Happy President’s Day if you celebrate it (however you figure out how to do that?) If February’s already feelin’ like it needs a snack and a nap, you sure ain’t alone. It’s that strange start of the year where the sparkle’s worn off, spring’s playin’ hard to get, and we’re all just sorta doin’ our best.

So this week, we’re leanin’ into places that know how to hold steady. The kind of spots where you can wander a while and remember that this city’s got more heart than it sometimes lets on.

Let’s get into it pals.

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the radio below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

This week’s Front Porch Partner is Pique Life! They ain’t local-local, but they help keep this little digital printing press hummin’.

Here’s the sweet part: every single click on their ad sends $2.50 straight into the ol’ Chattynooga piggy bank. No sign-ups required. Just one lil’ tap helps us keep buildin’ this cozy corner of the internet.

If you’ve gotta second, give it a peek. Alright Pique Life, take it away!

Winter doesn’t have to feel heavy or indulgent in ways that don’t serve you. It’s a season to slow down, feel grounded, and still savor the ritual of a beautiful drink. Enter Vesper, Pique’s newest release—and my favorite upgrade to winter sipping.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials, and Vesper is no exception. This non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail—without alcohol or the next-day regret.

It’s what I reach for when I want something special in my glass on a cold evening. Each sip feels celebratory and calming, with a gentle mood lift, relaxed body, and clear, present mind. No haze. No sleep disruption. Just smooth, grounded ease.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous—truly crave-worthy.

Winter isn’t about cutting back. It’s about choosing what feels good. And Vesper makes every pour feel like a yes.

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You know who doesn’t get enough love around here? Local libraries. In the wise words of one Arthur Read, “having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card,” and boy oh boy was he right. My friend (and faithful Chattynooga lifer) Bri got me thinking about our local libraries this week. I asked her what was going on around town and she spouted off a whole list of amazing things going on at several of our local libraries. Makes sense, she is the Little Free Library lady, after all.

But I digress. After talking to Bri, I went on a deep dive of the events at libraries in the area. And man, our libraries are STACKED! Get it? Stacked? Like stacks of books? Oh forget it.

Now I’ve been to a lot of libraries in my day (that’s right, I’m a check-out-the-local-library-when-I-go-to-the-beach type of kid). And I can say with the utmost confidence that Chattanooga’s library game is PEAK. The Chattanooga Public Library has five branches all over town. Every branch is busy all day, every day. I’m serious. You wouldn’t think you could do all these things at the library, but you absolutely can. Mahjong, dancing, junk journaling, story time, writing classes, silent book clubs, cooking classes, and I’m not kidding, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

My favorite part of the library is the 4th floor at the Downtown branch. It’s like Disney World, but way cheaper, and right downtown. Seriously, you can make just about anything on the 4th floor: Stickers, t-shirts, buttons (Bubby loves the button maker), Zines, sewing projects. You can record podcasts and develop photographs and 3D print whatever your little heart desires. It’s pretty amazing.

And that’s not all! In addition to the public library system, Chattanooga is fortunate enough to have a bunch of independent libraries that serve their communities intentionally. The Katie Lamb Public Library in Collegedale has story times every week. This week, they’re celebrating Mardi Gras at the library on Tuesday, February 14! Seriously, Kings Cake, books, and beads? Sounds like a party to me. The Soddy Daisy Community Library is extra special because it’s open to everyone (even if you don’t live in Soddy Daisy!). They really just love people and love books, and that’s what it’s all about. They have exciting programming every week, too, like ukulele classes, movie nights, baking classes, Lego dumps, and more!

Who says libraries are boring? Definitely not our Chattanooga-area libraries! If you needed a sign to get out and grab a good book, let this be your sign. Reading is power, people! And our libraries make reading about more than just a story; it’s about community and togetherness. So go!

Wander the stacks and stacks of books. Sign up for the weird class you’ve been eyeballing. Check out five books instead of one.

I’ll see you out there!

I sat down to write somethin’ profound this week and instead just stared at the screen.

February’s been… long.

That said, not every season is full of fireworks. Some are like a crockpot in that it’s quiet, slow, and bubblin’ underneath the surface.

If this month’s felt heavy or weird (or just plain exhausting), you ain’t alone.

We’ll keep the porch light on and ride it out together.

This weekend was slow. I was tired. Bubby was tired. From where I’m sitting, we’re all tired. This seasonal-depression-pit seems to hit everyone this time of year. I’m feeling it a little extra this season and if I’m being honest, it stinks. I’m ready for warm sunshine and longer days. But, since right now we’re stuck in the pre-spring slump, I decided to make the most of it.

I didn’t do anything all weekend long. Seriously! And I’m telling you what, that’s self-care! I read two books (and I’m 19% through my reading goal for 2026!). I binged watch a whole TV show (The ‘Burbs on Peacock, y’all. I’m telling you.). I took Pickle to the park and I played around with some pasta sauce in the kitchen. I napped. And I napped some more. I sat outside even though it was cold and gloomy. And I just let myself exist for a minute. No stress, no worries. Hakuna Matata and all that.

Then Monday morning came around, and guess what. I’m still tired. Maybe that’s just February for ya. But my heart is full knowing spring is coming and it won’t feel this way forever. Be kind to yourself this week, friends. We’re gonna be okay.

Whether you’re checkin’ out a book, fillin’ out a sign-in sheet, or checkin’ in on yourself, we hope you find something that you enjoy getting into this week. February might be long, but so are library aisles, and both are meant to be wandered through at your own pace.

Thanks for spendin’ a bit of your Monday with us. We’re gonna go take a little nap now.

— Bubby & Clementine