including pony rides!), the festival in Cleveland, TN is a day of simple, country pleasures. From arts and crafts to music and dance, this old-fashioned fun is appropriate for the whole family.

Fall is a great time to explore locally and regionally. For even more ideas for ways to make the most of fall this year, check out this recent article by The Chattanooga Times Free Press to learn more about activities happening all over the area.

10 Ways to Experience Fall in Chattanoogagmwebservices2025-07-31T16:47:16+00:00

Pratt Home Builders Fall Open House Weekend

We’re excited to kick off fall with an open house weekend at two of our communities! If you’re looking for a new home that’s move-in ready, look no further. These Market homes are designed by our in-house team and boast beautiful, modern finishes. Both of these homes happen to be our Lynden floor plan, which is a customer favorite, and with good reason. The Lynden offers a beautiful open concept kitchen and living room, a guest room and full bathroom on the main, a high impact entryway, and a second living area on the second floor.

Below, each community expert shares the special features about each of this weekend’s featured plans.

Our first featured home is in Boulder Pass at The Canyons in Falling Water, at 409 Stone Valley Lane.

The onsite agent, Chris, will be available this weekend to answer questions. Chris said “The Lynden home design is is situated on a larger cul-de-sac homesite with scenic views of Signal and Mowbry mountain. This traditional home is located in highly desirable Canyons neighborhood situated 15 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from the heart of Hixson. The Lynden offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Gorgeous quartz countertops and sleek grey and white tile backsplash highlight the kitchen which overlooks an airy great room featuring a wall of windows allowing a plethora of natural light. A bonus room, butlers pantry, garage storage nook and large drop zone also are popular features found in this home. Come see it Saturday or Sunday.”

The second home is convenient to downtown in the Ooltewah area, a little closer to Hamilton Place and between Chattanooga and Cleveland at 8217 River Birch Loop, Ooltewah.

The onsite expert Charlene, said “You have been looking at it online, dreaming about living in it and now you can! The stunning 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath Lynden model home at The Farm at Hampton Meadows is for sale! Don’t miss this great opportunity to see this one in person and make it your own. Our former model is rich with features including an oversized barnwood kitchen island, granite top butler’s pantry, tons of craftsman-style trim, coffered ceiling dining room, mudroom built-ins and sliding barn door, floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace and built-in home office with finely-crafted cabinetry and butcher block wood tops. Let this home wow you at only $373,900.”

If you have any other questions about the Open House Weekend, get in touch online at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687.

Pratt Home Builders Fall Open House Weekendgmwebservices2025-07-31T16:48:24+00:00

Best Chattanooga-Area Communities for Active Living

By Brittany Shaw Newman | Published by Pratt Home Builders

Chattanooga, Tennessee has been referred to as “The Boulder of the East” and is the only city to be named as “The Best Town Ever” by Outside Magazine. Our fair city has received recognition for its transformation from the one-time most polluted city in the country, to being recognized nationally and internationally for its Riverfront renovation, natural outdoor beauty, nation’s fastest internet and more by various well-regarded brands and respected publications. The Scenic City lives up to its reputation by offering beautiful natural environments for outdoor adventures for residents of all ages, skill levels and interests. As the Greater Chattanooga area attracts health enthusiasts from all over the globe, we are happy to not only enjoy these activities around town, but as one of the area’s placemakers, we are also excited to offer opportunities to live healthier and simply have more fun, right outside your own front door.

Pratt Home Builders President and Co-Founder, Win Pratt, said “Many buyers are considering their lifestyle when they evaluate the market now, so our goal is to offer the new construction home plans we are known for, along with innovative community features that give our homeowners the balance they’re looking for.”

Whether you want a great place to walk the dog, spend time with friends and family, host the cool birthday parties, or enjoy some friendly competition with the neighbors, Pratt Home Builders offers a variety of options for achieving a lifestyle you’ll look forward to coming home to enjoy for years to come. You might even find your gym membership collecting dust as fun activities in the great outdoors take center stage at communities like the ones featured below.

Seven Lakes

Do you enjoy a morning or evening run? Seven Lakes is perfect for a serene walk with the dog or reading a book with a cup of coffee to start your day on the benches by Willow Trees at one of the lakes. If you’re feeling ambitious, take a walk up Bear Claw for some solid cardio – and one of the most breathtaking views around.

Boulder Pass at The Canyons (Falling Water)

People move from all over the country to enjoy Chattanooga’s world-renowned climbing. Now, you don’t even have to leave home to practice your Picture-perfect views of Signal Mountain surround this serene neighborhood. Imagine the fun to be had at the pool and boulder playground, while your eyes can take a break from the screens of modern day society and instead rest easy – and take in 360 degrees of lush greenery and mature trees.

Creekside at Hampton Meadows (Ooltewah)

A new pool and splash pad are among the ways Creekside residents get to have fun and stay active. Whether you want to cool off under the cabana, or take a few turns on the pool curly slide, these amenities amid a rural setting are a great way to unwind after work or on weekends. A few weeks a year aren’t enough time for relaxation. At Creekside, friends and family can easily gather under the spacious cabana for weekend parties, reunions, or fun “just because”. Residents at The Farm at Hampton Meadows can also use the amenities at Creekside.

GreyHawk Trails Signal Mountain

A true mecca for outdoor lovers on Signal Mountain, which in and of itself is known for its abundance of natural wonders and outdoor activities, GreyHawk Trails offers a stunning lake, resort style pool, walking trails, a ball park, play area, and a catch-and-release pond and even more just outside your doorstep. Children and adults alike can enjoy the variety of fun to be had within walking distance of home.

Magnolia Farms

The best exercise is the kind that feels like fun, right? Enjoy the ball park, soccer field, our biggest pool ever, a swim up bar, and the gorgeous green spaces and nature preserve with your family, friends, children and pets. Enjoy over a 5K worth of sidewalks, sit at the nature preserve listening to the birds chirp, or round up some neighbors for a round of baseball, soccer or volleyball. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the fun can continue at the patio with barbeque and fire pits. It’s safe to say this community is poised to foster health and happiness in many ways.

(The below photos is representative and reflects the style of the upcoming Magnolia Farms resort-style pool.)

Our team works hard to make sure when you get home at the end of the day, it’s an experience – and gives you the time to soak in the moments of life that matter most! Are you ready to love where you live, and love how you live? Get in touch with us anytime at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687 and we’ll help you find the best match for your lifestyle goals.

Best Chattanooga-Area Communities for Active Livinggmwebservices2025-07-31T16:52:03+00:00

Guest Blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools: Technology Updates, “Learning Communities” and More

Guest blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson | Published by Pratt Home Builders

Pratt: The beginning of August is an annual reminder that summer vacation is coming to an end, and it’s almost time to head back to school. Many aspects of children’s success at school can effect the dynamic at home. At Pratt Home Builders, our hope is that the children of our community, county and beyond have a positive school experience. We reached to Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, for an update on what students can look forward to this year, and his best tips on helping them achieve success.

Back to school brings new opportunities and a renewed focus for children in Hamilton County Schools

Back to school time is near with the first day of school scheduled for Wednesday, August 8 in Hamilton County Schools. The first day of school is an exciting time for children and families with kids ready to see friends and parents ready for the kids to see their friends. Summers are fun, but learning and growth must resume preparing our children for the possibilities of their future. We are looking forward to a great school year for you and your child with exciting new learning opportunities in our classrooms that will open the door to a world of new possibilities for the future.

The beginning of the school year is also exciting because it begins our work under a new action plan we call Future Ready 2023 that will provide the direction needed to set our district on the path to becoming the fastest improving school district in Tennessee. We have worked with school leadership teams to develop action plans and clear focus areas for schools for the new school year to make sure we provide the instruction needed for each child to reach their academic potential. The action plans will focus on overall academic achievement for children, but literacy and math skills will be at the forefront.

Improvements in technology

The district is gearing up for the use of additional technology throughout the district from elementary to high school; this was an important key concept parents shared with district administration during community listening sessions held last school year. Hamilton County middle schools will provide a laptop for every child in grades six thru eight to improve access to learning tools available online. Future Ready Institutes at the high school level will feature technology used in the workplace in the Tennessee Valley to allow teens to experience the work world of careers in our area.

Transformation of middle schools

Middle schools will have a new focus called Future Ready Preps that will transform the way we look at the middle school experience. The new focus will seek to personalize learning to meet every child where they are academically, expose them to a variety of careers, and support their social and emotional learning. Academic performance will be the focus and teachers will spearhead the instructional and cultural shifts required to achieve the new vision for the middle school experience.

Preparing for future possibilities with Future Ready Institutes

High schools will launch Future Ready Institutes this fall that will provide smaller learning communities within traditional high schools. Major employers in the area are working with our high schools to provide expertise and resources to make this a true community effort to energize the high school learning environment. The institutes will operate in a team concept with subject area teachers working with career focus instructors to connect classroom instruction to the real world and prepare our graduates to be successful after graduation. Over a third of our incoming freshmen have already registered for a Future Ready Institute with more to come in the first few weeks of school.

Learning Communities

When school starts, Hamilton County Schools will launch four new learning communities called Rock Point, Harrison Bay, Missionary Ridge, and North River to bring a sense of community to our schools. Schools across the district have been grouped into Learning Communities to provide a greater sense of community between the schools, the students, parents and those who live and do business around the schools. These four will join the fifth learning community, the Opportunity Zone, as we work to become more responsive to the diverse needs of the communities our schools serve in Hamilton County.

School Safety

Facility upgrades will improve safety across the district. New door security equipment uses a camera system to monitor visitors and give the visitor access to the building only after being verified by someone inside the school. The new door locks and cameras will provide another layer of security for our children. Additional school resource officers will also be in our schools this year as we work with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department to train and staff these important security positions.

Four Ps of Back to School
Prepare:

Identify important dates: the first day of school, registration, start and end time of school
Note the beginning and end times of extra-curricular activities
Begin now to establish a daily and evening routine
Locate the school supply list and purchase necessary items

Plan:

Go ahead and work on your emergency plan to determine what your family will do if bad weather impacts the school day. Who will your children stay with if the school is closed for the day or how will they get home from school if the school must close early? Planning will make those bad weather days much less hectic.

Participate:

Connect with the school website to learn about upcoming activities
Visit the school to understand your important role in the education process
For elementary children, read to them each day or have your child read to you
Connect with teachers and counselors so that you build a strong relationship to assist your child
Get involved in PTA meetings or other opportunities for involvement
Share your thoughts on your child’s school and education with the school and district so that you can be a part of the education process

Pilot your child’s course to success:

Sign-up for PowerSchool and be aware of your child’s progress
Talk to teachers about your child’s successes and work together on areas needing improvement

These four Ps will help parents get ready for school. The changes coming with the new action plan Future Ready 2023 will prepare teachers to return to the classroom with learning opportunities that will ignite each child’s passion for learning. Starting day one this school year, the excellent teachers in our schools will begin the transformation of the learning experience in Hamilton County Schools to match dreams with possibilities for the future for our children, their families, and our community.

Guest Blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools: Technology Updates, “Learning Communities” and Moregmwebservices2025-07-31T16:58:20+00:00

Community Spotlight: Creekside at Hampton Meadows

Published by Pratt Home Builders | Guest blog written by Charlene Bickford

It is a beautiful summer day as I sit to write this at Creekside at Hampton Meadows. The sun is shining, a breeze is blowing, and I have a lovely view across the gorgeous pool of all the truly amazing people that have chosen to make this community their home.

The pool and cabana are a great spot for homeowners to gather and fellowship over a shared lunch or maybe an evening cocktail and apparently no one is too old to give the pool slide a try! The homeowners are active in HOA committees and plan activities to bring neighbors together and to make sure that new homeowners get plugged in to the fun.

While the homeowners are unique and individual they all share at least one point of common ground; that when they were considering a move they chose Pratt Home Builders at Creekside at Hampton Meadows! All the owners here recognized the great value of the homes we offer and share a love for the high-style, quality features we build into each one. The added value of our 1-year Pratt Peace of Mind Warranty and extended 2-10 PWSC Warranty ensures that buyers can be confident that Pratt Home Builders will be there for them even after the sale.

Some of our homeowners chose to select a home site and plan and have the entire Pratt Home Builders experience. Once under contract on their new home they had the pleasure of attending meetings with our Board Certified Interior Designers who helped them to select their choice of dozens of included elements for their new space. Our designers were also able to help them determine if the buyer’s own design aesthetic dictated any upgrades that they might want to add out of the hundreds of options and upgrades available at our 2,800 square foot Design Center. Many a dream home has started out just that way at Pratt Home Builders.

Others of our owners decided to forego the time to build and myriad choices at design for one of our many Market Homes that we offer at Creekside at Hampton Meadows. At any given time we are under construction on fantastic homes that have already had design selections made and are on their way to being ready for you to move in!

We have just opened our newest phase at Creekside and are currently under construction on 12 market homes! These 12 homes will all be different plans so that buyers can get a real taste of the different homes we offer and get a better feel for which ones might best meet their individual needs. Of course, we have many available home sites in case you are thinking you want to make all the decisions yourself.

I am Charlene Bickford, New Home Consultant here at Creekside at Hampton Meadows, and I invite you to come visit me here at the decorated model at 8454 Gray Fox Court, Ooltewah. The model hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11am – 6pm. On Saturday from 12pm – 6pm and on Sunday from 1pm – 6pm. I do take appointments at our office downtown sometimes and often show homes in another of our communities, The Farm at Hampton Meadows. So, to ensure that I am available when you want to come please call Brittany Newman at 423-757-7687 to arrange your appointment with me. I look forward to meeting you and helping you make your Pratt dream home in this fantastic community a reality!

Community Spotlight: Creekside at Hampton Meadowsgmwebservices2025-07-31T16:55:56+00:00

Getting to know us: What kinds of homes does Pratt build?

Published by Pratt Home Builders | Written by Brittany Shaw Newman

Potential customers are at all phases of the learning process about home building when they contact us. Many buyers start the process with questions about the timing of their new build, finishes, and design process. Are you curious as to whether Pratt Home Builders a good fit for you or someone you know? Here’s a quick rundown of what options we offer to anyone dreaming of building a new construction home in the Greater Chattanooga area.

Pratt Home Builders builds in communities. Many of these are communities that the Pratt team has designed and include special lifestyle amenities and unique features. For more information on communities we build in visit this link. We do not build outside of these areas, but will work with buyers to find the best option in terms of a buyer’s desires for their home plan, timeline, location and price point within our developments. We have nearly 50 home plans to choose from, and a different combination of home plans are offered at each community. Within each community, we offer two different types of homes: Market Homes and Pre-Sales.

One option for buyers is Pratt’s Market Homes. This means our team of design professionals including architects, engineers, and interior designers work together to determine a homesite, homeplan and even selects all the interior and exterior finishes. As the name suggests, Market Homes are built for the current market. Based on our research, current trends, and needs of the market, these homes are curated to accommodate sellers who may not have the time or desire to build from the ground up. The Pratt in-house design team selects all the elements, so buyers who prefer to leave design process to the professionals are often drawn to Market Homes.

They are also great for resale, since our in-house interior design team chooses the interior and exterior finishes. Our designers are trained in color, lighting, and space planning, so these homes reflect the latest finishes and trends. If you do choose to sell in the future, they will shine on the MLS due to the quality finishes like granite, hardwoods, tile and trim details you will find in most Market Homes. These homes are sold as designed, but there may be an opportunity for buyers who get in early in the process to select paint colors. Future Pratt Market Homes will also be going onto the MLS and Zillow when they are in framing.

Market homes sell at all stages of construction, so they can be a great solution for buyers who want a new construction home, but need something sooner rather than later. For example, a buyer may find a Market Home he or she could close on within a few months. Many Market Homes sell in the early stages of construction, so if you’re curious what we have coming up in our pipeline of Market Homes it’s best to get in touch with us directly at info@prattliving.com or by calling 423-757-7687.

The other option we have available at Pratt Home Builders is our Pre-Sale homes. Buyers can select their homesite and home plan within the community of their choice. Exploring our home plans and interactive home plans is a great way to see how you can “edit” our home plans. When you purchase a Pre-Sale, there are options available and opportunities to put more of a personal touch on the home plans we offer.

The best way to get started on a Pre-Sale home to is to call our office or get in touch with our Online Sales Counselor to learn what the best fit for your home plan goals would be. You can go over your desires for your layout and square footage, talk over your preferred locations and ideal price point, and we can make suggestions about what communities and home plans will be the most ideal fit. Then, we will set an appointment to visit the community in person. There, our onsite New Home Consultants for each respective community will help make sure the homesite and home plan work together.

Pre-Sale buyers receive to finish is approximately six months. Of course, there can always be variables due to weather, land development challenges, and other factors. Pre-Sales are a great option for buyers who like to have more choices, and are a way to spend your new home budget on the features and finishes that are most pertinent to your family since they allow for more opportunities to personalize.

We have Pre-Sales available at many of our current communities. We recently opened our brand new Magnolia Farms community, a new phase in Boulder Pass at The Canyons in Falling Water, and a new phase is open in Creekside at Hampton Meadows so these are all great options for buyers who want to be able to choose their homesite, home plan and finishes.

With questions about any community, get in touch with us online at prattliving.com or by calling 423-757-7687. You may also visit any of our communities any day except Tuesday and Wednesday, but we recommend calling ahead for an appointment.

Getting to know us: What kinds of homes does Pratt build?gmwebservices2025-07-31T16:57:02+00:00

New Developments at Pratt Living

At Pratt Home Builders, new developments are our business. With over 1,200 homes built in 19 different communities around the greater Chattanooga area, our locally-owned business continues to grow. Not only do we have five new communities planned for 2018, but we also have some exciting new internal developments that have been under construction that we are excited to share as well!

Online
We’d love to welcome you to explore our new home on the Web – prattliving.com.

Redesigned to make searching for your new home easier and more enjoyable, we invite you to check out everything from new home plans and financing options, to our blog and videos. We’ve also updated all of our social media to @prattliving on all of your favorite platforms.

At Pratt Home Builders, we don’t just build homes – we build lifestyles and communities. Now, we are excited to build a community of home-design enthusiasts online. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates about new and existing communities, helpful tips for buying and owning a home, and for fun things to do in this beautiful area we are blessed to call home. Check us out on Houzz and Pinterest, too, to see guest posts from our in-house designers and get inspiration for your new – or current – home, and see what’s inspiring our new designs!

Design Center
Speaking of design, we couldn’t be more excited about our remodeled design center off Dayton Boulevard! One of the most exhilarating things about building a new home is being able to select some of your favorite design elements to create a space that reflects you and your family!

Three design center meetings are included as part of The Pratt Process, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to have a newly updated space that showcases the latest trends in tile backsplashes, lighting designs, and flooring finishes. Whether you’re looking for inspiration that’s elegant and traditional, warm and rustic, or the clean and contemporary farmhouse look made popular by Chip and Johanna Gaines, our design center offers looks for a variety of style preferences. Drop by during our business hours to tour the center and to learn more about getting started on your dream home.

Communities
Our communities are the foundation of all that we do. Pratt Home Builders is honored to have the opportunity to build homes, dreams, and communities for Chattanooga-area residents. Nothing satisfies us more than happy home buyers! Our developments have evolved over time. From the pool and cabana at Creekside at Hampton Meadows in Ooltewah to the family camping area and hiking trails at GreyHawk Trails on Signal Mountain, to the baseball-inspired field and features at our up-and-coming Engel Park development in East Brainerd, we aspire to help our community residents “love where you live” in every regard. We hope you’ll follow our progress and stay in touch!

New for Late 2017 – 2018