going places . telling stories
I didn’t know if I should write a blog post about the Shania Twain concert because I was nervous my pictures weren’t “good enough”. Then I realized that this trip with my sister was too special not to share regardless of low quality cell phone snaps. Shania Twain puts on a hell of a show! If you get a chance you should definitely go see her. Continue reading “LIFE’S ABOUT TO GET GOOD”
I missed the official Rhododendron Festival that was held at Roan Mountain on Father’s Day weekend so we went to see them yesterday. The rainy weather was less than ideal but it didn’t stop us from enjoying these gorgeous purple blooms. Honestly, the mist created by the rain made it feel like we were walking through a fairy garden. Continue reading “ROAN MOUNTAIN RHODODENDRONS”
Since moving to the Bristol area a few years ago, I’ve compiled a list of the best places to get a bite to eat and I wanted to share them with the You, Me, and Tennessee family.
One of the best things about living in East Tennessee is having access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In a short drive you can be in the middle of the most visited national park in the country. How amazing is that? When I’m in the park I feel at peace with the world. It’s a spiritual retreat for me.
If you’re interested in hiking the Smokies in the coming months it can be hard to know which trail to choose. In an effort to offer guidance I made a list of 5 of my favorite tried-and-true hikes to go on this spring. For the most part these are easy hikes so bring the family and make a day of it! Continue reading “5 HIKES IN THE SMOKIES TO EXPLORE”
This week’s Friday 5 are 5 of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge. When you drive down the Parkway there are restaurants everywhere and it can be overwhelming. You can find yourself going to the same places over and over again instead of trying something new. Hopefully this will help the next time you’re trying to decide what’s for dinner! I tried to include places that were unique to Pigeon Forge and not big chains. In the process of looking through my favorites I decided to add Pigeon Forge Deli to my list of places to try. They have great reviews and they make their own bread. Score! Let me know your favorite in the comments. Continue reading “5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN PIGEON FORGE”
Bloom is a new coffee shop and cafe in downtown Bristol that has been on my radar since Rhythm and Roots back in September. I popped in to this State Street newbie for a coffee a few weeks back but last night I was able to stay for trivia. The theme was “Stranger Things” and it was a huge success. Many patrons, much like the owner pictured below, dressed as his/her favorite character. The list of team names included “Barb’s Search Party” and “The AV Club”. The dinner special was called “The Upside Down” which consisted of bacon, gouda cheese, turkey, apples, and apple butter sandwiched between two Eggo waffles and served with a side of maple syrup. It was strange, of course, but also delicious. Eleven would definitely approve! I snapped a few pictures so you could have a look around the shop. Not shown are the gorgeous herringbone hardwood floors and the stained glass trim around the door frame. I’ll have to go back when the natural light is beaming through the windows. Continue reading “BLOOM CAFE AND LISTENING ROOM”
I’ve said this before but I like to consider myself somewhat of a donut connoisseur. I’m constantly on the hunt for the new greatest donut of my life. In Gatlinburg, there is no better place than The Donut Friar. Located in The Village this shop is a donut hole in the wall. Once you enter The Village from the parkway just go straight back. Look for the sign with a friar holding a piled high plate of perfection and get in there! Continue reading “THE DONUT FRIAR”
Gatlinburg has been a tourist destination for years but just recently it’s been on the map for moonshine, whiskey, and wine tastings. Now, there’s one more adult beverage you have to sample on your way to the national park. The Mead Bar can be found inside The Savannah Bee Company next to Anakeesta on the Parkway. In case you aren’t as familiar with the ancient libation, mead is made primarily of honey. The term “honeymoon” comes from medieval times when it was customary to gift the bride and groom with enough mead to last one full moon. Continue reading “THE MEAD BAR”
No Christmas season is complete without a trip to see Santa but you have to know where to find him. As a Pigeon Forge insider, I feel obligated to share the best place to visit Santa with my amazing readers. I thought I’d begin my search at The Inn at Christmas Place. They have plenty of rooms so maybe Santa lives here. Come with me to have a look around! Continue reading “SEARCHING FOR SANTA”
As much as I love going for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I can’t bring my fluffy son with me on every trail. I’m not referring to those short legs! There are only two approved trails for dogs in the national park and they are “The Gatlinburg Trail” and “The Oconaluftee River Trail”. My husband and I wanted to take Joe into the park and get to see the gorgeous leaves before all they all end up scattered on the ground. Joe really enjoyed himself and fell asleep as soon as we got back to the car. Continue reading “DOG-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN GSMNP”
