Hey there, Editors Kristen Templeton + Haley Bartlett here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of highlighting hyperlocal news with ~83,000 readers in Chattanooga daily — both through our newsletter + social media.

Kristen has been with the NOOGAtoday team for a year and a half + Haley joined the team at the end of February. We thought we’d provide a proper introduction and share some of our favorite things about the Scenic City.

Meet Haley

Q: Describe your perfect day in Chattanooga.

A: Brunch has to come first — you can find me at Kenny's trying out the specials + sipping on mimosas before heading out to get fresh flowers from a market or creating my own bouquet from Joli Jardin. To finish out my evening, I would grab my favorite book and sit in a beer garden, enjoying a local brew.

Q: You’re taking someone on a date in Chattanooga. Where are you going?

A: I would take them to The Book & Cover, which reminds me of a bookstore back home, so we could pick out a book for each other + head next door to The Rosecomb so we can discuss our picks over craft cocktails and candlelight.

Q: Hit us with your favorite piece of local trivia.

A: I used to work at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, so one of my favorite things to share with folks is due to lingering prohibition laws, distillation was still illegal in a majority of Tennessee counties until 2013 when Chattanooga Whiskey's campaign efforts resulted in the passing of "The Whiskey Bill" making it possible for newer distilleries to open state-wide.

Meet Kristen

Q: Describe your perfect day in Chattanooga.

A: I would start my day with a coffee and pastry from Niedlov's before heading to a maker's or farmers market. Then I would head to Northshore, to grab a book from The Book & Cover + wrap up my evening with a cocktail from Rosecomb (preferably the Luz Verde) and sit out in the garden.

Q: What's something every Chattanoogan should know about?

A: If you know me at all, you know Boccaccia is one of my favorite restaurants in Chattanooga. Every local should know to go there on their birthday. You'll have one of the tastiest meals of your life for free.

Q: Describe Chattanooga's personality in three words.

A: Supportive, vibrant, and innovative.