going places // telling stories
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day in Chattanooga, or any day for that matter, the Tennessee Aquarium is the perfect solution. With all they have to offer, you’ll find yourself completely immersed within minutes. Let me show you a few of my favorite exhibits from our trip! Continue reading “TENNESSEE AQUARIUM”
Buffalo Mountain sticks out in my mind not only for the gorgeous views but because this is the first trail Joe hiked without a leash. I was originally very anxious about the whole thing but then again I’m never not anxious so I decided to try it “just this once”. As usual I was worried for nothing and he did beautifully. The only downside is that now it has me wishing we could take him with us every time we go. Continue reading “BUFFALO MOUNTAIN HIKE”
We visited Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch in Wears Valley last weekend with my brother and his wife. The weather was beautiful and I have to say I’ve never been to a place with the variety that Harvest Moon had to offer. I liked the “Cinderella” and “Fairy Tale” pumpkins best. No surprises there! Continue reading “HARVEST MOON PUMPKIN PATCH”
First I would like to apologize for being away so long. For those who don’t know, I started my master’s at Vanderbilt 2 months ago. The program is accelerated and I’ve barely had time to catch my breath with all the work so I’ll try and post as often as I can but the timing will be sporadic to say the least. These photos, however, are an exception. I would be devastated if they ended up in purgatory and didn’t make it to the blog before my nephew is born. We slipped away to Greenbrier yesterday to snap these and I’m thrilled at how well they turned out. Please enjoy my stunning sister who (much to my dismay) is still perfectly thin and looks like she swallowed a beach ball. Arlow, my love, I can’t wait to meet you. Continue reading “KATIE’S MATERNITY SESSION”
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 eating somewhere new. Hopefully this will help the next time you’re having trouble deciding what’s for dinner. I included places that were unique to Pigeon Forge and not big chains. 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”
