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Guidebook 2025, Talking Water
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Guidebook
Talking Water Nature Retreat
Chattanooga, TN
Page Two
Table of Contents
About the Property/Contact…………………………………………. pages 03-04
Essential Information…………………………………………………. page 05
Rules…………………………………………………………………….. pages 06-07
Checking-In & Parking……………………………………………….. page 08
Misc: thermostat, fire safety, etc……………………………………… page 09
Traveling with Children………………………………………………. page 10
Traveling with Pets……………………………………………………. page 11
Amenities: Linens, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Communal Spaces……. pages 12-16
Trails Map & Wildlife Safety…………………………………………. pages 17-18
Smoking………………………………………………………………….page 19
Restaurant & Activity Recommendations………………………… pages 20-21
Page Three
About the Property
Talking Water Nature Retreat is a family-owned & family-operated getaway nestled on 82 forested acres of Chattanooga’s stunning Suck Creek Mountain.
Born from our love of hosting guests and creating a welcoming atmosphere, we combined our passion for construction with a deep commitment to sustainability. The result? Four eco-friendly, handbuilt cabins that feature a unique and playful use of materials, designed to bring joy to everyone who visits.
All four cabins are available for rent individually or collectively, with a central communal space where guests can relax, connect, and share experiences.
Explore the scenic trails, unwind in nature, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Talking Water Nature Retreat.
Welcome to Talking Water!
6405 Suck Creek Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Page Four
Communication
Hosting is our passion, and we cherish the connections we make with our visitors. How cool is it that we get to make the space where lifelong memories are formed? Thank you for entrusting us with that privilege.
Warmly, Such & Sonner Family
We are at Talking Water every day. See us around? Come say hi!
We try to honor guests’ privacy, but we love to get to know anyone who wants to chat! We are happy to answer any design / construction / future plans questions!
Hiccups
Our 1st house rule is Assume the Best Intent. If we have not met your expectations in any way, it is not intentional. Please let us know where you see a need for improvement. Talking Water is our passion & we love sharing it with our guests, including you.
Contact Info
Bobbie Such, Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 423-713-3641
On-platform messaging is the most efficient way to reach us. We have four young children, and to be fully present with them, there are times when non-work-related calls or texts may go unanswered. Using the messaging feature on your booking platform ensures that your communication is prioritized and received promptly.
Last-resort contacts:
James Such: (850) 545-1538
Karen Sonner: (978) 394-6792
Emergency Info:
Police, non-emergency: (423) 698-2525
All Safety Emergencies: 911
Erlanger Baroness Hospital (downtown), 975 E. 3rd Street, (423) 778-7000
Page Five
Essential Information
Time Zone
- Talking Water is in Chattanooga & most of our guests spend their travel time downtown. Therefore, we use Eastern Standard Time like the rest of the city. Please lock the timezone on your phone to avoid switching between EST & CST.
Check-In
-
- 4pm Eastern / 3pm Central
- Your personal door code will be sent when your cabin is ready.
- *we never guarantee early check-in, but we always message when we are done cleaning.
Check-Out
- 11am Eastern / 10am Central
Location
- Make it easy on yourself and just click this link or type in “Talking Water Nature Retreat” on Google Maps.
Marketplace
- Items such as Travel Insurance, Damage Protection, S’mores Kits, Romance Package, Hiking Kits, Pet Fees, Late Check-Outs, Grill Kits, etc may be purchased from our Marketplace up to 24 hours before check-in.
- If you don’t want the items at check-in, you are welcome to purchase them at a later time.
Extra Items
- Need a blowdryer, curler, or hair straightener? Dog crate? Highchair, bouncer, pack-n-play, hiking carrier, baby bath, or children’s dishes?
- All are provided for free, but must be requested 24 hours prior to check-in.
Page Six
Cabin Rules
- Assume the Best Intent: We are hosts because we enjoy creating positive spaces. And like you, other guests are here to relax and enjoy themselves. A little kindness goes a long way!
- Treat Talking Water with the care you give your own home.
- No smoking indoors or within 25 feet of doors/windows. Please use the outdoor yellow bins for cigarette butts.
- Guest policy: Only the number of guests in your reservation should spend the night. Let us know about any additional guests (within capacity).
- docs.google.comParties & noise: Gatherings should be approved of by hosts beforehand and should stay low-key. Quiet hours are 11 PM–8 AM EST.
- Doors & codes: Lock doors when away, and don’t share the access code with anyone other than agreed-upon guests.
- Pets: Approved pets only, fees paid, crated when unattended, and no pets in Blackbird Cabin. Maintain control over & pickup after your pet.
- Respect our belongings: Damages or missing items may incur a fee unless we’ve agreed otherwise. Report any issues upon arrival.
- Leave No Trace.
Thank you for choosing Talking Water Nature Retreat!
Page Seven
This Part Sucks
Seriously. We only include THIS because we are made to.
Most guests are wonderful, interesting people whom we sincerely enjoy interacting with, in-person and online. It’s the reason we do this work.But industry-wide, there are some bad apples. Because of this, hosting platforms required us to list potential fees publicly.
Please note: we rarely have to charge any fees and we do not enjoy doing so. Who enjoys conflict? Definitely not us people-pleasers. A little communication from a guest goes a long way. Break something? Just let us know. Kindness is the best bandaid.
Let’s All Be A Little More Like Dolly (Parton)
Potential Fees
- Broken or damaged items: replacement value
- Guests above occupancy: $50 per guest per night
- Extreme Cleaning: $80 to $250
- House Rule Violation: $30-$50
- Late Check-Out: $30 at the start of every 15 minutes
- Smoking Indoors: up to $250
- Littering: $50
- Unapproved pet: $10
Page Eight
Checking in & Out
Check-In Procedure
- Check-In is anytime after 4pm EST / 3pm CST
- We always message guests when we are done cleaning, however we never guarantee early check-in.
- Your check-in message will include a unique door code for your stay. This code will work on your cabin door & the laundry room.
Time Zone
- Talking Water is in central time zone “Slow Time” but we operate on “fast Time” like the rest of Chattanooga
Parking
- Blackbird has 2 marked spaces
- Chickadee has 3-5 unmarked spaces
- Goldfinch has 2 marked spaces
- Whippoorwill has 2 marked spaces
- There is capacity for 4 more marked parking spaces and up to 8 more unmarked parking spaces. Use of these spaces requires host approval beforehand
Check-Out Procedure
- Check-Out is before 11am EST / 10am CST
- Late Check-Outs are available for purchase on our website. Please purchase these at least the night prior to checking out.
- Check-Out Instructions:
- Please open the blinds (this helps the plants & is less spooky for us to walk into)
- Wash all dishes (it is okay to leave them drying) Leave used towels in the tub/shower
- Return items to their original locations
- If you want to shoot us a message letting us know you have checked-out, we always appreciate it!
Leftover Foods
- If you want to donate unused foods for the next travelers, you may do so by leaving dry goods on the kitchen counters and other items in the fridge
Page Nine
Miscellaneous
Thermostat
- Each cabin operates off a mini-split with a Nest thermostat. This link will demonstrate how to use the thermostat.
- Please close the doors/windows if you are running the heat/cool! Overwhelming the unit will freeze it.
Fires
- Please extinguish all embers before leaving a fire. Water pails are provided at each fire pit.
- Inspected & tagged fire extinguishers are located in each kitchen for emergency use.
- Smokey Bear is watching! Be smart with fire.
Noise
- There is a white noise machine in every cabin. You may here some road noises and/or gunshots from the state forest (there are permitted hunting days).
Plants
- Please don’t water the plants! It is generally easier to kill plants by overwatering than it is to under-water them. Feel free to mist the plants at any time! Each cabin has a misting bottle.
- Bonus: please let in sunlight during your stay! The plants enjoy it.
Security & Cameras
- It’s a bummer, but we have to have security cameras. There are cameras at the entrance to every cabin, along the driveway, inside the laundry room, and outside the pavilion.
- There are no cameras inside the cabins/private spaces.
TVs & Entertainment
- Each cabin has a medium-sized smart-TV. Please remember to log out of the applications.
- Games & puzzles are available in the laundry room.
- Children’s toys are located in the grey bin in the pavilion.
WiFi
- Each cabin has a dedicated wifi network. The passwords are displayed inside each cabin for privacy.
Page 10
Traveling with Children
We love welcoming families! To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we kindly ask our guests to prioritize safety and follow Leave No Trace principles. We’re thrilled to offer a chance to connect with nature, but please keep in mind that being “wild and free” comes with its own unique risks. 😊
Children should be monitored at all times, especially near the roadways & trails, on the slide, the climbing equipment, and near any animals.
“Leave No Trace”
“Leave No Trace” means taking care of everything around you—both nature and things people have made—so others can enjoy them too.
For nature, it means not picking plants, leaving rocks and sticks where they are, and being kind to animals.
For man-made items, it means using them gently, not writing on walls or benches, and putting toys or gear back where they belong. It’s all about preserving the world for everyone! 🌎
Please let us know at least 24 hours prior to check-in if you would like any of the following in your cabin:
Highchair
Baby Bouncer
Pack-n-play
Baby Bath
Kid’s Plates & utensils
Hiking Backpack
Pro Tip: our cabins are cozy-size, so only request the items which you are certain to use during your stay!
Notes about chickens:
Please stay with your children around the chicken coop! It is important that kids wash their hands before touching their mouths/food after interacting with the chickens. They also should not climb the coop or open any doors/drawers.
Page 11
Traveling with Pets
Frolic through those woods! Please do!
Please also MAINTAIN control of Your animals and clean up after them.
Rules
- Pets are welcome in Chickadee, Goldfinch, & Whippoorwill Cabin.
- Pets are not allowed in Blackbird.
- All pets must be disclosed to hosts and $50 pet fee per pet paid prior to check-in (pet fee is $100 for undisclosed pets).
- Pets must remain under control of their owners at all times & must be crated whenever separated.
- Be Courteous of other humans and animals (wildlife as well as domestic chickens & other dogs).
- Pick up after your pets & make sure urination occurs away from cabins/structures.
Page 12
Sleeping Arrangements
Blackbird
2 Queen beds on the bunk bed
- Bottom bunk: 4 king pillows
- Upper bunk: 2 standard pillows
- 1 Twin Daybed on the screened-in porch
- Fitted sheet will already be in placed
- Flat sheet will be in the closet
2 Hammocks Kits
- Stowed in the closet
- Each kit includes a hammock, straps, & carabiners
3 extra blankets & 2 pillows in the closet
Chickadee
1 King bed
- 4 king pillows
1 Queen Futon
- Sheet set will be in the closet
2 Hammocks Kits
- Stowed in the kitchen trough
- Each kit includes a hammock, straps, & carabiners
3 extra blankets & 2 pillows in the closet
Goldfinch
1 King bed
- 4 king pillows
3 Sleeper Sofas/Chair
- 2 full sheet sets & 1 twin sheet set will be in the closet
2 Hammocks Kits
- Stowed in the closet
- Each kit includes a hammock, straps, & carabiners
3 extra blankets & 2 pillows in the closet
Whippoorwill
1 King bed
- 4 king pillows
1 Sleeper Sofa
- Sheet set will be in the hope chest
2 Hammocks Kits
- Stowed in the hope chest
- Each kit includes a hammock, straps, & carabiners
3 extra blankets & 2 pillows in the hope chest
Provided Linens Always Include:
- Prepared master bed, including comforter
- Sheets for all folding beds
- Pillows
- 3 spare blankets
- 2 Indoor Hammocks
- 8 Turkish bath towels
- Makeup Towels
- Handtowels
- Washcloths
Page 13
Kitchen Amenities Include:
- 24″ Fridge
- 24″ Oven
- Microwave
- Grill Tools
- Filtered Water Pitcher
- Ice Trays
- Keurig
- Coffeemaker
- Coffee
- Dishes &
- Utensils
- Pots & Pans
- Cups & wine glasses
- Blender
- Paper towel roll
- Oven Mitt
- Salt,
- Pepper,
- & Oil
- Can Opener
- Knife Block
- Wine Opener
- Compost: Please no meats!
- Dish soap & sponge
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Trash Bin, Recycling Bin, & Spare Bags
Tip: Load up on groceries at Aldi or Walmart before heading up the mountain. Both are located on Signal Mountain Road, 10 minutes away (you drive past them to get downtown).
Patio Amenities Include:
- Mother Nature! Please take care of her
- Campsite Grill
- Firepit
- Firewood
Grill supplies (charcoal, lighters, lighter fluid, & firestarter) are
available for purchase on our marketplace
Page 14
Bathroom Amenities
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Hand Soap
- Lotion
- Q-Tips
- Makeup Mirror
- Washcloths & Turkish Bathtowels
- Towel Warmer
- Scalp Massager (outdoor showers only)
- 2-3 rolls of Toilet Paper
Bathrooms Include:
Shower, Toilet & Sink
- Outdoor showers are available from last winter freeze until first winter freeze.
- Whippoorwill’s outdoor shower remains available yearround.
Please request blowdryer, curler, and/or straightener at least 24 hours prior to check-in.
- We keep the cabins clutter-free for guests who do not want these items.
Page 15
Pavilion Amenities Include:
- Outdoor kitchen cabinets stocked with serving dishes & eating dishes.
- Electrical griddle with plastic utensils & cups
- Cleaning supplies
- 4 picnic tables
- 1 serving table w. 2 benches
- 4 Adirondack chairs
- Communal firepit & firewood
Pavilion is open to all guests. Booking of entire Songbird Village reserves private usage.
Private Events
Current Events Fees are up to $200
- Weddings, Micro-Weddings, & Elopements
- Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
- Wellness/Yoga Retreats
- Religious Retreats
- Sports Travel
- Family Reunions
- Friend Reunions
- Small Corporate Retreats
- Artist Retreats
- Earthbuilding Workshops
We love hosting events! Share your idea & we will see if we are a good fit! We support people of all cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs.
Page 16
Laundry Room
There are 2 washers and 2 dryers available to guests outside of cleaning hours, i.e. from 4pm to 11am.
Provided for guest use:
- Detergent
- Wool Dryer Balls
- Iron, Wall-mounted Ironing Board, & Steamer
- Puzzles, Games, & Books
The same door code for your cabin lets you into the laundry room.
Merchandise is available for sale by the honor system.
Page 17
On-Site Trails
- Enjoy our hiking trails! The “Billy Goat Trail” begins beside the Solar Shed, traveling down the mountain. Take a left onto “Flat Foot Trail” to head to the Blue Hole.
- Each cabin includes a laminated trail map. The map is also available via Talking WaterTN.com
- The most challenging sections of the trail are the final descent to the Blue Hole (mossy rocks) & the return up Billy Goat.
- We suggest that you wear closed-toe shoes and bring a drink. And please keep an eye out for snakes! Hiking Kits are available for purchase.
- COMING SOON! “Hellbender” Trail is underprogress Winter 2025. Look for an updated trail map soon!
Page 18
Wildlife
- Keep children & pets nearby. Do not allow them to run ahead.
- Remain aware of your surroundings & signs of wildlife nearby.
- Stay on the designated paths.
- Make noise while you travel.
- Keep a cell phone on you.
- Hiking Safety tips by the National Parks Service can be found here
Animals & Humans coexist – and have coexisted – in this region throughout time. However, it is important to remain aware & respectful of wildlife.
Page 19
No Smoking
- No smoking indoors or within 25 feet of doors & windows.
- This includes any substance you might enjoy 🙂
- Disregarding these rules will result in an automatic fine.
- Cigarettes smoked away from the cabins may be disposed of in the marked yellow bins. Please do not litter!
Page 20
Best Local Restaurants
Personal Recommendations by Talking Water Peeps
Alleia
- Awesome Italian
- Downtown
Aretha Frankenstein’s
- The BEST pancakes
- Call to make sure no line
- Northshore
Bitter Alibi
- Cozy, near UTC
- Downtown
Bluegrass grill
- Wonderful locals
- Popular breakfast spot
- Downtown
Boathouse
- Seafound & views of the Tennessee River
- North of downtown
Boneyard Bar
- Fun vibe
- Downtown
Bread & Butter
- Pastries & loaves
- Red Bank
Clever Alehouse
- Great food
- Red Bank
Southside Pizza
- So good!
- Downtown
Clumpie’s Ice Cream
- Local Treasure
- Several locations around downtown/northshore
Crust Pizza
- Take-out window!
- Red Bank
Hair of the Dog Pub
- Casual people-watching
- Downtown
Hot Chocolatier
- Artisan chocolates made before your eyes
- Downtown
Local Juice
- Owned by our lovely & talented friend, Gisela
- Downtown
Mad Priest Coffee
- Rebel spirit
- Downtown
Milk & Honey
- Positive energy abounds!
- Northshore
Naked River Brewing
- Good spot to take kids/pets
- Downtown by skate park
Niedlov’s
- Sit down & stay awhile
- Downtown
Old Man Rivers
- Local chef & his crew making killer foods & drinks in an old house
- Bottom of Suck Creek Road
Pickle Barrel
- Funk-lover’s & people-watcher’s paradise
- Top pick – strict over-21
- Downtown
Real Roots Cafe
- Great local family
- Northshore
SABOR
- Central American & Asian a-la-carte fusion (informal)
- Order at the counter
- Red Bank
Sitar Indian
- Great, especially for lunch buffet
- Downtown
Slick’s Burger Bar
- Casual, order at the counter
- Downtown
Sluggo’s
- Vegan
- Northshore
State of Confusion
- Never-fail with great food & better atmosphere for whole family
- Downtown
Yummy Thai
- Want the best nearby takeout? Only go to the food truck
- Red Bank
Page 21
To-Do Recommendations
Visit Chattanooga has fantastic itineraries which we cannot top. Check them out here.
However, our top heck-yeah recommendations are:
Local Events
- https://noogatoday.6amcity.com/events#/
History Deep Dives
- Read up on the history of the Cherokee Nation & the Trail of Tears. Walk along The Passage at the Aquarium (and go inside the Aquarium because it lives up to the hype)
- Take a ride up the Incline Railway and visit the Battles of Chattanooga to see a reenactment of cannon fire. Take in the significance of Chattanooga to the end of the Civil War
Stroll
- Walk the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge. Window shop around North Shore’s Coolidge Park & pick up a rental bicycle by the aquarium to see downtown
- Park near the intersection of Market & Main streets. Wander – most shops are locally-owned by great people
Hike!
- Trails at Talking Water
- Trails in Prentice Cooper (especially Snooper’s Rock)
- Sunset Rock via Craven’s House
- Rainbow Lake on Signal Mountain (swing by Pruett’s Grocery to make a picnic!)
Kayak, Rent a Pontoon, Swim!
All the other things to see/do:
- Ruby Falls
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Chattanooga Market
- Rock City
- Zoo
- Creative Discovery Museum
- National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- Bessie Smith Cultural Center
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Southern Belle Riverboat
- Chattanooga Skydiving Company
- Insane Paintball/Airsoft
- Paraglide Tennessee
- Ocoee River Rafting
- Topgolf
- Riverdrifters
- High Point Climbing Gym
- Pumpkin Patch Playground
- Yoga Landing
- North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Trailhead
- Foster Falls
- Glen Falls Trailhead
- Trolley Pub Chattanooga
- Ghost Tours Inc
- Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater
- Valkyrie Axe Throwing
- Erwin Marina
- Ignis Glass Studio
- Incline Railway
- Adventure Sports Innovation
- Chattanooga Duck Tours
- Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge
- Escape Rooms
- Bicycle Transit Systems
- Hatch Outfitters
- Chattanooga Guided Adventures
- Local’s comedy shows
Shopping:
- Chattanooga Whiskey
- Chattanooga Market
- Locals Only
- Hart Gallery
- Dirty Jane’s Antiques
- East Ridge Antique District