So this is a very recent story that happened at Chattanooga Comic Con 2023. During the convention the event offered a Trolley Pub with one of their guests Ming Chen from the show Comic Book Men. The Trolley Pub is a local attraction where a party rents a trolley and petals their way around the city visiting various bars and restaurants. If you want to know more about that you can check out the link here.

Our story starts at the convention as we’re taking our seats at the trolly. Our amazing driver came decked out in a Mario cosplay and after everyone was seated we left. Our ride was playing various Wrestling themes per the majority vote of our group and traveling at a massive speed of up to seven miles per hour. We petaled up and down the hill both ways to get to where we were going waving to random bystanders and already having a great time right from the start as we arrived to the first bar.

The First Stop

Now I don’t know the names of all of the establishments we stopped at as this is literally my first time going around the city stopping somewhere other than a hotel or a convention so forgive me for not having all of the names handy. Our first stop was at this bar where we walked down to the basement. I opted not to get drinks here as I didn’t want to blow my money right off the bat and I spent quite a bit earlier that day. That was where I got to talk and get to know the people I was traveling with a bit and honestly it was so much fun getting to chat and just hangout. I also got to know some friends I already knew from Farleycon a bit better since this was our first time hanging out somewhere other than their booth at various events. Our tables were full of drinks and various snacks and the TV behind us played the anime Cowboy Bebop. You get a bunch of nerds with drinks and anime and you’re in for a fun time. The first stop alone was already a lot of fun but we had a lot more to go.

The Second Stop

Our next stop took us to this area where we had a lot of places to choose from. We first went to an 80s themed bar where we found out they weren’t open yet so we walked around and found ourselves at a bar owned by Norman Reedus who plays Darrell on the Walking Dead named Nic and Norman’s Restaurant. Here I did decide to get a drink called That B***h, I literally just went “Give me that b**h” much to the amusement of the people around me. It was a gin mixed with various flavors including raspberry and I loved it. I’m definitely getting the other gin drink This B***h next time. We found ourselves toasting to various random things more chatting and listening to a performer outside and the good vibes just kept going as everyone was having a great time.

After awhile we decided to go back to the 80s venue where we found out we would definitely have to pay a cover charge. We opted not to do that and just blare 80s music in our trolly for the world to hear, or put up with considering none of us could actually sing.

Third Stop

Our third stop takes us to yet another location that I really couldn’t tell you the name of. We already had a destination in mind but when we got there we heard some music playing. Ming being our fearless leader walks down an alleyway as we follow to find the source of the music. It was behind the establishment we were going to so we decided to enter through the back. Sadly this was also a location that needed a cover to get in so we made our way back to the front where all we had to do was show our ID. We proceed to order several beers and more toasting and conversations as we stood around and enjoyed each others company with drinks and various photos to remember the night. Then of course with any great party, we got hungry.

Tacos

Turns out near us was a place called Taco Mac so we made this our last stop. Mario who had already stayed longer than normal for these trips was ready to keep on going as we all walked in and got a table. Our super amazing server was also celebrating her birthday that day so since we were in a very celebratory mood we all made a big deal of it and wished her a happy birthday. We all placed our orders and tipped Mario because at that point he did have to leave so we had to say goodbye to our awesome driver and to the trolley. We get our food and honestly I don’t know if it was the gin and beer talking but those tacos were some of the best tacos I’ve had. I’m definitely going to Taco Mac next time I’m in Chattanooga which will be next year without a doubt.

Now this is where my part of the story ends as many of us choose this as the end of the trip as it started at 7:30PM and it was at this time 12:30AM. Ming and a few others kept going but I reached my limit and was getting tired. We paid for our food, plus tips, and I walked back to the hotel with a couple of friends to end one of the most unique and elaborate adventures out of the 70+ conventions I’ve been to.

As a result of my elaborate adventure I also got a very cool T-Shirt and a diver’s certificate signed by Ming himself. All in all it was an amazing experience one that makes me really excited to see what Chattanooga Comic Con 2024 has to offer. If you’re interested in attending and having a similar experience here’s a link to the convention website.