November in Chattanooga is the good stuff. Cool mornings, leaves on the trails, and a calendar that suddenly fills up with things you can bring your dog to. Your dog has been waiting all summer for weather that doesn't require panting. Let's make it count.
Here's everything worth putting on the calendar this month.
Saturday, Nov 7: Tails, Trails & Ales
Pick your distance: a 1-mile Pup Dash, a 5K, or a 10K, all on the trails at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center (400 Garden Rd). Timed or untimed, so you can race or just stroll and sniff everything. Afterward there's local craft beer, food and pet-friendly vendors.
One dog per person, 6-foot leash required
Dog-friendly aid stations with water bowls along the route
Proceeds benefit Reflection Riding
Register on UltraSignup before race day.
Saturday, Nov 7: Paws & Give Thanks Rescue Run
Yes, the same morning. If trails aren't your thing, Heritage Park (1428 Jenkins Rd) hosts a 5K and a 1-mile fun run/walk at 7:00 AM benefiting local animal rescues. Bring a donation along: dog food, blankets, leashes and cleaning supplies all help.
Need something to donate? Stop by the shop the week before and we'll help you put together a bag that a shelter will be glad to get.
Starting Nov 13: Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights
Leashed dogs are welcome at Rock City's holiday lights on Lookout Mountain, running nightly from 4:00 to 10:00 PM through December 31. Millions of lights, tree tunnels, hot cocoa, and a lot of strangers telling your dog he's handsome. Tickets are timed-entry and online only, so buy before you drive up the mountain.
Thursday, Nov 26: Grateful Gobbler 5K
Chattanooga's Thanksgiving morning tradition at Coolidge Park, now in its 27th year. It starts at 8:00 AM, you're home in time for the turkey, and 100% of proceeds support families experiencing homelessness through the Maclellan Shelter for Families. Costumes are encouraged. Dogs in costumes are strongly encouraged. Register at gratefulgobblerwalk.org.
Before you head home to the feast, read our Thanksgiving table guide (posting Nov 19). Not everything on that table is dog-safe, and the ER visit is not the holiday memory you want.
Heads up: Slobberbones is closed on Thanksgiving Day so our team can be with their own packs. Grab your holiday treats before Thursday.
Saturday, Nov 28: Small Business Saturday
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is for shopping local. We're your neighbors, not a big box store, and every bag of food, cookie and bath you buy here stays in Chattanooga.
What's Coming Out of Our Oven This Month
The bakery goes full fall in November. Expect seasonal flavors like pumpkin and sweet potato, baked fresh in-store with ingredients you can pronounce.
Fall and Thanksgiving cookies and treats, baked fresh daily
Custom cakes for holiday gatherings and December birthdays (just give us 48 hours' notice)
Bakery gift boxes for the dog people on your list
Planning your November? Start with us. Stop by Slobberbones for event-day snacks, donation bags and fresh fall treats, or shop online at slobberbones.com/shop.
